I'm currently in the process of looking at upgrading my 2008 Ford Mondeo 2.5T Titanium X Estate to something a little more fuel friendly, and as such am currently looking at 2013> Octavia vRS Estates.

 

Unfortunely most of them look like they have the Bolero headunit, but one I'm currently looking at has the Canton upgrade in it. The car in question has the CD unit (with the 2 SD card slots) in the glove box.

 

How easy is it to replace the Bolero with a Columbus, and what would I need to purchase?

Not easy and whatever it is you'd most likely have to go through dealer, so expensive. If you're buying from a dealer then maybe you can bully them into making it sweet for you.

Sorry to disappoint but you don't exactly get top-shelf audio in these Skoda's. 

I'd go with the Canton but something you may want to know is the head units all got an upgrade around 2016 where they went from what's called MIB1 to MIB2. Not sure about yours with the 2 card slots? Mine is Bolero MIB1 and it has 1 card slot (note I don't know what MIB means but it definitely not just the number of card slots - for all I know you have an Amundsen there). 

Edited 9 April, 20188 yr by TDIum

I just want the bigger screen that the Columbus offers over the Bolero, but something that compatible with the Canton system. Perhaps the only other option is a third party headunit?

You'd think so, but unfortunately there is little choice. Trouble is the head units are now so integrated with the car functions. Plus so many cars are bought in lease plans that nobody wants to or can upgrade the audio. 

Pioneer make one that I was interested in, but nobody in the UK seems to be interested in supplying and fitting them. 

You can fit an amplifier and sub unit. You need to tap off the high-level speaker outputs (no line-level outputs available, see) and of course power the amp, and install it all.  

Good luck and let us know how you get on. 

 

Check out SashaGrace car thread she has upgraded her stereo from not to the canton system but new screen and unit in the glove box all changed

On 10/04/2018 at 08:52, dhill said:

I just want the bigger screen that the Columbus offers over the Bolero, but something that compatible with the Canton system. Perhaps the only other option is a third party headunit?

Is the Bolero not the same size screen anyway?? I assume mine is the Bolero.. it has a large touch screen, 6 disc multi changer and 1 sd card slot