Stability on road (noob question)

Alin

New Member
Hi guys :)

I'm impressed that's such a vibrant community around this excellent car.

I'm considering to get one, too, an A2 from 2002. Pretty old but seems in good state.

I'm just wondering about it's safety of road. I've seen it's ncap 4-stars which seems pretty good.

But I'm wondering how stable on road this tiny car is. Especially on outside city roads, for example when passed by trailer trucks in opposite directions.
I'm wondering about such situations since the A2 is very small and light.

Kindly let me know your experiences and opinions.

Any other opinions about any safety aspects are more than welcome.
 
Welcome to the forum Alin :)

NCAP ratings from 20 years ago don't bear much relation to those of today because so much has changed in modern safety standards - pedestrian impact safety for example. But the A2 was pretty good in its day with front and side airbags. You could also get the optional Sideguard curtain airbags to protect the occupants' heads, but those are rare in the UK at least.

In terms of driving, while my experience is all from 1.4 diesels which have a little more weight to their advantage, I still don't think you've much to worry about. You'll certainly feel gusty sidewinds and washes from lorries, but I've yet to have an unsettling moment even in wet and cold conditions. Maybe it would be different with a 1.2TDI or a 1.4 petrol on snow, but I've always found the stability fine. I also drive a short (5m) and tall (2.8m) campervan so I know how bad it can feel!
 
Hi guys :)

I'm impressed that's such a vibrant community around this excellent car.

I'm considering to get one, too, an A2 from 2002. Pretty old but seems in good state.

I'm just wondering about it's safety of road. I've seen it's ncap 4-stars which seems pretty good.

But I'm wondering how stable on road this tiny car is. Especially on outside city roads, for example when passed by trailer trucks in opposite directions.
I'm wondering about such situations since the A2 is very small and light.

Kindly let me know your experiences and opinions.

Any other opinions about any safety aspects are more than welcome.
Hi Alin,
I can only second Proghound’s opinions , I drive 190 miles per day mostly on the A1 & A14 & can confirm that the A2 is fine with the largest lorries at all speeds, good quality tyres definitely helps with out a doubt.
Hope that helps
Keith.
 
I've driven Scotland to Plymouth and back repeatedly over the past 4 years in my A2 (1.4Tdi). Drives like a much bigger car and handles it in its stride in all conditions, although as noted above I did get the shocks / springs / bushes and tyres all replaced so that the running gear was in decent nick for the car's age. On winter tyres have been able to deal with the toughest conditions encountered locally in the past few years (within reason - it's not a Defender!).
 
As you will have already seen from the above responses there is no major issue in the now dated A2. Before i get shouted at the car itself still keeps pace with modern equivalents but standards have improved over the 20 years the A2 has been on the road. What you may come across is tired components in the suspension and braking systems that either need replacing with good quality OEM grade parts or they have previously been butchered by owners trying to bodge things on the cheap. I certainly suggest that you go and drive a couple with different engine to find what suits you best.
With any used A2 it can take a couple of years to return a car to a good standard, but not everything will need to be done immediately.

As for all new ( and current ) owners there are four things I recommend you get as soon as possible.

At least 2 fully working keys.
VCDS and a laptop for diagnostics. You can download Lite and either a cheap KKL cable from ebay or a good cable from Gendan.
A good electrical meter preferably one that has the loop type clamp.
Owners manual as that contains the answers to nearly all the basic questions owners have.

If possible I suggest you have the prospective car scanned with VCDS before you purchase it. This will give you a baseline as to its current condition and possibly aid you with the purchase price.
 
They get blown around like a crisp packet in a wind tunnel but don't let that put you off, you learn to correct. In 170k miles never had a dangerous situation though cracked jokes frequently about how it gets blown about.
 
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I've not noticed anything untoward with our FSI Sport. Smallest, lightest car I've ever had, but doesn't feel like that. Good tyres, and correct pressures are vital for stability. High pressures might improve mpg, but reduced contact area, and compliance reduce stability, and give a harsher ride. Just my opinion, of course.
Mac.
 
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Brilliant solid feeling little car.

As above, tyres, along with sorted (not worn out) suspension and good brakes will give a fabulous sure footed ride.

The only thing I tell people who don't know the cars is watch your speed, as unlike most small 'tin can' feeling little cars that feel like your going 50 at 30mph, the A2 (or at least the tdi which is the only model I have experience of) is exactly the opposite and when you're doing 50 you feel like your doing 30mph, so just something to be aware of and a testament to their quality?
 
was surprised to realise earlier today that the height difference between teh A2 and the Superb is minimal. I've done some seriously bad weather in mine and it's fine. Yes, the 4x4 Superb is better in the winter. But the A2 is by no means bad.

. Bret
 
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