Audi A2

When it became clear that the Mercedes A-Class was not successful, Audi decided to formulate its own answer to the question: what should be the ideal car? Small enough to maneuver and park easily, and spacious enough to accommodate four people with luggage without any problems. Super economical, but without losses in dynamics. And finally, despite its small size, it must be equipped with modern safety and comfort systems. Audi failed to do just one thing. Provide an adequate and attractive price tag. The small Audi A2 cost as much as the larger Opel Zafira A and VW Passat B5. Due to poor sales, the model was prematurely withdrawn from production with a total score of 176,000 units. Already from the front, the A2 looks unusual: a huge wiper (more than 70 cm) and a “radiator grille” without ribs.

Low weight, high quality

The body of the Audi A2 was made of aluminum, which provided a low weight. Even with the heaviest 1.4 TD engine, the car weighed just 990kg. But it is packed with a variety of electronic systems that increase the level of comfort during trips, with a total weight of more than 100 kg. Here you will find 4 airbags, ESP, ABS and ASR - a system to prevent wheel slipping when moving from a place.

As with all Audi models with an aluminum body, it uses a technology solution called the Audi Space Frame (ASF). In simple words, it is a high-strength aluminum spatial frame with hinged aluminum panels. Moreover, the roof, floor and side parts are integrated into the body and carry part of the power load. The design increased the cost of production, but also increased the level of safety. In EuroNCAP crash tests, the small A2 earned 4 stars.

Inside the 3.8-meter car is really spacious. There’s plenty of room for tall people traveling from behind. A full adjustment of the driver's seat is the standard.

The interior is perfect. It does not matter how much the A2 traveled – 100 or 300 thousand km. The salon shows no obvious signs of wear and looks just great.

Engines

Almost all powertrains are worthy of recommendations, except for the 1.6 FSI and 1.2 TD 3L. The first, has direct fuel injection, which contributes to the deposition of sodium on the valves and flaps of the intake manifold. Some parts will have to be dismantled to remove the coarse, which will eventually prove to be very costly.

Versions with 1.2 TD 3L should be considered collectible only. Design features do not allow to rely on budget spare parts. The costs of rebuilding a turbine or replacing a turbine and nozzles are not so shocking. But the elimination of the axial gap of the crankshaft is associated with huge costs, comparable to the cost of the car itself. The problem arises after 150-200 thousand km.

The 1.4 TDI three-cylinder diesel is muted much better than in VW and Skoda (with the same engine). It was offered in two power options - 75 and 90 hp. Both units were characterized by sensationally low fuel consumption - at the level of 6 liters in the city and 4 liters on the highway. After 200,000 km, the auxiliary equipment will fail.

The best recommendations are worthy of a basic gasoline 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.4 liters. The engine is well known for the Volkswagen Polo 4. Its only problem is the freezing of the ventilation system of crankcase gases. The defect is easily repaired. With age, the engine starts to ask for more and more oil.

Transmission

All versions of the Audi A2 had front-wheel drive and were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. Only modifications with a 1.2-liter turbodiesel were combined exclusively with a 5-band robot, which received many complaints from the owners. Among other things, noise when changing loads.

Unconventional solutions

There's more than enough here. For example, there is no habitually opening hood. In order to add oil or washing liquid, it is necessary to throw the plastic grille between the headlights. And in order to add antifreeze, you need to turn two handles on the sides of the grille. And then the whole hood will be in your hands.

The radiator grille is reclined using a lever in the cabin.

The hood cannot be opened, it can only be removed. It is made of aluminum and weighs about 6-7 kg. It will have to be “unfastened”, for example, in order to check the level of fluid in the hydraulic booster.

The floor of the 390-liter trunk is three-layer. After removal of the first level, a spare wheel appears - with a unique low-profile radial tire. And after raising the second level, access to the battery and tools is opened.

The spare wheel is stored without air. In the standard configuration, a compressor is provided for its pumping.

It should be remembered that the entire body is made of aluminum, in connection with which there can be no cheap substitutes. In case of damage to the body parts, they will have to be replaced. However, in the secondary market you can find details at attractive prices. For example, the front wing - from 3 300 rubles. For the original would have to pay about 14 000 rubles.

It is worth noting the symbolic fuel tank with a volume of 34 liters. It's barely 300 kilometers away. After 2002, the fuel supply increased to 42 liters.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Among the characteristic disadvantages of the Audi A2, problems with the power steering can be noted. The pump is quite weak, not very reliable and noisy. The cost of the cheapest analogue is in the region of 17 000 rubles.

Failures occur in the head device of the audio system, the central lock, the comfort unit and the generator.

The suspension is set up too rigidly, not allowing you to move comfortably on Russian roads. In other words, a dense suspension is a feature of many VAG cars, as well as durability. The stabilizer struts and ball supports of the levers are quickly surrendered. I am glad that the advanced solutions did not affect the suspension. Here, the classic Macpherson struts and the torsion beam at the back are used.

With age, cracks on the brake hoses form, and the rear brakes can be pocked (it is necessary to lubricate the mechanism). Inevitably, the anthers of the drive shafts also wear out.

The optional hatch also requires attention. Over time, the drive cable is rubbed, and then the hatch remains in its current position.

In technical terms, the A2 is close to the representatives of the “segment B” of the Volkswagen Group. Therefore, the market has enough inexpensive spare parts, and in case of malfunction, you can repair the car in any unofficial service specializing in German cars. However, a small engine compartment complicates a number of operations, taking a lot of time and increasing the cost of work.

The back view limits the non-standard rear window with a spoiler on the bend.

Low weight, high quality

• It does not matter how much the A2 traveled – 100 or 300 thousand km.
• The salon shows no obvious signs of wear and looks just great.

Engines

• 2 TD 3L should be considered collectible only.
• But the elimination of the axial gap of the crankshaft is associated with huge costs, comparable to the cost of the car itself. The problem arises after 150-200 thousand km.
• After 200,000 km, the auxiliary equipment will fail.
• Its only problem is the freezing of the ventilation system of crankcase gases. The defect is easily repaired.

Unconventional solutions

• In order to add oil or washing liquid, it is necessary to throw the plastic grille between the headlights.
• And in order to add antifreeze, you need to turn two handles on the sides of the grille.
• It will have to be “unfastened”, for example, in order to check the level of fluid in the hydraulic booster.
• It should be remembered that the entire body is made of aluminum, in connection with which there can be no cheap substitutes.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• Among the characteristic disadvantages of the Audi A2, problems with the power steering can be noted.
• With age, cracks on the brake hoses form, and the rear brakes can be pocked (it is necessary to lubricate the mechanism).
• Therefore, the market has enough inexpensive spare parts, and in case of malfunction, you can repair the car in any unofficial service specializing in German cars.

There are not many announcements for the sale of the Audi A2. For the car ask from 120 to 400 thousand rubles. Even the A2, in near-perfect condition, is still too expensive for its age.

Audi’s designers have come as close to perfection as they can. The A2, as a rule, did not disappoint: the car was made qualitatively, practically did not break down and consumed little fuel. However, the Audi A2 has a complex design and a relatively high price, and therefore is attractive only for connoisseurs.

• Low weight, high quality: The salon shows no obvious signs of wear and looks just great.
• But the elimination of the axial gap of the crankshaft is associated with huge costs, comparable to the cost of the car itself. The problem arises after 150-200 thousand km. Three-cylinder diesel 1.
• Transmission: All versions of the Audi A2 had front-wheel drive and were equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• Unconventional solutions: There are more than enough of them.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: Among the characteristic disadvantages of the Audi A2, problems with the power steering can be noted.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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