The UK website seems clear that the facelift Octavia gets AFSII: http://www.skoda.co.uk/GBR/newcars/octaviaestate/exterior/features/Pages/default.aspx

According to the website though AFS II has the same description as AFS. I couldn't find any details on what AFS II is supposed to do above AFS.

I can appreciate that the throw control would vary with speed. You mentioned rain, would that not mandate a rain sensor if you get Xenons?

The clue maybe in the Superb Options list:

"Bi-Xenon head lights + AFS II Inc. Integrated headlight washer, rain sensor"

As the Superb is true Bi-Xenon and comes with the rain sensor I suspect that, as mentioned in other posts, the system on Octavia is either AFS I or a cut-down AFS II where they have used the updated AFS II control unit for any improvements on the bend lighting but used a more basic light unit without the extra shutter.

The xenon's on the FL Octavia adjust left, right, up and down, they aren't able to adjust the length of the beam depending on speed/conditions etc.

As mentioned above, the more advanced bi-xenon headlights on the Superb do feature this additional adjustment.

The xenon's on the FL Octavia adjust left, right, up and down, they aren't able to adjust the length of the beam depending on speed/conditions etc.

As mentioned above, the more advanced bi-xenon headlights on the Superb do feature this additional adjustment.

According to the blurb on the skoda website the rain function is triggered by activation of the wipers, which I assume would be automatic or manual. See:

http://www.skoda.com.au/downloads/development/pdf-Adaptivni_svetlomety_AFS_ENG_07_2008.pdf

Several posters have mentioned there is a difference in function between the Octavia and Superb AFSII systems - can anyone point to a reference? I realise that the Superb has a shuttered lens to provide a xenon lighting for both dip and main beam, but given the articulation in the headlight modules on start-up there is no reason why both range and angle can't be controlled by the Octavia units.

According to the blurb on the skoda website the rain function is triggered by activation of the wipers, which I assume would be automatic or manual. See:

http://www.skoda.com.au/downloads/development/pdf-Adaptivni_svetlomety_AFS_ENG_07_2008.pdf

Several posters have mentioned there is a difference in function between the Octavia and Superb AFSII systems - can anyone point to a reference? I realise that the Superb has a shuttered lens to provide a xenon lighting for both dip and main beam, but given the articulation in the headlight modules on start-up there is no reason why both range and angle can't be controlled by the Octavia units.

the octavia does not come with afs2, despite wat the websites or brochures claim! they all have afs1.

the superb comes with afs2.

in terms of different, the shape (cutoff) of the shutter on the afs2 can b adjusted via motors, hence its able to shape the beam/throw of the light, as well as produce a high beam.

the shutter on an afs1 unit is fixed adjuster. when in tourist mode, the cutoff is lowered so the beam is flat.

so its not possible for the octavia headlight modules to behave like that of a superb in regards to afs2. it has more servomotors than the afs1.

have a read here....quite detailed.

this is how an afs1 unit looks.

the afs2 has additional servomotors to control the shutter/cutoff.

Well I've learnt something today - I thought the basic functionality of the Octavia and Superb AFS systems was the same, but I agree it looks like the Octavia system provides 'dynamic bending lights' and auto leveling only. It's misleading, in my opinion, that the website and brochure says AFS II as this is also used for the Superb and that includes more sophisticated range adaptation.

There is some good stuff (especially if you can read czech) @

http://www.fm.tul.cz/files/projektme/Vyvoj_a_konstrukce_svetlometu_28.3.07.pdf

this is updated a bit @

http://www.fm.tul.cz/~jaroslav.hlava/par/SvetlometyUvod.pdf

Must admit was a little disappointed when I first used main beam on an unlit road with this car, the increase in illumination is not that great as it relies on just the secondary halogens for main.

Last car (2002 BMW) had true bi-Xenons (don't think it had the full adaptive range though), and when you flipped the main beam on you may as well not have had the secondary halogens, it was like the sun had come up again!

Having said that, on dipped the improvement that the Octavia bending feature gives you is good.

Once again Skoda trying to force you to buy a Superb to get all the bells and whistles.

I replaced the main beam bulbs with some Osram Nightbreakers and it did provide a useful improvement. I agree it would be good to have the full monty on the Octavia - I guess the MkIII will have the latest.

I replaced the main beam bulbs with some Osram Nightbreakers and it did provide a useful improvement. I agree it would be good to have the full monty on the Octavia - I guess the MkIII will have the latest.

Good idea, are they easy to fit, since the manual steers you away from attempting it yourself on units with dipped Xenons?

Guess they are the same wattage as the standard H1 bulbs, any issues with extra heat etc?

Notice that the Nightbreaker Plus is now available with longer life.

Good idea, are they easy to fit, since the manual steers you away from attempting it yourself on units with dipped Xenons?

Guess they are the same wattage as the standard H1 bulbs, any issues with extra heat etc?

Notice that the Nightbreaker Plus is now available with longer life.

Changing the main beam bulbs is a ten minute job, it is not even remotely difficult though the hooked levers did take a bit more than the expected level of effort to move on mine. Some people have managed to change the bulb without even moving the headlight unit.

Even with my sausage fingers, I have no problem changing the main beam bulbs on the pre-facelift xenon units without removing them from the car, I've not done the facelift ones yet - they look more tricky to do in-situ.

Nightbreakers worked well for me - the reviews rate Philips Extreme even better. Same wattage, so no issues with heat and looms as far as I know.

Excuse my ignorance but I've noticed my lights have stopped bending since my Amundsen system was replaced and wonder what the Maxidot is that several of you refer to. And also the "Assistant" menu.

Maxidot is the more advanced computer.

 

It was easily identifiable on the pre-facelift...

 

 

But on the facelift (2009>) when turned off the Maxidot and non-Maxidot displays look the same so it is harder to tell if it is fitted.

 

Here in the UK Maxidot was always a cost option on the vRS except on the DSG.

 

Who fitted the Amundsen?

Sorry, should be in Octavia 111 forum. But answer could be I'm in Eco mode, not me, the car, or both.

On the MkIII the light switch needs to be in Auto or they won't bend...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/346931-dynamic-bend-light-vrs/

Thanks silver 1011. And NOT in Eco mode.

On the MkIII the light switch needs to be in Auto or they won't bend...

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/346931-dynamic-bend-light-vrs/

Having in "Auto" alone is not enough, you got make sure bend lighting is also activated.

I believe it's a little different on the MkIII, the question was posted on the wrong forum. That was why I posted the link.