FEW babies are really pretty and the A2, the smallest in the Audi range, is one of them.
In fact, it is definitely pug-faced.
But unlike some ugly babies, it's not a heavyweight.
That's courtesy of its all aluminium bodyshell which means that its kerb weight is 895 kg - some 150 kg lower than vehicles of comparable size.
The Audi Space Frame aluminium concept involves the panels being integrated into a high-strength aluminium frame structure in which they have a load-bearing role.
Technically speaking, however, the A2 is no "lightweight." In fact, it is brimming with ideas and innovations that have never before been used on volume-built cars.
My test car had the most powerful engine in the range and was a nifty yet economical mover.
The 1.6 litre FSI has 110bhp, can accelerate from rest to 62mph in 9.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 126mph. Yet it is also capable of covering almost 48 miles per gallon on the challenging combined cycle.
This again, is partly due to its aluminium body, for because the A2's engine has less weight to propel than a comparable steel-bodied vehicle, it benefits from a very favourable power-to-weight ratio which makes for a spirited performance. The outstanding flexibility, also attributable to the car's light weight, makes for nimble and relaxing driving.
In addition, routine maintenance of all A2 engines has been made as easy as possible by a 'service module' which is currently unique to the vehicle.
A folding flap with a high gloss painted finish replaces the conventional radiator grille, and located within easy reach behind this are the oil dipstick and filler caps for engine oil and washer fluid. As a result, the bonnet should generally only need to be lifted by workshop staff during servicing.
What that means is that petrol powered models have the potential to spend a maximum of 19,000 miles or two years on the road before visiting an Audi Centre. TDI units can, in the right circumstances, avoid mechanics for an astonishing 30,000 miles.
Given its squat dimensions, it is surprisingly roomy and comfortable inside, but then the interior is noted for great versatility. The driver, front and back seat passengers get plenty of headroom and leg room - way beyond what you would expect.
The back seats of the standard four-seater car can be folded down either individually or together in two stages, or can be completely removed if not needed.
In the safety stakes the A2 also impresses. The extremely rigid aluminium ASF body structure helped it to achieve the best possible ratings for side impact and side impact post crash tests in the Euro NCAP crash safety assessment. Its robust passenger compartment also suffered only minimal deformation in a frontal crash conducted at 64kph, prompting an impressive overall four-star safety rating.
A2 buyers are buying a quality, reliable performer and should be able to look forward to eating up thousands of incident free miles, with minimal garage servicing requirements.
My vehicle also included electronic climate control as an optional extra at £800. Pricey, you may think, but very effective and worth every penny in the week of searing hot weather in which I drove the vehicle.
FAST FACTS
Audi A2 1.6 FSI Sport
Price: £15,180
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,598cc 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 9.8secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 142g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint