Audi has revived the cult classic A2, a quirky sub-compact hatchback that was first introduced in the early 2000s. The new A2 E-Tron is an electric crossover that preserves the basic shape of its predecessor, with a signature roofline that curves from the A-pillar to the decklid. This design element is a tribute to the original city car, which was known for its bubbly and friendly appearance.
The new A2 E-Tron is larger than the original and lacks an internal combustion engine, but it still maintains the same efficient spirit. Audi claims that the A2 E-Tron can go 401 miles on a single 82-kWh battery charge, according to the European WLTP cycle. This translates to approximately 5 miles per kWh, which is impressive for a crossover, although slightly short of the 5.8 miles per kWh claimed by the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
The A2’s Efficiency and Design
The A2’s hallmark remains efficiency, and Audi has introduced some design changes to achieve this goal. The company has added more bodywork behind the final window, which takes away some of the classic glassy look above the beltline of the original car. However, the high-sided line along the profile is mostly true to the original A2, and the car’s SUV shape is still evident.
The A2 E-Tron’s efficiency makes it Audi’s most efficient car, and it is also the brand’s smallest EV offering by far. The car’s 82-kWh battery option provides the longest range, but there are also 52-kWh and 61-kWh options available, which offer lower ranges.
Availability and Market Prospects
Audi has not announced plans to sell the A2 in the United States, and history suggests that the car may not be coming to the American market anytime soon. The company did not offer the A2 in the US last time around, and the combination of Audi’s premium positioning in the American market and the country’s cooling interest in EVs makes it even less likely to come across the Pond this time.
Audi of America has issued an official statement regarding the A2’s chances of coming to the United States, saying that “We do not have any plans to bring the A2 to the US at this time. We always monitor the market developments should that decision change at some point in the future.”
The A2 E-Tron’s fate in the US market remains uncertain, but its revival in Europe is a significant development for fans of the cult classic. As the EV market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the A2 E-Tron performs in Europe and whether it will eventually make its way to other markets.
