Audi has rolled out its new entry-level electric vehicle in Ireland this week, the A2 e-tron, which takes over from both the A1 and the Q2 in the brand's lineup. The launch comes amid a broader shift toward more affordable electric cars after a long stretch of steep pricing across the industry, though it's notable to see a premium manufacturer like Audi following suit.

Industry observers suggest Audi may have had one eye on rival CUPRA's competitive pricing and specification when shaping the A2 e-tron's positioning. The result is a starting price of €38,200 after grants, a figure that doesn't appear to have come at the expense of design or quality.

The car measures 4.2 metres in length and 1.2 metres in height, with styling that nods to the original A2, including its distinctive sloping roofline. A sizeable spoiler sits on the rear windscreen, which could hamper rear visibility, though the car does come fitted with a rear camera to compensate. The doors feature winglet-style handles in place of traditional ones, a design choice that divides opinion but contributes to the car's low drag coefficient of 0.24. The front end carries familiar Audi design language, while the rear stands out with slim LED lighting.

While the base price is competitive, options can push the cost up considerably. The test model, an S-Line variant fitted with optional 20-inch wheels (adding €1,590 over the standard 18-inch wheels) and a panoramic sunroof (adding €1,539), came to €48,925, with the full range of extras capable of bringing the total to €57,902.

Inside, the cabin has a premium, comfortable feel thanks to soft-touch materials and a well-sized central screen that avoids dominating the dashboard. Rear seating, however, is tight for taller passengers, and the positioning of the battery pack compromises thigh support in the back. The boot offers a respectable 396 litres of space. Physical buttons remain scarce, despite the wider Volkswagen Group, of which Audi is part, previously signalling a return to tactile controls.

Buyers can choose between two battery sizes: a 52 kWh option with a claimed range of 421 kilometres, and a larger 61 kWh version offering a claimed 498 kilometres. Fast charging can reportedly take as little as 26 minutes, provided a suitably powerful charger is available. Real-world range, as always, is likely to fall short of official figures. Overall, the A2 e-tron marks an intriguing new entrant into the affordable EV segment.

Source: RTE.ie

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