Patent

The shocks might be shared but what about the springs? AFAIK the golf 7/7.5/8, Passat GTE, superb and Octavia iV (even the vrs) ride higher than their equivalent non hybrid model. The increased travel accomodates the extra weight without needing to make it stiffer / harsher.

Being silver / grey paint match on that will be a nightmare, especially if you do the whole bumper as every surface will contrast with the adjoining panel. Because the paint loss is only on one plane / surface, a friendly dentless outfit will likely do a good job by filling and spraying only the top plane

I'd look at wether your taillights are sealed properly?

Ha you're right. I filled the mixing bottle the opposite way around. Looks like I'm all set for a major cold snap for a while! @SkudMissile21

I've just filled mine up. The OEM ratio for -16 degrees is 2 parts screenwash 1 part water, if that helps

Not sure if it's standard across the superb range but I'd recommend one fitted with XDS. My Passat doesn't have it and pulling out of junctions can be embarrassing on electric mode as it will light up the front wheels very easily. It can be a little embarrassing

Best recommendation I've ever had was to buy OEM VW concentrated screenwash. You can mix it at various concentrations. Used neat it stays liquid down to -70. It's also not as thick and prone to leaving streaks as some of the stuff you get from Halfords

Fellow GTE owner here. Just coming up to 4 years with it. Have a superb iV on order for July. On a long motorway run you'll average about 40mpg. If you're on a mix of A roads you'll get closer to 50mpg. If your journey has mixed driving with slower traffic, it's all down to your driving style. With a full charge I could get 80mpg on a trip from Oxford to Heathrow. On another day the same trip might only return 50. It's a bit dead on the ICE engine alone, but you can always engage both engine and motor at any point by using the kickdown. I had a golf GTD before and definitely prefer this powertrain (hence ordering another!)

Just watched him changing modes. A question for you @techsearchuk , are the only modes "sport, electric and hybrid"? On the Passat I have these but I also have "battery hold" and "battery charge". Are these not available on the iV or are they hidden in a settings menu somewhere?

I think it's possibly over 10 seconds, but as you say, it suits the character of the car. We had a similar thought process, we need a big boot and I don't really want an SUV / crossover so the the only option was a PHEV again but I'm happy with that

Plus it makes life easier than packing away the granny unit every time! Interesting switch in cars though, do you notice a drop in performance on e-mode when compared to the leaf?

It's most irritating when it doesn't charge overnight and you get into a car in the morning that's freezing cold with no battery range! If you're using the granny charger it might be worth turning down the charge current in the e-manager unless you're certain the 240v socket you're using is up to the demand? It might be detecting a fault and cutting off the charge but I'd expect it to have a fault light if that's the case.

I have a Passat GTE (have just ordered an iV estate). This just happens sometimes. Generally removing and reinserting the cable is enough to get it to start charging. It happens to me once every 3 months maybe.