Replacing an A2?

I replaced my A2 with an A3 8V TDI Ultra which ticked a lot of similar boxes to the A2 (apart from quirkiness and volume when seats removed). Since buying it my fuel costs have remained almost exactly the same with my commute unchanged but benefit from a significantly quieter car which is Euro 6 compliant and a bit more comfy for passengers (actually has some form of shock absorption on the front axle). A lot of these are fairly well equipped and have various aero body parts and are significantly lighter than the standard A3 Sportback at 1200 kg. I haven't ever achieved the 90mpg claimed though because obviously that is a nonsense figure but do get to 75-80 with a reasonable frequency.

I have been very impressed with the longevity of the VW MQB based cars too now having owned 4 with more than 100k miles on without any major issues.

All the above said I do miss my A2, there's very little interesting about the A3
 
The i3 is a logical replacement for an A2. I had one for an afternoon from BMW, and always fancied a REx. It ticks all me geeky boxes- lightweight, carbon fibre and plastic costruction with recycled interior materials. The doors are brilliant, and the glass roof is almost as good as an OSS. But for me, there's a 'But'. A big but I cannot lie. The battery is not going to last. Neither are the electrics. They already aren't. This car is going to die because of the electrical system(s) which will be so outmoded by the time anybody cares that its a stunning design, it will be scrapped. Knowing composite bodies as I do from my Reliant links, they are literally worthless toxic waste now (easy tigers..) if they are to be scrapped. These i3s are the same, but with a huge battery and not 'clockwork' running gear. They really are amazing pieces of design and engineering, but blind alley stuff, and unless a new powertrain is able to be fitted with electrical architecture too, they will all die. A toxic waste death too. Sorry to say, but they really are short-term (under 50 years) things. Reliants are already over 50, and perhaps the A2 will get there if the electronics and replacement parts can be sourced. But the i3? Its the only intelligent electric car yet.
 
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