{
  "id": 1863781,
  "title": "Audi’s brought back the A2, and it’s gone electric",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/audis-brought-back-the-a2-and-its-gone-electric",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/audis-brought-back-the-a2-and-its-gone-electric/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nearly two decades after its original demise, Audi has decided to reintroduce the A2 as an electric compact hatchback. Dubbed the Audi A2 e-tron, the new model is expected to provide over 400 miles of range and cost less than £35,000 upon launch. Audi aims to make it the most affordable EV in the brand's lineup when it hits the market. Unlike its predecessor, which was a technological marvel disguised as a small family hatchback, this new iteration is being built during a time when premium car makers are pressured to make electric cars more affordable, compact, and efficient. The name carries historical significance, which Audi hopes to leverage.\n\nOriginally introduced in 2000, the A2 boasted an aluminium spaceframe design for weight reduction, and some diesel versions achieved around 75mpg. However, aluminium manufacturing was expensive, and low-volume production couldn't efficiently distribute costs among cars. Production lasted only five years before concluding in 2005. Despite commercial setbacks, the A2 has since gained a cult status, with its unique design and engineering making it a modern classic.\n\nAudi's new approach differs significantly from the original, with the new A2 e-tron utilizing Volkswagen Group's MEB+ electric platform, shared with the upcoming Volkswagen ID.3 Neo. This shared architecture is crucial, as the original A2's intricate construction led to financial difficulties initially. Borrowing existing technology in the group should make a small Audi more economically viable. Audi has attempted to revive the name before, with a concept in 2011, but the production car never followed.\n\nThe production A2 e-tron hasn't been unveiled yet, with prototypes still under camouflage. Early images indicate that the connection with the original will be evident, featuring the compact proportions and sloping roof of the past model, along with a lower, smoother profile for improved aerodynamic efficiency. Other familiar modern touches from Audi include slim light bars, streamlined alloy wheels, and rear lights inspired by the Nuvolari concept. The interior remains undisclosed.\n\nThe exterior design serves a dual purpose: it pays homage to the original while contributing to aerodynamic efficiency on the electric car. On an electric vehicle, reducing drag can significantly impact range, especially at highway speeds. Thus, a small, aerodynamically efficient hatchback could prove more interesting than its dimensions initially suggest.\n\nThe A2 e-tron is expected to use battery technology shared with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo, ranging from 50kWh to 79kWh. Its power will come from a rear-mounted electric motor, with outputs ranging from 168bhp to 228bhp depending on the specification. The largest battery pack, part of Volkswagen's application, could provide up to 390 miles of WLTP range. Audi aims for over 400 miles of range in the most efficient A2 version, although this figure remains a projection until final homologation. With its Efficiency Pack, a 187bhp motor could achieve an impressive 4.85 miles per kWh, positioning the A2 among the most efficient mainstream electric cars on sale.",
  "summary": "More than 20 years after the original disappeared from showrooms, Audi is bringing back the A2 as a compact electric hatchback. The new A2 e-tron is expected to offer more than 400 miles of range and cost less than £35,000. Audi is bringing back the A2, more than two decades after its famously clever little [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Audi reintroduces A2 as electric compact hatchback, Audi A2 e-tron",
    "New model expected to offer over 400 miles of range, under £35k price",
    "Shared MEB+ platform with Volkswagen ID.3 Neo for affordability and efficiency"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Audi's reintroduction of the A2 as an affordable electric hatchback signals a strategic shift towards making premium electric vehicles more accessible and efficient, leveraging existing technology to drive down costs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}