Seems a pretty fair list and in the right order; all you need now if to get buying.

I don't see the point of cruise, azure dentition or parking sensors, but agree about the pointlessness of a sunroof, esp since a factory leccy roof robs headroom.

I think if there is one thing this thread has proved, it's that there's no such thing as a definitive list of "options you really need". Options are such a personal thing, it's very much down to the individual!

I don't rate cruise control, others love it.

I don't see the benefit of maxidot (although I've never used it), it just looks a bit like info-overload to me (waits for backlash to begin...). Others seem to think it's the most important option!

I don't see what the fuss over xenons is, I've never driven down a road where standard headlights are a major problem. Others... well, you get the idea.

That said, my 4x4 is fairly well spec'd (mainly as standard), so I'm thinking of what it's got over "lower" spec'd cars:

Rear parking sensors: I'd def get these for an estate +

Leather steering wheel: Nice but not sure I'd pay £150 for it ?

Jumbo box: I think having the 3.5mm jack is going to prove very useful for iPod connection on long trips +

Front fog lights: make the car look nice, I doubt many people ever really have to use these in the UK though ?

Auto dimming rear view mirror with rain sensor: I love these, wipers are virtually automatic, rear view mirror is nice on motorways in the dark, if someone drives behind you with bright or badly adjusted headlamps, the mirror dims a shade of green, I would probably pay for this if I ever bought an Octavia without this feature +

Climatronic dualzone aircon: While I'm not bothered about the dualzone, the fact it's automatic is very nifty. Think I'd get this again +

ESP: I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned very much, I think this is one of the most important options available, I reckon in years to come it'll be mandatory to have cars fitted with this. I'd definately pay for this in future +

Take it from someone who works up a hill and gets hill fog quite often; front fogs are rarely necessary (or used correctly), but when they are necessary they are an utter Godsend.

I've never been convinced by auto-dipping mirrors, but on unlit s/c my manual dipping mirror is always dipped; on duals and lit singles it never is unless there's a reason like a Suburban Useless Vehicle with bi-xenons.

I think if there is one thing this thread has proved, it's that there's no such thing as a definitive list of "options you really need". Options are such a personal thing, it's very much down to the individual!

I fully agree.

I don't rate cruise control, others love it.

I don't see the benefit of maxidot (although I've never used it), it just looks a bit like info-overload to me (waits for backlash to begin...). Others seem to think it's the most important option!

I don't see what the fuss over xenons is, I've never driven down a road where standard headlights are a major problem. Others... well, you get the idea.

Don't you think this line of thought is bought about through ignorance / no experience of the item?

Radio cassette players were more than good enough in their day, same as CD players and then MP3.

Xenons are a big improvement over halogens, that is not to say that halogens are crap though.

Cruise control (used correctly in the right conditions) makes for a less stressful drive, but yet again you need to use it a lot to appreciate its benefit - my wife hates it as she doesn't feel in full control of the vehicle when its activated, i wouldn't buy another car without it (or at least get it retro fitted).

Don't you think this line of thought is bought about through ignorance / no experience of the item?

Without doubt!

But that's the point I'm making, option selection is so personal. I'm not bothered about xenons because I've not experienced them. Perhaps if I tried them I'd love them, but I've not had any problems with the limitations of halogens.

I think front fogs , jumbo box with ipod is standard on the VRS it is on our VRS TDI

Maxidot is needed if i go for factory bluetooth , learned that the hard way with our current car but i dont know how good factory bluetooth is and whether its better to fit a parrot kit like we have done with our other car

One of the problems is i am coming from a high spec Mercedes , i already have auto dim mirrors and would miss them , i use cruise ALL the time but i think the system is a lot better than the VAG one

I also have steering wheel controls although my sav nav system and on board phone respond to voice commands as well and i know i'll miss that

Also currently have rain sensing wipers

I don't really see any need for where I drive and they sap your fuel economy like something crazy! .

You must have a problem with yours then, or not using it over long distances because cruise control should should give you better MPG.

Anyway Xenon Lamps is definately recommended followed by the following:

Maxidot

Cruise

Variable Boot Floor for the Combi (This has been invaluable for loading IMOH)

You must have a problem with yours then, or not using it over long distances because cruise control should should give you better MPG.

I would question whether that's true if you drive in hillier areas, mind. Even certain motorways?

I would question whether that's true if you drive in hillier areas, mind. Even certain motorways?

Of course I am talking about relatively flat motorways, the odd hill isn't a problem as long as you don't need to change gear canceling the cruise setting - I will use it most of the time wherever I can & it does make a difference, you can see your MPG average creep up over time - theres plenty of info about it on t'internet to back this claim.

You just have to know when to use it & at the right speed, I find anywhere between 60 - 83mph for A Road/motorway seem to work the best, but at the same time remember that it comes into its own the longer you leave it switched on.

I see you are in Swansea so I guess you are fecked whichever direction you drive .

I get to work at Neath Port Talbot Hospital from time to time & find the M4 is OK in places (once you get past Newport/Cardiff) I suppose it all comes down to what time you make you journey.

I see you are in Swansea so I guess you are fecked whichever direction you drive .

I get to work at Neath Port Talbot Hospital from time to time & find the M4 is OK in places (once you get past Newport/Cardiff) I suppose it all comes down to what time you make you journey.

Heh heh, you're right, not much flat land round this way, no really big hills, but it's not flat either!

There are a few places on the motorway between Swansea and Newport where CC might have issues, I'm not sure, I've only made one (long) trip with it. But I have read that this can be an issue with CC and I thought it worth mentioning that using CC might not automatically produce the results many people would expect...

I thought I'd miss the sunroof from the Mk1, but used it so little I havent. But that's only due to climatic control. I wouldnt have standard heating/AC system without a sunroof.

dont want sunroof , pointless with air con i think

Yes, Climatronic is great but sometimes I like to have actual fresh air flowing through the car and it's beautiful to have that natural, fresh airy feeling above you especially when the sun's shining and when it doesn't involve having the window down so everything's blowing about, so I don't agree that you can just replace a sunroof with electronics.

Also, bloody hell, how tall are you if you're worried about headroom being taken away??!! :eek: I'm 6"2' and my head is nowhere near the roof!

agree about the pointlessness of a sunroof, esp since a factory leccy roof robs headroom.

I'm still surprised that nobody is mentioning ESP?! Is it like curtain airbags, which have also had few mentions, safety is something you don't want to pay for until you have an accident?

Personally, I think another very good reason for getting ESP, safety aside, is you get EDL too, which on a 2WD car will help in difficult conditions.

Also, bloody hell, how tall are you if you're worried about headroom being taken away??!! :eek: I'm 6"2' and my head is nowhere near the roof!

How tall you are is irrelevant. I actually like to sit high in the car, and how high I set the seat is compromised by the sunroof.

Could all be academic as i test drove a superb last night and i really like it , they come pretty loaded as standard (elegance) so i'll only be adding a few things

That's true. Superb comes very well equipped, already in Elegance version. I test drove it too and liked it a lot, but after I moved from England to Paris, I had to change my choice to Octavia, as it is simply more practical (in terms of manoeuvring, parking etc). Superb is simply huge. Since then, I don't want to look at the price list of Superbs, as I ended up paying more for Octavia (silly as it is, but c'est la vie)...:(

Yeah it is big but i currently drive a E class estate which is around the same size and in over 7 years i'm yet to scrape it and thats without parking sensors

Its difficult we need something bigger than a Octy Hatchback but only a few times a year , the rest of the time i could easily manage with a Fabia

How tall you are is irrelevant. I actually like to sit high in the car, and how high I set the seat is compromised by the sunroof.

Out of curiousity I lifted my seat up to it's max height this morning, and apart from being impressed with just how high it goes, (more adjustment than any other car i've owned!) I had to sit bolt upright for my head to noticably touch the roof and at that height my eyelevel was higher than the top of the rear view mirror! It's hardly a compromise in my opinion. Perhaps if you had a beehive or mohican hairdo it might be more noticable though.

Yes, I am still 6'2" as of the time I tried this.

Out of curiousity I lifted my seat up to it's max height this morning, and apart from being impressed with just how high it goes, (more adjustment than any other car i've owned!) I had to sit bolt upright for my head to noticably touch the roof and at that height my eyelevel was higher than the top of the rear view mirror! It's hardly a compromise in my opinion. Perhaps if you had a beehive or mohican hairdo it might be more noticable though.

Yes, I am still 6'2" as of the time I tried this.

Well, I do also like to sit pretty upright, and out of curiosity I did some fiddling about with a ruler just now and reckon there's a good 5" between my eyeline and the top of my cranium. If my hair's feeling dried out, it can add an inch to that.

Bought my vrs estate second hand and it was loaded with extras. I'd rank them in following order:

1. Xenon lights - great for dark country lanes - most of my mileage.

2. Rear park sensors - much easier to park the estate.

3. Climatronic

4. Cruise control - wouldn't pay for it because i don't do enough motorway miles through speed camera laden roadworks (if i did more miles then definite must have)

I'll chime in on Cruise Control. Around town I pretty well never use it, but out on the highway it is switched on nearly all the time. It saves my wallet (from speeding fines) and also saves my body from aches and pains from being stuck in the one position (particularly my right ankle).

I will concede that a good driver that is focussed and attentive can do better on fuel economy, particularly in hilly country (but it is a lot like hard work). On the flat (and we get lots of that in Oz) there is very little in it, and using CC is just so much more relaxing.

As far as ESP, ABS and air bags go, then I say get them all. If you don't ever need them then count your blessings. If you ever do need them, be grateful you did have them.

I'm ambivalent about my Octy's Xenons. When I got them they were adjusted way too high, and my dealer took a lot of convincing to lower themn enough to stop dazzling other drivers. They are great for illumination, especially off to the left (RHD), but they make hi beam seem pretty weak, plus they seem pretty complicated mechanically and electronically.

If you are a control freak who likes to experiment and fiddle with things (like me), definitely get the maxi-dot. If you are a set-and-forget man then just get the dealer to set things the way you want them.

I'm ambivalent about my Octy's Xenons. When I got them they were adjusted way too high, and my dealer took a lot of convincing to lower themn enough to stop dazzling other drivers. They are great for illumination, especially off to the left (RHD), but they make hi beam seem pretty weak, plus they seem pretty complicated mechanically and electronically.

When I'm driving at night, I normally let my cruising speed be set by the effective range of my dipped beam, so that may be a good thing about Xenons + QI mains?

When I'm driving at night, I normally let my cruising speed be set by the effective range of my dipped beam, so that may be a good thing about Xenons + QI mains?

Not a good idea here in Oz - way too many kamikaze Kangaroos around at night, plus in the rural areas you also encounter cattle and sheep on the road :(

I prefer to see dangerous things as soon as possible, thus the preference for good hi- beam. We use hi beam a lot here, on some night drives I might go 10-15 minutes without seeing another car), and we have lots of straight roads where a good hi beam is quite useful (and a good safety feature).

IMHO Skoda deliberately didn't use bi-xenons on the Oct purely to differentiate it from the Audis and VWs (ie make the Octy look cheaper). Seeing as they had already developed bi-xenons for the Golf V I'm sure it would have been cheaper to use the same mechanism in both models, and it would have cost MORE to develop the lo beam only Xenon mechanism for the Octy II.

I think you've missed my point; I don't drive faster than I can see on dip, so how much better the mains are isn't that important, and kamikaze deer and sheep are exactly why! The species may vary, but the logic on why you don't drive flat strap on the limit of main beam range is exactly the same!