SurreyJohn

Standard PR stuff, shout about all the great things and improvements. Keep quiet about all the negatives and hope poor quality journalists who don't do any research, but just copy the press pack only mention the improvements. Unfortunately for Skoda going forward, some of us are financially savvy and refuse anything that is subscription, or bundled. But they are welcome to fleece the dumb punters who can only see a monthly price, and not value of anything over period of ownership. Does permanently connected to the internet mean you get car lifetime free internet access, or is it another free trial that stops working after a year unless you pay about another £1000 over next 10-15 years to keep it.

Says a lot about the owner of the car at the time, if the put it in for a test with 4 almost bald tyres. To fail on a tyre is unfortunate, to fail on every tyre is just showing lack of care.

Try couple of tankfuls of premium 99ron super unleaded (E5 not E10). It will burn hotter and help clear any grot around the valves and turbo. Possibly turbo is bit caked up and not spinning freely. But perhaps a full service, including spark plugs will help, but beforehand have a look at the oil on the dipstick, is it looking more like dark treacle than golden honey, sure sign that deposits have built up. A common problem with poorly stored petrol (the biofuel degrades over time).

I'm not going to have a pop, and until 4 years ago took same view Then I discovered that the tyres the car came with were skittish on colder mornings when damp, even when was nearer +6c. And pulling out of side turnings on cold wet days managed to spin the wheels (on a 1 litre with DSG in normal mode). My commute was partly along a country A road that suffered muddy field run off. Bought set of winter tyres, then discovered didn't need to drive accordingly, as bit of frost, or cold rain, didn't trouble them and could drive like a dry summers day. And the handful of days we had snow in 4 years, turned out to be brilliant, passing cars stranded all over the place. Although did shock myself glancing at speedo on a winding B road when I found I was doing 45mph on few inches of snow. The snow had killed any noise, and car tracked like any other day. Nowadays having found they are safer in cold rain (which occurs for months in UK), so I am a convert, can't tell difference between about 11c and 20c, but far superior below +10c, even if don't get any snow. Might be in south of country but have some hills nearby around Bath and Mendips, and knowing can have a freak snowstorm and can drive home is reassuring. Just about to switch the wheels, and put winters back on, my car has now done 53,000 miles, is 5.2 years old, still using the 4 original summer tyres, and the winters all have 6-7mm of tread. So by switching wheels around to even out wear looks like will be 70k+ miles before I next need tyres, so compared to those who buy 2 new tyres every 20-25k miles has worked out cheaper. Safer and Cheaper so what's not to like

In UK just changed specs of the Karoq (which is similar family size), and can now only have a diesel Karoq if getting the 4x4, no more 2wd diesels Could easily see same happening to Octavia Although the new Kodiaq has just been launched (and new Superb launches November) don't yet have specs, so could be no 2wd diesels for those too Don't know about Ireland, but latest SMMT sales data shows just 3.6% of new cars in September in UK were diesels, probably not worth building for just 1 in 28 vehicles. And If not making right hand drive versions for UK, probably won't bother for much smaller Irish market.

Orders for mk3 Superb closed few weeks ago, ahead of change to mk4 Presumably the factory know how many unbuilt orders there are, and apart from anything else would need the info for when they can shut the production line line and change to other models. You would think they therefore know how many mk3 parts are still needed, when they will arrive, and when they will be producing the remaining cars

If you look at UK spec, based on facelifted Kamiq and Scala, whose UK spec and brochures announced few days ago 3rd October. There are only two options, a convenience pack, and a winter pack, no individual options (except choice of paint colour) The brochures are linked in relevant Kamiq and Scala sections. So if that is the new Skoda way of offering cars in UK, then logically can expect same of facelifted Octavia

Not quite sure why they did minor/interim service in 2023 when previous service was 2 years (and 13k miles) earlier, as previous one doesn't appear to be extended scope service, so effectively got 2 minor services in row If you know the registration, go on Government MOT checker and check for advisories etc

Sheerness, Grimsby, Tyne Pick the port nearest you then go onto a ship tracker website, look for vehicle carrier ships. Look for one that started in Emden (might do multiple discharge ports so someone looking might see it coming from another UK port

If you want all season (same tyres all year) Vredestein Quatrac Pro Don't think you will be able to get Pirelli Cinturano all season SF2, or Continental all season contact (probably nearer £110-120), or Michelin cross climate 2 (probably nearer £125-140), but if you find good deal go for one of these If you want summer tyres Any of Hankook Ventus prime 4, Pirelli Powergy, Falken Azenis FK20, Continental eco contact 6. Most of the premium tyres will be over £100 215/40 R17 are not a common size so shop around on internet, as bound to need to order them from a central warehouse.

New photos and details https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/watch-the-premiere-of-the-new-kodiaq-model-live/ Might not also happen to Kodiaq, but the UK spec Kamiq and Scala (facelift brochures October) both have just 2 options, a convenience pack and a winter pack, no individual options (except choice of paint colour)

New UK brochure for facelifted version now available https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/b3469f3e-0a87-4c48-b71f-6d07349e1f1c Just 2 options, convenience package and winter package, no individual options

New UK brochure for facelifted version now available https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/e5530aa7-058e-4978-8855-79f9f20111d6 Just 2 options, convenience package and winter package, no individual options

If you live in Scotland then rather pointless having summer tyres, unless you also keep set of winter wheels. If you want same tyres all year then get all seasons. Not that many in obscure size of 215/45 R18 I would pick any of Continental all season contact, Michelin cross climate 2 or Vredestein Quatrac pro +

Launch Wednesday 4th October 2023 at 18:45 CEST (17:45 UK) https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/watch-the-premiere-of-the-new-kodiaq-model-live/

More details of 85 and 85x have been released https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/emobility/the-improved-enyaq-is-here-with-more-power-and-longer-range/ The Enyaq 85 can travel up to 565 kilometres on a single charge in the WLTP cycle, and the battery can charge from 10% to 80% capacity in 28 minutes. This improvement also applies to the Coupé version, which will now have a range of up to 576 kilometres. The dynamics of these versions have also improved, with the electric motor on the rear axle now having a maximum output of up to 210 kW, compared with 150 kW in the corresponding version. The 85 version can accelerate from nought to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, two seconds faster than before. The all-wheel drive version of the Enyaq 85x also has a new system output of 210 kW, an increase of 15 kW. The new versions can reach 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. In addition, the Enyaq 85x can travel up to 538 kilometres on a single charge, and the Coupé version can travel 10 kilometres more. Charging for this version offers a peak capacity of up to 175 kW, reducing the charging time from 10% to 80% to 28 minutes. The same goes for the new Enyaq RS, which boasts optimised battery cell chemistry with improved thermal management and the option of higher maximum charging power. The Enyaq RS also benefits from a power boost, with drivers now having 250 kW at their disposal. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 5.5 seconds in both body variants, and the range has increased to 541 kilometres or 547 kilometres in the Coupé variant. The top speed remains the same for the RS version at 180 km/h*, but the 85 and 85x variants can now also go this fast. This is made possible by the new higher torque electric motors, which allow different overall gear ratio settings while maintaining or improving dynamics. “An important new feature for the 2024 model of Enyaq 85 and all higher models is the ability to pre-heat the battery. It can be triggered automatically when the user enters the route to a high power charger (HPC) in the navigation system, or it can be activated manually in the car’s infotainment system,” adds Jaromír Mendl. The upgraded Enyaq 85 and all higher models will also get a number of other, perhaps at first glance less significant, changes. These include details like the rearranged control buttons. Another interesting feature is the automatic locking function, which locks the car when the driver walks away from it with the key. This feature now comes as part of the Clever package and above Changes to the car’s infotainment system also apply from the Enyaq 85 up. This involves a new software version 4.0 that brings a completely redesigned user interface, among other things. This too reflects Škoda’s new brand identity and philosophy, but it will also be more intuitive and make it easier to control the car’s functions. The virtual instrument panel and head-up display also receive new graphics. The Laura voice assistant will also be improved, with a better understanding of the commands of the users, who will see a real-time transcript of their requests on the infotainment display.

The dealer is not telling you 100% of what is happening Each dealer has a quota (basically to stop one dealer ordering loads of cars and blocking other dealers across Europe), when they have used their quota their orders are basically held in a queue waiting for available quota and not even reached factory build queue (although unlikely to tell you). Basically dealer has taken an order even though they used all their order slots for the month (the equivalent of sticking a paper order form in a drawer and only processing it at end of month). Factory accepting now means they have your order in the factory queue (how quick it gets to front and actually gets built will depend on spec and options, there are some parts that delay process because the suppliers have limited capacity). Now the factory knows your order, it will evaluate when it has sufficient parts for your chosen spec and then create a build date. Once built, can then take 4-8 weeks for delivery depending shipping schedules etc

UK prices and specs now available orders open 3rd October Scala SE 1.0 TSI 95PS £22,095.00 1.0 TSI 116PS £23,070.00 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG £24,465.00 1.5 TSI 150PS £24,370.00 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG £25,720.00 Scala SE L 1.0 TSI 95PS £23,895.00 1.0 TSI 116PS £24,870.00 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG £26,265.00 1.5 TSI 150PS £26,215.00 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG £27,565.00 Scala Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI 116PS £27,795.00 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG £29,190.00 1.5 TSI 150PS £29,140.00 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG £30,445.00 Scala SE - from £22,095 OTR* The entry-level SE comes packed with equipment and technology and boasts a generous specification list that includes 16-inch Orion alloy wheels, 8.25-inch infotainment display, wireless Smartlink, full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, 8.0-inch digital display and dual-zone climate control. Buyers also benefit from keyless start/stop, four USB-C fast charging ports and rear parking sensors. Simply Clever features include a 12 volt socket in the boot, phone pockets on the rear of the front seat backs and a boot net package. Scala SE L - from £23,895 OTR* New Scala SE L models add larger 17-inch Stratos alloy wheels, a bigger 9.2-inch Škoda navigation display, chrome window surround and rear privacy glass as standard. Customers choosing the SE L model also gain a Virtual Cockpit with 10.25-inch display, ambient lighting in red & white and a rear centre armrest. Scala Monte Carlo - from £27,795 OTR* Proudly wearing Škoda’s famous Monte Carlo badge, the flagship model in the new Scala range features 18-inch Ursa black brushed alloy wheels and full LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system) with cornering function and dynamic indicators. Monte Carlo models are also equipped with a panoramic sunroof with extended tailgate glass, rear view camera, black door mirrors, radiator grille and lettering on boot lid. To deliver a sporty driving experience to go with the Monte Carlo’s dynamic look, the range-topping model also comes with Drive mode select with Sport Chassis Control as standard. https://skodamedia.com/en-gb/releases/1443

UK Prices now and specs revealed Orders open 3rd October Kamiq SE 1.0 TSI 95PS £24,030.00 1.0 TSI 116PS £24,960.00 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG £26,405.00 1.5 TSI 150PS £26,350.00 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG £27,750.00 Kamiq SE L 1.0 TSI 116PS £27,175.00 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG £28,620.00 1.5 TSI 150PS £28,565.00 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG £29,965.00 Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.0 TSI 116PS £29,275.00 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG £30,720.00 1.5 TSI 150PS £30,665.00 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG £32,065.00 Kamiq SE – from £24,030* All models in the new Kamiq range come with generous specification levels with even the entry-level SE featuring a comprehensive equipment list. SE models include 17-inch Stratos alloy wheels, new Loft interior design selection, 8.25-inch infotainment display, 8.0-inch digital instrument display and wireless Smartlink as standard. SE models also feature full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, four USB-C fast charging ports and keyless start/stop as standard. The Kamiq’s Simply Clever features include a boot net package, 12 volt socket in the boot and phone pockets on the front seat backs. Kamiq SE L – from £27,175* SE L models build on the generous spec of the SE and add 18-inch Fornax alloy wheels, new Lodge interior, larger 9.2-inch Škoda navigation display and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit. In terms of design, the SE L comes with chrome window surrounds, privacy glass for the rear side windows and ambient lighting in red & white. Kamiq Monte Carlo – £29,275* The sporty Monte Carlo delivers an even more dynamic look thanks to 18-inch Ursa black brushed alloy wheels, black door mirrors, radiator grille and badging and panoramic sunroof. Monte Carlo models also feature a bespoke Monte Carlo interior design selection, full LED Matrix headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system) with cornering function and dynamic indicators and full rear LED lights with dynamic indicators. Monte Carlo buyers also benefit from Drive mode select with Sport Chassis Control, a rear-view camera and keyless entry with start/stop as standard. https://skodamedia.com/en-gb/releases/1443

Skoda UK has now got pictures of new Superb 4, also engines (all DSG) and dimensions from link https://www.skoda.co.uk/new-cars/teaser/all-new-superb Petrol 1.5 TSI (mHEV) 7-speed DSG 150PS 2.0 TSI 7-speed DSG 204PS 2.0 TSI 7-speed DSG 4×4 265PS Diesel 2.0 TDI 7-speed DSG 150PS 2.0 TDI 7-speed DSG 4×4 193PS Plug-in hybrid 1.5 TSI iV* 6-speed DSG 150** kW 204PS * Estate version only ** Combined maximum power output (combustion engine and electric motor) Dimensions* Length: 4,912 mm; 4,912 mm** Width: 1,849 mm Height: 1,481 mm; 1,482 mm** Wheelbase: 2,841 mm Headroom in front seats: 1,049 mm Headroom in rear seats: 986 mm; 1,008 mm** Luggage capacity: 645 l; 690 l** * Preliminary data. ** Applies to the Estate version.

Skoda UK also now has pictures of new Kodiaq https://www.skoda.co.uk/new-cars/teaser/all-new-kodiaq

Skoda Storyboard has some new info, and a countdown to launch next Wednesday https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/ https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/first-sketches-of-the-new-kodiaq/

Let's hope doesn't slip to next 29th February (which is 2028) !

Skoda storyboard has done some articles in the past about versions modified for police etc https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/skoda-cars-in-police-livery/

I had bit of brainstorm yesterday thinking of 20 inch, sorry For 235/50 R19 I would go for either of Michelin cross climate 2 or Pirelli scorpion all season SF2 both have a Volvo spec which it's fair to say is a recommendation