Started to have a look at the Mk3 today to weigh it up against the Hyundai i20 Premium SE, only direct comparison is the SEL.  I like the spec of it in standard format but it does not have a few items that the i20 has as standard but one thing it does ' seem ' to have is a better sound system..... the Bolero ? It mentions in the brochure it has a '' virtual '' sub and processor, what exactly is this ? Is this system like the Bose/Infinity systems found on Vauxhall, ie is it actually amp'd and does it have a ' real ' sub not a virtual one ? Are the speakers in it better than the one's in the S ?

 

The gearbox is clearly better than what Hyundai offer as their auto option is an older 4 speed one with terrible MPG and emissions whereas the Skoda box is bang up to date with impressive fuel figures and 0-60 times. The other options i would spec which are standard on the Hyundai are the heated front seats, rear electric windows, smartgate (no realy i20 comparison).

 

I really do fancy the Hyundai but its lack of real tech in terms of an auto option is putting me off until they introduce new engines and a better auto box.

 

I have both a Mk1 1.9TDI elegance and a Mk2 1.6 elegance so the SE L is the obvious choice as i tend to like the top of the range for the extras.

 

One last question.... sports seats, just how different will they be to what would come standard ?

Edited 29 January, 201511 yr by Hudson1

Sport seats have fixed headrests which I don't like personally but they have a quilted cheque pattern that looks good. Why do you need heated seats if they're not leather and electric rear windows can be had for £160.

The surround sound system is a digital processor that works within the confines of the car that tunes the speakers accordingly, Renault fit the same system in their cars, I think it's called Arkemys 3D or something like that.

Worth reading the 'What Car' Small car Real World MPG figures compared to Manufacturers like Skodas on the 1.2 TSI.

 

& as for the 'Bang up to date' Skoda DSG,  is there a New DSG? 

because the ones up to recently required a Service Campaign because of issues with them,

so is there a Redesign & guaranteed Reliability now from them.

 

Skoda giving a 5 year Warranty as Standard if they are sure that in its 4th incarnation the Fabia is totally reliable would 

be a good move.

Did not know that about the DSG, i know its been out a few years but compared to the 4 speed auto from Hyundai is virtually 23rd century ! Intersting about the reliability of them, i really do want an auto but i also do not want a bucket load of problems with that auto..... i will do some internet '' digging ''. Thanks.

 

Any opinions on the sound system and if its a lot better than standard ? I have heard the infinity system in an astra and that is a massive step up from a standard system... the skoda ones (from the brochure) seems to mention a lot of '' virtual '', ie not real ! How can that sound good if there is just a made up sub and amp.

Skoda Surround works only with digital data souces - but it really works! After switching it on you will probably never switch it off

 

Virtual subwoofer is... virtual. At least with the standard speakers I hear almost no difference.

 

If you enjoy good sound then first of all change your speakers (I recommend Gladen 165 SQX series) and improve the doors.

If i did change the speakers to something a lot better would the headunit drive them ok.... i know from the past when i had some Rainbow speakers in a Passat that a standard headunit could not run them correctly, i then fitted a DLS amp and they came alive.

Started to have a look at the Mk3 today to weigh it up against the Hyundai i20 Premium SE, only direct comparison is the SEL.  I like the spec of it in standard format but it does not have a few items that the i20 has as standard but one thing it does ' seem ' to have is a better sound system..... the Bolero ? It mentions in the brochure it has a '' virtual '' sub and processor, what exactly is this ? Is this system like the Bose/Infinity systems found on Vauxhall, ie is it actually amp'd and does it have a ' real ' sub not a virtual one ? Are the speakers in it better than the one's in the S ?

 

The gearbox is clearly better than what Hyundai offer as their auto option is an older 4 speed one with terrible MPG and emissions whereas the Skoda box is bang up to date with impressive fuel figures and 0-60 times. The other options i would spec which are standard on the Hyundai are the heated front seats, rear electric windows, smartgate (no realy i20 comparison).

 

I really do fancy the Hyundai but its lack of real tech in terms of an auto option is putting me off until they introduce new engines and a better auto box.

 

I have both a Mk1 1.9TDI elegance and a Mk2 1.6 elegance so the SE L is the obvious choice as i tend to like the top of the range for the extras.

 

One last question.... sports seats, just how different will they be to what would come standard ?

 

I didn't like the fixed headrest on the sports seats either.. ugh!  The sound system is quite nice and the MDI interface is very easy to navigate selecting DAB channels is as simple as it gets.. I added heated seats and rear elec windows for my Mk3 and I got SmartGate for near nothing as they got the pricing wrong. The reduced road noise inside the Mk3 cabin is better over the Mk1.. so you probably won't have to have your music on as loud either.. well, depends on your taste I suppose.

I ordered my mk III including the "sport package", meaning seats and a few other doo-dahs. Havent been able to actually test those seats but I once had a Golf featuring sport seats, and having high hopes that the Skoda sport seats will be equally tight and comfy the option couldnt be ignored.

DAB is an option here and as the public broadcast isn't digital I left that option - but heated seats are standard for all models. They target their markets.

Ive driven a Seat with the DSG box, wasnt too impressed, but I do like to be in total control so the 6-speed manual was my choice.

I wouldnt even consider a Hyundai, favouring European cars.

For the quality Im usually claiming the Czecks to be the (new) Germans. Earlier Skodas has been flawless.

Edited 1 February, 201511 yr by pfaff

If i did change the speakers to something a lot better would the headunit drive them ok.... i know from the past when i had some Rainbow speakers in a Passat that a standard headunit could not run them correctly, i then fitted a DLS amp and they came alive.

Should be fine... I'm awaiting info from my local Skoda dealer on the power amplifier used in Bolero. I expect it to be TDA7564/TDA7566 and as they work fine with 2Ohms speakers you should not expect any issues.

Should be fine... I'm awaiting info from my local Skoda dealer on the power amplifier used in Bolero. I expect it to be TDA7564/TDA7566 and as they work fine with 2Ohms speakers you should not expect any issues.

When i spoke with my local Skoda dealer they said there was no separate amp other than the usual in the headunit ! Its all virtual.... basically an old fashioned graphic equalizer.... back to my moon walking days and Fame

I ordered my mk III including the "sport package", meaning seats and a few other doo-dahs.

Did you manage to get a good deal? Skoda Lund gave very moderate discounts, launch campaign discount 11000 sek (£900) and free winter tyres (worth £700). Up north you can get better deals though

Think the deal was fair, ordered it as a company car an besides the "introduction" reduction of €1100 I got 10% on all extras, which were a great many.

Total ended up to €18000.

Ill buy the car for myself when retired within about 3 years..;-)

Briefly going back to the DSG 'box, there's nothing anywhere near like it outside the VAG cars. It's miles ahead of anything else and, as said, the 'box in the i20 is no better than those BMC fitted in the 1100s in the 60s! I've had a DSG 7 speed for 3 1/2 years and it's really good, it's not quite as good as a well driven manual on mpg, but the average driver won't notice much difference between them and it makes driving an auto affordable!

Edited 20 February, 201511 yr by The PM

Briefly going back to the DSG 'box, there's nothing anywhere near like it outside the VAG cars. It's miles ahead of anything else and, as said, the 'box in the i20 is no better than those BMC fitted in the 1100s in the 60s! I've had a DSG 7 speed for 3 1/2 years and it's really good, it's not quite as good as a well driven manual on mpg, but the average driver won't notice much difference between them and it makes driving an auto affordable!

 

I dunno... Merc have a really nice 7 speed dual clutch box.

 

Torque converters are also catching up fast. The ZF 8 speed box is a cracker. Lockup in all gears and gear changes almost matching the DSG smoothness (it is actually smoother at lower speed etc) plus the MPG hit is very small now compared to old auto boxes.

 

Phil

Ha! I didn't look at the luxury end of the market! Thanks, Phil! I was thinking more of the run-of-the-mill cars when i said it!

Ha! I didn't look at the luxury end of the market! Thanks, Phil! I was thinking more of the run-of-the-mill cars when i said it!

 

Ah yeah... I see what you mean

 

In terms of small hatchbacks etc the DSG is miles ahead (quite literally) of the competition. Most are either automated manuals or very old torque converter boxes.

 

Phil

Briefly going back to the DSG 'box, there's nothing anywhere near like it outside the VAG cars. It's miles ahead of anything else and, as said, the 'box in the i20 is no better than those BMC fitted in the 1100s in the 60s! I've had a DSG 7 speed for 3 1/2 years and it's really good, it's not quite as good as a well driven manual on mpg, but the average driver won't notice much difference between them and it makes driving an auto affordable!

Hmmm. I've tried the DSG7 once, a couple of years ago, in a Seat something. Drove it over 1000 kms. And didn't find it smooth at all. Nor was I impressed by the milage. The 5 speed 2003 Octavia mk I 1,9 tdi I owned back then did it better in any means. Which is why the new Fabia I ordered has the 6 speed manual. :-)

Ah yeah... I see what you mean

 

In terms of small hatchbacks etc the DSG is miles ahead (quite literally) of the competition. Most are either automated manuals or very old torque converter boxes.

 

Phil

100000% correct

Or CVTs.

 

If you're worried about a reliable autobox, then DSG is not the way to go. Regular slushboxes are far more reliable. But you will pay for that with fuel use over time, so swings and roundabouts.

I have a Fabia 110 DSG on order.

 

Currently I have a Fabia 2 105 manual, but fancied a change.

When I went for a test drive the only petrol Mk3 they had was the 110 DSG.

I was smitten after the test drive! A few cars back I had a Qashqai CVT Auto, which I loved to drive.

CVT's?

 

what ever happened to the old DAF's of the late 70's with their two rubber bands

I have a Fabia 110 DSG on order.

 

Currently I have a Fabia 2 105 manual, but fancied a change.

When I went for a test drive the only petrol Mk3 they had was the 110 DSG.

I was smitten after the test drive! A few cars back I had a Qashqai CVT Auto, which I loved to drive.

Tell more..... what was the DSG box in the Mk3 like then ?

Tell more..... what was the DSG box in the Mk3 like then ?

Excellent, really easy to drive. It reminded me why I like really good auto boxes.

Before the test drive I was set on another manual, but that changed!

Terrific oomph in kickdown, quiet and refined when just cruising around.

We have the 7-speed DSG in our Fabia vRS and it is utterly brilliant.

CVT's?

 

what ever happened to the old DAF's of the late 70's with their two rubber bands

 

CVTs appear far less complex than DSGs and I always wondered why they went out of favour.