AUDI says the future of automotive technology will become reality well before its time when its revolutionary aluminium-bodied A2 arrives in Europe this year, writes David Duffy.

The remarkable new departure for the brand will take to British roads in the autumn.

The Audi A2 five-door hatchback will be the world's first volume production car to feature a bodyshell constructed entirely from weight-saving aluminium.

It weighs approximately 43 per cent less than it would if built from steel using conventional processes. At launch the new A2 will be available with two 1.4-litre engines, both mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The new three-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine has the same 75 horsepower output at the petrol version, and will enable the A2 to cover up to 67.3 miles per gallon. Prices will be announced closer to the launch date.

Story date: Wednesday 22 March

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