Part 7/10:
Firstly, the aluminum construction, while advantageous in many respects, complicated repairs. Repair costs associated with aluminum are disproportionately high compared to traditional steel constructions. This aspect likely led consumers to shun the A2 in favor of rivals with more easily maintainable body structures.
Moreover, the dimensions of the A2, while compact externally, did not hold the same appeal as the more robust, prestige-oriented alternatives like the BMW 1 Series and the BMW Compact. These competitors not only sported larger engines but also exuded a sense of luxury that Audi's offering failed to encapsulate.