AUDI A2 Hatchback 2000‑2005

Autocar did a comparison a couple of years ago between an A2 that was several years old and a new VW Polo with pretty much the same engine. The A2 won hands down which says it all.

I can't think of anything on the new car market today that combines the space, quality, low running costs and reliability of an A2 (the A Class '05 - '12 comes closest but doesn't get close on mpg / tax and they've stopped making that now)

Many modern cars claim high MPG but this is a fiddle based upon figures achieved by an engine on a bench with simulated driving and rarely, if ever does the car actually achieve the published figures. Many A2 owners (including me) will testify of petrol A2's getting 45-50mpg and diesel A2's getting 60+ mpg day in, day out.

Yes, they're now getting on a bit and some things are failing and need fixing (sunroofs - £1500 fix!, anti roll bars - cheap, coils - cheap, etc) but on the whole they're reliable as the reviews here show.

If you're considering buying one you're unlikely to regret it. Just make sure it's got a good history and do the usual checks. In fact I'd suggest buying a good A2 over any new 'mini and put the money you've saved aside for the odd repair)

Our's has done 50k miles and is pretty much like new except for some minor wear on the climate buttons (common fault) and I'm aiming to keep it for 50k more miles (fingers crossed).

... and about to turn 120,000 miles. I use it for my daily commute; a 66 mile round trip . And it has yet to let me down. Short overhangs and a tight turning circle make it a doddle to park. And, it corners like a go-kart!

Yes, it has needed the usual (non service) parts - indicator relay (70k), brake pedal switch (119k), rear coil springs (100k), front struts (80k) and, front disks and brake pads @118k. The last set of tyres (Kuhmo KH11 185/50 on 16" alloys) lasted nearly 40k miles and provided a good balance of low road noise, pot hole resiliance! (see below) and, great all round handling. Using Mobil1long-life oil has cut servicing to every 27k; or 2 years in my case. Overall, this is not expensive maintenace motoring. And the mileage log shows an average consumption of 68.8mpg* over the last few years (best week was 79.9; the worst was 58.2 in the snow last year).

It is built like a tank - I know, as I have been involved in 2 nasty accidents over the years and the resultant damage has been essentially superficial each time. The MoT information shows that it weighs in at 1.2 tonnes even though it is made of aluminium, plastics and, glass - front to back with a panoramic roof (a cabrio too!) great in the sunshine; even in winter.

It cruises quietly at 60mph at the optimum torque point* on A class roads. But, the suspension can be a little! unforgiving - the wife tends to wear a sports bra when we go shopping due to the quality of our local roads.

This is also a 'marmite' item - you either love them or hate them. They were and still are in many respects, way ahead of their time. I believe a version of the same 3 cylinder diesel is used in the current Polo. But without the satisfying 'growl' when pushed... that can also get you noticed (closest thing to a Ferrari!!).

Best of all, 'driving' my A2 still brings a smile to my face. What more could you ask for?

Great car for size & money. If you ever get the chance to own one-do it! Not a bad thing to say!!

Not surprised that they hold their price.

I purchased this car brand new in 2003, and have never seen any other small car that was so good.

I did 36,000 miles a year in this car, and found it comfortable, reliable, roomy inside for four adults, and with the two seats in the back instead of a bench seat, it could be used to cary large loads that most small hatch backs could not dream of taking. The boot had good depth and the handeling was brilliant.

Build quality was better in my opinion than the A3.

The bad points, the 1.4tdi was a bit gutless, Audi later did a more powerful version in 2004 which is the better one to go for. The sport looks amazing, but on bumpy roads, those rubberband tyres did tend to make it a little crashy and possibly contributed to the replacement of the top suspension mounts after 70k miles.

Running was as cheap as can be with 56MPG easily achievable with a heavy right foot, but servicing is expensiver with a lightbulb being a 25 minute trip to Audi (whose customer service is superb).

Iv had the Audi A2 for just a little over 2 years. i changed from a petrol Scoda to the Diesel A2 as i was Commuting to work and College.

(100miles round trip 6days a week)

Its a very stylish and Up to date car even as a 2001 model.

I worked at A Clarks for a good while and noticed that even some new cars (11 plates) still don't have such things as ; Traction control or stylish pop out cup holders, removable or store away seats like the Audi A2 does.

For a small car it has some Omff about it. 1.4 turbo does the job and is very light and comfy to drive. Easy to park as it has a little bit more of a turn on the wheel than some cars.

Tax is only £30 a year on the Diesel model. cheap insurance and it does 64mpg which is fantastic for running back and forth to Edinburgh and the Borders.

The only down sides i can see to this car is the fact its a Audi !

yess because its an Audi. not that there not great cars, just when things go wrong it can be a bit pricey even on a small car.

Iv since had a new complete exhaust which cost me £800 and that wasn't even at an Audi garage. Also the Tyre size is a strange one. there are not many kinds for the A2 and they average above £80 per Tyre compared to my little Scoda at £40.

Over all i think there are way more plus to negatives on this car. All my friends and family love it. Its a bit Classier and Sporty looking than most small cars and the best thing about it is the Affordability on Fuel and Tax.

Have a shot and you'll soon see why this car is Special.

Bought this car 6 years ago. Normally a 4 seater had to look very hard for a rear bench option(5 seats/ 3 rear head rests).Paid top money for it as it is well equiped and in very good condition. Has never let us down, as well as being super economical(50+mpg) and only £30 tax/year! Always gets admiring looks, and still looks great up against modern cars. My 13 year old daughter can't wait till she's 17 as she wants it! Is good to drive and is very assured on the road. Aircon is super cold. Front single wiper takes some getting used to(upgrade to aero asap). As do large a pillar trims. But soon get used to them. 1.4 tdi engine is a 3 cylinder and can get a bit noisey on motorways. But gives plenty of cruising power. All aluminium chasis makes for a very light car plus no rust factor. Audi long life servicing can give intervals up to 30thousand miles or two years whichever comes first. An excellent well built little car.

Hood folded down, radio tuned to Kiss, a cheeky squeal of rubber, and off into the sunset of adventure...

...And with that MY sports car has gone! I solemnly fold the £4000 pounds in used 20s into my back pocket and start the search for a new car with four seats - for I am to become a FAMILY man...

Fast forward a month an I am driving back from the hospital in my new 1.4 Audi A2. I wanted something a little bit different - quirky perhaps - a last act of defiance in the face of fatherhood and the ubiquitous Mercedes A-class.

The car is light and nimble- largely due to the aluminium body - and there is a sense of serenity in the cabin. I have electric windows all around, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose stereo (tuned to radio 2 of course) all of which make me feel that perhaps I am driving a much bigger car than my modest budget permitted?

As I turn the last corner into my road I nestle back into the comfortable leather seats and have a feeling of contentment in my purchase. A look in the rearview mirror confirms I made the right choice; my new born daughter fast asleep on the back seat, cocooned in the safety and comfort of German technology.

We have had A2s for nearly 10 years and must have driven well over 100,000 miles in total.

It almost goes without saying that an Audi cabin is one of the nicest places to be ... The A2 adds to this by being so light and airy.

Reliability has been excellent, and the only thing we have replaced during services are a few sensors. Fuel ecomomy for our 1.4 petrol is good, usually in he high 40s and on runs into the low 50s.

We are looking for another A2 ... For us, it is all the car we want or need.

Superb small car for daily use local or motorway. Very cheap to run and very reliable, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Audi A2,is a pleasure to drive,cheap to run and very sylish.The leather interior is stunning and so easy to keep clean.