simon1304

As always the devil is in the detail. The two Tsi engines are to get gasoline particulate filters. Not arguing with this on environmental grounds but, assuming that gpfs are prone to the same issues as dpfs, those who do mainly town driving/short journeys need to look away. Further expense for long term/high mileage drivers as all particulate filters eventually fill up with ash. It seems to be accepted that direct injection petrol engines produce more particulates than port injected petrol engines. That said, the tail-pipe of my 1.2 tsi 110 (Toledo) has always been relatively clean. This is not the case for some other 1.2T direct injection engines - Renault/Nissan and Toyota, I'm looking at you (don't know about others).

Just out of interest (Chris GB), did you ever consider/test drive a Baleno? I do have an occasional need to carry rear seat passengers (+ kit for hill walking, etc.) and it is the more practical option. Always been a function before form man but I do like the looks of the Swift, whereas the Baleno...

Injector/ECU. It was a 1.6 cr tdi (the infamous EA189 engine but I don't think that was relevant). Kept hesitating, eventually breaking down 3 times until eventually fixed (ECU and one injector replaced on separate occasions). All under warranty or it would have cost me a fortune. Skoda Assist very good, including suppling a replacement car for 10 days whilst waiting for a new ECU (on back order - not one in the country [?] - guess programming the cheat software took time ). Objectively, the service from the dealer wasn't great, i.e. took too long, too many breakdowns to properly diagnose and fix. I actually suspect that the dealer staff were doing their best but were stalled by Skoda being unwilling to supply expensive parts under warranty until software updates/re-programming had been done to death - all the while leaving me with an unreliable car. Taking the long view, this could/can happen with any car. I just got unlucky. It will, however, live long in the memory as being the first car in over 40 years driving to dump me on the hard shoulder of a motorway (the M3, in the rain, not a good place to be...). Apart from the above, it was a model of reliabilty

I, too, moved from a Rapid to a Toledo. Toledo = more for less, spec-wise. Part of the 'more for less' is that Toledos come with a spare wheel as standard whereas Rapids do not (or did not in 2016). You may find a used Rapid that has a spare as an optional extra - otherwise it's put up with a can of goo or source one after-market. Me, I don't 'do' cans of goo. My 1.2tsi Toledo came with 16" alloys fitted with 215/45R16 tyres. I've always found the ride harder than on my old Rapid 1.6tdi on 15" wheels with 185/60R15 tyres. Maybe some of this is due to lighter weight of the small petrol engine but I don't think that accounts for all of it. Fed up with this to the point of getting quotes for a set of 15" wheels and tyres but decided against - car now 2 years old and will go within the year. To be fair to the Toledo, whilst all of the criticisms of the 'Rapedo' are fair in terms of being a relatively budget offering, my Toledo has been 100% reliable and only ever visited the dealer for routine servicing (I wish that I could say the same for the Rapid which was a lemon). Decision to part company later this year largely financial. The Toledo is on a PCP and wouldn't be worth the final balloon payment if the figure was in $s. In £s, it doesn't even need thinking about.

Thanks for the update. I think that a Swift is likely to be on my drive sometime - maybe later - this year. Have been thinking about changing to an auto of late and had a test drive in an SZ5 auto over the weekend. Summary: liked having the gears changed for me (most of the time), didn't like the gears that it selected (IMO nearly always at least one gear too high). Only afterwards did I read Rob Clubley's review which, again IMO, is right on the money: http://www.drivelife.co.nz/2017/07/2017-suzuki-swift-rs-car-review-swift-by-name/ A lot of my test drive route was on flat 30mph limit roads. Left to its own devices the auto always shifted into 5th (out of 6 gears). Revs very low, very little throttle control, and when calling for even modest acceleration there was a delay whilst it shifted down a gear (or two). I didn't get the chance to drive it on faster NSL roads but I don't think that I would like the behaviour (of the auto) when taking bends, as described by RC, at all. I test drove a Fabia DSG last year and dismissed it for the same reasons (5/7 in a 30). Given that the auto also misses out on whatever benefits derive from the mild hybrid in the manual SZ5, which would include brownie (greenie?) points from younger family, I think that I'll be staying with the manual 'box. Before anyone mentions it, yes, I know that both the Swift and the Fabia autos can be driven 'manually' - and I did - and the paddles on the Swift worked very well - but I was left thinking that I might as well buy a manual if I was going to do that most of the time.

Will also be very interested to read views - hope you like it. As it happens, there is now a link in the 'Auto Tests' section to this review of the (Maruti) Suzuki Baleno: http://www.drivelife.co.nz/2018/01/2017-suzuki-baleno-rs-car-review-swift-spacious/ The car tested is a NZ spec Baleno RS, broadly equivalent to a UK spec SZ5 auto. For someone who should perhaps be acting his age, rather than shoe size, this is probably another consideration. Made in India with 'world car' styling, e.g. chromed door handles and boot spoiler, but softer ride appeals to me... Interested in the comment (Lady Elanore) about the warm up time (assume that this is the 1.4 boosterjet engine). Some 'downsized' turbo petrol engines (Ford, VAG) have two coolant circuits. Without going into the complexities thereof, one effect is to supply warm air to the cabin faster than would otherwise be the case. Maybe the Suzuki boosterjet engines don't have this system.

I also have ambivalent thoughts about the radar/laser brake support systems on many new cars. On one test drive in a Swift SZ5 the system flashed (and shouted) a warning at me; was driving in heavy traffic but couldn't see any reason for it. Thankfully just a warning, brakes not applied. Unlike here: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/17/suzuki-swift-review-a-proper-terrier I'm not so arrogant as to think that I could never make a mistake and shunt someone; but in over 40 years driving I haven't done it yet (there's still time...). Just mulling over the risk of me making a mistake as opposed to getting rear-ended because the system designed for improved safety decides to go into full emergency-stop mode for no good reason. I'm not sure whether or not the system on the Swift can be switched off. As an aside, I owned two 205s. Great to drive. Pity about the build quality (as in lack of).

Similar thoughts here albeit not as a driver training car (for me, considering Fabia 1.0 tsi 110 vs Swift SZ5). I used to own a Mk1 Fabia (then Rapid, now Toledo). Have had a few test drives of both Fabia and Swift at different dealers. My, entirely personal, opinion is similar to OP. The Fabia has it on overall space (bigger 'boot', possibly rear passenger room although the Swift is better than I anticipated for rear legroom); less wind noise at motorway speeds (the Swift does seem to generate more wind noise even when not in a gale); better ride quality on uneven surfaces (unless the Fabia is an SEL, MC on 215/45R16 tyres when the difference narrows); more 'mature' driving experience (whatever that is). The Swift has it on just about everything else. All hard plastics inside but so is the Fabia; build quality seemed fine (new Swift is made in Japan, not Hungary or India). I will probably be buying one later this year - thinking Japanese mini. I do around 15k miles pa, a few bits and pieces that caught my interest include the full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control (along with the dual sensor brake support, etc.) and high beam assist (auto-dipping headlights - if they work - didn't get the chance to test). The electrically folding door mirrors would also be of benefit to me. All this standard on SZ5 trim. Above all though, I just think that the Swift is just more enjoyable to drive. Not especially fast - although some road tests suggest that the quoted acceleration figures are overly conservative - but fun. It is often said that 4 wheels move the body and 2 wheels move the soul. Being an almost-senior-citizen and planning to sell my last set of (powered) 2 wheels this spring, I may trade the 'maturity' of the Fabia for the 'fun' of the Swift - even if I need to pay my dentist (even) more money to fix my fillings that will probably be shaken loose... One other consideration if you do a higher than average annual mileage, e.g. driver training car or even my 15k, is maintenance/servicing costs. The Swift servicing regime is 12.5k miles/12 months whereas the Fabia can be set to variable servicing (if you are willing to risk such extended oil changes - I accept that opinions vary on this). However, I had a chat with the service manager at my local Suzuki dealer; he quoted me (in writing) some servicing prices less than the 'book' Suzuki figures. He was quite open that he knew that I would take the car to an indy as soon as it was out of warranty otherwise. A lot more accommodating than any VAG dealer that I have ever met... and the Swift has a chain cam engine so no belt to change.

AFAIK most light aircraft with 'traditional' engines still need 100LL leaded avgas (although I am also out of touch with avgas use). I don't know what the scene is in Australia but, in Europe, many newer lightweight designs (microlights, sub-600kg and a few heavier) are using various versions of the Rotax flat four (912, etc.); these run on unleaded mogas.

Like the new model Swift (which is actually made in Japan) and auto is a 'proper' torque converter job (6 speed). Looking for a replacement for the Rapedo for later this year as it won't be worth anything near the FGMV balloon payment to keep. Ride a little firmer than I would like though. Baleno has a more compliant (i.e. softer) ride and is mechanically similar (made in India - actually a Maruti Suzuki). May be considered slightly fugly with 'world car' looks - lots of chrome bling.

In short, yes. The reason for not connecting direct to the -ve terminal is that there is a BCM (battery charge monitor) device attached to the -ve terminal. If you connect direct to the -ve terminal you by-pass this device. By connecting to some other earth point you keep the BCM in the loop (actually, in the circuit) so to speak. I also have a Toledo (1.2 tsi 110) and connect the negative croc clip of trickle charger to the engine lift bracket next to the dipstick - convenient and works fine.

In short, yes it is normal. There has been a software change to the CC somewhere along the way. On my old 1.6tdi cruise was deactivated when changing gear (as well as when braking). On my 2016 1.2tsi changing gear does not deactivate cruise - as you have found.

I bought one of these because the gauge on my footpump was clearly pants: https://www.workshopping.co.uk/product/draper-tyre-pressure-gauge-with-flexible-hose/69924/ Think it was recommended by someone else on here. It reads the same as the (allegedly calibrated) gauge at local petrol station; I doubt that anything at this price point is 100% accurate but it appears to be there or thereabouts.

Yes, I think it is normal, especially if you have had your car serviced at a Skoda dealer. I have a 2016 SEAT with the same engine. It didn't do this when new but has been doing it, in certain (warmer) ambient temperature conditions, since it was serviced earlier this year (at the supplying SEAT dealer). I haven't had a straight answer from the dealer but it appears that they applied a software update during the service (without asking my permission). From what I have been able to find out, under certain ambient conditions, the sofware update is designed to get the cat up to operating temperature more quickly than would otherwise be the case (to reduce emissions). To achieve this the idle revs are boosted and the ignition timing retarded; effect lasts around 45 secs as you have found. As I understand it, it is OK to drive off when this is happening - except that the car drives like a dog because the ignition is so far retarded. I think that what you describe about the high pressure fuel pump is normal.

What follows here is purely my opinion, I won't be in the least offended if others disagree! I used to have a Rapid (1.6tdi) and currently have a Toledo (Rapid clone) 1.2tsi. A friend of mine has a Mk2 Octavia 1.6tdi estate which I have driven several times and travelled in many miles. In comparison, I think of the Rapedo as a large Fabia rather than a small Octavia. Although the Rapedo isn't far off the Octavia in size (in length - it's a lot narrower as it is based on an extended supermini platform), the interior is more Fabia than Octavia - all hard plastics, etc. - and does have something of 'budget car' about it. All that is cosmetic though. The more important difference, for me, is ride quality. The Octavia's ride, especially on typically scarred UK roads, is way better than the Rapedo which I find to be on the 'rock hard' side of 'firm'. The Mk3 Octavia has lost the fully independent rear suspension of the Mk2 (except for the higher powered models) but gained the MQB platform and I believe that there is still a significant difference in ride quality. This may be more important to me - being on the wrong side of 60 - than it may be to someone younger. So, whilst I am not unhappy with my Toledo (which isn't overall a bad car to drive, has been 100% reliable so far, and is good vfm), I'm intending to move the other way (to an Octavia) when time comes to change (which will be at the 3 year point because it will be worth a lot less than the final balloon payment of the PCP).

Does the rear window washer work? If it doesn't, likely that the pipe has come away from the outlet and is filling the tailgate with washer fluid every time you operate the system. If the rear window washer is working normally then you are probably left with a good old-fashioned leak. Whatever - dealer.

Thank you for your comments and good luck with sorting out the problems with your Rapid - or changing it for something else. I do appreciate that preferences in India are different to the UK, e.g. hatchbacks seem to be gaining popularity in India but many people still prefer cars with a separate boot/trunk; and many Indian-built cars are re-worked for sale in Europe (inc. UK). The Ford Ecosport and Figo (sold here as the Ka+) are other examples. My question about the Baleno was mainly personal interest, as I'm considering buying one, and (Maruti) Suzuki sell many more cars in India than in the UK. That said, if you were to come to the conclusion that the Rapid was uneconomic to repair (i.e. cost being more than the car is now worth), I would recommend a test drive in a Baleno RS with the 1.0 turbo engine. Just about as economical as a diesel and, due to its low weight, surprisingly quick!

I doubt that Skoda in the UK would be any more helpful - once out of warranty 'goodwill' tends to be in short supply (to be fair to Skoda, most other manufacturers are similar). If you can't get any help from Skoda, or the dealer, I guess it comes down to doing the maths. What I mean is comparing the cost of repair of your Rapid with what other car you could buy for the same money. Slightly off topic, wondering what kind of reputation the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is getting in India? It is now on sale in the UK (albeit the engines and gearboxes here are different; no diesel here and the main engine is the 1.0 turbo, as in the Indian RS version, and the autos here are torque converter rather than CVT).

Couldn't agree more. The 215/45r16s on the Fabia/Rapedo are, IMHO, completely unnecessary. Not only that, they are relatively expensive (compared to 185/60r15s) and the choice is limited, e.g. no Michelin Crossclimates or Goodyear Vector Gen2s available in that size (which, given where some of my family live, I would like to be able to fit). Have been chatting with local Skoda dealer recently (as I'm thinking of changing to an auto); the Fabia was on the radar. The SE has the 185/60r15s but misses out on too many bits and pieces of kit that I wouldn't want to give up. The SEL has said bits and pieces but comes with 215/45r16s. I did ask if they would supply an SEL with the smaller wheels but the answer was a firm negative (unless I bought the aditional wheels/tyres - of course!). As things stand, then, the Fabia is not on the radar anymore. I'd be interested to know what you think after your test drive though...?

Not exactly but... I used to have a Mk1 Fabia 1.9tdi on 185/60r15 tyres (IIRC) and found the ride quality generally OK (although it suffered from bad understeer, probably because the heavy lump in a small car made it very nose-heavy). Followed that with a Rapid 1.6tdi on 185/60r15 tyres, ride quality generally OK. I now have a Seat Toledo (Rapid clone) 1.2tsi on the 215/45r16 tyres and find the ride quality b***dy awful (separate thread refers). Some opine that this is due to the fact that the tyres are Dunlop Sportmaxx (rather than the tyre size). This may well be right and I did even consider replacing all 4 tyres in the hope of making the thing less of a bone shaker (but eventually rejected the idea as it might just have been a waste of ~£400). What is a certainty is that if I find myself considering buying another vw group car, and it has the 215/45r 16 tyres, I'll be wanting an extended test drive and be driving it over some rough road surfaces (not difficult to find around here...). I believe that the Fabia Mk3 has a more modern chassis/suspension set-up than the 'Rapedo' and the ride quality on the lower profile tyres may be OK; but I think that you are right to be cautious and would recommend a thorough test drive of an SE-L, especially if it has the Sportmaxx boots.

I used to have a Rapid 1.6 tdi and that needed a replacement ECU (and one injector as well). Also under warranty, replacement ECU out of stock/on back-order, so had 10 days riding around in a Golf kindly supplied by Skoda Assist. I eventually collected it. Drive home was 12 miles. It managed 10 before the glowplug light started flashing again and it reverted to its favoured operational mode (i.e. running on 3 cylinders). My next car will have a 3 cylinder engine since I've learned that they suit me quite well. I got rid of the car at the end of the warranty period. On a positive note, I found that Skoda Assist were always very helpful (and were the best part of the 'ownership experience' ).

I used to live in East Northants and used these guys in Wellingborough: http://dgmotorservices.co.uk/blog/ Vag specialists but can't comment on the Octy Mk3 (I had a Mk1 Fabia 1.9tdi at the time). Found them competent and friendly, prices probably typical of a good indy.

Well, can't say that I'm very surprised. I used to have a Rapid 1.6 tdi. Needed an injector replacing during the warranty period (plus the ecu). On one of the three occasions that it was recovered by the AA (Skoda Assist - who were very good BTW), the guy told me that injectors on this engine were £300 a pop. Multiply by 4, add labour and VAT, and it's not hard to see how that comes out somewhere near INRs 2.5 Lakhs. That does still seem expensive though, especially as cars are generally less expensive to buy in India (except imported stuff which is much more expensive). For me, end of warranty meant end of car. As a by-the-by, for anyone not familiar with the Indian numbering system, 1 Lakh = 100,000 (written as 1,00,000 in India). So INRs 1 Lakh is approx £1k (or it used to be before the £ bombed - currently £1 buys only just over Rs 80).

I do note the Smiley... But 'better' and 'right', in this context, are very subjective! Better and right for economy - possibly. Better and right for mechanical sympathy/longevity and car control - yet to be convinced!

Really comes down to no more than manual gear changing being a bit of a chore when tired/bored on long trips (prompted by recent long weekend in Devon). And I foresee my annual mileage increasing, and including more long trips, in the short to medium term. I've always said that if I lived in, or commuted into, a busy town/city I would have bought an auto years ago; but I'm now retired, live on the outskirts of a small town in Cambs, and don't regularly have to endure too much stop-start driving. So, most of the time, a manual is fine. Another issue that this thread has thrown up - for me - is that DSGs do seem to have needed periodic service/software updates even if not actually faulty; and, as they are not actual safety 'recalls', I would only get future updates during routine visits to a Skoda dealer. I happen to live in a Skoda-dealer-free-zone. When a car is in the warranty period I do take it to a dealer but, when out of warranty, it goes to an excellent local indy. Anyway, I've said that I'll try a 1.0 DSG when they are available and I will. Open mind for now. Until then, I shall shut up!