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

Make sure you take it on on the A50. The concrete sections kick-up quite alot of noise and as I regularly travel along this in my L&K it's a pain and I can see a realighnment beign required. Almost eveything else is great though. The 1.8 TSI engine is solid, although slightly lacking in aural fireworks. The Kit, build and VFM are very good. The Electric drivers seat has lots of adjustment and good support. It is slightly on the hard side though. I couldn't swallow the 1.2K for the satnav though. I bought a Widescreen Garmin that fits in the top dashboard flip-up cubby hole. Some people have wired a power lead to here to cater for longer frequent use. I may get round to doing this if my use increases. Simon

I just use the radio and the SD card...you can fit alot of music on a 16 GB card. I have used the CD, but just to prove it works. In fact the CD is probably still in there. Simon

Mafuta, Just realised that you car is a 1.8 TSI SE+ don't these run a different map and hence power output? Possibly they have strangled it a bit. Simon

I agree with the not nippy comment, but I do get useful torque before 2,000 RPM (appears to start at about 1,600 RMP) and it is well on song by 2.5 K. In fact other than joining motorways I hardly go much above 3,000 Revs. This shows how muscular it is as standard. Simon

Hi, Not sure I agree with Mafuta. Whilst the engine is not as torque rich as a diesel, for a petrol it's certainly very good. On the whole better than my previous 2.5L straight 6 BMW. It's reasonably smooth, it just doesn't have the sound and character of a really great engine or the pick up for that matter. However it's more refined than a diesel and very eccomonical (doesn't even require belt changes as it has a chain driven cam). Plenty powerful enough for normal use, and maps well if you need more. Although I would argue the rest of the car doesn't really match up to a 200+ BHP car, vis dynamics / handling etc. If you regularly travel on concrete roads make sure you check it on these, as surface dependant noise can be an issue (bit of an problem for me). Simon

The L&K used to have a full size spare on an alloy. They were 17" Alloys if I remember and as the boot floor pan was not changed as part of the face lift a 17" alloy should still fit. Also I know of at least one VRS owner who changed one of his old damaged alloys to be used as a spare when they bought a replacement. Simon

Hi, I have a completely standard MY2011 L&K - the mirrors extend when I open the drivers door. They also fold when I either turn the mirror switch to the right position or hold down the lock button on the fob. Simon

Welcome to the club, There are quite a few options on the mats side. Have a look at this thread. Everything from a standard liner to a padded play space for your dog. http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/202684-boot-liner/page__hl__%26%2339%3Bboot+mat%26%2339%3B Simon

JRW, I agree with most of what you say, but I am sure people are replacing their cam belts more regularly than you say. Simon

HI Octy09, Short answer is that Petrol blue is so new hardly anyones got one. It was discussed 2-3 days ago. http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/216718-petrol-blue-anybody/ No direct Oct shots - but a Yeti and Superb in it I think. On other colours either look at Skodas 2nd hand site or there should be loads of pictures on here. Simon