Eyup Andy, I sat in a lovely L&K Estate in the showroom at Hortons today, v nice place to spend some time and I can vouch for the fact that pictures do not do the choccy interior justice!

You have been assimilated by the L&K ..........

You have been assimilated by the L&K ..........

Build quality defo seems to have improved. One of my pet hates with mine is the door cards. Whilst the L&K has the same basic materials, they were just fixed more solidly. I think they should have thrown Columbus in as standard though, as the Amundsen screen is really too small for a top of the range model, bearing in mind everything else you get standard, they may as well have included the kitchen sink!

they may as well have included the kitchen sink!

Tut tut. Ive already been told by Andy not to make anymore jokes about chocolate and needing to wash the seats. Oh, is that not what you were on about? Oops.........

 

I really think ive worn the chocolate and toilet jokes out now, don't you?............ Anyone think of anything else that's brown?

Tut tut. Ive already been told by Andy not to make anymore jokes about chocolate and needing to wash the seats. Oh, is that not what you were on about? Oops.........

 

I really think ive worn the chocolate and toilet jokes out now, don't you?............ Anyone think of anything else that's brown?

 

Bears...

 

 

 

...but I'm not sure that will get us out of the woods with Andy....

Bears...

 

 

 

...but I'm not sure that will get us out of the woods with Andy....

Well if it was bear fur you certainly wouldn't need heated seats

Well if it was bear fur you certainly wouldn't need heated seats

 

If anyone tries installing that, I'd like to see what it looks like before and after bear furred....

 

 

*Gets (bear) coat.*

So I seem to have given myself a surprise Christmas present.

 

Santa made a quick stop to deliver my present to the dealers last week. It has now arrived safely at home, and if the weather holds out until tomorrow, I should be able to get some pictures of it in the glare of overcast skies threatening rain.

Andyvee,

 

 

My L&K arrived on Monday so I am now trying to update various comments and note that you asked me to look at my system information for maps etc.

 

Below is a screen shot from Columbus which probably means more to you than me.

 

What I do see is that my Navigation database is showing ECE 2015 so I think that means I have the latest maps so perhaps you can confirm this point and perhaps the rest of the information on the screen shot such as Hardware and Software.

 

Before I went into Columbus I went on the Skoda website and input my VIN number which suggested that I DID need to update the maps so I wonder whether the dealer updated the system before delivery to me.

 

I would like to know whether my car has the latest upgrades such as XDS but apart from the week the car was built (week 49) I don't know how to find out. Do you have any advise to help me.

 

I have a number of photos to download so I'll do that as soon as I can.

 

What a way to spend Xmas Day !!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi guys,

 

After 20 weeks from order my 1.8TSi DSG Estate has at last arrived so I am one very happy bunny indeed.

 

The spec is as follows:

 

1) Standard L&K spec as per November brochure (I think)

 

plus

 

2) Moon White metallic paint

 

3) KESSY

 

4) Spare safety wheel

 

5) 3 spoke steering wheel with DSG paddles

 

6) Columbus

 

7) Rear view parking camera

 

 

As you can see from the photos the car arrived on the back of a trailer which is why it only had 6 miles on the clock.

 

You can see my lovely brown seats which I like and look very smart.

 

The reversing camera looks good too and this is the first photo I have seen of this option.

 

Once I have mastered the user manuals I should be able to find the numerous boys toys on the car and hope they are as good as I think they will.

 

Must go now, Xmas tea is waiting for me after yet another large dinner.

 

Merry Xmas and  a Happy New Year to all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep, the reversing camera is an excellent option, glad I specced it.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Andyvee,

My L&K arrived on Monday so I am now trying to update various comments and note that you asked me to look at my system information for maps etc.

Below is a screen shot from Columbus which probably means more to you than me.

What I do see is that my Navigation database is showing ECE 2015 so I think that means I have the latest maps so perhaps you can confirm this point and perhaps the rest of the information on the screen shot such as Hardware and Software.

Before I went into Columbus I went on the Skoda website and input my VIN number which suggested that I DID need to update the maps so I wonder whether the dealer updated the system before delivery to me.

I would like to know whether my car has the latest upgrades such as XDS but apart from the week the car was built (week 49) I don't know how to find out. Do you have any advise to help me.

I have a number of photos to download so I'll do that as soon as I can.

What a way to spend Xmas Day !!!

Same hardware and software version as mine.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

But you have a revision D and mine is a revision C. Have you got the CarNet type functionality or MirrorLink

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

But you have a revision D and mine is a revision C. Have you got the CarNet type functionality or MirrorLink

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just checked mine as I was intrigued. Sussexvet's matches mine exactly but I have no sign of mirrorlink or carnet functionality from what I can see :-(

So doesn't look like any functionality changes on the half model year change then

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

But you have a revision D and mine is a revision C. Have you got the CarNet type functionality or MirrorLink

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

How can I find out if I have CarNet functionality or MorrorLink

MirrorLink is a red herring at the mo on the O3, but SmartGate (or CarNet as Audi call it) has been available since MY2015.5 so you may have it, I think it was an option though.

 

Use a mobile phone to scan for wireless networks in your car - it will be SmartGate_{last 6 digits of VIN}

 

It is covered on p124 of the latest manual

MirrorLink is a red herring at the mo on the O3, but SmartGate (or CarNet as Audi call it) has been available since MY2015.5 so you may have it, I think it was an option though.

 

Use a mobile phone to scan for wireless networks in your car - it will be SmartGate_{last 6 digits of VIN}

 

It is covered on p124 of the latest manual

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I'll take a look in the morning to check it out. 

Hi Chaps many thanks for the postings and comments on the L&K kept me focused whilst waiting for delivery.Ordered mine on September the first I believe it's now been shipped and on its way to the dealers,.black L&K 4x4 estate with winter pack.

 

All you L&K drivers have had your cars for a few weeks now, and I'm wondering if you can post an update on your impressions?  I'm particularly interested to hear how marvin1961 is getting on with his 4x4, as I don't think any of the other posters has a 4x4 L&K...? (though obviously I may be mistaken!).

 

I'm particularly interested in how noisy it feels in the cabin (the one major downside in my current 2005 L&K is excessive cabin noise); the real world mpg you're getting, and your experiences with sat nav / audio system.  Also, can someone confirm if the 4x4 gets the multi-link rear suspension?

 

I'm not particularly interested in another round of debates on the brown interior...

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Neil

I’ve been driving a 55 plate Octavia L&K TDI 140 from new.  It has now done 180K miles, and is beginning to feel its age…!

 

In many ways, the Octavia is the perfect car for me, having lots of space, plus not being too ostentatious.  If I could find an Octavia 3 model which exactly matched my needs, I’d buy another one like a shot.

 

Unfortunately, I have just had an L&K on an extended demo, and much as I wanted to be blown away, it actually underwhelmed in the two specific areas I was looking for improvements over my old car.  These areas are cabin noise, and ride quality (comfort).

 

Specifically the cabin noise in my old car is extremely wearing, particularly on a long motorway journey (driving above the speed limit, but not so far above that your licence is in danger!).  Unfortunately things seemed little better when I took the demonstrator for a long motorway drive last weekend.

 

My other major desire was for a car which copes better with the crap road surfaces, potholes and speed bumps which seem so prolific, but as soon as I saw the L&K with its fat(ter) low profile tyres and smart alloys, I knew this was going to be a challenge.  And so it proved, with the new car being a much firmer drive than my old one, when I was actually looking for a smoother ride (without compromising handling which may, of course, be an unachievable holy grail!).

 

This sounds like the whole thing is a lost cause, but actually I am so keen to have another Octavia, I want to explore if I can do anything with add-ons to give me the car I am looking for.

 

If I was to get another Octavia, I would go for an L&K.  My demonstrator was a 150 DSG TDI Hatch, but I would probably go for the 4x4 estate (I would prefer a hatch, but they don’t do 4x4).  Skoda UK didn’t have a 4x4 L&K demonstrator, so I haven’t been able to drive one yet (and I’ve yet to get any feedback from marvin1961!).

 

And so, finally, my specific questions:-

 

1 – Cabin noise:  How much difference might adding a noisekiller (or equivalent) kit make?  Has anyone added soundproofing to an Octavia 3, and how successful was it?  Does anyone know a company which fits such kits? (DIY isn’t my forte!).  (I found one company listed on an old Briskoda thread, but they seem to have stopped trading).

 

2 – Ride quality: Is there anything I can add which would help this?  I see folk have swapped springs to make their cars sit lower and handle better, but I am after something which improves the ride, which is the opposite effect.  I know smaller diameter tyres help.  Any thoughts on a different wheel / tyre configuration, and how this might help?

 

3 – Does the 4x4 L&K have the multi-link suspension, and if it does, will this help the ride quality?

 

4 – Does anyone know a dealer with a 4x4 L&K on their dem fleet?

 

Thanks for your time and trouble!

 

Neil

I agree the Mk3 is much fresher in terms of design and tech but it hasnt massively moved the game along in terms of overall build quality or NVH/refinement.

I have to be entirely honest to buy a car like this where you already have your concerns with a view to try and retrospectively resolve these issues....personally I would not bother and would probably go as far to say that an L&K spec (despite all the toys) is probably not the right car for you.

Personally I would look at a new Passat...similar sort of money, still v well equipped but undoubtedly quieter and more refined. I have the option of a 2.0 TDi 150 Passat GT saloon (or an R line if I want to front up some cash) and have to say if I were in the position it'd be a car id seriously consider, even over a 3 series.

I’ve been driving a 55 plate Octavia L&K TDI 140 from new. It has now done 180K miles, and is beginning to feel its age…!

In many ways, the Octavia is the perfect car for me, having lots of space, plus not being too ostentatious. If I could find an Octavia 3 model which exactly matched my needs, I’d buy another one like a shot.

Unfortunately, I have just had an L&K on an extended demo, and much as I wanted to be blown away, it actually underwhelmed in the two specific areas I was looking for improvements over my old car. These areas are cabin noise, and ride quality (comfort).

Specifically the cabin noise in my old car is extremely wearing, particularly on a long motorway journey (driving above the speed limit, but not so far above that your licence is in danger!). Unfortunately things seemed little better when I took the demonstrator for a long motorway drive last weekend.

My other major desire was for a car which copes better with the crap road surfaces, potholes and speed bumps which seem so prolific, but as soon as I saw the L&K with its fat(ter) low profile tyres and smart alloys, I knew this was going to be a challenge. And so it proved, with the new car being a much firmer drive than my old one, when I was actually looking for a smoother ride (without compromising handling which may, of course, be an unachievable holy grail!).

This sounds like the whole thing is a lost cause, but actually I am so keen to have another Octavia, I want to explore if I can do anything with add-ons to give me the car I am looking for.

If I was to get another Octavia, I would go for an L&K. My demonstrator was a 150 DSG TDI Hatch, but I would probably go for the 4x4 estate (I would prefer a hatch, but they don’t do 4x4). Skoda UK didn’t have a 4x4 L&K demonstrator, so I haven’t been able to drive one yet (and I’ve yet to get any feedback from marvin1961!).

And so, finally, my specific questions:-

1 – Cabin noise: How much difference might adding a noisekiller (or equivalent) kit make? Has anyone added soundproofing to an Octavia 3, and how successful was it? Does anyone know a company which fits such kits? (DIY isn’t my forte!). (I found one company listed on an old Briskoda thread, but they seem to have stopped trading).

2 – Ride quality: Is there anything I can add which would help this? I see folk have swapped springs to make their cars sit lower and handle better, but I am after something which improves the ride, which is the opposite effect. I know smaller diameter tyres help. Any thoughts on a different wheel / tyre configuration, and how this might help?

3 – Does the 4x4 L&K have the multi-link suspension, and if it does, will this help the ride quality?

4 – Does anyone know a dealer with a 4x4 L&K on their dem fleet?

Thanks for your time and trouble!

Neil

I can't help with the other points but i recall a company in Royton, oldham did fitting of soundproofing for the o3. Nkgroup i think they were called

Doesnt all 4x4 have the multilink suspension? At least those with the bigger engines.

The demo L&K 1,8 tsi 4x4 I borrowed was quite ok regaring roadnoise. Better than my old Mondeo at least.

Thanks for the replies so far:-

Pipsyp - this afternoon I've booked a 4 day dem with a Passat in about 3 weeks time. I then went into my local VW dealer on my way home, and saw the new Passat in the flesh for the first time. I actually drove a Passat for about 5 years before I got my current Octavia, so I'd an idea what to expect. The door certainly felt nice and solid, but the interior was like some horrible 80s throwback. It really looked old fashioned to me, with the ugly quilted seats and dominating full with vents. I really wanted to like it, but I'm afraid first impressions weren't encouraging. I then opened the boot and knew instantly that it wasn't me - at least in saloon form. The boot goes back a long way, but the opening is so narrow you'd never get anything bulky in there - certainly no chance of chucking a bike in the back, which I quite often do in the summer.

Fortunately my test drive is in an estate (GT), and I will definitely keep an open mind, but I fear the omens are not great!

That said, I do appreciate your comments....

More feedback coming up.

Neil

Greg

Thanks for the name. I've been in touch with NK Group this afternoon and got a quotation for a full install on a new Octy 3.

It would be very good value if it worked as well as they claim! Now all I need is a recommendation from someone who's had this treatment to their own Octavia 3...

So, as you can tell, I haven't abandoned the Octavia option - at least not yet!

I really need some more thoughts and ideas on the ride quality issues, different springs, different wheels/tyres etc.

Oh, and confirmation from someone about multi-link on a UK spec L&K 4x4....

Thoughts please!

Neil