SteveTheElder

In response to a suggestion by @Oli3000 here's a list of the issues I have experienced with my early build (registers Sept 2020) Mk4 SE L First Edition estate. I have listed the ones that I am aware that others have also experienced, and I am aware that other early models had problems I haven't (mainly 'cos my car doesn't have some options/features). Many of these have been the subject of much debate in one of more threads of this forum, details will be found in there by using the search function. I have NOT included the Infotainment Reboot issue as it is common to later build cars too, albeit fixed with software updates. If you too have an early build SE L First Edition please add any recurrent/common SEL FE issues that I have missed. KPH/MPH Speedometer could not display KPH. Selection made in settings but no change to display and not saved. SatNav could not display miles. Selection made in settings but no change to display and not saved. Eventually a solution was developed, in my case a change of Virtual Cockpit (VC) hardware and software updates. To my knowledge not all cases need a VC change; the original in my car did not have a clock at top centre, the replacement does. The speedometer being unable to display KPH is in contravention of UK regulations. Adaptive Cruise Control In general worked OK, except it would intermittently, yet often, prevent overtaking in stead of undertaking. Basically the car thought it was in driving on the right side of the road, not left; it worked absolutely fine in mainland Europe. Fixed through software updates. Note however, that the Owner Manual warns of occasions when the ACC can be confused, I’ve noticed it several times on long right hand bends - the car sees a vehicle in the nearside lane and prevents overtaking. Easily overcome by a tap go the accelerator pedal. SOS errors and false calls Several issues around this; in my case I’d get a loud ‘pop pop’ sound followed by a corruption of any [built in] SatNav directions active at the time and an alert to say an SOS call was placed - when it wasn’t! After several diagnostics visits and software updates the SOS module was replaced and it’s been fine since. ‘Favourites’ Initially neither SatNav nor Radio favourites were saved. Fixed through software updates. Auto-reconnect CarPlay For many months CarPlay would not automatically reconnect to my iPhone. Fixed through one of the many software updates Škoda Connect App Early build Mk4 cars don’t have full functionality. Cannot create a route in the phone App and send it to the car Cannot remotely Lock & Unlock the car, but can see if it is locked and windows closed. Fuel & Temperature Gauges Flickering Intermittent flickering of both gauges regardless of whether headlights are on or not. Fixed through software update.

I had a problem with the rear courtesy lights, they would randomly turn on and off whilst I was driving, as though Casper was in the back fiddling with them😉. Following diagnostics the dealer swapped the light unit and been ok since. IIRC, it was worse in sub-zero temperatures.

I'm fairly confident that the voice control for car based functions (aircon, heated seat, ...) will still work OK, I has done when I've used it at times when my mobile has been out of range of mobile signal - no guarantees though as there is always the chance that the car may have been connected to a different network! I've always assumed that the online voice control was for POI or destination look up.

Further thoughts on roof carriers... Make sure the roof bars are long enough to get four bike carriers on (you'll need the ones that extend beyond the roof fitting 'legs'. You may have to twist the handlebars through 90 degrees to avoid them getting in the way of the adjacent bike I had to load mine in alternate directions (forwards facing, backward facing, ..., ...) Be careful with low trees and car parks with height restrictions!

Alloy wheels and brake dust 😡 They're always the first part of the car to look dirty and are the hardest part to clean! Thanks to @TheUltraRunner and @Mario_Delgado for recommended products to make the job easier 👍

I used to carry four bikes on the roof using Thule bars and bike carriers - that was on my mk2 Octavia estate. The challenge was the max load limit (IIRC, 100kg). Became a harder as the kids grew and needed bigger/heavier bikes! Plus points are you can get into the boot easily and they can all be locked on. Downside was the wind noise and drag - massive impact on fuel economy. Having seen a tailgate mounted carrier come adrift at speed on the M6, along with three bikes, put me off the idea of that sort. I think towball mounted carriers may have a similar weight limit as roof carriers. Check the nose weight limit for your model, typically 75 or maybe 100kg. Those weights include the carriers & bars too.

Yep this ^^^ some good old fashioned discipline - it will help them learn a skill for life.

I'm beginning to get the feeling this thread may have been better as a simple "yes" / "no" poll.

@benterrier the mk4 cabin is a much nicer place to be than the mk3, the plastics and other materials feel a big step up in my opinion. As others have said it’ll now be a 1.5tsi ACT that has 150ps. I have a manual estate 2020 model. @SouthernComfort is right to have alluded to the many s/ware issues in earlier models; there are fixes available which ought to be applied to any used examples bought through official Škoda channels - but sadly there are some reports on these forums where it’s not the case. If you buy used ensure all the fixes are applied. Cabin noise is pretty well muted in mine other than tyre noise - but that is perhaps more to do with the Michelins on mine as factory fitted. They are lasting well though, about 4.5mm left after 35k miles. Not sure I know what I’d be looking for regards the rear axle, sorry. Hopefully others know more than I do! Fuel economy is very good in the mk4s too, it has better aero efficiency than the mk3. I’m surprised to be averaging mid-50s mpg since I bought it (that’s brim to brim calculations) and on a long motorway run it’s usually 62mpg or better.

I managed to get a video of the flickering but the dealer didn't ask. As you say, it'll vary from dealer to dealer, and I have managed to build a good working relationship with my dealer which I am sure helps a lot.

I had that in my 2020 SE L FE. The dealer fixed it a while back, s/ware I think. Will have a dig through my notes to see if I recorded the fix and add comment here. Found my notes from Feb 2023… ”The gauge lights continue to flicker, apparently there is a TPI (whatever that is) to fix this. ” Then April 2023… ” Update for flickering gauges. Update applied to remedy this (Škoda TPI).” That fixed the flickering gauges.

Try turning off the vibration; it will be a lot less intrusive. Then maybe the perceived negatives become tolerable providing benefit of the positives.

Welcome... Short answer: yes, nearly all of the time. Longer answer: it will depend on the journeys and load you carry. Mine is a 1.5TSI, had a loan 1.0 e-tec for 5 months a couple of years back. The 1.0 was fine for the vast majority of the time, long motorways were a surprise, it managed them well and with good economy - but that was with two up a weekend luggage. However I reckon I would have felt it on those long runs were there four of us and a boot fully loaded. The 1.0 is surprisingly flexible too so should be OK on the hilly roads of the South West. Definitely worth a test drive...

IIRC you can import backgrounds of your choice from a USB-C stick. I started to have a look in to it nigh on three years ago when I first got mine. Seemed too much faff for little/no benefit so gave up.

Not all updates are over the air to date. Only in the last few weeks have I read about the bigger ones being pushed out that way.

It was a very comfortable and easy drive; the 'box would change readily down if I needed the extra rpm for acceleration. I was surprised that the DSG 'box was as economical as my manual.

I reckon Škoda have prioritised the gear ratios for low emissions and lower fuel consumption, hence lower revs when cruising. Is your a manual 'box or auto/DSG? From memory, at steady motorway speeds the revs in a loan DSG I had a while back were lower than my manual 'box.

Thanks guys. Now you mention it, I recall an old Top Gear item on the DB9 bemoaning it too soft compared to later ones (or something along those lines). My thinking is evolving, quite fancy a V8 and am warming to the idea of a classic rather than more modern. A big old Daimler maybe, though also closer to the mobile sitting room perhaps. For looks, a Triumph Stag could fit the bill but not convinced for long drives. Quatraporte is a good shout; think there is a place nearby with those.

Thank you. I’d thought of the f type as a sports car but with the ride a little more pliant than an M3 it’s a good call. As you say, they look good. Thank you, I’ll check ‘em out.

I quite fancy hiring a Grand Tourer car for an 'Occasion' next year, keen to get ideas and a better understanding of what makes an ideal GT car. There are many out there I'm sure, but I must admit to being easily get confused by what is a GT car and what's a Sports car - I don't want a bold, brash machine with a hard ride, rather something more elegant with an effortless, pliant waft through the countryside. Guessing that points me in the direction of a Bentley Continental or something of that ilk, but they seem a bit OTT to me. Something iconic appeals too, so maybe not Audi, or Mercedes. Oh, and I'm just shy of 2m tall so nothing tiny or I won't fit 🤣 I think of Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Porsche as sports cars, but are there some models that fit the GT mould? As you can see, I'm in that odd position of knowing what I want without actually knowing what I want!

I can feel your frustration and disappointment; such a shame you felt no option other than to reject the car. Also a shame they have potentially lost a loyal customer. I hope you can find a suitable alternative.

I've seen that discussed in this forum, especially with the additional delay caused by the engine Stop/Start system. Not something I had really considered (being one of the manual 'box drivers).

Welcome to the forums. From my experience the 6sp. manual is absolutely fine and I see no reason to doubt its reliability. My current Octavia Mk IV has covered about 32k miles, so not a huge amount I admit. I see no reason why it should be any less reliable than my previous two Škodas, Octavia Mk2 and Superb Mk2 both of which I covered in excess of 80k miles. BTW, I know the Superb is currently in excess 105k on the original clutch. Again, not massive mileage compared to some, but hopefully gives you a feel for them. I find my Octavia MkIV estate is very economical too, returning about 57mpg overall since I've had it (based on spreadsheet calculations and brim to brim tankfuls). Others have reported (in other threads) good economy from the 1.5 TSi manual too. With the gear ratios and engine (low revs) flexibility I find that around town 30mph limits I'm usually in 4th, occasionally 5th if light on the throttle; 6th only becomes useful above 40mph, and even then 5th is potentially more economical. I can't vouch for the 1.5 TSi automatics though; the only DSG auto I have driven for any distance (~8k miles) was a MkIV estate 1.0 e-TEC mild hybrid. It was surprisingly lively with two and modest luggage on board, returning mid-50s mpg; I suspect it'd be a bit lacking for a fully loaded motorway run though, certainly compared with a vRS. The 1.5 e-TEC would be better I'm sure, and probably what I would go for now/next. There are others here with much more knowledge and experience of the DSGs so hopefully they will add comment too.

I’d quite like the tail lights to come on with the front DRLs, i.e. on all the time.

Welcome back to Škoda. The biggest difference between the Mk III & IV is the touchscreen (I'm not sure what the Kia will be like but the Octy MkIV has few physical buttons). Top tip from me is take your time to explore how it all works, get used to using the voice control (which I find great for climate and radio/media). CarPlay or Android Auto work well, and of course voice control there too. One or two minor frustrations too. For example, the car does not remember the engine mode, it always defaults back to 'Normal' each time its started; similarly for Lane Assist, its always on when starting up (not that this one bothers me but I know it does some folk). Other than that, enjoy...