Audi A2 will carve a niche

Two features of this car impressed initially. The substantial structure of the single sweep wiper arm is so reassuring, just like an aircraft wiper. It works most effectively in all rainstorm conditions. Then the spare wheel has been replaced with a pneumatic pump and a can of sealing material. This made me pause. On reflection I like this omission. It is a step in the right direction. How many drivers can change a wheel, or rather how many cannot?

I was more than curious about this novel all aluminium car. The spectre of rust is banished. This must affect the resale value positively. What really intrigued me was the bonus of weight reduction. How would the car feel? How would it accelerate? Also, would the narrow wheels affect handling? It drives just as a comparable steel car would. It is normal in its dynamic characteristics, but normality stops there. So much of its appearance and detail is unusual that I will be reflecting on the A2 for a considerable time. It is not novelty for novelty’s sake. There is an intriguing logic in all of its inherent design decisions. The softer door ‘clunk’ alone emphatically betrays its aluminium ancestry.

Aluminium is not cheap and the price of the A2 reflects this at £17,960.00 including delivery. The metal it has long fascinated me. Relative economics prevented me from using it in the context of engineering construction. Seeing and driving its car manifestation excites.

Its appearance grows upon one. The deep upward curve of the roof makes it tall. A glance along a line of parked cars clarifies this. The bonus is a generous sense of spaciousness inside. The frontal aspect is almost conventional. From the rear, the deflector wing attached directly to the window holds one’s attention. It is different, but attractive. I like the definite mudguard statements. They relieve what could have been a slab sided appearance.

The interior is clever in its many useful details. I like the implied thoughtfulness, like the underfloor storage box, mirrors on both visors, clever cup holders front and rear, elasticised belt system for restraining small articles in boot, power point in luggage compartment, rear seat flexibility, airbag disposition, clever optional sliding roof and so on.

Deliberately ignoring the bhp figure I drove on attempting to estimate it. I was impressed at the car’s ability to accelerate usefully in top gear. I put this down to the car’s lightness. The 1.4 litre petrol motor delivers 75 bhp and averages 47.1 mpg. It’s a fine engine and does not intrude aurally. The more I drove the more I enjoyed the A2. The lengthy travel of the clutch pedal demanded learning. Gear changes are crisp. Driver ergonomics generally are excellent. The unexpected distance between dash and windscreen surprised.

The front access flap to the engine service module underscores the infrequent and almost laconic service intervals – “up to 19,000 miles” the servicing instructions state. The Audi A2 is a sophisticated entrant to the ranks of personal cars. It will surely carve out its own significant market niche. ‘Characterful’ is the word.