I’m trying to get my head around what you do and don’t get with the various connectivity options on a new FL Octavia.  Currently have an SE L inbound for delivery in Jan with Amundsen nav as standard.  I haven’t paid for any of the other options and found Skoda web site, brochure and dealer all unclear.

 

From what I can make out, the £1k extra for Columbus, bigger screen aside, it would have given me everything free for 3 years as the system has an inbuilt 4G SIM.

 

For £750 I could have had a car with a ‘phone box’ and inbuilt 4G SIM with 3 years free connectivity, but not the full range of services available on Columbus such as online map updates and Google Earth.

 

For £500 I could get everything above but without the phone box.

 

For nothing extra, I get all the functionality above, but only free for one year and reliant on the SIM in my phone plugged into the USB, using my data allowance.

 

So - I presume the functions like checking fuel level or locking the car remotely won’t work as clearly I will have my phone in my pocket not plugged in to the car?

 

Also, I can’t find anywhere how much it costs after the first ‘free’ year.

 

In truth, judging by how I’ve used the Columbus equivalent on our Audi and previous BMW the main thing I use regularly is the ability to input destinations for the nav on my phone/tablet.  But would love a better explanation.

I've got Columbus in mine & there is no SIM slot so connectivity purely via my mobile data connection. So you are correct in your logic that remote locking won't work.

 

2 hours ago, kinega said:

I've got Columbus in mine & there is no SIM slot so connectivity purely via my mobile data connection. So you are correct in your logic that remote locking won't work.

 

If it’s anything like our Audi, the Columbus 4G Sim won’t be readily accessible or visible but I’m sure you have one all the same.

I'm sure there is no SIM slot. The manual shows it should be between the SD card slots.

I find its very flaky connecting to 4g hotspot on my phone. Even though it shows as connected on WLAN under settings, it won't always then show the WLAN icon on the main displays. The actual connectivity only works when this symbol is showing...

although it can still take ages before the Skoda connect menu stops saying "no data connection".