Noticed this morning that the car is not starting as quickly as it used too, i have a 1.9TDI 2006 Elegance, so at 7 years old i guess the battery may need a change. Any recommendations ?

Varta without a doubt.

If they still sell Varta then get it from ECP and use their 25% discount code (Brisk25)

Think I have a Bosch S5 in mine, not 100% sure though. If it is, it's never failed to start since I got the car in Jan 2010

Bosch S4 or S5 096

What Ah (amp hours) & cca (cold cranking amp) is 'sufficient' for UK weathers?

Think I have a Bosch S5 in mine, not 100% sure though. If it is, it's never failed to start since I got the car in Jan 2010

Are Varta and Bosch not using the same casing, or, are Varta and Bosch both selling the same basic design and manufacture of battery, I think that is the conclusion I came to a couple of years ago when hunting down a new battery for my 2000MY B5 Passat V6 petrol. But like you, I went for the high quality S5 Bosch as Costco sold them at a very good price - though they hold a small range.

Hi, before you change the battery it may be worth running a quick test. A local Halfords will do this but don't necessarily jump to buy one from them! Bosch/Varta are good & last year I fitted a VW 'economy' battery to mine and so far well impressed for the price

Are Varta and Bosch not using the same casing, or, are Varta and Bosch both selling the same basic design and manufacture of battery, I think that is the conclusion I came to a couple of years ago when hunting down a new battery for my 2000MY B5 Passat V6 petrol. But like you, I went for the high quality S5 Bosch as Costco sold them at a very good price - though they hold a small range.

dunno mate, I fix fences and knock in poles, I don't make batteries lol

dunno mate, I fix fences and knock in poles, I don't make batteries lol

"knock in poles", that's not being very friendly!

Thank you for all the quick replies, i will get it checked out but i do think after 7 uk winters this recent cold snap may just be the straw that broke the Fabia's back !

Recently bought this: http://www.maxautopartsltd.co.uk/diesel-00/s5008-096-bosch-silver-plus-car-battery-12v-77ah-12-1-69.php starts first turn of the key now

Does anyone know of any relatively recent tests/reviews for car batteries? I know Auto Express did one, but that was 5 or 6 years ago!

I've been noticing my 9yo battery seams to struggle a bit in these cold temperatures, so wondering about replacing it. I just can't decide on Varta or Bosch.

My Vrs Fabia battery is about to call it a day . I ordered a Bosch S5 type 096 (now a 008) on Saturday at 3 30 pm from CarParts4Less on the net for a very reasonable £78 including delivery . To my amazement it was delivered by courier at 11 am today (Monday). Very well packed too. Will be using them again for sure .

I would try a good charge first otherwise varta from Bristol Honda via e-bay approx. £54 delivered

On advice from members in here I ordered a s5 008 it's bigger than my original hope this doesn't cause problems

I bought a bosch s4 from euro car parts for £50 using 25% discount code.

Bosch S4 from Costco, inexpensive and will last a long time.