Used test - Audi A2

5:15pm Tuesday 17th July 2007

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Behind the wheel: The A2 is beautifully made from quality components and it shows. Everything operates with a well oiled precision. Sadly Audi was a bit stingy with its standard equipment, so you'll need to be on the lookout for essentials like air conditioning. ***

Quality: Audi lost money on every A2 it sold. The chassis is an unusual spaceframe/aluminium design that cost a bomb to make (and repair!) but helped make the car very light to the benefit of fuel economy. ***

Reliability: The 1.4 Tdi is noisy but reliable. Beware the expensive service it needs at 60k miles, though, and make sure a leggy example has had the timing gear swapped. ***

Handling: The suspension is a bit stiff to the detriment of the A2's ride but these little cars corner surprisingly well.**1/2

Costs: Buy a 1.4 Tdi and you'll be laughing all the way to the bank. Road tax costs £35 a year, the engine stretches a gallon across 60 miles and the insurance is group 5. ****

What to pay: Audi A2s hold their value well. Even an X-reg example will cost around £5,500-£6,000. Later cars can fetch anything up to £11,000.

Speedy Verdict:

For: Ultra low running costs, high tech chassis/body, badge kudos.

Against: Small boot, poor ride, could do with more power.