SBirch

I did a lot of research here before I got my car, it left me with the following impressions : Modern diesel engines are very complex and hence have problems (DMF/DPF/pizo injectors). VW has no faith in their camb belts, and changing them every 4 years is expensive (1.8tsi uses a chain) Lots of small trips is harder on batteries and engines than lots of motorway miles. Never buy a recently introduced model, you get more kit and reliability later down its life cycle. There was a tread on here about supper high mileage reliable cars, common trait? Yearly oil changes. I have noticed that the fuel computers tend to be 5 - 7% over optimistic. A check of mine showed about 5%, close enough for me. Anyway I use it more of comparison with it's self and an extra check that all is OK. Just remembered the TSI engines do tend to need topping up with oil, so keep an eye on that. Mine uses about 1lt between anual services (9k miles). Using more in winter. Good luck Simon

I think it will be fine. By 2011 all the big bugs had been found and fixed. Just be kind to your turbo by not turning off the engine when it's red hot and keep the oil nice and clean. An electrical gremlin might occur, but you take your chances with that.

Should heated seats come with the Black line? Yes probably. Is it vital to have heated leather? No, like most said, they are only used once in a while for a few minutes each time. There is a alternative... Alcantra... got it on my L&K. Honestly had the VRS at the time had black Alcantera and a MFSW then I think I would be in one now! Simon

+1 on the 1.8TSI L&K You don't have to have the light grey leather. I went for the Onix (Very Dark Grey) Alcantara looks classy if a little dark. I have seen a few 2nd hand ones like that. Sample pictures here http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/140950-just-got-my-new-lk-brief-review-comments/page__hl__alcantara#entry1803698 Good engine as well. Simon

Closest we have to an official statement. Skoda brand director Robert Hazelwood said the network achieved its third consecutive year of record business in 2011. “We’re set to achieve 50,000 sales this year for a market share of around 2.5 per cent but we’re on target to reach 80,000 volume in 2016 – double the number we achieve in 2010. “The business will come from a well-developed plan that we believe is credible, so we’re asking the network to make sure they’re ready for our new range,” he said. Following the launch of its new city runabout model, Skoda will reveal a new car in September positioned between the Fabia and Octavia. As yet unnamed, it will be available in hatchback and estate form. “After that, we get the next-generation Octavia next spring, so there’s real momentum in the network and we’re asking dealers to invest now to prepare for our new seven-car range. So they will unveil the new Octavia next spring 2013. Simon

The next octavia will be bigger so the gap will be larger.

A bit of searching found the below. Skoda brand director Robert Hazelwood said the network achieved its third consecutive year of record business in 2011. “We’re set to achieve 50,000 sales this year for a market share of around 2.5 per cent but we’re on target to reach 80,000 volume in 2016 – double the number we achieve in 2010. “The business will come from a well-developed plan that we believe is credible, so we’re asking the network to make sure they’re ready for our new range,” he said. Following the launch of its new city runabout model, Skoda will reveal a new car in September positioned between the Fabia and Octavia. As yet unnamed, it will be available in hatchback and estate form. “After that, we get the next-generation Octavia next spring, so there’s real momentum in the network and we’re asking dealers to invest now to prepare for our new seven-car range.

According to the Maxidot I get 41MPG on a mix of 1/3 city driving and 2/3 busy S/E motorway stuff mostly taking it easy. The MPG drops to mid 20's for short journey in the city. I checked the Maxidot against brim to brim and found it 1-2MPG over optimistic. so Mattews 38.5 for a newish car for a mix of driving is about right. Simon

Sorry I should have said, it's the gearing. The first and 2nd gears are shorter so you get on the boost (and revs) quicker. It just seams more responsive. When you're in the higher gears and look for the mid range punch.... then you realize it's not a 1.8. Actually I quite like it, makes the 1.8 TSI appear slightly lazy low down. I drove them back to back and own a 1.8TSI so I am sure I didn't imagine it. Simon

The 1.8 TSI is certainly not as nippy as the 1.2 TSI. Just got one as a courtesy car so can confirm that. Thinking about the differing opinions about when the power comes in. I am wondering if it's to do with the (presumably) mapping change that came in with the face lift. I notice that the CO2 and MPG figures changed then so possibly the new mapping is slower in getting to peak power. Simon

Hi, For ideas on a check list take a look at :- http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/197922-new-car-checklist/page__p__2354115__hl__new+car+checklist__fromsearch__1#entry2354115 Enjoy Simon

Jonno, Sounds good, I too went for the front sensors and the Alcantara. Didn't bother with MDI as a 16GB SD card holds a lot of music for a few pounds. If you are buying accessories consider a sound deadening pad for the bonnet. The petrols no longer get this for free and it finishes it off nicely and keeps the engine compartment warm in winter. Was only £20'ish pounds from a dealer. Simon

No. So far it's completely none functioning. With the display "jammed" in the oil temperature display. May try disconnecting the battery this weekend. Looks like a visit to the dealer to look at the stiff hand break, this and the none working rear wash. Simon

Hi Richie, Thanks for the information. It could like you say be the cold. Although I remember last winter was far colder and it worked fine. I tried using the lefthand stalk, but didn't get very far then got an error - something about the convenience function failed. That may have been me though as obviously I don't use that method nornally. I think the cruse still works. Regards Simon

Hi Guys, Just noticed that my Multi-function steering wheel has stopped working. So now no longer changes the volume or accesses the menu's. As the car is less than 2 years old it's in warrantee. However before I get the dealer involved is there a few obvious things I can check / do that may fix it? Thanks Simon