As above,

I have no idea when mines was last changed

Not sure that an aftermarket one will make any differnce other than the sound most people swear by oem ones as they are a damm sight cheaper!

A regular change of standard paper filters is adequate but if you like the idea of a washable then there is the good ole Pipercross.

Will just get a standard one then

I changed my dirty paper filter to a K&N whilst on a Rolling Road. I did not gain any significant extra power (less than 1%), this could probably have been achieved by fitting a clean paper one in. However I was told it the power may improve even more over time when the ECU adapts to the improved airflow.

So if you have a remap or you are planning to remap it in the future an aftermarket filter may help. If it is stock, then it's up to you. Panel filter are around £40 (plus cleaning fluid and oil), so if you plan to keep your car for a while it may be cost effective, as disposable paper ones are about £10. It just depend on how often you would normally change the paper one. Some people change it every year, some every 2 years, although Skoda recommend every 4 years (40K miles).

Edited 16 November, 201015 yr by Jim H

Just use VW ones and change it every 10k rather than 40k!

Looks like I go against the grain for everyone here :yes: I recommend aftermarket, ive put them on every car ive ever owned, made a big diffrence to some cars and a little to others. Currently have a pipercross one with the old pd160 combo, couldnt be more happier. Car seems to respond much better to higher rpm. But each to there own personal preference, if your not sure mate, keep your eye out on ebay there can be some bargains

With a turbo it's probably worth getting atleast a decent panel filter.

I just changed the paper filter in mine after 12months/20,000 miles and it was pretty much black in most places. The new paper filter made the car feel a bit more spritely, and also made the car noticeably less smokey at night (ie no visible smoke when booting it away from tailgaters)