cvandec

Mine is from February 2016 and had that rattling noise in the rear suspension. When switching to winter tires a couple months ago, I asked the dealer, the problem had been identified by Skoda in cars built between August 2015 (beginning of production) an March or April 2016, don't remember exactly, and the cause as well: defective bushes. Replacing them completely changed the car which is now much more silent, maybe not as much as a top Merc or Lexus, but definitely as much as the Mondeo and C5 I have had before or even better.

On close to 4000km (around 2500 miles), my long term average is 9.6l/100km, which is close to 30mpg. The 4000km are made of very roughly 1/3 in town or around town, 1/3 on the motorways around Milan, where speed is limited to 90km/h (56mph), and 1/3 on highways where speed is limited to 130km/h (81mph). And I do respect speed limits, which is rather an exception here. Just the occasional kick down when somebody is bothering me. On the highway at a constant 130kmh (81mph) speed (with ACC and little traffic), consumption is 8.3l/100km = 34mpg. I have tried Eco mode just a bit in town and around town, but it is difficult to make comparisons. Not a significant difference anyway. In Eco mode, you have to use coasting as much as possible. No engine brake, but it comes back as soon as you touch the brake pedal, and coast mode comes back again as soon as you touch the throttle. Surprising at the beginning but you easily get used to it.

From Northern Italy: 280PS L&K Candy White (it's called Magnolia White here) Brown upholstery Ordered October 28, built February 16, delivered last Monday March 14 (was actually ready the Friday before, but last minute bureaucratic glitch caused further delay). 19 weeks leadtime compared to the 8-12 announced when I ordered it.