The all-electric Audi A2 e-tron is shaping up to become the German automaker’s cheapest EV in Europe, as well as one of the most recognizable ones.
If you look closely at the teaser pic and short video, you’ll realize that the EV is closely inspired by the gas-powered A2 hatchback that debuted in 1999. It featured a rather odd exterior that made it look more like a compact van and consisted largely of aluminum panels. In the end, Audi concluded that its “bold and experimental” design wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea as it shut down the production in 2005.
Despite this apparent fiasco, the Ingolstadt automaker seems resolute to bring back the A2 – albeit in a much-improved and fully electrified form. The image shows a car with familiar outlines, but modern LED lights at both ends and what looks like a nice tailgate spoiler. For all we know, it might end up a sales hit.
According to Audi, the A2 was an early example of a highly efficient and practical city car – a car that predated a whole market of small, affordable everyday drivers. The same formula will apply for the A2 e-tron, which is described as highly comfortable, economical, utilitarian and packed with modern tech.
All technical details will have to wait until the premiere, which is scheduled for this fall.
