Rear Wash Wipe!!

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SJ

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We are looking for a new car for my wife and after much searching, I think we are down to an A2 1.4 SE or a new Polo with similar engine.

Had an extended test drive in the A2 and it went very well, felt good and the missus likes the way it looks - but we live out of town and I have a concern about the lack of rear wash wipe.

What's it like to live with without one.
 
SJ,

Firstly do not worry that the A2 does not have a rear wiper. The setup works a treat. The only problem can become if you hardly ever clean the car, because the turbalance of muck can soon make the glass below the spoiler very dirty. If rear vision is your concern then improve the situation by NOT having 3 headrests.

In terms of comparing the A2 with a VW Polo – please think and look twice. The build and “feel” quality of a Polo is absolute rubbish in comparison to the A2. If you want to get anything near the quality of the A2 you must then look at the top end of the Golf range – never a Polo. Perhaps have a drive in the new Toyota Corolla (voted car of the year) – but please forget the Polo.

For your info I have driven diesel and petrol version of the Polo over the past 8 weeks. What a nasty experience.

Regards
John Disdale
 
Welcome to the forum-may you be a long-term user because you choose an A2 over a Polo!.

I agree with JD-rear vision is not a problem. The rear window is coated with a special water repellent which beads rain VERY well and it just runs off. As JD said, if you don't wash your A2 then dust does accumulate on the top part of the screen (but never below the spoiler). If your driving in rain then some spray will form below the spoiler but never enough to impair visibility.

I only have experiences of the last Polo model, and I agree with JD-very weak feel to it. It's OK, but just built down to a budget. The quality of the A2 appears to be the same as any Audi (although there are of course small issues with certain parts). And the A2 has a lot more interior space, and looks a lot better.

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver
 
I find the angle of the window allows the rain to fall of, and obviously beneath the spoiler there isn't an issue especially when reversing!

A2 1.6fsi sport climate cd amulet red
 
One of the main things holding me back when choosing the A2 was the lack of rear wash wipe. But you do get used to it and a quick tip - rainx really does help! But in reality you don't need to be able to see minute details out of your rear window so it is easy to live with as it is.

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk
 
When I got my A2, everyone said the rear view looked as though it was limited. I don't have any problems with rear view, the lack of wash wipe has not been a problem either. Just wash the car every week.

I agree about the Polo - I drove the diesel GTi but chose the A2 - it went well, but I really didn't find it a very nice place to be sat. The A2 has a big car quality feel about it that I haven't found in any other small car, apart from another Audi.

MartinW - Dolphin Grey 1.4SE
 
SJ

The only thing I can tell you about the rear screen is that you do not need to worry about a wiper. Note however that the screen does distort the appearance of other vehicles on the road - all appear taller - like the A2 itself. But you will soon get used to it.
 
Hi SJ,

Welcome to the forum. I agree with the comments on the rear wiper. The A2 copes fine without one.

I also briefly looked at the Polo before my A2, however never even took a test drive. Once I saw and drove the A2, I forgot the Polo existed. Also I know the A2 is expensive, however so is the Polo, and personally I cant see anything special about it.

Dont let the issue of a rear wiper make your decision :D.

Kaine
 
Hi there

Back from Hols, mooching round the dales, saw very few A2s tho.

One thing I have noted about the rear window is that the protective coating should be renewed every 2 years. This is set down in the service schedule. I have not yet had to do this but presumably it is not free. Any comments anyone??

Simon

Mar01 1.4A2 Open Sky, Bad electrics,odd clutch and very nasty paint effect caused by a "bug shifter", not polishable.....
 
Thanks very much everyone for the very positive comments, we're off tomorrow to see the A2 again and see what sort of deal can be cut - so watch this space.
 
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