Classic pearls of the future - Audi A2
09/07/2015
What do we know about the preferences and conditions of the car collectors and classic car enthusiasts of the future? Perhaps they will strive for maximum economy and advanced concepts for the time. In this case, an Audi A2, built between 1999 and 2005, will certainly be a treat.
With the A2, the Audi engineers aimed for maximum space utilization with the lowest possible weight and consumption. To this end, the aerodynamically balanced aluminum body was manufactured using space-frame technology, as in the Audi A8.
Only 176,377 A2 vehicles were produced; the 1.2-liter TDI version called "3L" was really rare, with 6450 units sold. This three-cylinder car used the drivetrain from the VW Lupo 3L( three-cylinder diesel engine with aluminum engine block and turbocharger, automated manual transmission). It was characterized by a very low drag coefficient of cw 0.25 for this size, which, together with optimized wheels, led to a standard consumption of 2.99 liters of diesel per 100 km. The high purchase price and the somewhat limited comfort compared to the other A2 models, which also meant less flexibility, limited demand.
In general, the Audi A2 struggled throughout its life with its unclear classification in the Audi model range. With smaller exterior dimensions, it offered plenty of space in the sense of a minivan, but was classified below the Audi A3 and the VW Golf, which made it an expensive small car. As a result, the elaborate and promising concept was not destined for a great future; Audi did not even grant it a direct successor.
But perhaps it is precisely these characteristics that make the Audi A2 a classic pearl of the future, if one can still be found (and repaired in the event of damage) by then.
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