2003 Audi A2 TDi SE 1.4 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Good, but flawed
Faults:
Noise from the EGR Valve - replaced valve at extreme cost (£300) and found out it was actually the solenoid that controls the valve. Two 50p rubber tap washers cured the problem.
Anti-roll-bar bushes and roll bar - cracked.
Brake back plates - a common fault they mysteriously bend and jam into the disc.
The handbrake is useless.
CD player internal springs are shot, causing it to skip; a replacement was hideously expensive, so the CD player is now suspended on elastic bands!
Gearstick rattles at idle, Audi have no idea why.
Near constant trim rattles, not serious but very annoying.
General Comments:
Bit of a strange one this, what niche does it fit into? It is cheap to run day to day, regularly returning 60 + mpg, the tax is only £35 and the insurance is cheap too. On the down-side it is horrifically expensive to service with Audi, and because of the aluminium body I don't really trust the average back-street garage to jack it up without damaging it. So you could say it is the cheapest prestige car you can own...
The performance is acceptable, nothing more, and once you've resigned yourself that you are driving a shopping trolley, the naff handling becomes quite fun!
The trim / gearstick / EGR valve / Turbo noise is frustrating to say the least, and seriously detracts from what is otherwise a good car. Very spacious and a nice place to be in, though.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th September, 2008
19th Apr 2009, 18:40
The A2 was a great idea, not so well delivered.
Great looking little car; far more attractive than an A class, but interior space is not great and the ride on most models is poor. The Sport models were downright uncomfortable.
Fuel economy is fantastic on all models, providing you aren't a total savage with your right foot.
Sold these for a living so have wide experience. An opportunity missed by Audi as they are now discontinued and I don't think it fits with Audi's current 'vision'. Maybe the so called credit crunch will bring them back to the drawing board, but I suspect not as German manufacturers tend to be quite arrogant and are happy to deliver substandard vehicles to the public based on badge prestige.