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NEW CARS

2026 Audi A2 E-tron Review

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The Audi A2 is back, and that may be one of the least likely automotive comebacks of the decade.

When the original Audi A2 arrived at the turn of the millennium, it was a bold engineering statement rather than a commercial success. Its aluminium spaceframe construction, radical aerodynamics and unusually spacious cabin made it one of the most fuel-efficient small cars of its era, but buyers never fully embraced it and Audi reportedly struggled to make money from it. Two decades later, the A2 has become a cult classic among enthusiasts who appreciate uncompromising design.

Now Audi has revived the nameplate for the electric age. The new Audi A2 E-tron was not conceived as a nostalgic retro project in the mould of the Mini or Renault 5. Instead, Audi’s engineers set out to create a compact EV smaller than the Q4 E-tron and as aerodynamic as possible. The surprise is that, when you optimise a hatchback for efficiency, you naturally arrive at something remarkably A2-shaped.

A design driven by aerodynamics

The new A2 E-tron’s proportions reveal how strongly aerodynamics dictated the brief. A short, bluff front end flows into a smooth, monolithic body, minimising changes in airflow direction. The teardrop profile is truncated at the rear for practicality, while the split rear window improves visibility without sacrificing aerodynamic performance.

This is not a direct visual copy of the original A2, but the resemblance is unmistakable because both cars were shaped by the same engineering priorities.

Audi has also resisted the temptation to make the new car a technological moonshot. Unlike the all-aluminium original, the A2 E-tron is built on the Volkswagen Group’s latest MEB electric platform, a decision that keeps costs under control and allows it to serve as an indirect replacement for the discontinued A1 and Q2.

New battery technology and a more efficient motor

The latest MEB architecture brings significant upgrades. Most notable is the switch to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry for the mid-range battery option. Unlike traditional nickel-manganese-cobalt packs, the LFP battery can be routinely charged to 100 percent without the same long-term degradation concerns, making it particularly attractive for daily use.

Audi has also adopted Volkswagen Group’s new APP350 permanent-magnet motor, which has been engineered for lower energy losses. Thinner internal components, lower-viscosity lubricants and a separate oil pan reduce drag within the drivetrain, improving overall efficiency.

In effect, the A2 E-tron is Audi’s premium interpretation of the Volkswagen ID 3, but with a stronger emphasis on refinement, design and aerodynamic optimisation.

Rivals: Renault Megane, Volvo EX30 and Mini Countryman E

Audi has not yet published full dimensions, but the A2 appears similar in size to the ID 3. That places it in the heart of the compact electric hatchback market, where its key rivals include the Renault Megane E-Tech, Volvo EX30, Mini Countryman E and Cupra Born.

With BMW and Mercedes-Benz still lacking direct electric equivalents to the 1 Series and A-Class, Audi has an opportunity to establish the A2 as a genuine premium compact EV.

Interior: more Audi than Volkswagen

Although the cabin remains partially disguised, it is clear that the A2 borrows heavily from Audi’s latest models rather than from the ID 3. The digital screens, steering wheel and distinctive column-mounted controls feel closer to a Q3 than to Volkswagen’s hatchback.

The layout is intuitive and the materials feel solid, but the cabin lacks some of the tactile richness associated with classic Audis. Physical buttons are scarce, and the thick screen bezels look less sophisticated than the rest of the design.

Audi has introduced knitted-look fabric across the dashboard and door tops, echoing a trend seen in recent Minis. The overall ambience is intentionally understated, though it does not obviously feel more luxurious than a Renault Megane E-Tech.

The manually adjustable cloth seats are excellent, however, and the driving position is spot on: upright enough to preserve the original A2’s practicality, yet low enough to feel like a conventional hatchback.

Rear passengers benefit from generous headroom and acceptable knee room, although the high battery floor forces a slightly awkward seating position. Boot capacity has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be close to the Cupra Born’s 385 litres.

Efficiency first: 300 miles from a 58kWh battery?

Audi’s first drive programme focused squarely on efficiency. The test car used the new APP350 motor, a 58kWh usable LFP battery and optional sport suspension, which lowers the ride height to reduce aerodynamic drag.

The route through Denmark and southern Sweden was hardly a thrilling proving ground, but it produced an eye-catching 5.4 miles per kWh. If that figure proves repeatable, the A2 could realistically deliver around 300 miles of real-world range from a relatively modest battery, comfortably ahead of many similarly sized rivals.

Even with more enthusiastic driving, efficiency in the high-fours appears achievable, which would still be an outstanding result for a compact premium EV.

Audi has also given drivers extensive control over energy recuperation. Steering-wheel paddles and the drive selector allow everything from full coasting to strong one-pedal driving, making it easy to tailor the car to personal preference.

Ride comfort: avoid the sport suspension

The pursuit of efficiency has introduced some compromises. The optional sport suspension fitted to the test car was exceptionally firm, to the point of becoming tiring even on the excellent roads of southern Sweden.

Body control is impressive and the chassis never feels brittle, but the ride is simply too harsh for a car whose mission is relaxed long-distance efficiency. For UK roads in particular, the standard suspension is likely to be the wiser choice.

Road noise from the Bridgestone Turanza 6 tyres was also noticeable. Dry-road grip was respectable, and the rear-mounted motor gives the steering a clean, uncorrupted feel, but refinement is not yet class-leading.

Is the new Audi A2 worthy of the name?

Enthusiasts will inevitably point out that the new A2 is not the radical engineering experiment that made the original famous. Audi was never going to approve another unprofitable aluminium showcase car, and judging the newcomer by that standard misses the point.

The more relevant question is whether Audi has created a distinctive premium EV rather than merely rebadging an ID 3. On first acquaintance, the answer appears to be yes. The A2 E-tron has its own visual identity, its own cabin atmosphere and a clear focus on aerodynamic efficiency that echoes the spirit of the original.

A definitive verdict will require more time on a wider variety of roads and in different powertrain versions, but the early signs are encouraging. The new A2 feels recognisably Audi in its design, driving position and engineering priorities, and its efficiency is genuinely impressive.

Ironically, this electric reboot is likely to be more commercially successful than the petrol and diesel A2 ever was. Whether it will inspire the same loyal following over the next twenty years is another question entirely.

Source: Audi

NEW CARS

Audi A2 Returns as an EV

Some cars are simply ahead of their time. The original Audi A2 was one of them—a lightweight aluminum hatchback that prioritized efficiency long before electrification became the industry’s obsession. Buyers largely overlooked it in the early 2000s, but history has been kind to Audi’s unconventional experiment. Now, more than two decades later, the A2 is making a comeback, and it arrives at exactly the right moment.

Audi has officially confirmed that the all-new electric A2 will debut this autumn, and fresh prototype images have revealed far more than the company probably intended. With much of the camouflage removed, the compact crossover clearly pays homage to its predecessor, borrowing the distinctive teardrop silhouette and tapered rear bodywork that made the original instantly recognizable.

Rather than serving as a nostalgic exercise, the new A2 represents an important strategic shift for the German brand. As Audi expands its electric lineup, it needs a model that lowers the barrier to entry without compromising the premium image the four rings have spent decades building. The A2 E-tron is expected to become exactly that—a practical, compact EV designed to bring new customers into the Audi family.

According to CEO Gernot Döllner, customer demand played a major role in bringing the A2 name back to life.

“We’ve listened. Our customers want electric mobility that impresses in everyday life. The A2 E-tron is our promise to deliver exactly that: efficient, compact and confident. We’re making entry into the electric Audi world easier and more relevant than ever.”

That mission extends beyond marketing language. The new A2 will replace the outgoing A1 and Q2 as Audi’s most affordable model, with pricing expected to start below £30,000—making it the least expensive electric Audi yet.

Beneath the familiar-looking bodywork sits Volkswagen Group’s proven MEB electric platform, shared with the Volkswagen ID.3. That means buyers can expect competitive range, modern charging capability, and a spacious interior despite the vehicle’s compact footprint. Döllner describes it as “compact on the outside yet very spacious on the inside,” emphasizing efficiency and usability rather than outright performance.

While it won’t replicate the original A2’s groundbreaking aluminum spaceframe, the philosophy remains remarkably similar. Aerodynamics once again take center stage, with the smooth roofline and rounded profile engineered to maximize efficiency and extend driving range. In many ways, the new car follows the same blueprint that made the first-generation A2 such an engineering curiosity—it simply replaces lightweight aluminum with electric propulsion.

Audi itself acknowledges the connection, calling the revived name a deliberate tribute to one of its most forward-thinking models. The company says the new EV will continue the original A2’s mission of redefining efficiency, this time for an era where battery-powered mobility has become the industry’s defining challenge.

The timing also couldn’t be better. Premium automakers are increasingly recognizing that the future of EV growth won’t be driven solely by luxury flagships but by smaller, more attainable models that appeal to a much broader audience. If Audi can combine premium refinement, competitive pricing, and practical everyday usability, the A2 could become one of the brand’s most significant electric launches in years.

Audi has yet to announce the exact reveal date beyond confirming an autumn debut, but all signs point toward October’s Paris Motor Show. With Audi already listed among the exhibitors, Europe’s biggest automotive stage seems like the perfect place to reintroduce one of the company’s most misunderstood nameplates.

The original A2 spent years being appreciated only by enthusiasts who understood how revolutionary it really was. Its successor won’t have that problem. This time, the automotive world is finally ready for exactly the kind of car the A2 always wanted to be.

Source: Audi

Tuning

ABT RS3 630

The Audi RS3 has always been one of the most entertaining cars in the performance compact segment, combining everyday usability with the unmistakable character of Audi’s legendary 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. But ABT Sportsline believes this icon deserves something far more exclusive — and significantly more powerful.

As part of its 130th anniversary celebrations, the German tuning specialist has revealed the second model in its three-part limited-edition series: the ABT RS3 630. Limited to just 30 examples worldwide, this heavily modified Audi Sport machine transforms the already impressive RS3 into a 630-horsepower tribute to one of the automotive world’s most charismatic engines.

Following the launch of the spectacular ABT Sportsline RS6-LE 800 based on the Audi RS6 Avant, the RS3 630 represents the smaller — but no less exciting — member of ABT’s anniversary trilogy.

More Power From Audi’s Five-Cylinder Legend

Under the hood remains Audi’s celebrated 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but ABT engineers have extracted a significant amount of additional performance through a combination of software calibration and hardware upgrades.

The result is a massive jump from the factory RS3’s already healthy 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque to an astonishing:

  • 630 horsepower
  • 700 Nm of torque

That represents an increase of 230 hp and 200 Nm, turning Audi’s compact performance hatchback into a machine capable of challenging cars from much higher segments.

The engine’s unique five-cylinder soundtrack remains the centerpiece of the experience. With its uneven firing order and distinctive growl, the 2.5 TFSI has become one of the most recognizable performance engines in modern automotive history — and ABT’s creation serves as a celebration of what may soon become a disappearing breed.

More Than 300 km/h in a Compact Audi

ABT has not officially revealed the RS3 630’s 0–100 km/h acceleration time, although the standard Audi RS3 already completes the sprint in a rapid 3.8 seconds.

Instead, the company highlights the car’s extraordinary top speed capability: the ABT RS3 630 can exceed 300 km/h, placing it in territory normally reserved for much larger sports cars.

The additional performance can be activated or adjusted through the myABT smartphone application, allowing owners to control the upgraded engine calibration directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system.

A More Aggressive Look With Track-Inspired Hardware

The RS3 630 is not simply a software upgrade. ABT has redesigned the car’s appearance and chassis to match its increased performance.

The special edition rides on 20-inch ABT High Performance HR20 wheels finished in gold, wrapped in performance tires measuring 245/30 R20. The combination gives the compact Audi a much more aggressive stance while improving grip and handling capability.

Aerodynamic upgrades include several carbon-fiber exterior components, designed not only to enhance the visual appeal but also to improve stability at higher speeds.

To handle the additional power, ABT equips the RS3 with a specially tuned suspension system featuring adjustable settings and modified stabilizers on both axles. The result should be a sharper, more controlled driving experience while maintaining the RS3’s everyday usability.

A Collector’s Edition With a Farewell Message

Inside, every ABT RS3 630 receives the expected anniversary treatment, including a special “1 of 30” plaque that confirms its exclusivity.

The price for this limited-production performance compact starts at €67,500, excluding the cost of the donor Audi RS3 itself. That means the final price will place the ABT creation well above the standard model, but collectors are unlikely to view it as just another modified hatchback.

According to ABT CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt, the RS3 630 is more than a celebration of the company’s 130-year history. It is also a farewell tribute to Audi’s iconic five-cylinder engine, a powerplant whose future in Europe is becoming increasingly uncertain as manufacturers move toward electrification and stricter emissions regulations.

The End of an Era

The Audi five-cylinder has survived decades of automotive change, from rally legends to modern performance cars. The RS3 has arguably become its final and most refined expression.

With 630 horsepower, a production run of only 30 units, and a mission to preserve the character of an engine that may soon disappear, the ABT RS3 630 is not just a tuned Audi.

It is a rolling farewell letter to one of the most distinctive engines of the modern era — a compact performance car built for enthusiasts who still believe character matters as much as numbers.

Source: ABT Sportsline