Used Audi A2 2000 - 2005 review
The Audi A2 can be expensive, but it's still a good buy due to its blend of practcality and efficiency.
- Audi A2 (00 - 05)
What's the used Audi A2 like?
The Audi A2 is one of those cars that was ahead of its time. When it came out prestige brands didn't do small hatchbacks, and as a consequence many people didn't know what to make of it. But while sales were sluggish, this wasn't due to any lack of quality or ability.
You might expect Audi's attention to detail to wane, but not a bit of it; no other small car is built this well.
Pros
- Superbly built
- Practical
- Well equipped
Cons
- Engines are loud when worked hard
- Ride could be more settled
The interior is also sufficiently roomy for four, although five is a squeeze, and the boot is just about big enough to make it realistic small-family transport.
The A2's not bad to drive, either. Being built largely from lightweight aluminium, that helps it feel nimble and controlled on back roads, while motorway cruising is solid and fuss-free. The ride is more fidgety than we'd like, though.
Refinement is good. Wind and road noise are impressively contained, but the engines aren't so good: rev them hard, and they make a lot of noise, especially the diesel.
Our recommendations
Which used Audi A2 should I buy?
Two engines lasted the whole of the A2's life: a 1.4 petrol and a 1.4 TDi diesel. Both have 75bhp, which is plenty enough to haul the A2's lightweight aluminium construction around.
The diesel's low-down pull and fuel economy of 64.2mpg is great. However, the petrol is almost as good to drive, and while the fuel economy of 46.3mpg is some way short of the diesel's, it's not to be sniffed at, especially when it's much cheaper to buy as a used car.
Two other engines appeared at various stages, an 89bhp version of the diesel and a 1.6 petrol. Both had their talents, but there wasn't really any need for this more powerful diesel, and the 1.6 costs significantly more to insure.
Rather than the basic or Sport trims, SE is the one you want, because you'll get climate control to add to its already generous standard kit.
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