JKW

Cheers for that Lucky pants - both meters seem to be working fine, although I'm delaying whether to switch to Octopus Go at this time. For the amount it's currently costing me using my wall box (£10 after 2 months & 480 miles) it's hardly worth the effort to switch (thanks to Tesco free chargers) , plus I've got solar panels so come the summer even charging at home should be cheap during daylight. Hopefully next year with more chances to drive, my charge requirements may alter & so I'll reserve my options to switch, but until then I'll stick with my Fixed 2 Year Tariff.

Well, 7 weeks ownership of my Kia e Niro and now feel "qualified" to state it's GREAT ! Over the initial 300 miles of use (limited for obvious reasons), and it has cost just £7.13p , approximately £30 less than my Karoq would have cost for the same mileage. I have taken advantage of the free to use Tesco / Pod Point chargers and used my home wall box twice (standard tariff), hence the £7 bill ! Mileage now is greater, but haven't topped up yet so latest figures not available. I'm with Octopus & have discovered they've a much cheaper tariff so will be swapping to it soon. The car itself is also great ; I'm overall VERY impressed with both the quality and driving experience, my thoughts of "What have I done ??" during the waiting delivery time now totally banished and I would recommend the Kia to anyone contemplating, as I did, a "time to change". Best wishes to all, stay safe & stay well.

Thanks for that - confirmed all that I thought was fact.

Done !!

In response to johnboy999 & MJ1's request for an update / review of my e Niro, here goes ; I still find the whole experience impressive, although still finding out something new every day ! The car has great acceleration, runs smoothly and quietly, is seemingly very well built with, in spec 4+ trim, every possible "toy" I could wish for. Almost a month in now, less than 250 miles covered but apart from the £3.16p spent when testing my wall charger, my costs have been NIL (thanks Tesco & Pod Point !). I plug in when out shopping, & once completed, unplug to find any mileage covered prior has been replaced. I've decided that now I know the score, to let the battery run down to about 60% before charging again (from home this time) as advice seems to be keeping the high power battery between 60-80% as the ideal. I'll still use Tesco's but maybe alternate chargers between theirs & home. Space inside is plentiful, but the boot is smaller than the Karoq's was - loads of decently sized cubbys in the cabin and under the boot "floor" (where the charging cables reside) but no spare wheel, which I regret. I've always carried out weekly checks on every car I've had, but the e Niro only needs tyres ( screen shows each wheels pressure anyway) and windscreen wash check ups. I've got full maintenance / servicing in my lease agreement but am wondering what service they'll need to do ( no oils, anti freeze, filters etc) !?! Probably just an inspection I reckon - even the brakes shouldn't need attention as the re gen braking (very effective in both slowing down whilst re charging the battery) means I can practically come to a stop without touching the brake pedal. The car rides the broken tarmac of our scarred roads much better than the Karoq ever did ( I didn't have DCC fitted) and the range is equally impressive - I don't think I need fear range anxiety with this car, it will easily do 250 miles even in winter it seems ( mine shows 276 miles on leaving Tesco). The quality inside is good too, JBL infotainment system is spot on, and the DAB radio does not drop out like the Karoq's did quite often ! The Karoq DID have a CD player and more importantly, an SD Card slot for my music collection - the e Niro has neither, although does play through a USB memory stick, so all is not lost ( even displays music video on the screen !). Fit n finish seem great, no rattles or panel gaps inside or out, and the quality of the materials inside seem good to me. So overall, am I happy with the eNiro? Most definitely, and whilst it's still early days, I reckon I'll remain so. If there's anything I've missed reporting on, or you have any Q's, please feel free to ask - I'll keep looking into the Karoq forum for a while yet - Stay safe & stay well. JKW

I've leased it direct from Kia, who have ADL as their finance arm. Because I took it over 4 years (3 for the Karoq), I'm paying about £10 per month LESS than the Karoq cost me, ( I did reduce my mileage projection), and that includes the full maintenance package ( puncture repairs / replacement tyres, 4years RAC cover etc). I did shop around (Car Wow, Select Leasing) but found the Kia deal the best overall. Incidentally, despite having taken delivery of the car a week ago, I've not paid a penny for it yet - ADL don't want anything until the 20th and my £500 deposit was refunded by the dealership on the collection day !

Pod point wall charger installed today, a brilliant job done. The tethered cable is 7.5 metres long & easily reaches the connection point at the front of the car ( I prefer reversing into my drive). Just had to test it !! I needed 83 miles to top up fully, & despite being a damp, dismal day with minimal solar power, it cost £3.16p in total. Petrol cost approx £10 for that mileage, therefore about £7 saving already ! I know it's an expense to get the car, wall box etc, but in my humble opinion, as I was due to change cars anyway, it's well worth it, PLUS, I'm helping save the planet !!

Phil245 - Yep, current mileage 250 miles per MONTH, because a) I'm retired so no commuting, & b) current Covid restrictions curtail much of the travel we used to do such as meals out & retail therapy ! Once the pandemic situation is resolved I still only envisage a monthly average of approx 400 miles, so my running costs will be minimal, probably £20 at most compared to the Karoq's petrol cost of about £50 plus. Over my 4 year lease that's quite some saving in addition to a) having an even better car than the Skoda IMO, & b) doing my bit to save the planet LOL ! E-Roottoot - I'm already with Octopus, and after my Pod Point wall charger is hopefully installed tomorrow, will look further into my options with them - we have solar panels so sunny days might even produce free charging too ! With regards Tesco free charging stations, I see them regularly in use with vacant ones always available ( at present anyway - being retired I can choose the best times to visit). You mention needing plenty of time needed to re charge at Tesco's ( it would only be for a quick top up needed anyway), you've not seen how much time my missus takes when out shopping !!

Thanks guys - I will certainly provide a review / views of my Kia. I've been getting it organised today, re- stocking (!?!) it with stuff I always carry around, plus installing my radar detector & dashcam whilst hiding the cables under the trim etc. First thoughts ; great build quality, unsure about the view outside from the front which divides opinion that's for sure; the "toys" are a revelation, from the heated steering wheel to the drivers seat automatically moving rearwards when you open the door which eases egress, yet returns to the correct position when getting back in, to the spacious interior, and the boot is a good size too with loads of cubby space under the boot floor. The touch screen has a multitude of items that I've yet to fully explore. No spare wheel in the Niro which is a shame, just a compressor & "gunk kit" so not even a jack or wheel brace provided either. Only very limited driving done as yet, but as soon as things allow, I'll provide more info, but so far so very good, even re charging at the free Pod Point Chargers at Tesco's is a doddle, although I'm getting my home charger installed on Monday if all goes to plan. With a realistic 250 mile range on a full charge, once per month (about £8 ) should do me, costing FAR less than my Karoq did, which itself was pretty good doing about 40mpg on average. Anyway, more to follow as things develop........

After 3 Skodas ( 2x Octavias & 1x Karoq), ALL 3 giving faultless service and having been great transport, I've opted to go all electric with a Kia e Niro in 4+ spec. At the time of ordering details on the Enyaq were sketchy, with a starting price of £40k without options being mooted, so that was out of the question for me. I know its a lot less now, but too late, I've just taken delivery of the fully specced e Niro and so far very happy. My Karoq , in immaculate condition was returned to Skoda today via BCA ( it was on lease like the Kia is) therefore its goodbye from me, with best wishes to you all, and onto another motoring adventure !

Agreed Mark - Surrey, but the projected £40k starting price before any options ( like paint !! ) put me off !

Thanks all for the responses - having seen the way petrol is creeping up in price again, and having given huge thought to all the pro's & con's of each car, certainly weighing up the running costs too, I've now veered more to the e Niro. In spec 4+ it has everything I could possibly want, the local dealership has grovelled their apologies after I'd let rip, and have offered me a really good deal. The car itself has been given excellent reviews in the motoring media & on You Tube video clips, getting many awards, so I feel confident in placing an order. There's a minimum 6 months lead time, but that suits me as I'll be much closer to the end of my current Skoda lease, & so if I have to terminate early much less to repay Skoda Finance who, incidentally, I have found very helpful over the years.

I have no need to tow so that fact, interesting as it is, has no relevance for my choice ta. What IS relevant is that Kia Dealer 3 , despite promises to email answers to my questions ( once they've found them out ! ) & prices, have failed miserably to do so after 2 fuĺl days since my visit to their premises. Having had 3 Skoda's I'm just not used to such poor service !! Still looking for someone with experience of DCC on a Karoq to enlighten me !

My Q regarding DCC is because my current Karoq , Edition version, has 19" wheels as standard and the ONLY (slight) criticism is the ride comfort on our pock marked roads, so I was therefore considering DCC to hopefully improve things. I've read all about the benefits, but there's nothing like a users personal experience to confirm its usefulness- any takers ? The Kia has a real world electric range of 250 miles, plenty enough for my motoring needs these days, probably one or two charges a month would suffice, but despite the eNiro in 4+ spec having even more toys than the Karoq, my recent experience with their dealerships gives me cause for concern. I'm in no rush, but at the moment I'm veering more towards another Karoq, with or without DCC.

Questions regarding the functions (ie, heat pump, battery heating system, LED headlights with bi function projection etc), were answered with answers varying from bluff to "Don't know). A serious Question regards (God forbid, but looking at all angles) my death during the contract hire - what happens bearing in mind my wife doesn't drive & probably couldn't afford the repayments? Dealer 1 - "I don't know, never been asked before" but did send me a Finance brochure that DIDN'T answer either. Dealer 2 - Business / Finance Manager " No problem, the Finance company will take it back without any early termination fees" Dealer 3 - Business / Finance Manager - "Don't know, but think your wife would need to pay the full remaining contract payments from her estate". Salesman - "It's like a rental, so if you weren't renting (leasing) the car then you wouldn't pay anything". When I pointed out Skoda's policy of having a dedicated Customer Solutions Team available in the case of bereavement and, I believe, the maximum exit fee would be 50% of any contract left, Dealer said "Oh, that's probably what our finance company would do then " !! My experience of 3 different Kia dealerships ( not one could quote me the price of a service without the VRN being offered - "I haven't got the car yet" says I, "Can't help you then. Try & get the number of a car in the street & then we'll be able to get a quote" !! ) & their product knowledge leaves me confused, frustrated and loathe to change from Skoda, from whom I've received top notch service in every respect from Mitchell's at Cheshire Oaks, near Chester, plus I really like the cars they sell ! So far, no-one has said DCC is worth it on the Karoq - does anyone recommend it ?

My 3rd Skoda ( 2 Octy's & a Karoq), all performing faultlessly. I've been looking at the Kia e Niro all electric, a couple of test drives & visited 3 different Kia dealerships. Despite being very impressed with the car itself, I've been very disappointed with the knowledge of the sales teams, including Business / Finance Managers, each dealership giving conflicting answers to my Q's - I know they're franchises, but they sing from different song sheets and don't even know what some of the car's functions are. In fairness most points raised are being investigated to provide some answers but I'm not confident they'll be reliable. So, the "crossroads" ! I'm now verging towards remaining with the Karoq, changing the current one for another Edition version. Has anyone looking in had DCC on their Karoq ? Is it worth the extra £1k ? I'd really appreciate the experience with the system from users - thanks in advance

Thanks for that Psy80 - after much searching on t'internet I had found an Irish Skoda brochure for right hand drive iV Superbs clearly stating DCC was a standard feature . Two local dealers didn't know, one even telling me "DCC can't be fitted because of the battery pack " ! My own dealership ( Mitchell's) did eventually confirm too, that the system WAS included , although had to search hard for the information. Anyway, after all that and a 40 minute test drive, I've decided to stay with the Karoq, choosing Crystal black / beige interior for my next one !

Yep, I've studied the configurator 'til I'm blue in the face - the iV SE Technology doesn't get much of a look in ! The fact two separate road tests on You Tube both stated the DCC was included ( much to the surprise of Car Buyer) and Select Car Leasing also state it is standard fitment on the SE Technology & SEL iV's . The confusion is because Skoda have failed miserably IMO to differentiate the iV from the diesel / petrol Superb variants in the spec sheets on the configurator. I've a test drive booked of the iV on Tuesday, maybe then I'll find out for certain.

Can anyone on here CONFIRM if the Superb iV in SE TECHNOLOGY trim has Direct Chassis Control (DCC) fitted as standard ? I've phoned dealers, watched You Tube clips, studied the Skoda Configurator & spec sheets with options offered, even rang Skoda and "spoke" with Live Chat too, but no-one can say for certain what the answer is ! I know the iV SEL trim has DCC as standard, & non iV Superb's have it as an option on most models, but the Superb 1.4 iV SE Technology ? I'm hoping someone looking in has the defining answer - thanks in advance.

Two years running my 1.5tsi DSG Karoq, absolutely trouble free with an average 40 mpg, increasing to 45 plus on a long journey. My third Skoda ( since 2013), previous ones were Octavia diesels, also DSG equipped. I've not needed as much as a new bulb in any of these Skoda's during my time with them and am very satisfied. Previous cars have ranged from BMW's, Mercedes, Fords & VW's, and a Honda Hybrid which had a gearbox fault resulting in a £10k bill ( yes, ten thousand pounds) although Honda "graciously" agreed to pay £6,500 of it because the car, serviced exclusively by themselves, was just two months out of warranty. Needless to say, I changed to Skoda and have never regretted it !

I wouldn't expect anything different from Skoda Assist or the AA, having been a member of the AA since the 70's ! I explained to the call handler that the car couldn't move without their assistance, & the patrol was there within 15 minutes - the fault WAS related to the vehicle because I couldn't drive it !

£60 ain't low price !! No pics, didn't have it long enough, sorry !

An article in a motoring magazine highlighted a new steering wheel lock that relied totally on your fingerprint to release it. Being something of a gadget freak, and tempted by the £25 reduction special offer from Halfords, I duly queued up outside the store to get one. Initially all was fine, it worked as intended but, on the 2nd day of use I thought I'd see how far the wheel could turn with the steering wheel lock fitted. It turned a fair amount, but unbeknown to me , also moved the clamp around the wheel rim also. This meant on one side the clamp was forced slightly open due to the thicker rim at the " thumb" position. Consequently the lock was not fully closed & therefore my fingerprint was unable to release it ! No amount of forcing the clamp closer worked, and the so called emergency hub also failed to function. Panic stations, but Skoda Assist despatched the AA who arrived within 15 minutes - fortunately I was on my driveway at home. After much head scratching and attempting to clamp the the clamps (!), the friendly, helpful patrolman realised the problem and forced the steering lock back around the rim to its central position where it could be closed correctly and my fingerprint against the sensor then duly worked. Needless to say I returned the offending gadget for a refund - although it wasn't the gadgets fault, I wouldn't have trusted myself or the item, to unlock every time without a problem arising.Lesson learned , leave new fangled gadgets for others to try first !

Thanks for that Chris ( CJJE) - yes, I see the Enyaq iV is due this year, starting at circa £40k !! Much more than I'm willing to pay. You're considering a Karoq 1.5 TSI DSG Edition ? That's what I've got & love it to bits so if no hybrid PHEV Karoq when the time comes ( ie, lease ends) I'll go for another Edition version, possibly this time in black but keeping the beige interior, which really makes it look classy IMO.