Would there be any real benefit (that I'm not aware of) of having a non-Bluetooth MFSW on a car equipped with Sat Nav and maxidot?

From what I can gather, having the MFSW simply moves the maxidot controls from the wiper stalk to the steering wheel (whilst obviously adding the radio control buttons which I think I can live without). I'm also a little concerned by comments I've read on Briskoda that the buttons are badly positioned. I must admit that my wife's MINI has an MFSW and I still reach down to the radio to adjust the volume.

Also, it seems that by ordering the MFSW, either 3 or 4 spoke, as well as Sat Nav (for the Elegance spec), you end up paying for maxidot twice?

I will be ordering a DSG-equipped car and I know the 3-spoke MFSW also comes with paddles but since it's going to be the 1.4TSI engine I think the paddles may be a bit superfluous:D?

Comments and advice much appreciated as always.

Cheers,

Bill.

all I can comment on is the "paying twice" angle - yes, I did, despite querying/objecting/whining pitifully.

I was originally led to believe on the Superb that there was some kind of "upgrade" option versus "build it all in again", but alas, not for the Octavia, so you get no credit for already having the Maxidot installed.

I had the non-BT MFSW on my old Octavia, and it just gave you radio/CD controls - I think the new one would move Maxidot as well, as you suggest, but otherwise....?

Buttons fine for me, though it'll take a while to get used to the Maxidot control being on the steering wheel instead of the wiper stalk.

I have the old type MFSW on my L&K and I would miss it big time, being able to mute and control the volume from the steering wheel may sound trivial but its a godsend when on the motorway and a call comes in, its much safer as you don't take you eyes off the road.

I've had 2 Octavias with the MFSW and i've covered 150,000 miles combined and not once had a problem with the button positions, the new and old style buttons are in similar positions too.

The pricing is a bit crap, £150 should be deducted from the Columbus package or the steering wheel package, either way you shouldn't have to pay twice. They actually deduct £150 from the Columbus price if fitted to an L&K as that has maxidot as standard, the same rule should apply with your spec IMO.