P
philhusbands
Guest
Hi everyone!
I picked up my new (well used, but new to me) A2 TDi Sport yesterday morning (09/01/04). I assured Stuart I would make a post to tell you how it went and share some of my initial impressions, so here it is!
Before I ramble on about the A2, I feel that I should tap out a few lines about the car I kicked to the kerb in favour of the Audi, as this is undoubtedly a significant factor in determining my opinion of the A2, relatively speaking...
For the past 14 months I have been driving a Citroen Saxo VTR. Bullet points on this car? Well, the handling and responsiveness were fantastic, very 'go-kart', and the engine revved easily and picked up well. Great for B roads.
Unfortunately when the performance novelty wore off, which it quickly did, I found that I was left with the nastiest, tackiest, poorly built car I think I have ever had the misfortune to own. The list of defects was far longer than I would care to detail here, and the Citroen dealers and Citroen UK were absolutely pathetic.
This being the case, I am the first to admit that almost any car would likely have come as a relief, so you can only imagine the glee I felt as I eased myself into my nine month old Audi A2!
However even before opening a door, this A2 was responsible for a big grin on my face. The car really is gorgeous! I've always thought that Audi make some really good looking cars, but this has to be my favourite. The flared arches filled with the 9 spoke alloys give the car a really dominant stance, almost as though you could turn the road upside-down and the A2 would still be stuck to it. The deep doors and shallow windows give the car a 'stealthy' appearance that is exaggerated by the distinctive wedge shaped body. Lush, lush, lush! but then what am I telling you all for? You all own one!
Entering the car is an experience that I have afforded upon some friends and family today, and each time it has without exception been met with a 'wow', or 'bloomin' eck'! The moment that you pull on that handle you know you are climbing into a quality motor car.
I love it all. The sports seats are fantastic and hold me firmly in place, and with the lumbar support and the level of adjustment available it is the most comfortable driving position I have ever experienced. Inside the A2 is just such a nice place to be! The quality of the plastics and the leather control surfaces make driving a satisfying 'tactile' experience, and I find all of the switches and buttons in just the right place.
Some of you have commented on the firm ride of the A2, especially the Sport. Admittedly the ride is firm, but personally, I like this. I have driven Vauxhalls that feel like a damp sponge on the road, and hated it. I have so far found my A2 to feel delightfully agile and responsive, perhaps even more so than my old Citroen go-kart...
I'm very pleasantly surprised by the engine performance. Yeah, its a bit noisy on startup, but its a diesel, whatchya gonna do?! The 1.4 litres feel like a good deal more, and the turbo delivers a good punch that really makes you feel like your moving. Also, this thing is more torquey than fish 'n chips and beach huts! (Torquay, get it?). Seriously, this thing eats hills. Great!
OK, I know what you are thinking. Its clear that I am pleased with my purchase, and you are correct, I love this car! But I have only been driving it for two days. True, my opinions here are my first ones, and perhaps they may change when I have lived with the car for a few months or years? Only time will tell I guess, but for now I am thoroughly chuffed with my new A2, and all my friends are thoroughly envious!
And what about my Audi dealer? Well, mine is Vincents Audi in Exeter, and I have to give them 9/10. They lost some paperwork, and delivered the car 3 days later than originally arranged, but this was recognised and compensated for with a full set of free mats and a whopping bouquet of flowers for my missus! Truly customer service as it should be!
If you've read this far, thanks! I've rambled on a bit! (Stuart, is there a prize for the longest post?!) And congratulations everyone, you all drive one of the smartest cars on the road. It is with pride that I now do too!
Phil. TDi Sport, silver, with Climate and OpenSky.
I picked up my new (well used, but new to me) A2 TDi Sport yesterday morning (09/01/04). I assured Stuart I would make a post to tell you how it went and share some of my initial impressions, so here it is!
Before I ramble on about the A2, I feel that I should tap out a few lines about the car I kicked to the kerb in favour of the Audi, as this is undoubtedly a significant factor in determining my opinion of the A2, relatively speaking...
For the past 14 months I have been driving a Citroen Saxo VTR. Bullet points on this car? Well, the handling and responsiveness were fantastic, very 'go-kart', and the engine revved easily and picked up well. Great for B roads.
Unfortunately when the performance novelty wore off, which it quickly did, I found that I was left with the nastiest, tackiest, poorly built car I think I have ever had the misfortune to own. The list of defects was far longer than I would care to detail here, and the Citroen dealers and Citroen UK were absolutely pathetic.
This being the case, I am the first to admit that almost any car would likely have come as a relief, so you can only imagine the glee I felt as I eased myself into my nine month old Audi A2!
However even before opening a door, this A2 was responsible for a big grin on my face. The car really is gorgeous! I've always thought that Audi make some really good looking cars, but this has to be my favourite. The flared arches filled with the 9 spoke alloys give the car a really dominant stance, almost as though you could turn the road upside-down and the A2 would still be stuck to it. The deep doors and shallow windows give the car a 'stealthy' appearance that is exaggerated by the distinctive wedge shaped body. Lush, lush, lush! but then what am I telling you all for? You all own one!
Entering the car is an experience that I have afforded upon some friends and family today, and each time it has without exception been met with a 'wow', or 'bloomin' eck'! The moment that you pull on that handle you know you are climbing into a quality motor car.
I love it all. The sports seats are fantastic and hold me firmly in place, and with the lumbar support and the level of adjustment available it is the most comfortable driving position I have ever experienced. Inside the A2 is just such a nice place to be! The quality of the plastics and the leather control surfaces make driving a satisfying 'tactile' experience, and I find all of the switches and buttons in just the right place.
Some of you have commented on the firm ride of the A2, especially the Sport. Admittedly the ride is firm, but personally, I like this. I have driven Vauxhalls that feel like a damp sponge on the road, and hated it. I have so far found my A2 to feel delightfully agile and responsive, perhaps even more so than my old Citroen go-kart...
I'm very pleasantly surprised by the engine performance. Yeah, its a bit noisy on startup, but its a diesel, whatchya gonna do?! The 1.4 litres feel like a good deal more, and the turbo delivers a good punch that really makes you feel like your moving. Also, this thing is more torquey than fish 'n chips and beach huts! (Torquay, get it?). Seriously, this thing eats hills. Great!
OK, I know what you are thinking. Its clear that I am pleased with my purchase, and you are correct, I love this car! But I have only been driving it for two days. True, my opinions here are my first ones, and perhaps they may change when I have lived with the car for a few months or years? Only time will tell I guess, but for now I am thoroughly chuffed with my new A2, and all my friends are thoroughly envious!
And what about my Audi dealer? Well, mine is Vincents Audi in Exeter, and I have to give them 9/10. They lost some paperwork, and delivered the car 3 days later than originally arranged, but this was recognised and compensated for with a full set of free mats and a whopping bouquet of flowers for my missus! Truly customer service as it should be!
If you've read this far, thanks! I've rambled on a bit! (Stuart, is there a prize for the longest post?!) And congratulations everyone, you all drive one of the smartest cars on the road. It is with pride that I now do too!
Phil. TDi Sport, silver, with Climate and OpenSky.
