The Audi A2 is back. Although it sticks to its efficiency mantra and cribs from the original's design book, there are a lot of differences between the first and second generations.

For one, the new A2 e-tron is significantly larger than the original. Measuring around 4.3m long and riding on a 2770mm wheelbase, the new car dwarfs the original, which was just 3826mm long, 1673mm wide, 1553mm tall and had a 2405mm wheelbase.

Instead of an aluminium space frame architecture built around petrol and diesel engines driving the front wheels, the new A2 e-tron has a completely conventional steel monocoque body riding on the Volkswagen Group's MEB+ EV platform with an electric motor driving the rear wheels.

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Up front there's a 13L frunk under the bonnet, while the boot is rated at 396L with the rear seats up and 1336L when they're folded down.

While the A2 e-tron's windscreen rake and wheelbase are shared with the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 Neo, the Audi has a completely unique exterior with wheel arch creases, side window graphics, a split rear windscreen, and a rounded roof line that are all directly influenced by the 1999-2005 A2.

Thanks to its flat underbody, aero wheel designs, and gap reducers and breathers integrated into the wheel arches, the A2 e-tron has a coefficient of drag of 0.24, making it one of the most aerodynamic Audi models to date.

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Instead of traditional mechanical pull out door handles, the A2 e-tron has little winglet units semi-hidden in the window trim. These touch-sensitive handles require just a gentle pull to electronically open the door or a slight push to lock.

Each door is fitted with its own 'energy storage unit', so they'll continue to function even if the rest of the electrical system fails.

There are four motor and battery combos, with a choice of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries.

The lower three specs are shared with the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo, while the top-tier version has much in common with the Cupra Born VZ.

There's support for bi-directional charging, with the A2 e-tron capable of powering external devices, as well as functioning as a home battery system in some countries.

The A2 e-tron's unique cabin promises a more touchy feely experience than its Volkswagen and Cupra siblings as the dashboard and door panels are covered in a fabric dubbed Softwrap. Unlike the ID.3 Neo and Born, which both now feature physical buttons on the steering wheel spokes, the A2 sticks with glossy capacitive units.

As with other recent Audi models, the A2 features a curved panel housing an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen. It does, however, miss out on a touchscreen ahead of the front passenger.

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The Fidlock system makes its debut on the A2, and uses strong magnets to lock modular items, such as cupholders, charging cable bags and tie-down straps, in place. All models feature three Fidlock mounting points in the centre console, but the three points in the boot are optional.

Standard features include autonomous emergency braking, swerve assist, adaptive cruise control, and a seven-speaker sound system. Depending on the trim and the depth of your wallet, the A2 e-tron rides on either 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels, with the 19-inch units said to be the most aerodynamic.

Optional features include a panoramic roof, interior ambient lighting with a 30-colour palette, a 360-degree camera system, and a 660W 14-speaker Sonos sound system.

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With production of the A1 and Q2 having wrapped up in April this year, the A2 e-tron will be the smallest model in the Audi range. Pricing kicks off from €38,200 (A$61,500) in Germany, meaning it's considerably more expensive than the base €31,850 (A$51,500) A3 Sportback.

In Europe the order book for the A2 e-tron opens soon, but the first deliveries won't commence until December this year. We've contacted Audi Australia to confirm if it'll come here; the company has previously said it was evaluating the model for a potential local launch.

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