Patent

Think this post covers how it works: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/495746-octavia-iv-estate-flat-12v-battery/#comment-5566245

My fix on my last few cars has been just to buy the OEM rubber front mat set and keep the drivers mat in all the time. It has a proper lip to catch all dirt and stones around the edges. And they look brand new after a blast with the jet wash

You can switch the dash off independently. Mine did this in the summer randomly, I'd start there first. You may have to turn the lights from automatic to manual to access the option

Also when you compare, the arteon is really just a hasty copy of the Renault talisman which is a slightly better resolved design 😬

Do you have a sunroof?

The arteon is a great looking car. When I ordered the superb I looked at those too. The only issue is they are quite low spec in the standard trims. Multiple items were optional that came standard on similar Passat and Superb models. When you built one like for like it was significantly more expensive. So they might not do well in the spec / price comparison

I've had both in hybrid flavour. They're both the same car in terms of driving dynamics. Some different spring rates don't change much. Turning circle to rival an oil tanker. Personally think the superb is better looking outside but the Passat has the better interior. Superb has more legroom and a marginally longer boot. However the boxier shape of the Passat means it's actually a more useful loadspace. Go for the highest spec / lowest price combo. Avoid a MIB3 equipped car

DSG owner here. Mine definitely can't be deactivated in certain circumstances, I think as nicknorman mentioned?

As long as the beam pattern cuts off as normal you'll be okay. That looks fine to me, apart from being annoying to look at. Mine cloud up after the car is washed but clear after a day or so

The general consensus is they all do that now as they're not sealed. It's even mentioned in newer manuals. I've had success parking facing the sun, (difficult in winter!) but you could also attack it with a hairdryer

Interesting they've pulled the Octavia iv!

If it clicks unlocked it sounds like the plastic tab has been caught the wrong way around. On the Passat i've had success just ripping it open, but if they are seeing you next week just keep putting petrol in it and let Skoda worry about that!

Just a note, mine unlocks with KESSY. May 2021 build

Some photos of the flap mechanism if it helps you between now and 6-10 weeks when skoda can see you

It's possible for it to grab the catch weirdly and jam. Don't forget it automatically locks itself shut a few minutes after you unlock the car, so it could just be that. Firstly I'd try locking and unlocking the car and check it "clicks" unlocked. Assuming it does that and it's still jammed, judiciously prod the dimple on the flap to try and unjam it. The dimple is located where the catch is so you've got a reduced risk of breaking the plastic by using that spot

They won't do the bendy twisty thing if you're in eco mode, or individual mode with lights set to eco in the settings

Have you tried using the REST function? Theory of operation is explained below. I tried it in my old GTE and it was next to useless, your mileage may vary though!

Is this not related to the lockout that prevents you starting the drive system when plugged in?

Unexpected!

I'd guess that you get the clock if you spec rear heaters but not tri zone?

How does it feel in terms of hesitation? Like it's slow to take up drive, juddery, or like it's bogging down?

On the screen in the car where you set the departure timer, do you have the off peak hours set and enabled, and the departure timer itself enabled?

Sounds like you have air getting into a fuel line, allowing it to drain back to the tank when on an uphill incline

Have you set up individual user accounts for the keys etc already?

Apparently the C5 Aircross is one of the few non-mpvs that takes 3 isofix width seats on the rear bench