Matt H

So from what I can gather, the ICE-only variants of the mk. 4 vRS will feature a 6-speed manual gearbox (with presumably a DSG option) for the petrol, but the diesel will be DSG only, with a 4WD option? Has this been confirmed? Very disappointed if this is the case - I'd be VERY interested in a diesel IF it had a 6M gearbox, but zero interest in DSG. Don't think I want a petrol version - my current mk 3 TDi has more than enough grunt, and is economical to run - a petrol with a third more power, and (I assume) several insurance groups higher, not to mention much lower MPG, would be a step too far. Will there be any 6M option on the TDi, do we know?

I've got the MySKODA app on my Android phone - last week there was an update for it, and since then it hasn't worked. Won't even open - initial screen just closes a second or so after clicking on it, with a message saying "MySKODA has stopped" There has been a further update this morning - and it still doesn't work. I have sent feedback to report this problem (last week, and again this morning after the latest update). Anybody else experiencing the same issues, or should I uninstall it and try again...?

As I've already commented on the separate thread about the m4. 2020 vRS, I hope it will be available with a manual transmission, or otherwise I'll be looking at something else for my next car. Article in the special edition (no. 601) of Auto Express suggests the new vRS will be available with three powertrains, adding a plug-in hybrid to the existing petrol & diesel options. The hybrid will be DSG only, but hopefully there will be a 6M option on the TSi and TDi variants. Guess we'll have to wait until details of the vRS are released at some point next year, and then see what Skoda UK confirm.

Do we have any indication / hints yet on what the power train options might be for the mk. 4 vRS? At launch, the highest powdered petrol and diesel offerings for the mk. 4 seem to be DSG transmission as standard. I hope the vRS when it comes will be available with a manual 'box - it will be a No from me if it's DSG only. I might also consider a Scala vRS when that appears, although again only if it can be had with a manual 'box - hints are that it will be a 1.5 hybrid so that will (presumably) mean DSG only, although I believe there is now a special clutch which means you can have a manual 'box on a hybrid, but are any manufacturers using this set-up yet? Skoda / VW scored an own-goal (in my humble opinion) with the 2nd generation Fabia vRS being DSG only. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I like to have a manual gearbox on my sporty hatchback.

My vRS had it's first service on Friday. So far the "My Skoda" app on my phone hasn't updated to show this. Currently only the PDI service (GBA Killingholme) is shown on the "Digital Service Schedule". I've just had a follow-up call from the dealer (Blade, just outside Gloucester) to see if I was happy with the service they provided me on Friday (yes, very happy, thanks). I did query the lack of the service being on the app so far, and they told me that it can take a few days to appear. The paperwork that came back with the car on Friday includes a print-out of the car's full service history, and does include Friday's service. Strange therefore that so far the digital version on my phone hasn't caught up... Modern technology, eh...?

So, having contacted the dealer I bought the car from last August (Johnsons, in Erdington), they have had the car in today. Given it a good going-over, including collecting it from me at home and driving it to their workshop (50+ mile trip, each way), and they can't find anything wrong... So, I will have to keep an eye (or rather, a nose) on it, and see if I get any more smells inside... I'll be back onto them, if I do.

Thanks for the replies. Will have a look under the bonnet with the engine running to see if I can see / smell anything obvious, but will then get it into my local Skoda dealer thereafter for them to check it over. Will report further as & when...

I have a 2016 (66-reg) Mk III vRS TDi. 18 months old, with 9k miles on the clock. Bought from a main Skoda dealer when 10 months old / 6k miles. Recently I've started to get intermittent diesel exhaust smells in the cabin. It comes and goes, sometimes when in traffic in town, but also when out on country roads with no other vehicles around. So, I assume the smells are coming from my car, rather than exhaust fumes from other vehicles. Doesn't seem to coincide with any DPF regen activity. Any ideas? Do I have an exhaust leak, or an issue with the air-con / heating system, etc...? I know from having looked that there were some issues on Mk II Octys with leaks from the manifold / DPF assembly etc, so is this the likely cause on my Mk III...? The car is still well within the 3-year warranty period, but would investigations and any subsequently-require repairs (if needed) be covered by the warranty, or could a sizeable bill await (which I would be very far from impressed with, given the age and mileage of the car). Any suggestions, please...?