Audi looks towards 2002
 For
its 2002 range, Audi hasn't exactly pushed the envelope. Its
A2 model is quite innovative, but the move into the new year
seems to have been more evolutionary, than revolutionary for
the Euro auto maker. Take, for instance, the new A4. The 2002
model has had a few tweaks here and there, plus a new six-cylinder
engine. Other than that, the car looks very similar. Even
so, there seems to be one constant in new Audi range - more
power. To that we have no rebuttle...
2002 Audi range
 The
all-aluminium Audi A2, the car which breaks the mould for
premium-quality small cars of the future, makes its Australian
debut at the Sydney International Motor Show 2001.
Clearly highlighting Audi's philosophy "Vorsprung durch
Technik" (Advancement through Technology), the Audi A2
is the perfect combination of lightness and strength –
two qualities seemingly at odds with one another.
The A2 is expected to go on sale in Australia in the second
quarter of 2002. Initially the vehicle will be available with
a 55kW 1.4-litre petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission.
The A2 ingeniously exploits Audi's wealth of experience in
pioneering lightweight construction, thanks to its use of
Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology. As a result the A2's aluminium
body is over 40 percent lighter than its conventional steel
equivalent.
 Weighing
in at only 895 kg, the Audi A2 is around 150 kg lighter than
similarly-sized vehicles made using traditional steel bodies.
The result is an extraordinarily agile vehicle offering fuel
consumption below that of other cars with comparable performance.
The A2's striking shape reinforces Audi's claim of class-leading
automotive design and highlights the company's capabilities
as a pioneer of new technology.
With an overall length of just 3.82 m, the A2 nonetheless
shouldn't be regarded as a conventional 'small car' thanks
to a remarkably spacious and comfortable interior. Clever
use of design features such as the "Space Floor Concept",
with the rear footwells lower than those in the front, creates
significantly more space for rear passengers.
The interior is also remarkable in its versatility with the
rear seats folding down either individually or together, or
even being removed entirely, for easy transportation of bulky
items.
The exterior of the Audi A2, with its clear-cut lines, accentuated
panel gaps and geometrical wheel arches, communicate a distinctive
formal idiom. It's front end is particularly striking and
key features such as the virtually flush bumpers and eye-catching
design of the headlights demonstrate Audi's design leadership.
The Audi A2 also sets a new standard in ease of servicing.
 It
is the world's first production car to have a "service
module" - a hinged flap takes the place of the conventional
radiator grille and the oil dipstick and filler caps for engine
oil and windscreen washer fluid are readily accessible behind
this flap, for maximum convenience. In other words, the engine
hood itself generally only needs to be opened in the workshop
and relatively infrequently in all normal circumstances thanks
to Audi's extended service intervals.
The A2's suspension combines ultra-modern electronic components,
such as ABS anti-lock braking as standard, EBD electronic
braking-force distribution and the ESP electronic stability
program, with the proven technology of McPherson spring-strut
suspension at the front and a torsion-crank rear axle.
As on the Audi A8, the Audi Space Frame structure provides
an ideal basis for high passive safety, with the high-strength
aluminium profile surrounding vehicle occupants like a protective
cage. Driver, front passenger and side airbags are fitted
as standard, and Audi's advanced SIDEGUARD safety system is
available as an optional extra.
The result of this extraordinarily clever design and production
is a practical car that is never dull to drive, yet offers
low fuel consumption and is still an enjoyable driving experience.
Although the A2's exterior dimensions are compact, it is exceptionally
spacious inside.
Thanks to advanced design, fascinating technology and unconventional
features, the Audi A2 creates an entirely new premium class
within the compact car segment – a car designed for 21st
century motoring.
Audi A4
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