The Handbrake

[BossFox]

Why is it on the wrong side so the passenger can use it?

This always used to annoy me on Audis.

Pay £50k plus and they can't even be bothered to fit a right hand drive centre console.

They just leave the left hand drive one in.

Yet Skoda previously have changed them for different markets.

I know my Yeti has one. The handbrake is in the correct place near the driver.

The cheaper models just have the handbrake in the middle, such as the Citigo and Fabia.

Why on earth has Skoda suddenly decided we no longer want to use the handbrake unless risking touching up the passenger (like an Audi driver) ?

Considering it's an ideal private hire car and you could have a big lump in the passenger seat I don't get it.

(as you may have guessed, I popped into a showroom today)

[pipsyp]

All cost savings. One configuration for LHD and RHD markets, LHD account for alot more sales so the choice was made.

[mattytemp]

At least skoda have decided to keep a manual handbrake compaired to vw and audis automatic switch hand brake.

[fordfan]

Skoda going upmarket, just like an Audi. Thankfully so far they haven't gone to expense and complication of using electronic parking brakes.

[stokey]

You soon get used to it, the first few days I'd miss when I went to apply it but now it just feels normal.

[wantaskoda]

I didn't even realise!!!! More annoyed about the missing footplate for my right foot....

[Ninjoid]

I'm still missing it when I put my hand down...I'm sure it'll come with time though...

[trundlenut]

Sounds like it's the same as the mkI, when I got my new (mkII) car I kept grabbing the empty space next to the handbrake.

[john999boy]

At least Skoda have decided to keep a manual handbrake compared to VW and Audi's automatic switch hand brake.

Thankfully so far they haven't gone to expense and complication of using electronic parking brakes.

I picked my current car because it has the autohold/brake facility and it really does make for a relaxing drive.

You don't have to worry as it comes on as you stop and then releases itself when you start to move. The full 'handbrake' only comes on when the engine is totally off and not just in a BMT state.

[Nicky boy]

At least skoda have decided to keep a manual handbrake compaired to vw and audis automatic switch hand brake.

The handbrake switch is brilliant and frees up space.

[Huskoda]

As much as it would annoy me to have one on the wrong side, I'd rather that than a switch.

Edit: How much can they *really* be saving not reversing it?

[john999boy]

Can someone upload a photo so I can see what the fuss is about please?

[Matt Pez]

Can someone upload a photo so I can see what the fuss is about please?

I don't know what all the fuss is about either. I drove a Superb II for four years and yes I think I missed the handbrake a few times for the first couple of weeks but you get used to it. So getting into the Octy III, it all seemed normal to me! However, I took SWMBO's car for a service this morning, went to release the handbrake and grabbed at the space to the left of the lever!...so my brain already thinks its the handbrake lever in an Octy II that's on the wrong side, not the Octy III or the Superb II :rofl:

[Harkonnen]

You should see how strange it is to drive on the other side and in another country with different traffic legislation than yours

Edited 27 June, 2013 by Harkonnen

[Coops]

Can someone upload a photo so I can see what the fuss is about please?

This is LHD picture but in RHD the centre console does not change.

[jocme]

Well... You might "accidently" touch your lady's (or some lady's or man's) thigh when going for the hand brake...

What's the problem...?

[jocme]

PS...

This was NOT sexistic... I DID add "man's" thigh too....

[john999boy]

It all seems:-

[pipsyp]

Think its more of a shame they've done away with the floor hinged accelerator pedel myself

[trundlenut]

PS...

This was NOT sexistic... I DID add "man's" thigh too....

You're more of an opportunist then.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

[WallaceSteve]

I had no problem with the handbrake being on the wrong side when I test drove it aside from having to move the armrest to it's intended position. Once I take delivery of the car on Saturday and drive it full time I should imagine I'll get used to it and prefer it, but on the test drive it made no odds to me.

[Timoctav]

Had it not been mentioned here I wouldn't even thought about it, now I've thought about it I don't worry about it

[gadgetman]

So Skoda havent gone for an electronic brake? Why?

[Huskoda]

So Skoda havent gone for an electronic brake? Why?

Some of us don't like them?

Plus, going from repair bills I've seen for them, they would have upped the price of the car by £1000

Sorry, I find regular handbrakes a good safety feature, perfectly suited for their task and see no reason to replace them with an expensive overcomplicated gizmo that may or may not work when you need it.

I will not buy a car with an electronic one.

[john999boy]

that may or may not work when you need it.

For a brief moment then I thought you were talking about the engines fitted inside French cars!