Description
The ultimate ULEZ-compliant Audi A2 in the UK? Probably!
Take 1x fully specced Audi A2 1. 6 FSI Sport with:
- heated leather
- Bose sound system
- panoramic roof (OSS)
- cruise control
- electric windows all round
Then evolve and modernise it the way that Audi would have wanted, by adding:
- a fully refurbed, slick-shifting gearbox with an additional sixth gear for refined high-speed cruising
- a 13-pin wired detachable GDW towbar (capable of powering a caravan, or carrying a bike rack)
- an upgraded full colour driver’s computer, that can (amongst other things) display navigation instructions, oil levels, and virtually all sensor data
- front and rear Nextbase dashcams
- a gorgeous flat bottom multi-function steering wheel
- upgraded Koni Special Active dampers all round and ATE disc brakes, all fitted in the last year
- H&R anti-roll bars and Powerflex bushes for precise handling
- factory-look alloys with a stronger build and subtle dishing
- an RNS-E head unit with Bluetooth streaming, navigation, and handsfree (including a mic installed above the rear mirror)
- all-season Bridgestone tyres that have barely done 3k miles
- a driver’s armrest
- and so much more..
Modern classics don’t come much better.
I have owned every model of A2 available in the UK (hence the A2 Owners Club badges), and this rare beauty finally helped me understand just how good an A2 can be as a daily driver - with a 390 litre boot, fully removable rear seats, nearly 50mpg on a motorway run, tight turning circle, MINI-shaming length, premium interior, SUV-height driving position, as well as all the above upgrades, it is a keeper for collectors who want to use and enjoy their cars.
I am now parting ways only as its spiritual successor, a BMW i3, makes far more sense for a low-mileage, short journey city dweller. The A2 will be missed!
In my ownership the car has only been worked on by B&F Autos, a rare A2 specialist well-known to the A2 community. It is on 65k miles and is up-to-date on servicing and maintenance, and has always been run on 99 octane Shell V-Power. Full disclosure - the sunroof doesn’t open, but they all do that. A good value fix is possible within the A2 community, but was not available on my doorstep otherwise the work would have been done.
If you are comparing against any other cars on the market, here is some myth-busting for free:
- Most A2’s didn’t come with rear electric windows; budget £1k to add these, assuming you can find the parts and a specialist.
- Don’t buy a car without the Bose sound system; with a built-in subwoofer and upgraded speakers, it’s one of the best upgrades to an A2 and still holds its own against newer cars.
- The FSI engine coolant “death pipe” that some think will instantly kill an FSI is not a common occurrence, according to specialists: rather, as happened with me on a previous FSI, it could (or in many cases, might never) develop a slight leak but can then be repaired without issue.
- The FSI has a reputation for being temperamental, mainly due to poor servicing and use of cheap fuels, however in my ownership this example has never displayed an EML light, while always running sweetly on V-Power.
- There are cheap A2’s out there, but spec, condition, and addressing common age-related faults, as well as fitting quality components is what will cost, before allowing for any upgrades and fault-finding. Having a body made of aluminium also doesn’t stop steel parts from rusting (e. g. budget £1k-£2k to replace suspension and brakes) or rubber and plastic parts from perishing.
I am asking for £6, 450, and would rather any hagglers simply buy another car, then try and build their own - it simply won’t be possible, not when the upgrade invoices for this car total nearly £25k! For the discerning few who recognise a quality one-off and will continue to take good care of her, get in touch!
