Audi reveals all-electric A2 07 | 09 | 2011

IT'S BEEN WIDELY hinted at for a few weeks — we've carried articles and sketches of it — but now Audi has finally confirmed its plans, and revealed photos, for a lightweight, all-electric successor to the A2.

Pencilled to Scottish showrooms in 2013, the new A2 — revealed today six years after the pioneering first-generation model ceased production — will make its world debut in Frankfurt next week.

The four-seat, five-door hatch concept car is 3800mm long, 1690mm wide and 1490mm tall— that’s 26mm shorter, 17mm wider and 63mm lower than the original A2.

But despite confirming its plans for the car, Audi is remaining tightlipped about its drivetrain. Rumours persist, however, that the A2 is planned to be sold with both a standard electric and optional range-extended driveline.

Such a move would mirror that of BMW, with its new i3, which is also set to make its public premiere at Frankfurt.

Read our roadtest of the Audi RS3

What is of additional interest though are the images of the new A2's interior. It's clear the squabs of each seat fold to reveal storage space, and Audi describes the floor as being flat in a move which enables the German manufacturer to mount batteries low within the car’s structure.

The dashboard, which has a very hi-tech and minimalist look to it, has been designed to provide a clean look free from any of the traditional switchgear. Instead, all controls are contained within a pod that also supports the steering wheel.

Behind it sits a large colour monitor that offers internet access and traditional readouts. A secondary monitor is mounted lower, alongside the driver’s right thigh.

We drive the electric Rolls Royce in Edinburgh

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Jim McGill