A proper full sized wheel is what helped me buy another octavia in 2007 ( both with alloy spare ) . I was put of by other car companies having kits or run flat tyres ( = expensive to replace and often limited choice ). I think a wrong step by Skoda

hello guys i have just received my new octavia 2009

it comes with 17" alloy wheels and Michelin tires

when i checked the spare wheel i find it 16" not alloy wheels and Continental tire

is this normal or what ??????

Yes; this is normal. At least you have got a spare wheel, unlike us in UK who don't unless we buy it.

The principal reason for the practice of car manufacturers ditching the use of a spare wheel at present is, I have heard, not a cost issue (although there is clearly a saving), but that the EU have just changed their regulations to allow for their being no spare wheel (at all) which provides a weight saving, which in turn allows for better fuel consumption/CO2 figures.

Has anyone seen any reliable figures for how much difference not carrying a spare wheel (particularly a light weight aloy one) makes to the CO2 emissions ?

If everyone buying a new Skoda simply made the provision of a full sized spare wheel and tyre a condition of delivery, this stupidity would go away.

The dealer supplying my Mk 1 Superb changed the wheels to steel which I specified as a condition of delivery. Having shredded a tyre (my fault) and bent a rim - which I've subsequently hammered straight, I'm really glad I did this. There is also the small matter of having 5 tyres I can wear out, rather than 4.

If enough people vote with their cheque books, this "silly" will go away. You have to make it a condition of supply though - no dealer will do anything after you have handed over the money.

rotodiesel.

Does anyone know what the specifications are for a full size steel spare please?

Like the offset etc.

Also is there a tie down fastener at the bottom of the spare wheel well in the boot?

I'm delighted to say that my new Octavia L&K has come with a full sized steel wheel.

The dealer says it has been the hottest subject he can remember amongst clients and fellow dealers.