Schtum

2008 vRS - it's a 170 PD, engine code BMN, then. Has it had the dreaded inlet manifold flaps removed? If not, Darkside Developments are your friends.... https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/ppd170-used-bkd-aluminium-inlet-manifold-conversion-kit.html

Your fuel consumption figures make me aware that we're paying a fair bit more at the pumps for the privilege of sitting up a bit higher in a Karoq which has pretty much the same running gear.

I've never managed to get that close to one. They're usually very shy birds. Also, I don't know if you're aware that it's possible to access the whole of your flickr account pics from that link.

Only shows this for me...

Obviously, I won't but some of our less capable English residents might well encounter that problem.

To continue the theme, I think you mean - Do Scotland and Wales have Capitals? HTH

You're not tempted by a Karoq?

The emissions fix created a spate of EGR failures. So much so that for that 2 years you quoted, VAG were replacing them on a "good will" basis. The consensus is that the "fix" software runs and increased amount of EGR which leads to EGR valve failure as well as poorer performance and increased fuel consumption. Rolling it back to the original software restores EGR operation to within the original design parameters. I'd also suggest replacing the EGR valve with an OEM spec part rather than a cheaper aftermarket one.

In which hospital? I'm sure we can have a whip round and send you flowers and grapes....

You'll need to find a local tuner / remapper who does it. A quick search reveals Bitz Garage in Nairn or 8Ball Tuning in Forres. I know nothing of these guys but if they're competent, they should be able to roll it back to the pre-fix software. I'd be tempted to have it remapped at the same time but I'm an ageing hooligan. YMMV.

Although I have no desire to heap woe on your issues. I think you'll find that going fast once week isn't enough. Replace the EGR valve and have the emissions fix rolled back. Then use good quality diesel all the time as well as thrashing it regularly. The other issue is that changing the Haldex oil isn't enough if the filter isn't changed at the same time. A 2010 car like yours will have a Gen4 Haldex which has a replaceable paper cartridge filter. No VAG main dealership has this as a service item and they don't stock it as a spare part. Nevertheless if you don't have it replaced, it will become clogged and the Haldex pump will fail. You can, however, get the filter from other sources, e.g. - https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/genuine-haldex-filter-service-kit-generation-4-gen4.html

The EGR valve plays a role in DPF regeneration so it's probably not a good idea to do this on a car which still have the PDF fitted.

The obvious question is - has it had the "EA898 emissions fix"? If so, it's likely that has led to failure of the EGR.

I'm afraid I can't offer any solutions but the symptoms are similar to the ones that we experienced on my son's 2007 Octavia 4x4 Estate. The gearbox had a terminal failure and the replacement took ages to source and fit. During some of this time, the clutch hydraulics were left open. When the new box was fitted, the clutch pedal behaved in a similar way to yours. From memory, it was worse in one season; either summer or winter but it's a number of years ago now and I can't remember the exact details.

I've had set of Michelin CrossClimate+ in 225/50x17 on the Yeti for c. 1 year and 8,000 miles to date. They've been great in all conditions and especially on streaming wet roads with standing water. Braking on snow and ice isn't quite up to the standard of the Dunlop D5 Winter Sport on my wife's Karoq but as a compromise all season tyre, they're very impressive. They're also showing remarkably little wear considering how often I deploy all of the power and torque of my remapped car.

From the window seat of a 747 out of Las Vegas to Heathrow, over Northern Ireland.

If you weren't fighting on the dual carriageway, it might improve a bit. I'd be happy with those sort of figures from a mid sized petrol SUV. I can get the average on my wife's 190 TDI Karoq down to less than that fairly easily.

Have you had the fix rolled back? I'd be disinclined to fit a new EGR valve to the car if not. I'd also be inclined to find a good, local, independent VAG specialist to do the work rather than a Škoda dealership.

They could be right. There is a potential issue with the gearboxes on these. My son had an '07 and if I remember correctly, one of the bearings failed and the layshaft ate its way into the end casing of the gearbox. We got another gearbox from a local breaker.

Has the car had the Emissions Fix.....? That was recognised as being responsible for many EGR valve failures. For a time VAG were replacing them as a good will measure.

....if you'll stay with me 'til dawn.

It's best to fit wind deflectors in warm weather, so that the acrylic material is softer and more pliable.

£2k for a DQ500 which will handle 600 Nm as standard and which Darkside say can cope with up to 1000 Nm with uprated clutch packs and a software remap, if you can persuade it to fit into the Fabia.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Transporter-2-0-TDI-Gearbox-DSG-7-Gear-DQ500-MXZ-CAAC-CAAE-CCHA-CCHB-CFCA/303837708843?hash=item46be23822b:g:xWsAAOSwSxBf9aBv

I believe it should be on the build code label on your car. DQ200 - code 0AM or 0CW DQ381 - code 0GC DQ500 - code 0BH or 0BT

I thnk so but it's getting on for 5 years since we traded in that car. We certainly do on both the current Karoq and Yeti, both fitted with 7 pin coded electrics. With respect to your comment about ASC, probably more commonly referred to as ESP now but I remember it as ASC from my old Mk5 Golf; what you describe is more akin to the function of XDS. My understanding of ASC / ESP is that it provides a measure of yaw control via the car's brakes.