Audi A2
Audi A2 is an automobile from Audi introduced in 1999 and currently still in production.
The A2 is built out of Aluminium, providing significant weight advantage over similar sized cars. It uses a space frame design: the body provides its own structural strength and there is no separate chassis. This leads to improvements in shell stability, lower weight, and better interior space. The cost of working with Aluminium, particularly with small production runs, means that the A2 is more expensive than its competitors. Audi is reported to be disappointed with the level of sales. At 150000 units sold, in comparison to rival Mercedes-Benz' A-Class sales of 1 million, this is not surprising.
The A2 is due to go out of production in 2005 and does not apparently have a successor. The A2 is considered to be ahead of its time in design terms - but the avant-garde styling has not won favour with customers.
The A2 is produced in Neckarsulm in Germany. It was the first five-door vehicle on sale in Europe whose average fuel consumption is less than three litres per 100km (62mi), ca. 94mpg (british gallon). Due to the construction, the average A2 weighs less than 1000kg, and this results in excellent fuel returns for all engines, not to mention superb chassis dynamics.
The A2 is currently available in its home market with 1.2 and 1.4l diesel engines producing 61, 75 and 90hp (45kW, 55kW and 66kW) and petrol engines of 1.4 and 1.6l capacity, producing 75 and 110hp (55kW and 81kW). The larger of the two petrol engines uses Audi's FSI technology.
The A2 has for its size remarkable interior space, including a boot larger than the next model in Audi's range, the A3. This is due mainly to the "sandwich" construction, which enables the floorpan to have an upper and a lower portion, where the space in the middle can be used to house various components, such as the fuel tank and the engine's electronics. The rear passengers also benefit, as their foot space reaches into this sandwich space, creating a comfortable seating position even for tall rear seat passengers. To improve the weight distribution of the vehicle, its battery is located inside the boot, under the floor.
Available optional extras include the "Open Sky System", a mainly glass roof, and various high-tech gadgets as available on most Audi models, such as Navigation Systems, Climate Control and Parking Assistance.
