As you know the vRS has 2 angled struts just behind the rear seat. I assume they are there to provide a little rigidty to the rear end, however I need to carry a large load tomorrow and could do with temporarilly removing them. Anyone done this and noticed any effect ?

Apparently yes they do something. The estate doesnt have them which is why Skoda dont fit 17's to it apparently.

Thanks Lummox. I guess I wont be removing them then :(

Yes, they restrict access to the full space in the boot

If I had something large to carry I'd whip 'em out and put 'em back when I'd finished;)

i wouldnt have thought taking them out would cause you too many problems for a short period. obviously Skoda have fitted them for a reason though so it isnt recommended.

The question is moot as I couldn't get the buggers out anyway

Still managed to get the new guest sofa bed in anyway, it just hung out the back a bit :eek:

When you say "couldn't get them out" do you me lack of tools or physically remove them?

Apparently yes they do something. The estate doesnt have them which is why Skoda dont fit 17's to it apparently.

Why would 17" wheels make any difference? :confused: :confused:

stiffer side walls so less flex and putting more stress on the rest of the car I would guess

When you say "couldn't get them out" do you me lack of tools or physically remove them?

I had the tools but couldn't get the buggers undone. I guess the robots at the factory are a lot stronger than me

you'd just need a longer lever!

I'd take them out if I was going to be carry some bulky things, but not throw the car around too much. Although the suspension is firmer on the RS, the other models seem to manage fine without them, so I can't see it causing that much of a problem.

I noticed that the Octy 2 vRS hatch doesn't have any!

I had the tools but couldn't get the buggers undone. I guess the robots at the factory are a lot stronger than me

It was Bender, he's strongest!

If they put struts in the back why did they not put any in the front? And how much difference do aftermarket one's make?

I suspect that upper and lower braces on the front would help quite a bit. My old Focus felt sharper on turn-in which may have been due to a stiffer front end.

I noticed that the Octy 2 vRS hatch doesn't have any!

Not suprised as its a completely different bodyshell and rear axle arangement.

Here's how to find out if they do anything:

Take them out.

Go for a Brisk drive.

Try to get them back in again.

I suspect that upper and lower braces on the front would help quite a bit. My old Focus felt sharper on turn-in which may have been due to a stiffer front end.

They definitely make a difference - quite subtle with the handling but the car feels much stiffer with them on.

I'm wondering about fitting a rear ARB now...

Unfortunately the insurance company would want to know. Until I get with a proper modified car policy I'll hold fire.