PetrolDave

First question is whether you have an Amundsen or Columbus sat nav? Amundsen needs an SD card inserted all the time for the maps. The problem is that the maps by default use a TMC transmission that's no longer active, but there are hacks to switch to the one still being transmitted - there is a thread about this on briskoda. Alternatively the newer system, which on a 2019 model will probably include yours, can get traffic information using the SIM.

Context? As this is your first post we need to know what's behind your comment.

I'd be concerned about the security and hacking risks if it's true that a non-contact system can communicate with a cars systems to extract that sort of data. Black hat hackers are very often one step ahead of the white hat guys Fiat Chrysler recalls 1.4m vehicles

I would say you best option is an OEM MIB2 unit and screen @pab567

Definitely - even simple things like resetting the TPMS after correcting tyre pressures use the infotainment (or a scan tool).

No way!!!!

The unit in the glovebox is the intelligence, the screen is only that - a screen.

There is a CAR menu that shows messages and allows you to change many settings (details are in the manual), any head unit not specificly designed for an Octavia 3 won't have this menu and as the infotainment is the only way of setting/checking them (Apart form a diagnostic tool) it's not wise to fit a head unit without this menu.

Because no UK Government is actually serious about spending money on net zero - they want the vast majority of the costs to be borne by business and individuals. The reduction/withdrawal of subsidies and subsequent fines on car makers shows that all this Government care about is filling the alleged £22bn gap.

Does anything show up in a fault code scan?

One mechanical and (at least) one electrical.

Most likely an ABS wheel speed sensor problem, all those systems need accurate vehicle speed. You need a fault code scan done to get the details.

On a previous car I had a non-res Milltek fitted, couldn't live with the drone for more than 3 months so had a res fitted.

The Vauxhall/Stellantis PCP offering is cleverly pitched as being the same cost for ICE or EV but there is a catch - the price quoted is 4 yers for an ICE but 5 years for an EV so in reality it's 25% more expensive!

No, I think it would be far better to find a local Briskoda member with VCDS or OBDeleven to get a fault scan done first. Here's a link to the thread with a list of Briskoda members with VCDS List of VCDS Owners

What I said in post 2 of this thread. From 2017 to 2021 I lived in north Devon and drove a 1.4TSI manual Octavia combi and never had any problems with the steep hills there (the steepest I regularly used was a 1 in 3 near Lynton). @Oct@via13 I think you need to get someone with VCDS or OBDeleven to do a diagnostic scan as your mpg and hill climbing issue really do say to me that there is a problem with your Octavia. Just because it passed the MOT and had a service done does not mean there isn't a problem.

Fenders! One reason is that some Americans park by waiting until their fenders touch the vehicle in front or behind!

Which part of Kent do you live in to say it's very hilly?

No wear indicators on the rear pads.

After 10 years driving Vauxhalls I experienced the same different gear lever movement to engage reverse. It's like that on every VW Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, etc.) car with a manual gearbox - it's how VAG do it. You need to avoid putting your hand on top of the gear lever (except when you want reverse), which can result in pushing it down unintentionally. Instead cup your hand beside/behind the gear lever and guide it towards the gear you want.

Bluetooth won't support displaying Google Maps et al, it's only for phone calls and music playing. Since you have a 2018 Octavia it will have a MIB2 Bolero which can support Android Auto (and AppleCarPlay) provided it has been enabled. You need to use Android Auto which requires a USB lead between your phone and the car - use the USB socket underneath the climate control panel and a USB lead that works with a PC. If you don't see Android Auto as an option when your phone is connected then maybe it hasn't been enabled (I had to get it enabled on my 2016 Amundsen). I got this done by a third party not a dealer.

I'm not sure that with that driving profile you should be thinking about an ICE or even a hybrid and should instead be thinking about a BEV or a PHEV?

That's not right for any engine Octavia Mk3 - the only time I've ever had fuel economy that poor was winter city driving in my previous Audi RS4 which had a 4.2L V8 making 450PS 🤯

Please explain why you think a software update is needed.

When you live on the edge of a quiet country town (not in London) at night the only noise is boilers and heat pumps so their noise is a significant factor in neigbourhood discussions!