Remember the quirky, controversially designed Audi A2 from the early 2000s? According to Autocar, the compact hatchback with the profile of an MPV is making its 21st-century comeback as the Audi A2 e-tron. It will indirectly replace the Audi A1 and Q2, as production for both models is slated to end in late 2026.
Reports suggest the Audi A2 e-tron will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, which is currently used by the Volkswagen ID.3.
Autocar reports that within Audi, the new A2 is not simply regarded as a premium mini-MPV to rival the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. Instead, the publication says that engineers are discussing the car as a way to fill the market void left by the BMW i3, which ended production in 2022.
The ID.3 features a 400V architecture with three battery options, including 45 kWh, 58 kWh and 77 kWh units. These offer a claimed range of 330 km, 420 km and 550 km respectively on the WLTP cycle. The batteries power a 204 hp and 310 Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels.
According to sightings of test mules, the Audi A2 e-tron will feature an exterior design that is quite similar to the original A2. However, expect it to adopt Ingolstadt’s latest design language as seen on the all-new Audi A6 and the Q3. Given the slippery profile of the A2, its range could exceed that of the ID.3 if it utilises the same powertrain.
With prices reportedly set to start at around GBP30k (approx. RM162k), the A2 e-tron will become the company’s most affordable electric offering yet. It’ll slot into the line-up significantly below the Q4 e-tron, which is priced from GBP47k (approx. RM253k). By comparison, the petrol-powered A1 starts at GBP24k (approx. RM129k) and the Q2 at GBP28k (approx. RM150k).
It remains to be seen if the all-new A2 can successfully serve as the brand’s entry-level model. While modern buyers may be more receptive to its quirky design, the original failed largely due to its premium pricing. In the midst of today’s brutal EV price wars, the real question is whether Audi can deliver a competitively priced model or if the A2 is destined to remain a niche, high-cost curiosity.
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