John Reynolds
Member
Clarkson must be right because I laugh every time I see him, but only smile every time I see my A2.
JR
A2 1.6 FSI, Cobalt blue, OpenSky, etc.
JR
A2 1.6 FSI, Cobalt blue, OpenSky, etc.
Clarkson hates Audi A2
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Here is another article from him
Road test
Audi - A2 1.6 FSi
[May 01 2002]
Having road car engines that bear some relation to racing versions is nothing new. In the Fifties, a variant of the motors that took Jaguar to five Le Mans wins was fitted to the E-Type, while the BMW turbocharged F1 engines of the Eighties were based on the four-cylinder road engines. Yet it’s rare that the first car to bear the fruits of a company’s racing activities is the baby of the family – it would be a little like Fiat sticking the Ferrari V10 into the Seicento (now there’s an idea).
But the forward-thinking, rimless-spectacled boffins at Audi are bucking the trend. The first car to benefit from the company’s FSI technology that helped the Audi R8 dominate last year’s Le Mans is the humble A2 and, although there are some differences (like having less cylinders for instance), the basic FSI principles are the same.
The FSI is a brand new, very fuel-efficient engine. It works by injecting the fuel directly into the combustion chamber under 110 bars of pressure, as opposed to indirect injection which works under about eight bars. The FSI engine also has a tumble-flap (as opposed to a cat flap) which electronically controls the amount of air entering the combustion chamber, thus controlling power and efficiency. Audi claims the 1.6 FSI engine will produce 81bhp and give 47.9mpg.
But let’s face it, most consumers don’t give a monkey’s what’s under the bonnet – a new state-of-the-art engine or a gerbil on a treadmill – as long as it drives well and gives good performance. So, unfortunately, the first thing that will strike A2 1.6 FSI buyers is the noise. On tickover, there’s a loud diesel-like knocking noise. Thankfully, it disappears on the move, although the engine still has a loud, throaty note under acceleration.
The 1.6 FSI is a tad underpowered and a lot of throttle is needed to get it moving. I didn’t stall it in front of Audi’s PR person, but it was close. On the move, the car still feels as if it could do with an injection of power, although it’s a comfortable enough cruiser on the motorways. But on B-roads it needs to be worked hard and whatever gear the car is in never seems to be the right one. It’s here that the motor really needs to be grabbed by the scruff of its neck to get the best out of it. The FSI engine may give excellent mpg, but I imagine it could become hard to live with. Audi’s Le Mans boys must have had a terrible ride if the racing engines were the same.
The rest of the package will be familiar – spacious accommodation with Audi’s excellent build quality, especially the rock-solid dashboard. Half leather/half Alcantara trim is a new option for the FSI model and there are new interior colours available. No prices are finalised as yet, but Audi UK reckons it should start at below the £15,000 mark.
If what Audi says is true about the car’s mpg, this already well-conceived car will no doubt be popular with anybody wanting to save money. But ultimately the firm will have to sort out the engine’s refinement before it makes as big an impression on the road as it did on the track.
Verdict
The new engine needs some more refining, but it is very efficient
Paul Walton
Thomas Giblin
Road test
Audi - A2 1.6 FSi
[May 01 2002]
Having road car engines that bear some relation to racing versions is nothing new. In the Fifties, a variant of the motors that took Jaguar to five Le Mans wins was fitted to the E-Type, while the BMW turbocharged F1 engines of the Eighties were based on the four-cylinder road engines. Yet it’s rare that the first car to bear the fruits of a company’s racing activities is the baby of the family – it would be a little like Fiat sticking the Ferrari V10 into the Seicento (now there’s an idea).
But the forward-thinking, rimless-spectacled boffins at Audi are bucking the trend. The first car to benefit from the company’s FSI technology that helped the Audi R8 dominate last year’s Le Mans is the humble A2 and, although there are some differences (like having less cylinders for instance), the basic FSI principles are the same.
The FSI is a brand new, very fuel-efficient engine. It works by injecting the fuel directly into the combustion chamber under 110 bars of pressure, as opposed to indirect injection which works under about eight bars. The FSI engine also has a tumble-flap (as opposed to a cat flap) which electronically controls the amount of air entering the combustion chamber, thus controlling power and efficiency. Audi claims the 1.6 FSI engine will produce 81bhp and give 47.9mpg.
But let’s face it, most consumers don’t give a monkey’s what’s under the bonnet – a new state-of-the-art engine or a gerbil on a treadmill – as long as it drives well and gives good performance. So, unfortunately, the first thing that will strike A2 1.6 FSI buyers is the noise. On tickover, there’s a loud diesel-like knocking noise. Thankfully, it disappears on the move, although the engine still has a loud, throaty note under acceleration.
The 1.6 FSI is a tad underpowered and a lot of throttle is needed to get it moving. I didn’t stall it in front of Audi’s PR person, but it was close. On the move, the car still feels as if it could do with an injection of power, although it’s a comfortable enough cruiser on the motorways. But on B-roads it needs to be worked hard and whatever gear the car is in never seems to be the right one. It’s here that the motor really needs to be grabbed by the scruff of its neck to get the best out of it. The FSI engine may give excellent mpg, but I imagine it could become hard to live with. Audi’s Le Mans boys must have had a terrible ride if the racing engines were the same.
The rest of the package will be familiar – spacious accommodation with Audi’s excellent build quality, especially the rock-solid dashboard. Half leather/half Alcantara trim is a new option for the FSI model and there are new interior colours available. No prices are finalised as yet, but Audi UK reckons it should start at below the £15,000 mark.
If what Audi says is true about the car’s mpg, this already well-conceived car will no doubt be popular with anybody wanting to save money. But ultimately the firm will have to sort out the engine’s refinement before it makes as big an impression on the road as it did on the track.
Verdict
The new engine needs some more refining, but it is very efficient
Paul Walton
Thomas Giblin
John Disdale
Member
It’s all well and good giving Clarkson a poke in the eye, but it’s been very difficult over several years to find a good overall report on the A2 from anyone. Sure one can find press cuttings with references to aluminium this and that, but never once can I recall anyone being ecstatic over the cars superb styling.
Regarding costs I cannot remember anyone describing the A2 as anything other than expensive, but I have always seen the problem here as somewhat confusing because I contend it is difficult to honestly compare the A2 with anything else. Some might compare it with say “model X” – but I believe the A2 will be driving around the streets many years after “model X” has filled up the nations scrap yards – so where is the fair comparison ?
It strikes me that the word “expensive” is frequently used in a derogatory sense, yet in the real world it generally buys the best. Anyway all Audi cars have always been relatively more expensive than many of its competitors, so I have never seen any reason why the A2 should be so different. At the end of the day you pay your money and make your choice, and life will continue on this basis.
To conclude on Clarkson, I still argue that he writes and talks conveying an air of conviction, and this for me is a more captivating style than reading/listening to someone who is clinically sterile and devoid of emotion. The fact that he gets paid for what he does cannot be a sole factor worthy of extreme abuse, especially when earning an honest crust has never been a crime. Indeed I believe when you become controversial in your job that’s the time when people are often at their best - to the point of achieving recognition.
Regards
John Disdale
Regarding costs I cannot remember anyone describing the A2 as anything other than expensive, but I have always seen the problem here as somewhat confusing because I contend it is difficult to honestly compare the A2 with anything else. Some might compare it with say “model X” – but I believe the A2 will be driving around the streets many years after “model X” has filled up the nations scrap yards – so where is the fair comparison ?
It strikes me that the word “expensive” is frequently used in a derogatory sense, yet in the real world it generally buys the best. Anyway all Audi cars have always been relatively more expensive than many of its competitors, so I have never seen any reason why the A2 should be so different. At the end of the day you pay your money and make your choice, and life will continue on this basis.
To conclude on Clarkson, I still argue that he writes and talks conveying an air of conviction, and this for me is a more captivating style than reading/listening to someone who is clinically sterile and devoid of emotion. The fact that he gets paid for what he does cannot be a sole factor worthy of extreme abuse, especially when earning an honest crust has never been a crime. Indeed I believe when you become controversial in your job that’s the time when people are often at their best - to the point of achieving recognition.
Regards
John Disdale
H
Harps
Guest
My only issue with the notion that the A2 is "expensive" is that the real competition for the A2 has always been the A Class - and I guess you would levy much the same accusation at that. As JD has said, one should never have expected cars made by these manufacturers to be cheap.
Of course, Ford, Vauxhall et al are now finally jumping on the bandwagon - and will produce cheaper versions - but Clarkson also recently said he couldn't see the point of the Fusion either (Sunday Times, 20/10/02). So maybe it is the whole concept of a small, high vehicle that he has a problem with - let's face it, he would hardly have paid a glowing tribute to the Agila for being cheap either.
Of course, Ford, Vauxhall et al are now finally jumping on the bandwagon - and will produce cheaper versions - but Clarkson also recently said he couldn't see the point of the Fusion either (Sunday Times, 20/10/02). So maybe it is the whole concept of a small, high vehicle that he has a problem with - let's face it, he would hardly have paid a glowing tribute to the Agila for being cheap either.
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the new Top Gear format - I thought the studio worked much better than the old disconnected OB segments, and Clarkson, while I don't always agree with him, has an amusing and attention grabbing style of presenting which I quite like.
Harry Enfield was particularly amusing this week, I thought.
Suffolk is more dangerous than you think...
Harry Enfield was particularly amusing this week, I thought.
Suffolk is more dangerous than you think...
R
rspecial
Guest
I like JC - at least he has an opinion of his own unlike many motoring journalists who just follow the pack. He also isnt swayed by "new and shiny" like some journalists who just love any new model.
In terms of that review, there were quite a few written in May and I suspect that Audi may have revised the car as a result - certainly later reviews of the 1.6FSI dont go on about refinement. Also, the statement "Audi claims the 1.6 FSI engine will produce 81bhp" is rather strange and obviously wrong (1.6FSI produces 110bhp). The FSI certainly is happy to blat along the motorway at non-uk-legal speeds (I seem to recall the top speed is listed at 130mph.
- Alex
A2 1.6 FSE SE
In terms of that review, there were quite a few written in May and I suspect that Audi may have revised the car as a result - certainly later reviews of the 1.6FSI dont go on about refinement. Also, the statement "Audi claims the 1.6 FSI engine will produce 81bhp" is rather strange and obviously wrong (1.6FSI produces 110bhp). The FSI certainly is happy to blat along the motorway at non-uk-legal speeds (I seem to recall the top speed is listed at 130mph.
- Alex
A2 1.6 FSE SE
If by '3 rear seat version', you mean with the bench seat and the lap belt in the middle, then I can confirm that it can be removed in the 2001 models too. It's bleeding heavy to shift though!
With it out, I managed to fit an entire 6'5 long futon in the car (mind you, only just with space for the driver) disassembled. the frame was still the original length. I was very impressed.
Suffolk is more dangerous than you think...
With it out, I managed to fit an entire 6'5 long futon in the car (mind you, only just with space for the driver) disassembled. the frame was still the original length. I was very impressed.
Suffolk is more dangerous than you think...
jonmerrick
Member
Hats off to Clarkson. I usually chuckle at his articles/reports in this vein - and the A2 article is no exception. I love the A2 and he doesn't - that's fine with me.
Keep up the good work Jeremy!
Jon
Keep up the good work Jeremy!
Jon
John Disdale
Member
If the presence and attributes of the A2 are to be defended then I believe all motoring journalists should be given a severe thrashing. The reason I say this is that over and over again I have read comparison reviews on various cars, and where logically the A2 should be included in such evaluations it never is. Indeed I often feel there is a George Bush conspiracy to deny the very existence of the A2 – perhaps because it does not use that much fuel ?
Regards
John Disdale
Regards
John Disdale
Personally - JC's entitled to his opinion. He has to be seen to be controversial as thats his thing - Vauxhall Vectra owners know all about that. As a journalist he's only as good as the last car he rubbishes and his cavalier style appeals to a large amount of us - until it's focussed on something we cherish....like an A2 for example.
Personally I'm glad that the A2 is exclusive. I want to be in something 'interesting' and different to the run of the mill - otherwise I'd have ordered a Fiesta! We all pay for our pleasures in this life and I intend to get a great deal of pleasure out of my A2 - despite or even because of what JC thinks. I might even be concerned if he liked</u> the car. Don't worry though - he's moved on to his next target and will have forgotten what he said about the A2 in the time it takes to wheelspin his Ferrari the length of Dunsfold Aerodrome.
Take Care & don't have nightmares!
Kit
Soon to be the owner of a Dolphin Grey 1.6 FSI SE with Red Leather, ECC, DIS & Symphony 6 CD
Personally I'm glad that the A2 is exclusive. I want to be in something 'interesting' and different to the run of the mill - otherwise I'd have ordered a Fiesta! We all pay for our pleasures in this life and I intend to get a great deal of pleasure out of my A2 - despite or even because of what JC thinks. I might even be concerned if he liked</u> the car. Don't worry though - he's moved on to his next target and will have forgotten what he said about the A2 in the time it takes to wheelspin his Ferrari the length of Dunsfold Aerodrome.
Take Care & don't have nightmares!
Kit
Soon to be the owner of a Dolphin Grey 1.6 FSI SE with Red Leather, ECC, DIS & Symphony 6 CD
JD mentions reviews of the A2-I have found the A2 listed under small cars, small family, mini mpv and mpv. With this spread of catagorisation then whatever class of car a magazine is reviewing at the time, they probably don't include the A2 because it always belongs to another class. A real shame as I would love to have seen the A2 up aginst some more models.
Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
John Disdale
Member
Can I come back with a few examples ? I have read reviews on both the new Ford Fusion (and Confusion) models, together with those on the new Vauxhall Minerva. Now surely in both of these instances the A2 should be seen as a rival – but not a twitter of a mention.
Regards
John Disdale
Regards
John Disdale
Exactly-and the Minerva even has an A2 look about it-let alone be in the same class. Here is a perfect article for a magazine-the A2 with a couple of years under it's belt V's the very new Ford and Vauxhall. Strewth!.
You would think that magazines would be jumping at the chance-here we have two new vehicles from mainstream manufacturers that are going into a sector where the A2 has hardly set the sales sheets on fire-you think the writers would want to know if they could sell over the A2, or be a flop for two huge marketing machines.
Even the SEAT Leon had a lot of comparative reviews when it first came out-and that was still when people looked down their noses at SEAT.
Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
You would think that magazines would be jumping at the chance-here we have two new vehicles from mainstream manufacturers that are going into a sector where the A2 has hardly set the sales sheets on fire-you think the writers would want to know if they could sell over the A2, or be a flop for two huge marketing machines.
Even the SEAT Leon had a lot of comparative reviews when it first came out-and that was still when people looked down their noses at SEAT.
Steve - 2003 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior
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