Market Positioning:
Premium compact hatchback, positioned as an innovative and technologically advanced vehicle within the Audi lineup.
Key Competitors:
BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus
Unique Selling Points:
Aluminum space frame construction for lightweight efficiency, compact yet surprisingly spacious interior, advanced Audi design language, and pioneering safety features for its class.
Aluminum Space Frame:
Revolutionary chassis construction utilizing an aluminum space frame for a lightweight, rigid, and crash-safe body. This is a key technical differentiator.
Systems Covered:
General Information, Accessories & Equipment, Audio Visual & Telematics, Brakes, Driveline Axle, Electrical, Lights, Restraints, Steering, Suspension, Body & Frame - Interior & Exterior, Mechanical Engine, Transmission, Tire & Wheels, HVAC, Wiring Diagrams
Powertrain Coverage:
Engine mechanicals (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft), fuel systems (injection, fuel pump, injectors), exhaust systems, engine management systems (ECU, sensors), intake systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, manual and automatic transmissions, clutch operation, drive shafts, differentials.
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension systems (front and rear), steering systems (rack and pinion, power steering), brake systems (discs, pads, calipers, ABS, hydraulic lines), wheel and tire specifications.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure (Audi Space Frame principles), interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, locks, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), electrical components (starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays), infotainment and telematics systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Procedures Included:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, diagnostics, component replacement, system overhauls, wiring schematics, specifications
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common faults and system malfunctions, including using diagnostic scan tools (e.g., VAG-COM protocols).
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair, covering everything from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Technical Specifications Inclusion:
Torque values for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, resistance values, performance data, and dimensional specifications.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and service procedures, including detailed diagnostic steps and technical specifications
Engine Options:
1.4L 16V FSI (petrol), 1.6L 8V FSI (petrol), 1.4L TDI (diesel), 1.9L TDI (diesel)
Power Output 1.4 Fsi:
90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) at 6000 rpm
Torque Output 1.4 Fsi:
130 Nm (96 lb-ft) at 3800 rpm
Power Output 1.6 Fsi:
110 PS (81 kW; 109 bhp) at 5700 rpm
Torque Output 1.6 Fsi:
155 Nm (114 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio 1.6 Fsi:
12.0:1
Power Output 1.4 Tdi:
75 PS (55 kW; 74 bhp) at 4000 rpm
Torque Output 1.4 Tdi:
195 Nm (144 lb-ft) at 2200 rpm
Compression Ratio 1.4 Tdi:
19.5:1
Power Output 1.9 Tdi:
105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp) at 4000 rpm
Torque Output 1.9 Tdi:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) at 1900 rpm
Fuel Delivery Petrol:
Direct injection (FSI - Fuel Stratified Injection)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Common rail direct injection (TDI - Turbocharged Direct Injection)
Block Material:
Aluminum alloy (space frame chassis)
Cylinder Arrangement:
Inline 3-cylinder (TDI), Inline 4-cylinder (FSI)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) for FSI, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) for 8V FSI and TDI, DOHC for 16V FSI and TDI (depending on specific engine variant).
Displacement 1.4 Fsi:
1390 cc
Displacement 1.6 Fsi:
1598 cc
Displacement 1.4 Tdi:
1422 cc
Displacement 1.9 Tdi:
1896 cc
Euroncap Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (achieved in 2001)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - optional on some models, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags (optional), pre-tensioning seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat mounting points
Infotainment Systems:
Audi Chorus, Concert, Symphony radio systems, optional navigation units, CD players.
Display Type:
Dot-matrix or segment displays for basic radio information; color screen on higher-end navigation units.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control (optional), parking sensors (rear, optional)
Connectivity Options:
Optional hands-free telephone preparation, often integrated with radio systems.
Headlight Types:
Halogen headlights standard, Xenon headlights optional on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
15,000 km (9,375 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service plan available)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
15,000 km (9,375 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service plan available)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Approximately every 90,000 - 120,000 km (56,000 - 75,000 miles) or 5-6 years, depending on engine. Check manual for specific engine.
Engine Oil Spec Petrol:
VW 502 00, VW 503 00, or VW 504 00 compliant (e.g., 5W-30, 0W-30, 5W-40, depending on climate and specific engine variant - refer to manual)
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
VW 505 00, VW 505 01, VW 506 00, or VW 507 00 compliant (e.g., 5W-30, 0W-30, 5W-40, depending on climate and specific engine variant - refer to manual)
Coolant Spec:
G12 Plus or G12++ (Purple or Violet) coolant, mixed with distilled water in a 50:50 ratio
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 (specific viscosity depends on temperature, typically 75W-80 or 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Cvt:
Audi G 052 180 A1/A2 (CVT Fluid)
Common Issues:
Air conditioning system faults (especially the compressor and condenser), electrical gremlins (due to complex wiring), suspension component wear (e.g., wishbone bushings, ball joints), occasional issues with the Multitronic CVT gearbox, early FSI engine carbon buildup.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
038 115 466 (example for TDI engines, specific number varies by engine)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
1J0 129 620 (example for 1.4L engines, specific number varies by engine)
Audi Brand Focus:
Known for its premium engineering, advanced technology, and distinctive design, often emphasizing Quattro all-wheel-drive and sophisticated interiors.
A2 Design Philosophy:
A radical departure from traditional Audi designs, focusing on space efficiency, lightweight construction (Audi Space Frame), and advanced aerodynamics for its compact size.
Manufacturing Plant:
Audi's plant in Brussels, Belgium
Discontinuation Reason:
Lower-than-expected sales volumes, despite critical acclaim for its innovative design and engineering.
