2004 Audi A2H2 Concept

All I Want for Christmas is a Zero Emissions Car

When Audi launched the A2 in 2000, the automotive world paused for a moment to catch a glimpse of what the best had to offer.

When the Audi A2 arrived on the European scene in 2000, many weren't sure what to think of the brand's smallest car. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

Many weren't quite sure what to think of Audi's latest work of mechanical genius.

It was Volkswagen division's smallest production car, and featured a tiny 1.4-litre direct injection gasoline and turbo diesel inline-four, but at the same time it featured an interior crafted of the same high-grade materials used in the A6 and A8 and was the only mass-produced car to have a light, strong all-aluminum ASF space frame body. Quattro all-wheel drive aside, it was everything that Audi had learned in engineering over the past decade, and was lauded as "Audi Condensed".

The A2, unlike the A3, A4, or A6, never sold in large numbers, and like many of the brand's more exotic offerings, it is only available in Europe and Asia. Given that the A2 is

The A2 was the base for Audi's 3L program. 3L stands for three litres - not engine capacity, but average fuel consumption in litres per 100 km driven. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

a quirky design with its hoodless monospace 0.28 Cd-drag body, tiny engines and small dimensions, the corporate buffs figured that it was far too ahead of its time for North America. Besides, the whole idea clashed with the image of the sexy TT and slick A4 lineups.

What the A2 did provide for Audi was a platform for producing several environmentally friendly vehicles, including the basis for its 3L program, which took flight in 2002. 3L stands for three litres - not engine capacity, but average fuel consumption in litres per 100 km driven, which is equivalent to about 94 mpg.