This was the future once
Audi’s A2 was seen as being ahead of its time when it arrived in 1999. Was it? New A2 owner MATT PRIOR looks at this innovator through a 2025 lens
PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARRISON
Rearward view out compromised by aero: that was ahead of its time
For a car that’s just 3.8m long, the A2 is surprisingly roomy; decent to drive too
80.7
The extra urban MPG of an 89bhp 1.4 diesel A2.
A2 E-tron: 2024 remake, still looks fresh
Routine fluid checks and top-ups are done via this hatch
Wheel bearing is the same as a Golf’s so cost Prior just £30 to replace it
One of the things people love to say about the Audi A2 is that it was ahead of its time. It’s the opinion people seem to hold most about the small Audi.
And I get that: if you pulled the wraps from it today, it would still look modern. In October last year, Audi did just that, when it revealed the A2 E-tron concept restomod to celebrate the car’s 25th anniversary, and it looked as fresh as a piglet.