Totally agree I would rather Skoda had spent the money on more worthwhile technology.  

But this technology, provided it can be made to work properly CAN give worthwhile reductions in both emissions and fuel use - remember every minute spent idling at a standstill is exactly zero MPG, but with the engine still emitting at (possibly) relatively inefficient operating levels. I would like to see a more high-tech solution as to when the system decides to shut down, Eg. using GPS, traffic flow information, and front camera inputs - so that the system doesn't shut down just as the lights in front of you turn green - but I do believe that we will have to learn to like this technology if we want to continue with the I.C engine. Roll on on-board hydrogen generators and affordable fuel cells.

Warrior193.         

Another thing in this battery technology, which probably has a significant impact on the correct operation of the stop start - and probably some impact on AGM battery life also - to allow spare battery capacity for the "regenerative braking" system to pump engine braking energy into it, I believe that the "smart charging" system does not normally allow more than around 80% charge from the alternator. I wonder if this is the REAL reason why Skoda removed the battery state of charge meter (if, in fact, they actually did so). On which topic - is there anyone out there with a MY17 with a working SOC meter?

Warrior193. 

On the whole subject of 'stop, start' technology...'Fifth Gear' the motoring tv show did a comparison fuel economy run with Tiff Needell at the wheel across 17 miles of London traffic, same route each time etc, with the stop start tech switched off, and then tested again with the tech switched on. Each time a measure amount of fuel was used to complete the run. Their finding were that with the stop start engaged, the car used 10% LESS fuel! So quite a saving in those driving conditions. I reckon it saves me around 4-5%. So still worthwhile in my book. Yes...could do better though as I often switch it off if faced with a lot of serious stop starting in queues of half a mile of more as I don't fancy my starter and battery getting ragged so much. I know, I know, I should leave it on as both battery and starter are designed to take it.

 

 Warrior, mine is a 17MY and no soc.

Edited 3 December, 20169 yr by Estate Man

On the whole subject of 'stop, start' technology...'Fifth Gear' the motoring tv show did a comparison fuel economy run with Tiff Needell at the wheel across 17 miles of London traffic, same route each time etc, with the stop start tech switched off, and then tested again with the tech switched on. Each time a measure amount of fuel was used to complete the run. Their finding were that with the stop start engaged, the car used 10% LESS fuel! So quite a saving in those driving conditions. I reckon it saves me around 4-5%. So still worthwhile in my book. Yes...could do better though as I often switch it off if faced with a lot of serious stop starting in queues of half a mile of more as I don't fancy my starter and battery getting ragged so much. I know, I know, I should leave it on as both battery and starter are designed to take it.

 

 Warrior, mine is a 17MY and no soc.

Thanks for that Estate Man, I do the same if I can see the traffic flow even more snagged-up than usual. I reckon that mine is worth an average of 2 MPG, indicated, on my normal commute.  I confess that I did not believe Skoda UK when they said that the SOC meter had been unconnected, it did not make any sense to me. Anyone else out there with a nice shiny MY17, who can report on their SOC status?

Warrior193. 

Mine's a later MY16 (April build I think), no SOC. Just gives 3 dashes. 

On the whole subject of 'stop, start' technology......snip .......Yes...could do better though as I often switch it off if faced with a lot of serious stop starting in queues of half a mile of more as I don't fancy my starter and battery getting ragged so much. I know, I know, I should leave it on as both battery and starter are designed to take it.

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Far too much confidence there in what we have been provided with (good enough starter and battery etc), yes I give in as well when faced with that situation, though mainly I leave it on then get very annoyed when, once again I've just let the engine stop and the lights mysteriously change!!

The 'stop start' system is ok when the cars on a good run, but I turn it off now until the car is fully warmed up....I have noticed that its rare to be held at traffic lights for more than 30 seconds, the book says that is the time you start to save fuel, anyway its easy to switch off should you be held at roadworks, for instance. 

Is it the owners manual that says 30 seconds is the time stopped and not moving when you start to save fuel?

 

I would be Larry if the traffic lights i am stopped at were only at red for 30 seconds.

I may be wrong but I thought I saw an article somewhere recently which said that the "break-even" point for stopping the engine was around 8-10 seconds. Ie. no saving in fuel use at shorter stops than that - but you still emit slightly less pollution. 

Warrior193