Driving Instructors Association DIA

Audi A2

Model on test: 1.6-litre FSI

The jelly mould styling of the Audi A2 is very distinctive and easily spotted out on the road. Taking a closer look, it is soon apparent that the car has a little more than just unusual styling. Firstly, the A2 uses Audi 'space frame' technology with its all-aluminium body. This allows for additional strength, yet has a kerb weight of a mere 895 kg.

Sounds good so far, but with the driving instructor in mind, it must be realised that all magnetic signs, including rooftop boxes of course, will be of no use. The car has to be sign-written, or just plain sticky 'L' plates have to be affixed. The car adopts a high driving position, both front seats have height adjustment, and there is 4-way adjustment on the steering wheel. There is a small amount of footwell clutter, and some instructors will not like the intrusive centre console. The speedometer is a trifle difficult to read from the instructor's seat, but otherwise the instrumentation is clear. There is good leg and head room, although with a tall driver, room in the rear is a trifle limited. The single wiper covers the extensive glass area adequately, although visibility is somewhat poor. The split rear windscreen, due to it's curved shape and external spoiler, has no rear wiper and accordingly, especially at the lower level, collects dirt. On the road, the A2 is well mannered but does not like rough roads or sleeping policemen. It cannot be rated very highly as an enjoyable driver's car either.
The 1.6-litre is a common-rail direct petrol injection engine, abbreviated to FSI in the German language. It produces 110 bhp and 155 Nm of torque, at 4,000 rpm. This gives the A2 a 0-62 sprint time of 9.8 seconds, and a top speed of 126 mph. However, the patented FSI direct injection system is all about reducing fuel consumption, with the combined figure at 47.9 mpg, extra urban 34.9 mpg and urban at 60.1 mpg. The CO2 emissions figure is 142 g/km.

The A2 is beautifully put together throughout, but many instructors will not like the idea of not being able to get under the bonnet. There is, however, a replenishment point where all the lubricants and additives can be tended to. At the other end of the vehicle, the 5th door actually opens to a good-sized boot, with a false floor that exposes a further storage area housing the battery. The new A2 1.6 FSI SE is a novel vehicle, but with an on-the-road price of £14,395, it is too expensive to be let loose as a driver training vehicle. If you are well off, and looking for something different, maybe there is a good reason to buy. However, in general, buying the car for tuition purposes makes little sense.

At a glance

PROs

Distinctive design; excellent fuel economy; nice interior; fine build quality

CONs

Expensive; poor visibility; no magnetic fixings; footwell clutter

Training car star rating: 3