I currently have an MFD2 sat nav in my Octavia which is OK but I'm thinking about upgrading. So far I have narrowed it down to 3 options:

1) A Columbus (+ve OEM looks, complete maxidot integration, compatability, available 2nd hand; -ve expensive, no bluetooth )

2) Zenec ZE-NC2010 (Near OEM looks, integration and compatability, bluetooth; -ve not a well known brand)

3) Kenwood DNX520VBT (Near OEM looks, Garmin sat nav, sound quality; -ve ipod integration on front)

Now I want something that sounds better than the MFD2 (not a difficult want!) so which is the best option? All thoughts welcome.

I currently have an MFD2 sat nav in my Octavia which is OK but I'm thinking about upgrading. So far I have narrowed it down to 3 options:

1) A Columbus (+ve OEM looks, complete maxidot integration, compatability, available 2nd hand; -ve expensive, no bluetooth )

2) Zenec ZE-NC2010 (Near OEM looks, integration and compatability, bluetooth; -ve not a well known brand) My Personal favourite from these 3, have heard only good things about them and i believe the cheaper of the 3 even with the Sat Nav addition.

3) Kenwood DNX520VBT (Near OEM looks, Garmin sat nav, sound quality; -ve ipod integration on front) Prefer ipod integration hidden personally.

Now I want something that sounds better than the MFD2 (not a difficult want!) so which is the best option? All thoughts welcome.

You should still be able to get an OEM Bluetooth kit to go wih a Columbus

It was a couple of years back but vrstu was importing them. I got mine via Simpsons skoda in Preston who also fitted it for me. You can of course fit for yourself.

Not sure of the best way to get an OEM blueooth kit now though. Sorry

I think you need to decide why you are upgrading really.

Don't necessarily expect better sound for example without speaker replacements and potentially an external amp. Personally I would go with skoda gear as much as possible but that's personal preference

I was very happy with the Columbus and upgraded sound ni my Octy L&K without chaining the speakers. Never did the "rear tweeter trick" or anything like that

Don't necessarily expect better sound for example without speaker replacements and potentially an external amp. Personally I would go with skoda gear as much as possible but that's personal preference

I am planning to upgrade the speakers first regardless of the change in head unit. I am thinking along the lines of the Pioneer TS -A170Ci which seem to get a good write up on here.

To be honest, I would prefer to keep things OEM but the Zenec looks great value for money and the Kenwood will sound better than both alternatives I imagine. I just wish that the Kenwood had a hidden connection for an iPod. It's a major design flaw for me.

I am thinking about getting a used Columbus but ebay seems to be full of units from Lithuania. Call me cynical, but I imagine they're not entirely legit! And I guess there would be issues with comeback if there's a problem!

Not sure of yout budget but OEMRETROFITS will supply and fit the Colombus for £600, or with integrated BT and video in motion £995.

About half the price of the options brochure.

Not sure of yout budget but OEMRETROFITS will supply and fit the Colombus for £600, or with integrated BT and video in motion £995.

About half the price of the options brochure.

I do like the idea of having the Columbus, but you're looking at £1000 and that's without the MDI interface!

The thing that appeals about the Zenec is that I can get one for £800 that has everything, Bluetooth, iPod integration the lot. If the Kenwood only had a rear USB socket for the iPod it'd be perfect.

I do like the idea of having the Columbus, but you're looking at £1000 and that's without the MDI interface!

The thing that appeals about the Zenec is that I can get one for £800 that has everything, Bluetooth, iPod integration the lot. If the Kenwood only had a rear USB socket for the iPod it'd be perfect.

Can't comment on the Zenec as I havent seen it in real life, but was playing with the Kenwood last week when I was at the dealers and to be honest I didnt like the look of it or the interface.

I'm happy I went with the Colombus, expensive yes, but worth it IMO.