Hey guys. One of the new cars I've been thinking of getting is in my opinion theoretically: a hidden gem!

In my research, I've come across Fiesta, Polo, Rio & Corsa to name a few and have found what I think is my next car purchase. A timing chain, high petrol MPG and bonus - a fast car (in 0-62 times) certainly the fastest I've come across in my price range. Plus one of the most practical in terms of rear passenger and boot space, also a simple design which I like.

I want some help regarding options when buying a new car. Not sure exactly what it does, and the skoda.co.uk website doesn't seem to be working for me at time of writing I can't find out information as quickly or as easily as I want (can't access brochure, cannot configure car, etc.). Normally I would check up on the other manufacturer's websites and 'configure car' but since it's not working I hope you will have my sympathy

Can someone enlighten me and give me a brief meaning to these options:

Maxidot

Telephone preparation GSM II with Bluetooth (preparation???)

Cornering front fog lights vs front fog lights (what's the difference, not found this out)

Front armrest (is this a storage compartment?)

Small leather pack with 3 spoke MFSW for radio/telephone (is this media/bluetooth control mounted on steering wheel?)

ESP with ASR (do I need this? £364 extra)

Tyre pressure monitor (do I need this? doesn't the tyre repair kit come with a 'manual' one?)

Ok thank you guys for any help.

Edited 16 April, 201214 yr by mark45

Maxidot is basically the high line computer that gives the driver information and allows him to make individual setting changes - well worth it IMO.

Telephone prep basically means integrated Bluetooth (with the radio)

Cornering foglights is when you corner (below 20? MPH) or indicate that side foglight gradually illuminates then fades off again. Mixed responses to its use, personally I like it - but do not pay extra for it over std foglights as it is simply a coding change by someone with VCDS.

MFSW controls are for radio / media / phone / maxidot etc.

ESP is a beneficial safety feature.

TPMS means when a tyre deflates it gives an audible bong plus a warning light on the dash (and message in maxidot when fitted) again worth the minimal cost IMO.

Maxidot in the Fabia doesn't allow you to change car settings though, it is crippled compared to the Octavia and Superb. In the Fabia it is just a nicer looking dash, bigger computer dislay and analogue fuel and temp gauges.

It's nice, but not sure if I'd pay extra for it in the Fabia.

<p>The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System also limits the choice of wheel and tyre sizes - at least officially here in Germany.</p>

Hi Mark,

Common sense I know but be wary of loading the car with too many extras from new, it is just dead money you know.....and they will suddenly become worthless to the dealer when you come to sell on...... :|

Of course,if they are bits & bobs you must have then go for it, good luck.

I would definitely get the maxidot if it was me. Here is a thread with a comparison. Much prefer the look of the maxidot:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/195182-maxi-dot-trip-computer/

Thanks everyone for your replies!

On the basis that I tend to keep my cars for a long time, my current Nissan is still going nearly 10 years strong this year, and will be eventually passed down to family members. I can envisage the same thing happening to any new car that I would buy. I am not too concerned about the depreciation effects, etc, but more concerned now about ride comfort and such luxuries. But thank you anyway for the information, I appreciate it.

Igloo, thanks for the heads-up. I will try and find out more information about this. I was not too concerned upgrading to 16" alloys if that's what you are referring too, apart from unnecessary cost, my enquiries into the Rio's upgrade on the '2' models leaves me to believe that the ride comfort on the 16" are not good as on the 15" - so assuming the same so far.

I shall include the Maxidot system as other models of cars I've been looking at have had similar set-ups in this price range. So I will purchase and I think I will stick to the normal front fog lights!

Now I hope you or other guys don't mind me asking to those Fabia drivers with a 1.2 TSI engine, but are you generally happy with wind/road/cabin noise? From reviews I understand that the diesels have a lot to be desired for, particularly the Greenline II version and the basic non TDI petrol engine are noisy.

So far from the forum I am quite impressed, the new rio owners club forums are alive with problems with dash rattle and hyundai o.c. forums blazed with rear disc brake problems and ford with some gear changes and vw with expensive services and annoyance at cam belt (cannot afford the 1.2TSI in a polo obviously :p would have been the 1.4). I'm glad to come seaching here and nothing pops out of the extraordinary so far good first impressions

Sunglass holder

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/152876-sunglass-holder/page__st__30__p__2351896__hl__sunglasses__fromsearch__1#entry2351896

Other useful parts

here http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/224795-list-of-part-numbers/page__hl__sunglasses__fromsearch__1

I have the 1.2 TSI (86)ps engine. If Im getting 45+ mpg. My first service was £85 no faults. I have got front fogs option. The DRLs in them

Edited 16 April, 201214 yr by skoda1982

got a 105TSi Elegance Estate. No wind/road noise. 50+ MPG easily achievable with a light(ish) right foot..................sometimes difficult to keep the foot light mind you because, for it's size, great engine and fun to drive.

Edited 17 April, 201214 yr by Bishopton

Sounds like my wife. She has the 1.2TSI 105BHP DSG Elegance hatch. She bought it just under a year old and loves it. It's certainly no slouch.

Option wise it just had rear parking sensors (which came as standard on her MY it seems) and they're definitely something to go for. We also had a spare wheel added and mudflaps (free, of course). Does cruise control come as std these days too? Great for motorway trips.

Now I hope you or other guys don't mind me asking to those Fabia drivers with a 1.2 TSI engine, but are you generally happy with wind/road/cabin noise? From reviews I understand that the diesels have a lot to be desired for, particularly the Greenline II version and the basic non TDI petrol engine are noisy.

Very happy with the noise level, no need to raise your voice to talk to a passenger even at 70mph. To be fair, even though the diesels are noisier, they are still quite good when on the move.

I love my TSI though, it is just brilliant! A word of warning though, they go so well it's easy to put your foot down and they like a drink if you do that But driven economically, you can get them to 50mpg + on a trip.

Unclerichy, yup, cruise is standard on Elegance. Now couldn't live without it!

Unclerichy, yup, cruise is standard on Elegance. Now couldn't live without it!

Dunno where you live in Scotland but you may be lucky enough to use it more often than I do based on past experience when I travelled up to Thurso some years ago. Down here in Yorkshire it only gets used on a Sunday as the roads are too full of people doing various speeds otherwise Oh if only radar guided cruise control were a Skoda option...

unclerichy, near Glasgow Airport, so sometimes. Drove to south France last year (going again July) and cruise is indispensable on French (almost empty!!) motorways IMO

Edited 11 May, 201214 yr by Bishopton