CKO

This will probably be the last model enhancement on the Mk4 Octi, which has to be kept alive until 2030 and perhaps a little beyond (in which case another tweak could be on the cars a couple of years down the road). Skoda isn't alone in doing this to existing models as the market is in a state of flux at the moment with demand for pure BEVs (which were mandated to be the majority if not the total of a maker's sales) faltering once the tax incentives to buy one dried up. Facelifts are a whole lot cheaper than coming up with totally new models.

I am glad you got good service from your current Octavia vRS. Driving it into the ground would make sense economically - until you hit the first major repair, which could entail throwing more money at it than what it would fetch as a used car. Then, there are also possible parts sourcing issues to consider. The current MkIV series will bring many pros and cons with it, like any choice of car. The pros would be: Superior comfort, finishing, drive refinement, greater safety and lower emissions. Fuel consumption should also be lower (I regularly get 12 - 14km/l from my '23 vRS 2.0 petrol without trying in mixed driving), making it cheaper to run. Possible downsides are: Like all late model modern cars, the MkIV will bring with it increased electonic complexity. The legendary software issues that were prevalent on early models (these are largely resolved on newer used ones, so go Approved Used if you are eying up pre-loved examples) and possibly the slight growth in physical size, which could complicate garaging arrangements. If you plump for a new one on company funds, you may not be able to get the spec you want as the price with some desirable options places the vRS above the UK luxury car tax threshold (I am assuming you are located in thge UK, otherwise, please disregard this point). My '23 unit is almosty fully optioned, with the winter pack, HUD, DCC and pano roof. Options are a personal preference, but I would order these again, were I to get a fresh vRS today, except for a possible change in hue (mine's Velvet Red, which may be being phased out for a different red soon). Good luck with your choice.

If it's convenient, you could get another dealer to fix the armrest and also let Skoda UK know about your original dealer's lack of competence.

Hi! Original poster here - my thanks to all who responded. This YT clip is better than the one I used to replace the batteries with. That little U shaped clip is a real PITA and the issue was resolved by keeping the key blade retainer outside of the fob as the shaft is slid back in after the job is done. Another really clever piece of wunderbar German logic and engineering! However, in getting one of my keys back in order, I noticed that the obveerse side where the three buttons are is now coming adrift after slightly over three years in use, despite my rotating the keys monthly. Any suggestions to fix this or will it be a trip to the dealer? Thanks again.

Hi, all, Ten thumbs me did DIY replacements of batteries for both keys after the car flashed a warning to do so. After following a You Tube clip, the battery went in OK and the plastic body mated up with the other half of the key but now, the blade/shaft does not lock in place and detaches itself whenever the key is handled by the key ring. Any advice gratefully accepted. otherwise it's off to the stealership come Monday.

Velvet Red is a good shade but costs extra here in NZ (along with the Orange), making it a rare choice. I have a Mk4 is this shade and it has stopped passers by commenting on the sharp looks when kept clean. We don't seem to have Space Violet yet as an option but I guess it will come through later. Just be careful that it may not prove popular as a used car choice, so resale value could be slightly impacted. As for options, the pano roof is recommended as the interior can be too dark for some tastes with a black headliner. Winter pack definitely (I presume your country spec is for heated front and rear seating and steering wheel?). DCC - do a test drive with the normal set up and see if you can live with it as the Mk4.5 sits a little lower and rides 19" wheels as standard. I've got it and swapped out the dealer opted 19" rims when they specced the car from the factory for the 18" Comets and the ride is less jarring over potholed streets. 35 - 40 mpg is definitelt doable in mixed driving - I get anything between 12 - 14 km/l. Enjoy your new ride.

To each his/her own, but I've had experience with BMW diesels before coming to my MY23 petrol Octavia vRS and the BMW oil burners were far from boat engines. They were punchy from the get go owing to the massive torque low down and very refined in the E46 330d Touring and F31 320d Touring I was fortunate to own. I do relish the ability of petrol units revving to a higher red line but sadly, in many road conditions these days, doing so would be seen as being anti social.

Regarding particulate filters, even the turbo petrol EA888 motor is fitted with one for the Mk4 VRS. I came from an F21 BMW 320d Touring to my vRS 2.0 TSi Estate and it regularly gets between 12 - 14 km/l while the BMW did 15 - 16 km/l. However, in NZ, diesels pay a road user charge, so the running costs for fuel are about the same. As advised by an earlier poster, you should take a test drive to see if you can re-acquaint yourself with the power delivery characteristics of a turbo petrol.

Thanks for your real life experience fix. I suppose it's too late now, but some images or a vid clip would have really helped.

You should also check if the twist cap has been properly tightened as petrol could evaporate if the cap is not fully turned home.

I'd say you need new shocks. A roadworthiness inspection only gives a cursory look at the point it was carried out.

Without stating the distance the car already has under its belt, it could be possible that it needs new shocks?

You may have to get a trimmer to do a set for you. Costly but should look excellent and you can choose the finish and material you want.

I tend to disagree with the HUD being useless at roundabouts as it does give navigation instructions with a vocal request and directional arrows.

I doubt if they may easily be retrofitted and even if they could, the cost of doing so would be very prohibitive (ie. more than ordereing them as factory fit options). Your best choice is to do a custom order, if you can live with the wait time, which I believe, is a lot more palatable now than a couple of years ago with the chip shortages.