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Had a Skoda meet up last weekend. Was a great turnout n great weather. I think for the first time the Superbs dominated, with only 2 Octavias present. We also had Kodiaqs, Fabias, a Scala and a Yeti. I'm pleased with the way Gandalf looks now. 🙂

Give the old girl a huge once over today , 9 ish hours later , and a good old layer of fusso soft 99 she had come up yet again , better than show room condition 😁

Hi all, I was a member a while ago with a 2007 Octavia VRS in Race Blue, then I stupidly went to another brand. But now I’m back having just purchased a 2020 Octavia Vrs Challenge in meteor grey, I was so massively impressed in couldn’t help myself

Yeah, I mentioned that in my first post but worth reiterating.

That’s kinda my point. I’ve spoken to a few people who think they’re both the same thing, which as we both know are not. Some places will check it and only charge for any adjustments, I they can be made. Again, I’m sensing you know this but others may not

Possible but unlikely unless you drive over them literally all the time! Based on that assumption, imagine the opposite effect caused by roundabouts and turning. This will increase wear to the outside edges. Over and under inflating tyres causes uneven treadler and this, along with control issues, is why the rules governing tyre pressure monitors came in to effect a few years back (Must be fitted to 2017-on vehicles, or there about. Don't quote that, just a guide). As Jara stated, the most likely cause will be tracking as that can get knocked out by hitting kerbs, potholes, etc. You could also suffer different suspension issues, such as a bent shock, for example which if ever so slight, might just work ok but still make alignment a little difficult and not exact. Wear will be limited but still happen. As you mention suspect paint, on the side you have the wear, I think you may well be correct in suspecting other possibilities. I would start at the tracking though as many service centres or tracking specialists offer a free check, only charging for corrections. Whilst this won't meant the won't try and fail to check, it is a relatively cheap service, compared to some things and they may well swing you in the right direction, if there is another issue. Ask around a bit, for recommended tracking specialists. Always a good way to start!

Have you now moved on from “you bought the wrong engine”, past “you bought the wrong car”, and now you’re going with “you chose the wrong country to live in / buy a car”? It’s comedy genius. You’re certainly livening up the school holidays. We’ll miss you when term starts. For what it’s worth, my wife’s Volvo XC40 cost almost exactly the same as our Kodiaq. XC90s are just a tiny bit more expensive.

Penning down my impressions (not review – I am not matt Watson) on the Skoda Kodiaq vRS. As you read, it may seem a bit biased and yes I am , that’s how the car has grown on me and this a Kodiaq forum after all, where else can an owner boast about it. It’s a bit long, bear (pun intended) with me. It’s been 8 months and 7000+ kms of ownership and in this period, it has performed without incident (fingers crossed). Simply Clever? Well, everyone knows about the various knick-knacks. However, I will dwell on them 🙄 . Storage space uncompromised – acres of it. When trying to decide, I convinced my wife, there can never be too much space. This is the first car I’ve owned with 2 glove boxes and a compartment beneath the passenger’s seat. I even have a small storage near my left knee, which I call my secret compartment. Opening pet bottles one-handed, neat. I find the umbrellas, head support on rear headrests, sunblinds & blankets just add a touch of exclusivity that none of the other mainstream manufacturers offer and some that the premium ones demand insane amounts for. Skoda better stay clever and keep these going and not succumb to costcutting these nice to have “essentials”. Looks The RS is one handsome car, and that’s an opinion I am happy is shared by many professional reviewers too. The black accents and stance does make me smile and feel happy with my acquisition each time I turn & look after parking. Looks are subjective but I do get appreciative looks from onlookers well. Some even have a question on their a faces - a Skoda? Okay, I am getting carried away so will stop. Handsome, good looking – yes. Any gripes – Skoda could have got a bit more creative and distinguished the RS a bit more than the already handsome Sportline. Features Really love the sat/nav. Been a doodle to use, most of the addresses are easy to find and input. The send destination to car on the Skoda Connect phone app is also cool. I did not opt for the Canton system, but the sound quality is impressive on the standard version for my tastes. Getting the fuel prices on the MID from nearby fuel stations is cool. Haven’nt felt the need to use the Android auto constantly but have it used a couple times and yes it ticks that box too . The assistance systems mainly ACC reduces stress levels on the highways and during traffic jams. They are a tad overcautious I feel but no complaints. The various modes for the ACC also increases the speed variably based on the driving mode. The drive mode selector too, another feature that I appreciate. Electric boot opening, baggage hooks, heated seats, heated steering are all handy extras. The 360 view and cameras offer crisp images and makes fitting her into tight corners very easy. The optional park assist too is accurate 95% of the time. Driving Experience Had initially gone in to book the sportline, so test drove both the 190 tsi and 190 tdi. Both very impressive. The TSI more free revving but considering my usage and a soft corner for diesels, decided on the TDI. Then, saw the RS demo lying there and then something just clicked. The asking price was way higher than the sportline, but still decided to have a go. Started the engine, slotted into reverse, pulled out, put into drive, whoa what’s that sound? I like it. There are mixed opinions on this sound boost but I was hooked. More on that later. The test drive left me very impressed. I have particular test drive route with winding corners, a short straight stretch and gradients. The sportlines were rather impressive and I was amazed how I could chuck these tall SUVs about almost like my old hatchback, but the RS just took the merriment to a whole other level. Yes, the TSI revved but the humongous torque here meant there was no need to do so and I was easily exceeding the speeds compared to it coming out of the corners. Revving, oh boy, it can do that too and in sportsmode, it does rev so freely, I was grinning like a boy and looking at the speedo I was like “oh-oh better lift off from the accelerator”. I did the route in normal, sports and eco. The eco too did not feel sluggish while climbing either. In the last 7 months of ownership, the car has grown on me and surprises me. I find myself driving longer routes to go grocery shopping (when alone ofcourse), slipping out at the crack of dawn just to have a blast after particularly hard week. It has turned out to be my stress buster but my senses are at opposite end of meditation ;-). I know Kodiaqs are referred to as bears but when I see myself steering in the opposite direction of a curve and the tail stepping out a bit, it is far from being a hefty, burly animal. This characteristic too, I felt that the car started doing this, when it sensed that I’ve gotten more confident with it. It did learn well 😄 . At the other end, while driving with family on-board, she tries to be economical by coasting even in Normal mode when my throttle inputs have been gentle. The sound boost , I am a fan. Many hate it, ridicule it and wonder why it was added. Alright it’s no screaming V8, but does feel like a throaty V6. I describe it as understated yet strong. When pulling out of my garage in reverse, normal diesel clatter., slot into drive and the low growl reverberates in the closed basement area. Neat. In normal mode and going slow it actually sounds good. In sports mode & at speed, it just enhances the experience. The ride is still great in sportsmode (none of the jarring thuds as described by a few), and you don’t know what speeds you are doing. The sound reminds you to look at the speedo & be happy/amazed. What’s an RS with no growl? Is it done well? I have no reference to compare. Was it necessary? You bet ur *** it is. Critics of this, pls don't chew me up 🤐 LongTrips There’s been only one 600 km round trip and she did very well to the Alps just before COVID hit. Six people on board, two 5 year olds, 2 pregnant women and 2 husbands (one of whom spent 90% of trip in the 3rd row) . The third row occupant never complained, infact he was happy back there, surfing, sleeping and as he said enjoying the exhaust note when I would occasionally step on it. The women were very comfortable, with all the space and comfortable ride. Everyone arrived quite fresh. Spent most of it in Individual mode :- Comfort DCC, Normal Engine & Sound – Comfort and ACC in Sport. It handled the snow very well too, very seamless. In fact, I had forgotten there was a Snow mode and did not use it all. The consumption with a fully loaded car was also 6.8ltr/100 km. Speeds mostly at the Swiss limit of 120km/hr and some mountain roads tackled very sedately. Negatives Oh yes, here are a few for the sake of it. · Most of vehicle settings require the engine to be running. Skoda, come on and you are trying to lower emissions? · What’s with VAG cars and service positions for wipers? I just want to lift them off the windscreen and wipe ‘em clean. · I want the wing mirrors to open on engine ignition and not on unlocking. That should have been customizable. · I miss not have an off button for the A/C. · I overlooked the ISOFIX on front seats and to my surprise, it was just a 40CHF option. Guys, could you not make it standard? · In-town fuel economy, quite poor. · Extremely loud radiator fan during DPF regeneration. Sounds like a generator when parked. · Door handle slightly creaking. · Could have had an additional trip meter. Value for Money? At an asking price of CHF62000 for my desired configuration, it is by no means cheap. Looking at similarly priced/power outputs alternatives from premium stables, A JAG F-Pace 25D with 240 PS(similar output) starts at CHF65000 and adding my desired config goes to CHF88000 . No alcantara seats though. A JAG F-Pace 20D with 240 PS (lower output) starts at CHF60000 and goes to CHF83000 A BMW X3 30D with 286PS starts at CHF68000 and goes to 86K for same spec as my RS A BMW X3 20D with 190PS(lower output) starts at CHF58000 and goes up to 73K for same spec as my RS The Volvo XC60 & Merc GLC also have similar pricing. Bottom line, unless you are really after snob value, you are getting way more for what you shell out on an RS than the above and none of them are 7 seaters. Okay, they do have smarter feeling cabins!! RS essential or SportLine Enough? The Sportsline has the look of the RS, all the creature comforts, you can even option the DCC & Virtual Cockpit and still save a few thousands. It more than makes the cut for a Stylish, big SUV. If you are thinking right, you cannot go wrong with the Sportsline, it is a brilliant package. However, if you think with your heart, slip out at dawn/night to get some kicks and want to laugh out loud, look no further than the Kodiaq RS. Peace out. ✌️

I have just taken delivery of this iV to replace my Petrol Blue TDI

What a great Vid. My favourite ever. Tesla fanboy absolutely devastated.

I think most of the time it is the surprise factor from other often smaller cars with considerable power not expecting a large Skoda barge to be so light on its toes especially off the line upto 50mph (80kph) then the early advantage can be maintained.

Nah, the photo plays tricks, the drive is quite steep down, the road is quite steep up, when level it's about perfect.

It depends on your definition of power, my little 1.4 TSI copes with everything our family throws at it...

It was that but I think VAG got rid of that option from 2018 onwards.

Glad my problem sorted your problem mate 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

She will just have made an error with the 0-30 which should be 2.9 seconds and not 3.9

i have, i work at a Renault dealers lol, if the Duster had a bigger boot id have one, and the 4x4 petrol version new is £20k, i think id rather have the Kodiaq

The hose is trying to straighten under pressure, it's normal.

yes the top cowl just clips off, carefully prize it apart at one side. So if you do that, hopefully there will be a sticker with the number on it just on the top.

Wasn't about to walk back down a dark hard shoulder on the M5 to look for it... Plus I think I've read somewhere that adrenaline in the blood can taint the meat.

I don’t think Bambi made it home...

The only thing I'm jealous of is the felt battery cover because my 272 came without this optional extra. Seriously what a wreck. Even a drug dealer wouldn't be seen dead in this heap of manure.

walk away!

👍

The self infatuation is entertaining though!

@Berisford You can ask for the paperwork after all otherwise you have nothing. They can print it, and now they can email it. Plenty good places hand that over in a little folder of cardboard without being asked. @SurreySlowCoach 'Simply Clever' is no longer use the 'Main Dealership', use an Independent Specialist with all the gear and more than an idea because Qualified Master Techs that left the VW network will have gone there to work or set up a business where Customer Care matters and a good job done for a fair price and customers that want to come back as repeat customers without feeling ripped off.

...Get what you are saying Jars but I think most people refer to four well alignment as tracking... Hunter equipment is great, in the correct hands.

I would check tracking, bushes, lower arms etc for damage or movement. If this shows up nothing then I would be looking at a 4-wheel alignment using a Hunter or similar piece of kit. Note that this is NOT tracking / “laser 4 wheel alignment”, but I’m. Or expecting you to need this with inner edge wear.

Yeah, uneven wear/tracking, etc will kill the tyre much quicker then normal. its cheaper to sort then keep buying new tyres!

Lol. My previous post was a bit vague! With every new Android phone I always set this up to increase the screen resoloution IIRC. Also, looking back to the OP's photo, maybe if it's a mobile signal strength issue as it doesn't appear to be getting sufficient information to display correctly? Another potential aid could be to download the relevant Google Maps area to the phone to assist if there's a data problem?

I recently had one of these 'Oil & Inspection' services and waited in their 'lounge' with my eyes on the vehicle and unless they did the 'full road test' around the workshop all I got was the oil change. To be fair they did ask me if there was anything wrong with the vehicle............

It's a great nuisance to me being only able to do 155 through Germany as opposed to the full potential of....well, 158, dramatically increasing my journey times to my bolthole in the Bavarian Alps.... Fraulein, I will be there in a mo.....! 😉

All you need is for the tracking to be checked. Find a independent garage who won’t charge a lot for it to be checked.

£280 including vat is a bargain, and the option I'd choose if and when Chris can get a kit from my 2019 Octavia.

Sounds great, and I’m all for giving something back 👍 enjoy and stay safe

Easy when you know how! Thanks very much

Thanks for that , i am waiting for all the people who say i use cheaper stuff and its all okay etc. At £15 for 5ltrs or £28 for 10 ltrs i don't think its a crazy price to pay so i will probably go with the premium. its not even a night out remember them!!!

@Mister Paul I have the Osram ones in mine, been in there for 18 months not had any failures yet. They were in my other VRS for a couple of years before that so seem to be doing well. @Mickvrs220 Herw is a link to a video I made for removing the front lights. There's a video for the rear lights too on the same channel. Its very easy but it did put me off before I tried it Removing front interior light

Looks like we may return to Cape Verde 6 hours flight south to a country that gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and it is poor place having visited a school on our last trip there in 2015 and you pay 20 Euro's each Tourist tax on arrival to help provide the children under 11 with free school meals so it is good to give something back when on holiday. Two weeks all inclusive for 2 of us is £2,600 currently about the same we paid 5 years ago so decent value for money. RUI Hotels dominate Boa Vista and they are generally a very high quality.

Convenience indicators can be turned on or off in the infotainment menus. It sounds like yours is turned off.

Didn't you know he's a tight arse

They are the same engine, they have different names but they are the same. Best way to increase the power would be a remap.

Some people regard Osram as a higher tier to the swathe of eBay LEDs. I'm personally going to go down the Osram route for the interior bulbs (with the exception of the boot lights which are panel ones from AliExpress (as demo'ed by SashaGrace somewhere in her build log - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32791071534.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.7abd4c4dIC48LV which can now be ordered from France so should arrive within 7 days after payment clears or money back. Mine en route). The company that I think have been mentioned before are https://www.ledperf.co.uk/#auto

Second small mod (is it really a mod ?, more like an addition).

Not had that smell in my car since I was a teenager !

Took part in another VMAX200 event on 18th July 2020. Except for one run I was beaten every time but didn't mind as it was a fun day seeing what the car could do.

FIA, I want to protest the Mercedes team for making it rain and causing our leading driver to crash.

Get it in writing from them and explain the car WILL be going back for a FOC replacement engine when it fails! https://az749841.vo.msecnd.net/sitesengb/alv1/d300a459-5ef6-433f-a49f-65f3638efaa1/national-price-servicing-min.63862747c3e6286ede19bc446a023030.pdf

I always tell my insurer when I fill up with fuel as it only came with half a tank of (Texaco, I think) and always brim it with Tesco or Shell. Apparently "it's not necessary to declare that sir" but I'm taking no chances 😆