TOO  many pundits talk of the Audi A2 as a small family car when it is in fact only the same size as most superminis.

So it should be compared with cars like the Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 207 as far as size is concerned.

That said, it is built to a very high standard like every Audi and has an innovative design, with the body made from lighter-than-steel aluminium.

It also has a good level of standard equipment, but insurance is higher than average because the aluminium body is expensive to fix.

This, together with its perceived quality means prices are steep compared to other small cars.

A slippery shape together with the light aluminium body means excellent economy and fair performance from petrol and diesel 1.4s and a petrol 1.6.

But the low, curved rear window gives poor vision and does not have a wash/wipe. The ride is so soft that it hits the bump stops too often, and the car also has an odd sideways rocking motion at times.

There is excellent seat adjustment and the cockpit design is brilliant, with high quality fit, finish and materials.

But the power steering is too inert and there's not much rear legroom, although the rear seats split-fold to extend loadspace.

Pay about £3,900 for an '04 04-reg 1.4, £5,100 for an ‘05 55-reg SE

75 bhp, 1,390cc, 4 cylinder diesel driving the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox

107mph

11.6 seconds

47

6

144g/km

7/10

Nissan Note