My time has lastly come. I’ve lengthy wished to import a sure automotive to the USA and have been quietly conserving its 25-year date in my periphery. Solely, it is not one thing unique or thrilling, like a Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. As an alternative, it is a bubbly hatchback with a 1.4-liter engine and about half the horsepower of a Nissan Leaf: the 1999 Audi A2. And because the funky little A2 turns into a quarter-century outdated in 2024, I’ll lastly have my probability to personal one.
Why am I extra enthusiastic about an Audi A2 than one thing like a Skyline? A number of causes, one among which is affordability. An R32 GT-R, or one thing equally as attention-grabbing in respectable situation, will set me again $40,000-$50,000 earlier than any import prices. Nevertheless, Audi A2s will be discovered for beneath $5,000. So, for across the worth of a few MacBooks, I can have a real slice of Euro-only supermini goodness.
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One more reason is that the Audi A2 suits my life-style rather well. I do not drive my very own automotive fairly often however after I do, I’ve two automotive seats within the again always. I want one thing that is sensible sufficient to suit a few youngsters. However I am additionally not an SUV man, so a heavy and cumbersome automobile that swills gasoline is not one thing I am after. I like small, nimble automobiles that make me snicker. The Audi A2 seems to examine all of the bins.
However greater than anything, the Audi A2 fascinates me. Within the mid-to-late ’90s, each main German producer provided some taste (or a number of) of small, environment friendly metropolis automotive. Mercedes had the A-Class hatchback and launched the unique Sensible automotive; Volkswagen had the Polo, then the Lupo as soon as the Polo bought too massive; and BMW entered the ring in its personal approach with the three Sequence Compact and, ultimately, by reviving the Mini Cooper. In 1999, although, Audi created one which was totally different than the remaining, as a result of it was extra cleverly designed. The A2 wasn’t just a few low-cost, environment friendly hatchback to function a quantity vendor for metropolis dwellers. Not terribly in contrast to the TT it borrowed design cues from, it was a technological showcase.
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Regardless of its bubbly, aerodynamic form and financial system automotive efficiency, the Audi A2 was really fairly leading edge for its time. It shared the identical Audi Area Body expertise because the D2-generation Audi A8, which meant it had an aluminum chassis and physique. The concept was that if it was tremendous gentle, it might use a tiny engine for optimum gasoline effectivity, but it surely would not be horrid to drive. And it labored. With its 1.4-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine, the A2 weighed simply over 2,000 kilos, which was round 250 kilos lighter than the gas-powered Mercedes A-Class. In automobiles as small as we’re speaking, 250 kilos could make a large distinction. Even higher, when geared up with the non-compulsory 1.2-liter three-cylinder diesel engine, the A2’s curb weight dropped to 1,900 kilos, and it was able to 78 mpg.
The extra fascinating 1.4-liter engine solely made 74 horsepower, however with solely about 2,000 kilos to push round and a five-speed guide transmission, it was surprisingly enjoyable to drive. Within the July 2000 situation of Automobile and Driver, the A2 was mentioned to be faster, extra enjoyable, and extra economical than its primary rival, the Mercedes A140 hatchback. That very same 1.4-liter mannequin additionally returned 50 mpg, greater than the Toyota Prius of its time.
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In 2002, Audi added one other engine: the 110 horsepower 1.6-liter “FSI” four-cylinder. It revved higher, made extra torque low within the vary, and was extra enjoyable to make use of. Nevertheless, it is a bit well-known for being much less dependable than the remainder of the A2’s powertrain choices, and it will not be eligible to import for an additional few years.
Sadly, the Audi A2 did not promote significantly effectively when it was new. It was dearer than all of its rivals, and its funky design meant it had nice room for occupants however little-to-no usable baggage area. However that really makes me need it extra. Poor gross sales means it is considerably uncommon and exceptional, particularly within the U.S. And its inside passenger area means I can match youngsters within the again with out forcing my knees into the steering wheel. I additionally actually like the way in which it seems to be, because it’s simply such amusing, and its inside is typical of all ’90s and early-’00s Audis, which is analogous to my outdated B6 Audi A4 USP.
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The Audi A2 I wish to import is the 1.4-liter gas-powered automotive with a five-speed guide. It is not the quickest, however its engine is stable and it has one of the best power-to-efficiency ratio in my guide. A fast search on European classifieds signifies I can simply get one for beneath $5,000 earlier than import charges and taxes. There are additionally so many enjoyable mods I might do, like coilovers, larger brakes, stickier tires, a B6 Audi S4 steering wheel and shift knob, and cooler seats, with out breaking the financial institution too badly. Whereas there are many different automobiles I would like to purchase for that type of cash, it is really an imported Audi A2 that is tempting me.
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