Audi A2 Electric Hatchback Set for Return Under £35,000 Price Point
The resurrected 2000s icon will re-enter the market as Audi's most efficient electric vehicle, sharing architecture with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo.
Audi is reviving its popular A2 model, which was discontinued over 20 years ago, as an all-electric hatchback. The new A2 e-tron is slated to become the brand's most efficient electric car and is expected to be the most affordable Audi EV, with prices anticipated to start below £35,000. The original A2, launched in 2000, was a premium compact car known for its quality, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency, with some variants achieving up to 75mpg. However, its innovative all-aluminium space frame led to high production costs, resulting in an estimated loss of £4,000 to £6,000 per unit and its discontinuation in 2005 after selling approximately 176,000 units globally.
The comeback aims to attract buyers seeking a small luxury EV and tap into the cult following the original A2 garnered. Audi has previously teased a return for the model, including an A2 Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new A2 e-tron will be built on the MEB+ architecture, shared with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo, positioning it as an urban electric runaround.
While the final design of the 2026 A2 e-tron remains under wraps, prototypes feature camouflage. Design cues from the original, such as the sloping roofline and rounded nose, are expected to be present, albeit with a sleeker profile. Modern updates include LED tail-lights inspired by Audi's Nuvolari concept, aerodynamic wheels, and light bars, aligning it with other e-tron models and reducing drag. The interior details are not yet disclosed.
The A2 e-tron will share battery technology with the VW ID.3 Neo, which offers battery packs from 50kWh to 79kWh and a range of 258 to 390 miles. Given its expected aerodynamic efficiency, the A2 could potentially exceed a 400-mile range, offering an advantage over competitors like the Renault 5 electric supermini. With a 187bhp motor and Efficiency Pack, the A2 e-tron's projected WLTP efficiency is 4.85 miles per kWh, placing it among the most efficient EVs available, though slightly behind the Mercedes CLA EV and Tesla Model 3 in current efficiency metrics.
The A2 e-tron is anticipated to be priced similarly to the VW ID.3 Neo, which starts at £31,850 after the UK's £1,500 Electric Car Grant. The Audi model is also expected to qualify for this incentive. If priced under £35,000, it would represent a premium of less than £6,000 over the entry-level petrol Audi A3. Full details are expected upon the car's reveal this autumn, with UK deliveries projected to begin in early 2027. The original A2 was considered a modern classic, with enthusiasts and collectors still seeking well-preserved examples.