We are looking to buy a new Mk3 Estate, probably the 1.4Tsi SEL ( 1.6Tdi a possible alternative.)

 

Difficulty is which options to choose?

 

Front & rear parking sensors probably  but perhaps Park Assist instead, as it is not much more. Rear camera ???

 

Bi-Xenon lights, but a lot of money, would just the cornering fog lights be worth considering as an alternative.

 

Electric front seats seem very good, as we need different seat settings and both share the driving and continually having to alter the settings is tedious. To have the system memorise your position and adjust automatically according to the key used would appear ideal, but does this work in practice?

 

Winter pack I think as our cars live outdoors and frosty mornings are a real pain.

 

Probably a luxury choice would be the Columbus system, is it really that much better? We are not music fans so would not be fussed about extra storage for data etc.

 

I would love to hear from anyone who can offer views pro/con on these, or suggest other options that they might feel important.

 

 

 

Pros and cons of the options I have from my point of view:

 

Rear parking sensors. Pro: make it a lot easier to park. No cons.

Bi-Xenon. Pros: everything compared to halogen. Cons: none. Cornering fog lights are not an alternative, they only light up at low speeds.

Electric front seats. Pros: memorizes the settings, very convenient. Cons: extreme positions (seat fully in the front/back) are not automatically restored so you'd still have to adjust the seat a bit manually if necessary; seat memory associated with different keys is a bit buggy (sometimes restores some random position you temporarily used) but if you also save them under buttons, you can work around it.

 

 

If you ever need a towbar, I'd suggest you order it from the factory. Although factory towbar should be somewhat more expensive than aftermarket ones, every week there is a thread here about someone's problem fitting them. Got mine factory-fitted and no problems at all.

 

As I'm not from the UK and there are spec differences between countries, I'm not sure what else I can suggest.

+1 for Bi-Xenons.

If you live in the country as opposed to a city then you want to be able to see as far as possible, especially in areas where deer roam!.

Had them on the Yeti as standard, when we swopped to the Octy, had to bite the bullet and pay out, but would not want to go back to normal lights.

We are looking to buy a new Mk3 Estate, probably the 1.4Tsi SEL ( 1.6Tdi a possible alternative.)

 

I took delivery of a 1.6Tdi  SEL yesterday

 

Difficulty is which options to choose?

 

Front & rear parking sensors probably  but perhaps Park Assist instead, as it is not much more. Rear camera ???

 

My previous car was a Superb Elegance which had Park Assist. Front sensors were useful but hardly ever used the P Assist, each time I thought 'I will use it' could not remember to press the button to switch it on. The graphics on the Columbus were good. However for cost reasons I have just gone for standard rear sensors on new car.

 

 

Bi-Xenon lights, but a lot of money, would just the cornering fog lights be worth considering as an alternative.

 

I would not pay extra for these. Again had them on the Superb but kept thinking 'Whats all the fuss about on Xenons?' Could depend on your driving, my nightime driving was always on lit motorways, never needed them.

Cornering fogs were useful in my winding cul-de-sac.  I will get someone to enable mine using VCDS

 

 

 

 

Electric front seats seem very good, as we need different seat settings and both share the driving and continually having to alter the settings is tedious. To have the system memorise your position and adjust automatically according to the key used would appear ideal, but does this work in practice?

 

Had these. Very useful all set on the two keys, never had a problem

 

 

Winter pack I think as our cars live outdoors and frosty mornings are a real pain.

 

Heated screen very desirable from use on previous cars but at £400 on Skodas very costly. I went for full beige leather seats which includes heated seats

 

 

 

Probably a luxury choice would be the Columbus system, is it really that much better? We are not music fans so would not be fussed about extra storage for data etc.

 

No. Although only had a few hours to look at my new Amundsen I can not see the advantages of the Columbus other than hard disc storage

 

 

 

I would love to hear from anyone who can offer views pro/con on these, or suggest other options that they might feel important.

 

I went for the 17" Teron wheels which are a no-cost option. One option I would have liked is KESSY keyfree

We are looking to buy a new Mk3 Estate, probably the 1.4Tsi SEL ( 1.6Tdi a possible alternative.)

 

Difficulty is which options to choose?

 

Front & rear parking sensors probably  but perhaps Park Assist instead, as it is not much more. Rear camera ??? Park assist for me as you get extra sensors in the wheel arches, plus it will get into a smaller gap than I will try! Camera also added to mine

 

Bi-Xenon lights, but a lot of money, would just the cornering fog lights be worth considering as an alternative. Not even close... Bi-xenon’s every day of the week (would not buy a new car without them)

 

Electric front seats seem very good, as we need different seat settings and both share the driving and continually having to alter the settings is tedious. To have the system memorise your position and adjust automatically according to the key used would appear ideal, but does this work in practice? Yes, you also get far better lumbar adjustment too.

 

Winter pack I think as our cars live outdoors and frosty mornings are a real pain. Heated screens are great

 

Probably a luxury choice would be the Columbus system, is it really that much better? We are not music fans so would not be fussed about extra storage for data etc.

 

I would love to hear from anyone who can offer views pro/con on these, or suggest other options that they might feel important.

Another vote for the Bi-Xenons, also the winter pack, heated screens, seats and washer jets.

Sounds as though you need to buy the vrs 230 - most of your requirements will be included as standard - specing options is pouring money down the drain.

I think the one must have option is a spare wheel. It's the only one I have.

+1 for bi Xenons I wouldn't buy a car without them now, the A96 up here can be fraught with deer.

I'm looking at ordering a 1.4tsi DSG SEL hatch.

Possibly get a rear protection strip for the boot? I've gone for Quartz grey, heated screen, rear camera, all season tyres, 17" terron alloys, sunset glass, 3 spoke mfsw with paddles, bi xenon lights, led rear lights, spare tyre rather than goo, service plan.

I didn't fancy park assist, it would get you in to a tight space but getting out? Or worse still the cars around you getting out! I will wire in a dash cam and do a few tweaks with my obd plug.

I realise as above the options are mostly on a vrs and while I would love one its all about running costs, insurance, rfl,

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winter pack / canton / variable boot floor

 

I haven't got the heated screen and really wish I did.

Heated screen definitely. Used mine for the first time this morning.

Bi-xenons are great.

Smart link is worth ordering - cheap nav and music interface. Hill hold is useful and cheap too, same with the rear footwell lights.

I also went for front and rear sensors - handy, colour maxidot - wouldn't be bothered either way about having it again, reversing camera - useful and rear tints - look nice.

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Edited 21 November, 201510 yr by EoinM

I got the Canton upgrade, yes it is far better than the base system, but my centre speaker rattles like crazy, Skoda have fixed it 3 times and it still rattles, its frustrating, and because its a fibre optical system to change it and is going to cost me a fortune

Winter pack definitely. Canton is ok. Best option for a cheap price cost in my opinion are you the folding door mirrors which auto dim.

Being disabled, I have had a few extras fitted to my automatic MK3 SEL estate. But would be useful for anyone.

Folding anti dazzle and heated mirrors, no more being dazzled by morons following behind, who don't know where the dip switch is.

Three spoke wheel with the flat bottom, it really does allow you to get in/out easier.

The best one is the adaptive auto cruise. Not used just on motorways, but anywhere. Takes a couple of seconds to set speed and keep within limits or just let it follow the car in front and you speed up (up to your upper set limit) and slow down, plus brake to a stop, as they do. It really does make driving enjoyable again.

Full park assist. Allows me to get in and out of spaces where before I couldn't turn the steering wheel quickly enough, also works on opposite side (if driving on the continent, as I do) by indicating right before pushing the button. Just use accelerator or brake as needed, the car does the rest admirably.

I also have light assist, but find it a bit offputting going down country lanes as it doesn't turn on main beam until you are over about 35MPH, sometimes that is too fast on winding, muddy roads so have to use the flash main beam just to see what is coming up. On normal roads it is just fine, and even picks up cyclists with dim lights, both following or head on.

Variable boot floor is great, I keep my crates of Tango and Vimto plus winter clothes under there. If you have an estate, and use it as such, them a stainless protector plate is a must, as are door sill protector plates and nice bump strips on the doors.

I opted for 17" Teron wheels, plus a spare full sized Teron as well, plus the inflator kit as well because I travel on some dubious roads through Serbia & Co. on my way to Bulgaria, I need to have a good puncture backup. The full sized spare is stored on the underfloor on the variable boot.

What you must do is rather than having gimmicks, look at what is available and tailor your motor to suit yourself and your driving style. How often do you use your fog lights?, and unless you are doing 70MPH down country lanes in the fog and dark (organ donor mode), do you really need them to swivel side to side.

Edited 26 November, 201510 yr by Bogsy

I dont know how the halogen lights on the Octy are, but try to compare them with the Xenons if you can. The Xenons on the Octy aint that good Imo.

Memory seats are brilliant!

Adaptive cruise is another thing I wouldnt be without now that Im used to having it.

Columbus is really not worth it, just spec smartlink instead and your good to go.

Just be aware the car will not be worth a fart in a couple of years....what you spend on additional spec (given the SE-L is already v well equipped) is just haemoraging cash.

Youve got to be happy with it sure but as a case in point my 63 plate Elegance 2.0 TDI estate 29k miles, by and large immaculate....cost me £23k....its not even worth £12k at less than two years old.

I could have bought an older premium car outright for what its depreciated. Just bear it in mind. I bang on about it enough on here but if I can prevent any future "had my car valued and Im shocked" threads it makes me feel a bit better as I wouldnt want anyone to be in tbe same neh eq position as I am on my Octavia....its fecking ridiculous. Just as well I can just about afford to keep running it as a runaround for my wife as I cant afford (or certainly am not going to throw a few K at it) to get rid of it.

As to spec taking finances aside.....Bi-xenons are great but not worth £1100. Front sensors are a nice to have too but with rear sensors they are not absolutely essential.

.

Edited 26 November, 201510 yr by pipsypreturns

I am in a 1.4Tsi Estate DSG SE-L. Was a 'stock' car on quick delivery so had a couple of options that I probably would not have considered going down the list.

Park assist - works really well. But I've only used it to scare my kids in a carpark, never use it, would never consider it again. Parking sensors (front & rear) a must though.

Adaptive Cruise control. Use it all the time, works really well, makes for a much more relaxing drive (not just on motorways). turn it on and essentially you just have to steer. Don't think I would buy another car without it, it is that good. 

Spare wheel - each to their own on that one, but it's not expensive if you can use it!

 

Had a mkIII Elegance last year, with Colombus + Canton. If it was my cash, I would not bother again. I am a bit of an audiophile which is why I specced them. Better than the standard kit soundwise, but really marginal IMHO - opinions vary on this!

I think the one must have option is a spare wheel. It's the only one I have.

It also quietens down the godawful Rear Torture Beam Suspension setup & before you start, I've got one & its **** on such a quiet car.

Must have on an DSG estate:

 

1 Adaptive cruise control. Use it all the time and works really well. Turn it on and steer, be ready to make the odd intervention. It's so good, I don't think I'd buy another auto/DSG without it.

 

2 Spare wheel

 

Niece to have:

Power boot

 

Spare wheel, I know I listed it above, in 10 years of driving I needed a spare wheel once 6 months after getting the Octy.

 

Three spoke steering wheel with flappy paddles

Edited 26 November, 201510 yr by Dempsek

I am lucky in that I get my car paid for every 3 years through Motability by the services agency (a better deal than DHSS), but I have to pay for any extras myself.

Last one I had was top of the range Kia Sportage, which cost me £850 above because it was so expensive, and it was was absolute crap, so I went to the Skoda dealer and asked him if he could get me a stock car with a few essential extras thrown in for nothing. I had to have a crappy outside colour (Topaz), but at least the lady friend likes it and as I am on the inside, I don't have to look at it. But it does have the required beige interior that I wanted.

He came up with adaptive cruise, front assist (auto dipping lights)and auto parking and assist for free (everything I had asked for), and just £280 for the special dipping outside mirrors and flat bottomed steering wheel. He also threw in the brand new Teron spare for nothing as well as the inflation kit. I am sure that there are other free things on it that I haven't found yet.

 

If you don't ask, you don't get, and by buying an in stock car, you can get all sorts of GOOD goodies thrown in at normal prices if you are not too concerned about the colour you get. It only takes them a few minutes to find what you really need from other dealers, it just takes a few days to get it shipped across. I worked out that my freebies came to over a grand.

Edited 26 November, 201510 yr by Bogsy

Xenons, rear camera, park assist, variable boot floor, winter pack and definitely adaptive cruise - a brilliant invention which I use all the time.

For me, heated windscreen as the car isn't garaged and I'm on the road at 06:00hrs daily, (it comes with the winter pack and on really cold mornings even with the alcantara trim on my car the heated seats make it nice and snug), xenons, front and rear park assist and for peace of mind the space saver spare wheel.

Edited 27 November, 201510 yr by Timoctav

If you don't ask, you don't get, and by buying an in stock car, you can get all sorts of GOOD goodies thrown in at normal prices if you are not too concerned about the colour you get. It only takes them a few minutes to find what you really need from other dealers, it just takes a few days to get it shipped across. I worked out that my freebies came to over a grand.

This.

This is why I got a load of extras and the Plus pack for what was just under a standard OTR price. I only had the choice of two colours, black or silver, but to be honest as long as it wasn't beige or red I didn't really care.