kentdale

Yesterday me and the Mrs had the first longish drive to the Roman fort Vindolanda near Hadrians wall. Averaged 43mpg on the M6 and A69. No better than the old Volvo D5 XC 70 manual but I expect the engine is far from run in yet at 3,240 miles and hope it gets a bit better, although I think its still acceptable as it changes gear down and up which must use more fuel where the Volvo mostly would run in 6th on the same run. Martin

Only had the car just over 2 weeks and there have been two issues , first one was exactly one week after purchase, the driver profile would not load, circle of death type icon, but would flash up for a split second the previous set screen showing our chosen radio stations once the off icon was pressed as it turned off, Turing on made no difference as it happened exactly the same about 5 times. gave up in the end. Informed Skoda dealer that they knew about some cars suffering issues and to hold the off icon for 20 secconds to re set. 4 hours later as it stood on the drive, started the car and all apeared ok. I was informed by e-mail that Skoda was aware of these issues and was working on a hot fix. Every thig worked ok for the next four trips until Saturday there was a message for an up-date, I installed it and all seemed ok. Sunday our first longer trip to Vindolanda Roman fort the main screen sat nav display did not move along with the cars progress but the mirrorred binacle screen did! Any one any ideas on this , to be fair Skoda dealer is asking me to keep them informed on things, sent them an e-mail this evening about things and asking for them to sort it. Is this issue the same as the new Octavia is suffering from? Otherwise we think the car is great, but very tech loaded which is taking a while to get used to. Martin

Also read about this in our owners manual on line version.

Took our sportline to a local Westfalia approved tow bar fitter this morning to have a vertical detachable tow hook with 13 pin electrics fitted along with the recomended systems coding,I was assured by the Skoda dealer that the car had factory towing preperation fitters said it didn't , they had to fit a new fuse box in the luggage area and run wires to the fuse box, (will check with caravan weekend), didn't want anymore payment for the extra works. I booked it on-line with a discount code and was quite reasonable. They spent 10 mins showing how to install the hook, how to get to the fuse box behind the glove box and which the towing electric fuses were and said once the electric's were hooked up an image of a trailer would be displayed on the central screen. Sounds good to me. Martin.

Washed the car for the first time yesterday a week after collecting it from the Skoda garage, used Maguires Gold for the bodywork, 2 bucket method with wash mit. Wheels : bought new Turtle Wax RL alloy wheel cleaner this has fallout in the formula and bought a wheel wash mit which worked ok although not easy to get between alternate spokes on the Vega wheels. Next wash I will remove the wheels so I can clean the insides better. Martin

Washed the sportline for the first time since collecting it last Saturday, tried polishing with Auto Glym high definition polish but by 10:30 am it was far too hot on the body panells, only managed the rear bumper. Cleaned the alloys with Turtle wax RL wheel cleaner which did a good job. Martin.

After having the new (to us) Sportline we have been getting to grips with driving an auto for the first time ever. Due to Covid the salesman could not accompany us on a drive when we collected the car last Saturday so this has got to be the first time I have actually looked at the owners hand book. Tried cruise briefly yesterday on the M6 but not sure about the distance radar settings, anyhow would rather manage distance driving myself for now. It looks as though it needs its first wash due to the dust thats floating about. Also looking at a bumper top protector, which is a shame as I am not keen but am sure it will become scratched over time with using the boot. Martin

Hi Jr rs,thanks for your thoughts, shame it was not standard for what it would cost to build.

As the new (to me) owner of a sportline estate ex Skoda 2,900mls October 20 registered, I see that there appears to be a blanking piece on the rear view mirror for a usb port used to power a dash cam as and note it was an extra at time of ordering . Will the power wire be there to the mirror if not is it possible to retro fit, also thinking of a rear facing recording camera and have seen a detailed fitting post ( sorry can't remember who posted) Oh and by the way its in the battle ship grey shade. Martin

Just tried setting this app up and I am also having issues, says cannot log in contact Skoda!

Well after owning a Volvo xc70 d5 manual for 13 and a half years it was decided to let this ultra reliable 15 year old comfy arm chair go to pastures new. After test driving Volvo suv's and estates then the Superb it was a very easy decision, so here we go: Another battle ship grey sport line plus 190 tdscr 4x4 dsg estate (combi). Ex Skoda uk car with 2,900 miles. Quite a lot of extras , panoramic roof, digital instrument panel,spare wheel, flappy paddles not sure of what else exactly, didnt buy it for those,rather the way it drove not to mention the space it has. This is our forth Skoda, Felicia, Octavia,Fabia vrs and now this. Hope its as reliable as the old Lovejoy machine. Martin

Just looking at the new Skoda accesories available and see that there is 'connect lite' for smart phones, has anyone got this and if so is it worth while. Martin

My home town.

The Escort was the driving school car, my first car was a Citroen Dyanne,posh 2cv and great fun, after 2 ish years of driving it flat out with its 26 hp I swaped it in for a Renault 16 TS bright yellow as is my Fabia VRS, 1565 cc, then 4 years later swapped for anther Renault 16 TX 1647 cc 5 speed 97hp Webber carb I think and quite rapid in its day , I fitted a tape player to the Dyanne and put it in the Renaults . Driving was more fun in the 80s. Martin

Hi john, still have the tape cassettes from when I passed my test (Escort mk1) so looking at the new Superb VC and touch screen and all it can do is a bit different from anything previously owned. I get what you say and yes it will take a bit of getting used to, might have to rope my Son in to help lol.

Whilst we are due to collect our used Superb sportline plus combi Saturday coming (2,900mls) ex Skoda management car in primer grey, (wanted velvet red or business grey really) it is an October 2020 registered car. It looks as though there is a place in the glove box for a cd changer as there is what looks like a blanking cover the size of a changer, also it has the VC. amongst other options, have a 6 cd changer in the 15 year old Volvo xc 70 which sounds great and like my cd's My question is is it possible to retro fit and incorporate a cd changer, if so what brands are compatible and is it a reasonable diy plug and play job assuming other members have done this mod. Martin.

Hi Sasha Grace, thanks for your advice, I have decided to have a Westfalia detachable tow bar fitted with the necessary coding, booked fitting on line and with a discount offer it was a good price. Getting car on Saturday 10th. Martin

Hi yesman, your post is why I put mine on the forum yesterday, our proposed purchase sportline plus 190 scr dsg 4x4 estate has factory tow bar wiring installed but dealer says they cant fit one and pointed me to an independent supplier /fitter, I need clarification asap as towing a caravan /trailer ability is a must. Martin

Hi Sash a Grace, yes it is strange the dealer can't fit one as discussed ,still getting the Superb as it's in as new condition and very well equipped. Looked on the Internet for Oris tow bars but there doesn't seem to be fitters or help. Can I as where you are getting the tow bar fitted. Thanks Ps. Its meteor grey. Martin.

Test drove a Volvo xc 60 d4 inscription and a Superb sport line plus estate 8 months old with 2,900 miles on the clock, 20l. TDi scr dsg 7 speed. I specifically told both Volvo and Skoda dealers that the vehicle must be able to tow a caravan 9trading in a Volvo xc70 owned for 13 years. The Skoda was the car we chose, drove far better in all respects apart from wind noise at 70 mirrors might be the cause. Paid deposit , now received e mail that whilst the Superb has factory installed pre wiring for the tow bar the Skoda garage cannot fit the fold away tow hitch or any other one. The salesman suggesting I see an independent tow bar fitter that he deals with and supplied prices for fixed and removable. I discussed the bar fitting prior to test drive and paying the deposit and salesman confirmed that the tow bar has to be Skoda fitted so as to make the dsg box and the car that it is towing once a trailer 13 pin plug is fitted to the car socket. Also no discounts on a 5 year service plan , only a monthly more expensive payment scheme. Any advice/ help would be very welcome, what about warranty issues if things go wrong .further down the line.

Thanks for the info,how does 9 mpg in the volvo during a steep long climb in the Black forest 6 miles worth!, normally 25 mpg towing and 40 solo.

Hi Varaderoguy, yes I thought that also 190 better, our Volvo is a manual, never had an automatic and towing puts extra stain on things but has self levelling rear suspension which is better but Volvo have gone silly with prices. Which car do you use to tow with. Appreciate your thoughts. Martin

Hi Swirly, did you get a Skoda tow bar fitted and is the tow ball fixed or removable/fold out of the way, what body type is the car. Is the car firm riding when solo, and is it dsg. Appreciate your thoughts. Martin.

Hi, as a previous owner of a mk1 Octavia hatch which was the last ones made before the mk2 it was a hatch pd 130 and used briefly to tow an 1100 kg caravan, 3 children and boot full of stuff! It struggled more than expected so was swapped for a Volvo xc 70 d5, looking to change tow car again, so looking at an Octavia end of line 2019/2020 Octavia estate or hatch. I have seen one physically at our local Skoda dealer ex management sel 150 dsg diesel estate, low miles. Does anyone have similar gearbox/engine and tow a 1200kg all up weight caravan with 2 persons and associated gear in the boot, I read that it is a good match weight wise or should I consider a manual, or 190 hp td , a petrol engine or a vrs version, with slightly lower suspension! td or petrol. I have looked at the latest Octavia and it does look very swish but as with all new car versions until the new model arrives the current model is the bees knees, also put off with the tech issues mentioned on here and the Skoda garage mentioned that they have had to replace some control units or something , so they are being honest at least when questioned. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Martin.

I have subscribed to this chap last year, he does carry out real world tests, we need more charging facilities though and prices must be lowered /incentives to swap ic. cars. The Enyak version looks better than the VW in my opinion from what I have seen.