What: Audi A2 colour.storm
Era: Audi modern era
Model Family: A2
Market / Zone: EU
Model Years: 2003, 2004
Production Span: unknown
Number Produced: unknown
Model / Generation Code(s): type 8Z, AU249
Chassis / Matrix: A04, PQ24
SPECIAL EDITION DETAILS
- Available in vibrant exterior colors of Imola Yellow, Misano Red Pearl Effect, Sprint Blue Pearl Effect and Papaya Orange
- Matte black exterior elements including roof, mirrors, wheel arches, bumper strips, rubbing strips and service module flap
- color-coordinated interior upholstery matching exterior color
- S line specification 9-spoke wheels
TECHNICAL DETAILS
SUMMARY
The Audi A2 colour.storm was a special edition of the Audi A2 compact car, introduced in 2003 as part of a lifestyle campaign aimed at broadening the model’s appeal, particularly among younger buyers. Distinguished by its bold paint finishes and contrasting trim, the colour.storm variant was available with four of the A2’s five engine options and emphasized a more playful, urban image compared to the standard model.
BACKGROUND
The Audi A2, launched in 1999, was a lightweight aluminium-bodied compact car built on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle. Although praised for its engineering innovation and efficiency, the model struggled to achieve strong sales. In early 2003, Audi introduced the colour.storm edition as part of a marketing initiative to increase the car’s visibility and inject lifestyle appeal into the A2 range.
The concept was presented under the slogan “Cheerful colours bring a fresh breeze to the compact class.” The programme included a touring promotional campaign across Germany, branded as the A2 colour.storm tour.
DESIGN FEATURES
The colour.storm edition was distinguished by its range of vibrant exterior colours, including Imola Yellow, Misano Red pearl effect, Sprint Blue pearl effect, and Papaya Orange. These finishes were paired with matte black exterior elements, covering the roof, mirrors, wheel arches, bumper strips, rubbing strips, and the service module flap.
Interior options allowed for colour-coordinated upholstery in red, yellow, or blue, reflecting the exterior paint choice. The overall design was intended to give the A2 a more rugged, off-road-inspired look, drawing comparisons to the Audi allroad quattro.
According to Audi designer Gerhard Pfefferle, the edition emphasized the A2’s “rugged and agile” qualities while presenting it as a “sporty lifestyle car.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The colour.storm edition was available with all of the A2’s engines except the 1.2 TDI “3L” model, which was focused on maximum fuel efficiency. Among the options was the 1.6 FSI petrol engine, producing 110 bhp (82 kW) and capable of a top speed of 202 km/h. Customers could also specify 16- or 17-inch aluminium wheels in six-arm or nine-spoke designs.
LEGACY
The colour.storm edition added a more expressive option to the A2 range and highlighted Audi’s willingness to use bold design treatments on a model otherwise associated with technical innovation and efficiency. While the A2 itself remained a niche product until the end of its production in 2005, the colour.storm variant is remembered as one of its most distinctive versions.
PHOTO GALLERY (NOT UK MARKET SPECIFIC)
PRESS RELEASE 1
Audi A2 stands further out from the crowd with new ‘colour storm’ specification
[source: Audi UK]
- New optional special paint and body styling package for A2 models
- Available in summer 2003
- Three colour schemes – Misano red, Imola yellow, Sprint blue
The near future looks exceptionally bright for the Audi A2 – the lightweight aluminium hatchback which embodies the Audi ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy – thanks to three striking new special paint and body styling option packages which will be available for some A2 models this summer.
Already no stranger to visual impact, the World’s most technically advanced luxury compact car is to gain a new look known in Germany as ‘Colour Storm’. The new body finish contrasts stylish matt black treatment of the roof, door mirrors and side rubbing strips with either Misano red, Imola yellow or Sprint blue paint work.
This eye-catching theme highlights the A2’s extraordinary, highly aerodynamic curves, and the colour treatment can be continued into the car’s four (or optionally five) seat cabin with red, yellow or blue upholstery to match the body.
The A2 is the only small car in the World to use a body shell constructed entirely of aluminium using the unique Audi Space Frame (ASF), onto which aluminium exterior panels are mounted. This advanced technique reduces weight by over 40 per cent and brings benefits in ride comfort, handling agility, performance and fuel economy.
Three engine options are currently available in the A2 range in Britain – 75PS 1.4-litre petrol, 75PS 1.4-litre TDI and 110PS 1.6-litre FSI. The ‘Colour Storm’ specification will be available for the lively A2 1.6 FSI Sport, which features a new four-cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol engine directly fuel injected by a new FSI injection system derived from the Audi Le Mans racing cars. This sophisticated engine technology gives the A2 a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 126mph, while at the same time enabling it to cover up to 47.9 miles per gallon (combined cycle), and emit just 142g/km of CO2.
Pricing and exact specification for UK versions of the new Audi A2 Colour Storm have yet to be finalised, and will be announced nearer to the British on-sale date.
PRESS RELEASE 2
Audi A2 ‘Colour Storm’ now available in the UK
[source: Audi UK]
Striking new colour scheme for British versions of the unique aluminium-bodied Audi A2 variable compact
- New optional paint and body styling package for A2 models (standard and SE only)
- Pack costs £630 and includes special paintwork and unique finish for mirrors, roof and rubbing strips, plus exclusive upholstery
- Three colour schemes – Misano red, Imola yellow, Sprint blue
- Climate control available at a reduced price of £250 for Colour Storm models until September 30th
A new Audi ‘Colour Storm’ has just drenched the unique aluminium-bodied Audi A2 in three vivid new special paint colours for summer 2003. The exclusive Colour Storm option package, which is now available at an extra cost of £630 for standard and SE A2 models, includes special paint, body styling and interior extras that further emphasise the clever compact’s already striking design.
The distinctive new body finish makes this arguably the most conspicuous Audi ever. Contrasting stylish matt black treatment of the roof, door mirrors and side rubbing strips with either Misano red, Imola yellow or Sprint blue paint work, the eye-catching new look highlights the A2’s extraordinary, highly aerodynamic curves. The theme is continued in the car’s four (or optionally five) seat cabin by red, yellow or blue ‘Hokaido’ upholstery to match the body.
Climate Control reduced for Colour Storm models Until September 30th 2003, electronic climate control, normally an optional extra costing £800 for all models, is available at a reduced price of £250 when specified in conjunction with the Colour Storm option package.
Colour Storm models can also be equipped at extra cost with 17-inch, 9-spoke alloy wheels and sports suspension, maximising visual impact.
The A2 is the only small car in the World to use a body shell constructed entirely of aluminium using the unique Audi Space Frame (ASF), onto which aluminium exterior panels are mounted. Its highly individual design gives it an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.28, and a reduction in body shell weight of around 40 per cent compared with a more conventional steel-bodied equivalent, bringing benefits in terms of ride comfort, handling agility, performance and fuel economy. The frugal A2 can cover up to 64mpg (1.4 TDI, combined cycle) and travel up to 30,000 miles between services thanks to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) technology.
Routine maintenance is also made easier by a unique ‘service module’ – a folding flap with a high gloss painted finish which replaces the conventional radiator grille. Located within easy reach behind this are the oil dipstick and filler caps for engine oil and washer fluid. As a result, the bonnet generally only needs to be raised by the workshop during routine servicing.
The Audi A2 continues to be available in Britain in its original, and more familiar, colour and trim options, and with three engine choices – 75PS 1.4-litre petrol, 75PS 1.4-litre TDI and 110PS 1.6-litre FSI petrol. OTR prices, exclusive of the Colour Storm option package, range from £13,410 to £15,410.