Audi has pulled the wraps off its most efficient car to the date with the launch of the Audi A2 e-tron, an electric compact hatchback capable of almost 400-miles of range.
While the model is all-new as an EV, the name and silhouette do hark back to the original Audi A2, a supermini sold between 1999 and 2005 that broke new ground for efficiency and frugality with its slippery aerodynamics and weight saving innovations.
While disappointing sales at the time resulted in the A2 being axed, it is retrospectively looked upon now as one of the more trailblazing models of the 21st century.
With the automotive market having shifted towards electric power in recent years, the efficiency solutions that the original A2 led on have become more relevant than ever, prompting Audi to revisit the concept.
The result is the new Audi A2 e-tron, which – when viewed side-by-side – has adopted many of the original’s carefully crafted, ultra-aerodynamic styling cues, such as the gently sloping roofline, blunt rear-end and wheels-at-each-corner stance.
The details bring the model right back up to date though with the A2 e-tron gaining the latest rendition of the firm’s evolving design language, namely the wide-set grille and slender pixel-style headlights.
How Efficient is the Audi A2 e-tron?
Back when the first A2 was launched, it was hailed for the hyper efficient features that helped it achieve near triple-figure fuel economy figures – a feat underheard of at the time.
Today, the same principal has been applied to the A2 e-tron in an effort to maximise its range potential.
Touches therefore include a near closed-off underside to help air flow beneath the car, small gaps between the wheels and the wheelarches, and wing-like door handles that look like nothing else on the road.
It all adds up to positive figures, with the most efficient model in the A2 e-tron range capable of 397-miles of range, according to WLTP figures – more than the Volkswagen ID. Neo and CUPRA Born it shares its architecture with.
As with those models, the A2 e-tron comes with the choice of three battery sizes: 50kWh, 58kWh and 79kWh.
The urban range 50kWh – which begins the range at a price of £32,200 – will travel 260-miles, while upgrading to the mid-level 58kWh squeezes its durability out to 310-miles.
Choose the 79kWh ‘Long Range’ battery with 228bhp on tap and this rises to a class-leading 397-miles or choose the hot hatch fast 322bhp version for 386-miles of range.
What is the Audi A2 e-tron Like Inside?
Inside, the A2 e-tron’s aero-conscious shape is emphasised by the large glass area to provide lots of light, while the raised roofline allows for plenty of space for tall people.
The dashboard is dominated by a wide, curved screen that stretches from the driver to the passenger’s side, with much of it being controlled by a tactile ‘click wheel’ located on the steering wheel.
Recycled materials form the basis for many of the touch points that can be found on the door trims and dashboard, while the minimalistic centre console amounts to a useful high-set shelf that allows for plenty of extra space beneath it.
The A2 e-tron offers 396-litres of boot space with the seats up or 1,336-litres with the seats folded.
When Does the Audi A2 e-tron Go On Sale in the UK?
The Audi A2 e-tron will reach Vertu Audi dealerships in November, where it will become the new entry-point to the German marque’s range as a de facto successor to both the discontinued Audi A1 and Audi Q2.
As well as the ID.3 Neo and Born, the A2 e-tron is charged with enticing people away from the Mercedes A-Class and the BMW 1-Series, not to mention its most direct electric rival, the Volvo EX30.
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- Electric
- New Cars
- Audi