Yogi-Bear

I disagree entirely. The interiors are simple and straightforward - but they are anything but bland (and I'm quite happy with physical buttons, tyvm). Of course, there is a lot of variation across models as well as variants, but I'm more than happy with the look of the interior, and it's a a lot less bland than a lot of cars out there. As for the driving, my 1.5 150PS Kodiaq wasn't overly exciting... but it wasn't as bad as some cars I've driven. My 2.0 245PS Kodiaq is whatever I want it to be - boring and practical or fun and exciting. I'll admit that it's nowhere near my old 1 series for being a driving machine, but comparing an SUV with a small hatchback is, well, pointless - and having tested SUVs from Volvo, BMW and Audi, I'd save the money and take my Kodiaq any day of the week.

Unfortunately, I think you're the exception rather than the rule in waiting quite that long. If I was in your situation, I'd be concerned that the order was placed when the order books were presumably closed - pretty sure the old style Kodiaqs went 'stock only' not long after the facelift reveal, and the facelift wasn't available to order until June. Would love to know how your dealer managed to place an order when orders weren't being accepted... or whether they told you they had but didn't actually place it until June? Something somewhere really doesn't add up... and your dealer probably knows the chances of you walking away at this point is low (for various reasons), so are they actually doing anything about it? Apologies - playing devil's advocate there a little bit... don't mean any offence by it.

On the assumption you mean 52 weeks... that would match what I was quoted for an ID.3 from the local VW dealer. However, I suspect it's simply a case of "we have absolutely no idea how long it will take, so we'll give you a stupidly long estimate to avoid you asking 'is it built yet?' every week" 😂.

a) no idea, sorry. b) both work absolutely fine with my iPhone 12... you may find the wireless charging a bit hit and miss if your phone slides forward/back on the charging mat (if you use a case, you shouldn't have an issue!). Wireless charging is almost a must, especially if you do long journeys, or you will arrive with no battery left in your phone. c) It works perfectly. Much better than a detachable one because you can't lose it! Granted I've only had mine for a short time, but no issues yet and I'm not aware of anyone else I know that has a tow bar on their Kodiaq having any issues with it jamming. d) Pretty sure none of the variants of front seat fold flat.

You makes your choices and you pays your money... what is a luxury for one person is an essential for another. Personally, I've never felt the need. Yes, leather seats get hot in the height of summer, but they cool down pretty quickly with the air con belting out. If I lived in the south of France then I'd consider them, but here in the UK... not worth the expense imho.

I remember when my bear was that shiny... really must give the poor thing a clean at some point. He's definitely a brown bear at the moment 😱.

It does...? Which option did you tick to get that?

It does sound like the car wasn't really to blame!

That's 'cos they stick out and protect the doors... a bit at least, so in theory reduces the risk of expensive body repairs. Or something like that anyway. I'm quite happy without, but you're right, does look nice!

You're assuming I've checked... 😂 I opened the bonnet for the first time a few days ago to put screen wash in (that tank must be huge - although haven't needed to use it much until recently due to all the good weather this winter!). If the car doesn't tell me there's something wrong with it, I'll assume it's quite happy and so won't check. Except tyre pressures once every few months. And before someone starts having a go... it's a not a classic Jag or anything like that - it's a modern car with a proven, reliable engine that's more than capable of surviving happily without me fussing over it unnecessarily. Edit - oh, and I passed 2,000 miles this week too.

That seems a little steep (~£1335)... think they're only £900 to supply, so £400+ to fit is a bit of a joke.

You're really not comparing anything like comparable cars there... try starting with the 2.0l SportLine (from £41k) and add some kit - you'll get a lot close to £46k, but you'll still not get the VRS specific design elements / wheels etc. And I reckon there is more profit margin on added options than there is on base spec for any variant anyway... if you do a more sensible comparison and spec an SEL to have everything an L&K has (with the same engine), then the SEL will cost you a lot more.

You need to understand the different components of Skoda Connect... I suggest taking a look here: https://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/skoda-connect The bit that is free for the lifetime of the vehicle is only the Emergency Call / eCall functionality. On MIB2 Kodiaqs, this used a built-in eSIM that was dedicated to the functionality. Everything else requires annual subscriptions (one for infotainment online, one for care connect). On MIB2 Kodiaqs, this functionality required you to use your own SIM or data via your phone. On MIB3, it uses the same eSIM as the Emergency Call / eCall functionality. So the eSIM remains active - it doesn't die. It's just what can use it depends on what subscriptions you pay for after the first year.

I tried... but the VRS isn't on the configurator - assume that means it isn't available in Ireland! However, as you point out, base on the Sportline (150 diesel with DSG) is nearly €54k, or £45k, which is the base for the VRS over here in the UK. Edit: Also... that's not the final price: 😳😱 All prices are subject to change based on the final configured vehicle CO2/NOx technical data. All prices exclude Delivery & Related charges. Please consult your dealer before placing your order.

There might not be loads of customers waiting for orders in Ireland… And from everything I’ve heard and read, the situation over here in the UK is entirely different - very little stock at dealers.

Fair play to you. What are you getting instead, out of curiosity?

Although... this discussion suggests that if you only use it for Skoda Connect services, it's 'included' in the annual costs for that. The £90/25GB thing is if you want to use the car as a hotspot or whatever (i.e. data outside of the Skoda Connect services):

I have been led to believe that it's only 'free' (or let's say 'included') for the first year. After that, £90 for 25GB - no idea if that lasts a certain amount of time or anything, but it's a bit of a joke and you can't select any other provider...

Looks just like mine... wasn't sure if the 'top' of the bottom cluster was a second camera, but your photo makes me think probably not.

Nope, two cameras I think. One big one at the top, with another smaller one (pretty sure it's a camera!) below, and just above what I assume is the rain sensor (looks like a third camera lens, but is pointing upwards).

Do yourself a favour and don't even look at the mpg figures for the first 1,000 miles or so. Oh, and give premium unleaded a go... 😁. Really? It's like a cruise ship rolling from side to side. Made everyone feel sea-sick, so it's either normal or sport for me. Enjoy! Mine started to really loosen up around 1,000 miles in, but I left it a bit after that before having a proper hoon about. It's worth the wait (both delivery and running in!).

Under normal circumstances, everyone would agree with you wholeheartedly. However, we are living in a time where circumstances are anything but normal. It's frustrating - I may have my new car (thank you $deity), but there are other things that I'm struggling to get that I would like / need (as in need them to do something, not need them to actually live).

I honestly have no idea... but I have Travel Assist so have lane guidance as well (which might mean I have >1 camera anyway, which won't help!). Will take a look tomorrow and let you know.

Off-Topic (slightly) - enquired about an ID.3 at the local VW dealer today and was told delivery would be 2023...

Unhelpful Internet forum answer: For the sake of £50 or whatever it is... I'd just tick the option box if I was that bothered. But as someone who has it, I wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there - it isn't the most reliable thing in the world and picks up speed signs in odd places and at odd angles (see other discussions on the fun and games of Predictive ACC). Possibly slightly more helpful answer: I was under the impression that enabling functionality on newer (MIB3) cars was more difficult/impossible anyway... but I could be wrong.