The Audi A2 is reincarnated as an EV

The Audi A2 was originally produced between 1999 and 2005 designed and built purely for efficiency using more expensive aluminium for the body panels, yet it was still able to lug a family around and all their wears. In its most efficient format the 1.2 TDi engine sipped the derv like it was a fancy cocktail returning just under 100 mpg. However, to access that ridiculous efficiency, the A2 was not sold as a cheap car despite its compact size, and this was perhaps its downfall. Roll on 25 years and it now is a bit of a collectible modern classic, and a go-to choice among the motoring elite.

But now Audi has turned the same formula towards the new A2, albeit this time it wears their e-tron badge being an electric only option. There are cues to its past, too, with its silhouette replicating the rear of the original, but the new A2 has grown considerably in the last two decades measuring 4,321 mm in length. some 500 mm longer than its predecessor. The new A2 e-tron is therefore more of an SUV than a small, practical city-focused runabout.

However, just like the original A2, the new one isn’t cheap. In fact it starts at a little over £32,000 and yet in top-spec level, it breaches the Expensive Car Supplement costing and eye watering £50,880.

2003 Audi A2 TDi

Battery, Range and Charging

There are three different battery sizes to choose from, with the 52 kWh capable of a very respectable 261 miles of range. Step up to the 61 kWh battery pack, and the A2 can travel up to 310 miles on a single charge, with the range topping 84 kWh providing a huge 397 miles, under the WLTP test cycle.

However, the most efficient model isn’t the 52 kWh A2, because that crown goes to the mid-point from the 61 kWh pack with the smallest power output can achieve 4.79 miles per kWh. The differences between them account for literal pennies if charging at home on a cheap overnight tariff, though.

Both the 52 kWh and 61 kWh batteries use LFP cells meaning regular charging should be up to 100% on a domestic charger, and that translates to the full range available from every AC charger potentially. The rangiest 84 kWh battery uses NMC chemistry, so that should be charged to 80% regularly, with a 100% charge intended only for those long road trips.

Charging from 10-80% on a DC rapid charger takes 24 - 29 minutes depending on the battery option and trim chosen (with the smaller battery being the fastest to charge), and bidirectional vehicle-to-home charging* and vehicle-to-load charging is included on all A2’s, albeit the adapters are a cost option.

*vehicle-to-home charging isn’t available in the U.K. yet, but it is under trial

Performance

There are four options when it comes to electric motors and performance with the least powerful A2 e-tron 170 PS available on the smallest battery. But with 350 Nm of torque, even the entry version won’t feel sluggish. In fact, 0-62 mph takes 8.8 seconds, yet its the torque that will pick the car up on the move making for extremely brisk overtaking. In this set-up fuel consumption is measured at 4.5 miles per kWh whilst range peaks at 261 miles.

Step up to the A2 e-tron 190 PS and there’s 310 miles of range from the larger 61 kWh battery pack and whilst the torque hasn’t changed from the entry version, 20 more horse powers equates to a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.9 seconds, which is decent. And it’s this combination that offers the best efficiency, rated at 4.79 miles per kWh.

If it’s more power and the maximum range that’s needed, the A2 e-tron 231 PS can cover 397 miles on the WLTP test cycle whilst the additional 41 PS carries the car from 0-62 mph in an agreeable 7.0 seconds.

But for those seeking more thrills from their A2, the A2 e-tron 326 PS is a bit of a tarmac muncher with a huge 545 Nm of torque and a sprint from 0-62 mph in just 5.7 seconds thanks to the more powerful motor. There’s a slight range drop-off, yet 386 miles will outdrive most human bladders.

Trims and Prices

There are four trim levels spread across four power options and three battery packs, but not all trims can be optioned with all battery packs, and there are 11 different prices to consider, too, which sounds more complicated that it needs to be. However we have turned to spreadsheets to provide a quick reference guide to illustrate what goes with what.

Technik

The entry Technik trim comes with with 18-inch alloy wheels and front and rear LED lighting. Inside, there’s an MMI panoramic display with its 12.8-inch curved MMI touch display and 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The smartphone interface procvides an Audi App Store, plus there’s an AI assistant and a wireless smartphone fast-charging pad. Front seat and steering wheel heating is included as is ambient lighting.

Standard on all A2’s are Audi’s driver assistance technologies found in much larger Audi’s which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot assistants.

Sport

Step up to the Sport trim line and the driver assistant tech includes parking system plus with rear view camera.

The Sport also gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels, some interior trim enhancements and an upgraded MMI experience including an eight-speaker Audi sound system.

S line

S line enhances styling further with black 19-inch Audi Sport wheels, black trim elements and privacy glass mark. Inside, the S line adds S-embossed front sport seats, faux leather and aluminium and a three-spoke multi-function sport steering wheel with flat top and bottom and shift paddles.

If choosing the S line trim with the largest 84 kWh battery and the larger 326 PS motor, there’s an upgrade to progressive steering and suspension with damper control, plus the Audi drive select enables the driver to fine-tune the suspension settings via the MMI.

Edition 1

With 20-inch black metallic Audi Sport alloy wheels, LED matrix headlights and four selectable light signatures, the Edition 1 adds further styling enhancements to the S Line.

Inside, customers will get red-stitched microfibre upholstery, electric seat adjustment and an ambient lighting package plus, while acoustic glazing for the side windows boosts sound insulation making for a serene driving experience.

Edition 1 cars also get suspension with damper control, progressive steering and Audi drive select, and it includes features such as front, side and rear proactive occupant protection, albeit I don’t understand why only the most expensive versions get all the safety tech. Seems mean.

Availability

The all-new Audi A2 e-tron launches in the UK today with first UK customer deliveries scheduled for early 2027 and versions with the 52 kWh and 61 kWh batteries also qualify for the Government’s Tier 2 £1,500 Electric Car Grant.

One piece of good news comes from Audi offering a Ohme home charger worth up to £999, with standard installation included, when purchasing a new fully electric or plug-in hybrid Audi. Choose from a 7kW Ohme 5m tethered cable Home Pro EV charger, or a 7kW untethered ePod home EV charger.