Hi. I collected my new car last night and have to say I love it!

I've been studying the manual, although between work, home etc, haven't had that much time to get to grips with it all yet.

However, I did have a little moment this morning. I managed to stall the engine at a junction (I don't think I'd quite got the seat position right), and must admit I panicked a bit when the engine didn't simply restart when I turned the key. After a couple more failed attempts, I removed the key completely, and tried again. It did start up, but I must admit it left me a little concerned.

I've since looked in the manual, and it does mention something about the petrol engine not restarting for 30 seconds, but I'm not sure if I'm reading it wrong, or is it something unique to the Octavia.

This is my first ever Skoda, and I previously had a keyless diesel megane, so I'm probably well and truly out of date with things! Sorry if I sound like a complete girl(!). Has anyone else experienced this problem?

ps... love my new car!!!!!

No such problems for me but you do need to depress the clutch before it starts.

As above, the engine will only start with the clutch depressed. In the panic could you have forgotten to press the clutch?

The 30 seconds is an advisory to prevent overheating of the starter motor, this shouldn't affect the ability of it to start the engine.

Petrol Engines

These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture for every external air temperature.

• Do not operate the accelerator before or when starting the engine.
  
• Interupt the attempt at starting the engine after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right away. Wait for aout 30 seconds before repeating the attempt at starting the engine.
  

Another vote for the clutch theory from me.

Can you remember if you turned off the ignition before attempting to restart the engine?

Unless the key is returned to position 1 it won't restart, this is to prevent the starter motor being activated accidentally if the engine is already running.