Audi A2 e-tron: Compact EV firming for Australia

Audi Australia says it's actively evaluating what the A2 e-tron lineup would look like Down Under, all but confirming the electric hatchback for a local introduction next year.

Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new Audi RS5 in Tasmania, head of product for the German premium marque's local arm, Matthew Dale, says the A2 e-tron is "a significant opportunity".

"We do have plans to to look at a lower EV in our range. There is a market for that in the Australian market as we speak right now," Mr Dale said.

"There are competitors that have great products in that market, priced extremely competitively. So we're looking at currently what the drivetrains are, what the specification might be to suit the Australian consumer, what those plans are in kind of permanent form – but we can't tell you yet.

"There's a whole heap of drivetrains as well in terms of power outputs, battery sizes; so that's something that the team are obviously looking at quite closely.

"We'll have a confirmation shortly when that's done too, hopefully get the car to the Australian market because it is a hotly contested market at that end of the EV range," Mr Dale continued.

"The other thing to note as well is next year there's an EV incentive change as well. So 1st of April 2027, for novated leasing customers that generally would novated lease an EV, there's a great opportunity for vehicles positioned under $75,000, and that would be a significant opportunity for a car like A2 e-tron in Australia."

Audi Australia director, Jeff Mannering, added: "The more electric cars you bring, the better it is for NVES. As time goes on, you need electric cars [in Australia]".

The 2027 Audi A2 e-tron was revealed in September, reviving the nameplate last worn by the Ingolstadt marque's efficiency-focused A2 cult hero produced between 1999 and 2005.

Like its forebear, the A2 e-tron has a strong focus on efficiency and eking out as much range as it can through clever aero and technological optimisation – though it's based on the VW Group's ubiquitous MEB+ platform, rather than an aluminium space frame architecture like the original.

Four power levels and three battery variants are offered, with the longest-range variant offering up to 646km of WLTP-certified range. Audi has really plugged the mid-tier 140kW version with the 61kWh battery and optional efficiency package though, which achieves WLTP energy consumption of 12.8kWh/100km – claimed to be the most efficient Audi, ever.

The clean surface design, sloping roofline and short overhangs of the compact body have contributed to a slippery drag coefficient of 0.24, giving the A2 e-tron the "best aerodynamics in Audi's compact lineup".

For reference, the related Volkswagen ID.3 Neo – which isn't sold here – runs much of the same hardware under the skin as the A2 e-tron, though the equivalent 140kW variant claims combined WLTP efficiency of 13.9-14.9kWh/100km, with range of up to 494km from the 58kWh battery (versus 515km).

The ID.3 Neo's 140kW electric motor bears the same APP350 codename as the Audi's, indicating the A2 e-tron has managed to slash ~1.0-2.0kWh/100km of energy consumption using the same basic hardware.

As for pricing and market positioning, Mr Dale's reference to an "extremely competitive" segment shows the brand's product boss is acutely aware the A2 e-tron will likely be cross-shopped with both mainstream and premium competition.

In Germany the A2 e-tron starts from €38,200 (A$61,994), which sounds like a lot via direct conversion to local currency but not so much when you consider the A3 Sportback in TFSI 110kW S line equivalent to the base grade in Australia starts from €38,900 (A$63,130) in its German homeland – but the entry car here is priced from $54,800 plus on-road costs.

Australian consumers looking for a small segment electric passenger car are largely restricted to affordable Chinese alternatives currently.

The MG 4 (from $39,990 D/A) is perhaps the A2 e-tron's only natural rival in Australia currently, as the related Cupra Born hasn't returned in facelifted form since stocks of the pre-update model dried up last year.

You could throw in small crossover EVs into the mix too, such as the Kia EV3 (from $46,990 D/A) and Renault Megane E-Tech (from $55,990), but the A2 e-tron's rivals in the European market are otherwise not represented in Australia.

Our guess is that Audi Australia will bring in a base variant that dips under the $60,000 mark, with a mid-spec version to come in around the mid-$60,000s and potentially the 240kW/545Nm flagship in the $70,000-$80,000 realm.

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