New reports based on a discussion by Audi ’s CEO are suggesting that the world will see the return of the Audi A2. Audi has not offered a vehicle with the A2 nameplate since the last model was discontinued in 2005.
According to a report by Autoweek, Audi CEO Rupert Stradler suggested the return of the A2 to Audi’s lineup while speaking at last week’s Geneva Motor Show. “There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between A3 and A1,” said Rupert.
The last time Audi sold a vehicle under the name of A2 it was marketed as a premium compact MPV, and came either in four of five-seat, five-door hatchback form. The A2 featured European styling and function, and was unique for its all-aluminum construction.
Because a potential new A2 would be based heavily on the A1′s architecture, it is very likely that the A2 would also utilize the electric powertrain being developed for the A1, according to Audi board member, Michael Dick. Dick suggested that the push for electric small cars will have an influence on the A2 “in the near future.”
Should Audi move forward with the A2 it may return as an MPV, in which case the chance of it coming to U.S. shores would be highly unlikely. Should Audi take a new direction and make a small SUV, it may have a chance in U.S. showrooms. Various German media outlets have suggested the return of an A2 – in a form still unknown – by as soon as 2014.
