Having the Tiptronic, the front centre armrest while down is a great asset in full auto mode but switching to manual sequential mode, which requires fore and aft movement of the gear stick, it becomes a bit of a hindrance. This left me thinking that owners with the manual transmissions must need to be either contorsionists or are forever lowering and raising the thing? Of course it is only standard fit on the 3 grade.

Not the greatest of ergonomic designs me thinks.

I am manual and it obstructs handbreak use, agree with your comment.

Its very handy on the motorway but a waste of time everywhere else as it really gets in the way as you describe. Happy to have it as standard but certainly would have felt irritated if I'd paid for it:rolleyes:

Got one on my '3' and it pretty much stays down all the time.

It does obstruct the handbrake but I've kind of got used to pulling the lever on from an odd angle!

It's not well positioned at all if you're a shortie like me and have the seat forward. It stays up while I'm driving, but is still a useful storage place for my mobile phone charger. I lower it while parked if I want to relax.

I had forgotten I even had one until I saw this post. I don't use it because it makes the handbrake irritatingly difficult to apply.:thumbdwn:

TMT

With the 3 grade that 'ergonomic disaster' is fitted as standard , like or lump it ! Leave it on the options list, then if you go for it you only have yourself to blame. Much rather forgo it and see that money go towards something far more useful such as rear power windows or electric folding mirrors as standard fit on the 3 grade.

A permanent upright armrest is about as much use as an ashtray on a motorcycle!

I second Stevearcher. I got used to pull the handbrake in an odd angel really fast, not a problem. You get used to it quickly and don´t give any thought after a while. I use the armrest all the time and I love it, Couldn´t do without it. Like the comfort in it. I have it angled down a bit so it does not make shifting gear a problem.

I have what is called a "Sport" model here in Denmark. It was standart.

Bgds Dan

I use mine all the time, not to much of a problem with the handbrake.

I use mine all the time, and would not be without it now :-) I did find it a bit in the way when using the handbrake in the begining, but I don't even think about the arm rest being in the way now..

While you're on the topic of the Arm Rest, I want to get some seat covers but will the Arm rest get in the way of fitting them ? I suppose it depends on the covers in question.

Thanks guys

Hi,

I find it invaluable as I had one in my previous car and really like having somwehere to rest my elbow.

However I don't really like the design - it does get in the way of the handbrake / gear change.

Worst thing though is my 8 year old son playing with it while I'm driving!!

Must ask Skoda to come up with a design to stop that in the Fabia 3!!!

PS - only had my 3 Estate for 2 weeks and think it's a great car so far - only 500 miles on it so will post a full opinion in a few weeks.

:rofl:I have a Roomy3 and the centre armrest is fitted as standard,if not the cost is£102= + VAT, and yes I did find it hard to use the gear shift and hand-brake, but like most things you get used to it, now I would not be without it as I can lounge about in my Roomy at stop-lights and driving on the Motorways like the BMW and Range Rover crowd, regards John048.

:rofl:I have a Roomy3 and the centre armrest is fitted as standard,if not the cost is£102= + VAT, and yes I did find it hard to use the gear shift and hand-brake, but like most things you get used to it, now I would not be without it as I can lounge about in my Roomy at stop-lights and driving on the Motorways like the BMW and Range Rover crowd, regards John048.

I had the rest on 2 previous A classes. More recent models since my last the centre arm rest had a lump cut out of it to facilitate using the brake lever which was simple but effective. Like others here I too am used to it now and it does seem to make the front seats a more finished article.