Used Audi A2 2000 - 2005 review
Category: Small car
The Audi A2 can be expensive, but it's still a good buy due to its blend of practcality and efficiency.
What's the used Audi A2 hatchback 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.
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.
Ownership cost
What used Audi A2 hatchback will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Audi A2 hatchback?
The A2 isn't as cheap to buy used as some cars of this size because its prestige badge and desirability mean it holds its value tenaciously from new. Whichever version you choose, you'll be forking a lot of cash.
It's much better news on running costs. Fuel economy is terrific on every model thanks to lightweight construction and frugal engines.
Insurance costs are quite reasonable, too. Both the 1.4 petrol and diesel come with a group five insurance rating, and the 1.6 sits in group eight. As you might expect with an Audi, you'll pay more for routine servicing than you would for other cars of a similar size.
When you've bought your A2, be very careful how you drive it. The aluminium construction may have huge benefits in other areas, but it makes bodyshop repairs very slow and very expensive. Even the slightest prang can be costly to fix.
Our recommendations
Which used Audi A2 hatchback 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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