The all-aluminium Audi A2, the car which breaks the mould for premium-quality small cars of the future, makes its Australian debut at the Sydney International Motor Show 2001.
Clearly highlighting Audi's philosophy "Vorsprung durch Technik" (Advancement through Technology), the Audi A2 is the perfect combination of lightness and strength – two qualities seemingly at odds with one another.
The A2 is expected to go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2002. Initially the vehicle will be available with a 55kW 1.4-litre petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission.
The A2 ingeniously exploits Audi's wealth of experience in pioneering lightweight construction, thanks to its use of Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology. As a result the A2's aluminium body is over 40 percent lighter than its conventional steel equivalent.
Weighing in at only 895 kg, the Audi A2 is around 150 kg lighter than similarly-sized vehicles made using traditional steel bodies. The result is an extraordinarily agile vehicle offering fuel consumption below that of other cars with comparable performance.
The A2's striking shape reinforces Audi's claim of class-leading automotive design and highlights the company's capabilities as a pioneer of new technology.
With an overall length of just 3.82 m, the A2 nonetheless shouldn't be regarded as a conventional 'small car' thanks to a remarkably spacious and comfortable interior. Clever use of design features such as the "Space Floor Concept", with the rear footwells lower than those in the front, creates significantly more space for rear passengers.
The interior is also remarkable in its versatility with the rear seats folding down either individually or together, or even being removed entirely, for easy transportation of bulky items.
The exterior of the Audi A2, with its clear-cut lines, accentuated panel gaps and geometrical wheel arches, communicate a distinctive formal idiom. It's front end is particularly striking and key features such as the virtually flush bumpers and eye-catching design of the headlights demonstrate Audi's design leadership.
The Audi A2 also sets a new standard in ease of servicing.
It is the world's first production car to have a "service module" - a hinged flap takes the place of the conventional radiator grille and the oil dipstick and filler caps for engine oil and windscreen washer fluid are readily accessible behind this flap, for maximum convenience. In other words, the engine hood itself generally only needs to be opened in the workshop and relatively infrequently in all normal circumstances thanks to Audi's extended service intervals.
The A2's suspension combines ultra-modern electronic components, such as ABS anti-lock braking as standard, EBD electronic braking-force distribution and the ESP electronic stability program, with the proven technology of McPherson spring-strut suspension at the front and a torsion-crank rear axle.
As on the Audi A8, the Audi Space Frame structure provides an ideal basis for high passive safety, with the high-strength aluminium profile surrounding vehicle occupants like a protective cage. Driver, front passenger and side airbags are fitted as standard, and Audi's advanced SIDEGUARD safety system is available as an optional extra.
The result of this extraordinarily clever design and production is a practical car that is never dull to drive, yet offers low fuel consumption and is still an enjoyable driving experience. Although the A2's exterior dimensions are compact, it is exceptionally spacious inside.
Thanks to advanced design, fascinating technology and unconventional features, the Audi A2 creates an entirely new premium class within the compact car segment – a car designed for 21st century motoring.