fatzy

If the center bore is 57.1 mm they will fit perfectly, unless you have a vRS.

Neptunes are 7.5x18 ET51 and they fit perfectly to both mk2 and mk3.

I think 340 mm is for vRS only. Correct me if I'm wrong.

On the rim edge they will.....

Where did you get that?

The new Fabia 1.2 TSI estate?

I checked this again today, and I must say I am not sure about the source anymore. There are also a different thread about this about a similar noise on the 1.4 TSI. I'm not sure about the starter anymore, it may be a pump building up pressure or something.....

In Norway +/-5% variance in rolling circumference is allowed with some additional requirements, like no conflicts at max. turn and full suspension. I assume it's the same in Sweden. The problem you can encounter is when you lower the car, the tyres will be 11 mm closer to the wheel arches. So you must be careful with the tyre/rim match related to ride height.

If you mean the whining noise, it may be the pinion gear in the starter motor. After the engine starts, the pinion gear spins fast when it retracts. I think the noise comes when the pinion deaccelerates before it stops. Mine has done this from new, 1.8 TSI.

I haven't found winter grille covers for mk3. The radar unit for the adaptive cruise control (for those who have that) will be an issue, it cant be covered. This is the complete set for mk2: http://www.superskoda.com/images/Plasty/o2f-fbg-cvr2.jpg

Much of my driving was commuting 12 km, first half 50 km/h (30mph), second 70 km/h (45? Mph), not much engine load. And the 1,4 TSI engine is a little strange, it is an aluminium engine and it seemed to "give away" the heat to the surroundings by itself (using long time to heat up and give slow warmth into the cabin). Therefore I also tried to give it 3-4 min idle before setting off, it helped a bit too.Anyway, this was a little side track. Restricting the air flow through the radiators will not harm the engine and cause any overheating in cold climates (below +5) in a normal driving situation. All cars have temperature gauges and it's easy to monitor.

Yes, in both side windows for better reception. If I am not mistaken it is FM (full length 90 cm, can be half or one quart length).

Radio antenna.

The cold air also cooles the intercooler, as well as the engine bay and block itself. I am not sure about the circulation in the intercooler circuit on a 1,4 TSI, it is a complex picture. I didn't take the time, but engine warmed up quicker and gave warm air sooner when my restrictions were installed.

I think you misunderstand (maybe it's my English). I fail to understand your reference to the thermostate and internal water circulation and how this is relevant to external air flow.I was talking about the theory that the mesh on the lower grille will create ice build up. You will still having air flow through the upper grille, and radiator will have sufficient cooling. That is not wrong at all. In fact, I had on my Octavia Mk2 a lower grill cover (closing it completely, bought from Superskoda) fitted from October to april, in temperatures from +15 to -15 deg C. In addition, when temperatures was below zero I fitted a thin foam board directly on the upper part of the radiator to restrict the direct airflow (Superskoda sells a upper cover as well). Believe me, I monitored the temperature meter closely to see if it would rise. It didn't, it was steady 90 deg. The advantage I noticed was that I got normal coolant temperature quicker. http://www.superskoda.com/Skoda/OCTAVIA-II/Octavia-II-09-11-Facelift-winter-grille-cover So, the cooling capacity is much better than necessary in the cold climates we encounter during our cold seasons. It is exactly the same car that is sold to hot desert areas as to icy Arctic.

Damper on the left side only is more than sufficient to keep the bonnet up. It is sturdy and safe (mine was). A double damper only makes it heavier to close, and will possibly slam to bonnet open towards the end. The damper will also restrict the access from the side. So why bother? How often do you open it? Just for appearance? If you have a show car and are aiming for prices, I am sure that you will need a 100% similar, but mirrored version.

I think it is a good idea! (With a better attention to the execution, that is). It will give extra protection for the radiator(s). The rather fragile lower grille will not withstand much. I've had stones flying through the air, smashing my front windscreen, even at motorways. I have also experienced big, icy chunks falling off the wheel arches from a passing lorry, sliding on the road towards me. Overheating is not a problem at all if the weather is so cold that ice can build up. In fact, it is advantageous to reduce the cold air flow through the radiators. The upper grille will let more than enough air trough. (In the hot Saudi Arabia the situation will be different).I do have a concern though: will a steel mesh behind the honeycomb affect the radar that is fitted as a part of the adaptive cruise control system?

I know. I asked my dealer, but they weren't allowed to do so. They said it is a safety matter. I changed car instead..... (hehe, not really). On mk3 this feature can be selected or not, by the driver via the infotainment system. So much for mandatory trafic safety features.

What is really annoying is that the rear wiper makes an automatic swipe when putting the gear selector in reverse. As I cannot decide for myself if a swipe is necessary or not. Many times the wiper swipes a dirty, but dry rear window..... The result is of course unnecessary scratches and wear.

The other issue you mention, the "thump" in parked position: this is a feature that is put into the programming. The parked position is different places each time. Also when you turn the ignition off (maybe on as well) with wipers in auto, the wipers move a little to avoid standing in the same spot all the time!

The jack for mk3 is different and better. I am not sure if the mk2 jack CAN be used on mk3.

Hi Channel. According to STRO (Scandinavian Tyre and Rim Organization), my reference, a 205/50R17 can be fitted on rims between 5.5 and 7.5 inch wide. So I would not be worried to use a 7 inch rim, mine isn't stretched. I don't have a good picture of mine, perhaps if you look into my gallery.The circumference is 1934 vs 1946 millimeters and the speedo will be affected by 0.65%, next to nothing. So these rubbers are perfect if you want slighly narrower winter tyres.

Haha, I know, but it isn't in compliance with good neighborhood in slightly urban places. And pressing a cold engine hard to get the temperature up, hmmmm.Aux. heater is an good option that I did't have on my diesel (previous car). Do anyone know the ride height of the vRS 4x4? Is it the same as other vRS's?

I have 205/50R17 winter tyres on mine 7x17 Terons. These rims came with the car at delivery, and I had the summer tyres moved to another Skoda rims (Blossom black). As long as all 4 are similar dimension (rolling circumference) the 4x4 system isn't affected.

So true, in addition diesel smell is awfull (both before and after combustion). It is a little limited how hard one can drive in the winter. Snowy and/or icy Norwegian roads force you to be easy on the throttle, even with 4x4.