Hello,

 

As briefly mentioned in the Introduction thread, have been lurking for a few months and am currently super excitedly awaiting my new car, which should hopefully be here next week: a 1L Quartz Grey Skoda Octavia, Petrol, Manual. It's the Irish configuration of the Limited Edition Soleil, with Chrome sill's as extra.

I had initially planned to go for a highly customised Ambition spec I had settled on after a couple of weeks of thrashing out every possible combination on the Skoda Car Configurator but, upon prancing into the Skoda dealership like a newborn lamb, I was told a custom build would leave me waiting until November, and that's not an option. So, I have a few slight concerns/ dissapointments) that I am missing out on things like (a) sunroof, (b) sat nav, (c) CD player, and (d) DAB radio.

I can get over the sunroof. Kind of want it when buying a car from new - had always imagined that - but it is costly, and I tell myself it could beproblematic via a vis security and maintenance  ;(

RE sat nav, there is none, as it's the Bolero system in this model. I would thus presumably be advised to use Android Auto, which would run Google Maps effortlessly from my phone? Trouble is also that my phone doesnt yet seem to be supported by the Octy per the website (Samsung Galaxy S10e). I'm driving a 2016 Octavia Active right now and the phone does connect, but only for calls and text. It's possible the firmware needs upgrading.

The CD player thing is a bit of a bummer too as I like to have a CD player. I don't know how handy it would be to upgrade this after market? Thankfully there is a good media system anyway and so I can log music into an SD card and organize the folders and add images and such. The regret though is that I do like to have CDs, and the option to play them.

Finally, RE DAB... this seemed a great option. Surely quality of signal is assured(?) and the choice is massive. There is also an element of future proofing as I know European countries are moving to digital across the board, be it TV or Radio. I'm pretty sure Norway has completely knocked old school broadcasting on the head and is digital only. That being said though, it's hard to imagine AM/FM being done away with in Ireland and the UK anytime soon? Can DAB be added in after market?

 

The above aside, I'm really looking forward to getting the car. I'm currently driving a 2016 Octy and am loving it. Strong chance I could become a huge fan boy, am already eyeing up SuperSkoda for crap to buy.

 

Thanks in advance for any replies/ insight.

Hi! Fellow lurker here.

The Octavia is an excellent choice. I am looking for a replacement for my old Mondeo, and the Octavia is right at the top of my list.

I keep my cars about 8-10 years normally (or until my Mrs writes them off), so I want a car that will last well, particularly as I don't do many miles.

Incidentally, why are you getting a new Octavia? The only reason I'm changing my old Mondeo is because I'm a bit bored with it after 9 years ownership, and it's starting to rust a little.

I'm actually looking to buy a 15-16 Octavia, so I'm curious as to why someone with a fairly new Octavia is selling one of that vintage?

 

My thoughts:

 

Sunroof, yes I would love that but mine didn't have it.  I've had Paroofs before and used them all the time, going forward in a new car I would probably try and hold out for one.

 

I have Columbus in mine and love factory Nav, its faultless.  The other day I gaffer around using Android Auto to see what it was like and I didn't get on with it ... yes I would use if I had to but factory Nav is so much easier.  I don't want to faff with wires etc (although I did like the satellite view in a Google maps).

 

I have the CD player, I rarely use it.  I took time when I had a company car a few years ago to put most my music onto an external HDD and then collated some SD cards from there.  Initially it took a while to do but once done, it's done.

 

DAB ..... definitely all boll*ks.  I ve used mine a number of times and it seems to spend half the time muted while it looks for a better signal, and that been tried on numerous stations.  I was quite excited about having DAB but nowadays I leave it on FM which works perfectly.

4 hours ago, EnterName said:

Hi! Fellow lurker here.

The Octavia is an excellent choice. I am looking for a replacement for my old Mondeo, and the Octavia is right at the top of my list.

I keep my cars about 8-10 years normally (or until my Mrs writes them off), so I want a car that will last well, particularly as I don't do many miles.

Incidentally, why are you getting a new Octavia? The only reason I'm changing my old Mondeo is because I'm a bit bored with it after 9 years ownership, and it's starting to rust a little.

I'm actually looking to buy a 15-16 Octavia, so I'm curious as to why someone with a fairly new Octavia is selling one of that vintage?

 

 

Actually, the dealership gave me a temporary car for a few weeks while I await delivery. I was lucky to get a pretty new Octy.

 

I plan on keeping this long term too. Why an I getting one? It's a long list really but style, value, comfort.

1 minute ago, Otto_Octavius said:

 

Actually, the dealership gave me a temporary car for a few weeks while I await delivery. I was lucky to get a pretty new Octy.

 

I plan on keeping this long term too. Why an I getting one? It's a long list really but style, value, comfort.

Oh I don't fault your choice of car, I'm just wondering what your 2019 Octavia has that your 2016 one didn't?

I'm asking as I'm looking at Octavias just now, and wonder if there's a substantial improvement.

For instance, I looked at a lovely Mk2 Blackline, but my Mrs reckoned there wasn't quite enough room in the back, and the Mk3 has a little more legroom. (I'm very tall, so I impede rear legroom a lot.)

I'm just curious: it might be you just fancied a new car, which is as good a reason as any.

3 hours ago, ScoutCJB said:

My thoughts:

 

Sunroof, yes I would love that but mine didn't have it.  I've had Paroofs before and used them all the time, going forward in a new car I would probably try and hold out for one.

 

I have Columbus in mine and love factory Nav, its faultless.  The other day I gaffer around using Android Auto to see what it was like and I didn't get on with it ... yes I would use if I had to but factory Nav is so much easier.  I don't want to faff with wires etc (although I did like the satellite view in a Google maps).

 

I have the CD player, I rarely use it.  I took time when I had a company car a few years ago to put most my music onto an external HDD and then collated some SD cards from there.  Initially it took a while to do but once done, it's done.

 

DAB ..... definitely all boll*ks.  I ve used mine a number of times and it seems to spend half the time muted while it looks for a better signal, and that been tried on numerous stations.  I was quite excited about having DAB but nowadays I leave it on FM which works perfectly.

 

RE: Sat Nav, it seems that wiring might not be such an issue as I can connect to Bolero via Bluetooth, so its clean. That's provided that there is a firmware update and I can get full connectivity to the system with my newer phone. I would be shocked if it's not updated for a new car. Thanks for letting me know about your experience of Android Auto, I still haven't seen it in action, though I have heard good things. I imagine an after market upgrade to amundsen or Columbus is difficult and expensive.

 

Interesting RE the CD player, I imagine I would probably get over that soon enough, but if it's a handy upgrade, I might consider it. I fully intend on organizing my music library and importing it to the car though.

 

Very interesting RE DAB, I had assumed it would be great, that's kind of reassuring that I'm not missing out.

23 minutes ago, EnterName said:

Oh I don't fault your choice of car, I'm just wondering what your 2019 Octavia has that your 2016 one didn't?

I'm asking as I'm looking at Octavias just now, and wonder if there's a substantial improvement.

For instance, I looked at a lovely Mk2 Blackline, but my Mrs reckoned there wasn't quite enough room in the back, and the Mk3 has a little more legroom. (I'm very tall, so I impede rear legroom a lot.)

I'm just curious: it might be you just fancied a new car, which is as good a reason as any.

 

I don't see that there are any major practical differences from the 2016 loan car to the 2019 model to be honest. I haven't actually driven at night much though, and I have seen the headlights criticized on this model, though I'm sure they are probably fine.

 

For me, I am doing a financing deal and it made sense to go from new. Its 2 or 3 grand the difference over a few years for new (and accompanying features). It's also my first car from new so I'm super excited about that.

 

There are a few cosmetic things like the split headlight design, Chrome sills. 

 

In the model I am getting there are also the following features above what I have now: LED headlights, LED washers, half leather, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, electric folding and heated side mirrors, reverse camera. 

 

Most of the above features are 'nice to haves' rather than 'must haves', though I'm happy to get them! I am missing out on some features as previously mentioned.

 

The 2016 model is a very nice car too though, I'm sure you would be happy with it. It's a very roomy and comfortable car, so you should have no problems. Depending on the model you get, it's also extremely economical on fuel, insurance and road tax, while still being great to drive.

Edited 8 June, 20197 yr by Otto_Octavius

I'm actually heading off to the dealer in a few minutes to check out their Soleil demo. Though I know what I'm getting, I've ostensibly bought 'off plans', so will be nice to have a look. Theres also that Soleil badge

 

I'm already thinking about what extras I will be sticking on myself. Definitely I will be adding wind breakers at least, I see there is already a thread on the Heko ones, which I will probably get.

11 minutes ago, Otto_Octavius said:

 

I don't see that there are any major practical differences from the 2016 loan car to the 2019 model to be honest. I haven't actually driven at night much though, and I have seen the headlights criticized on this model, though I'm sure they are probably fine.

 

For me, I am doing a financing deal and it made sense to go from new. Its 2 or 3 grand the difference over a few years for new (and accompanying features). It's also my first car from new so I'm super excited about that.

 

There are a few cosmetic things like the split headlight design, Chrome sills. 

 

In the model I am getting there are also the following features above what I have now: LED headlights, LED washers, half leather, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, electric folding and heated side mirrors, reverse camera. 

 

Most of the above features are 'nice to haves' rather than 'must haves', though I'm happy to get them! I am missing out on some features as previously mentioned.

 

The 2016 model is a very nice car too though, I'm sure you would be happy with it. It's a very roomy and comfortable car, so you should have no problems. Depending on the model you get, it's also extremely economical on fuel, insurance and road tax, while still being great to drive.

I hope your new car is a delight for you. 👍

Sorry to ask the obvious, but I take it you have installed the Android Auto app on your phone?

2 hours ago, Otto_Octavius said:

 

RE: Sat Nav, it seems that wiring might not be such an issue as I can connect to Bolero via Bluetooth, so its clean. That's provided that there is a firmware update and I can get full connectivity to the system with my newer phone. I would be shocked if it's not updated for a new car. Thanks for letting me know about your experience of Android Auto, I still haven't seen it in action, though I have heard good things. I imagine an after market upgrade to amundsen or Columbus is difficult and expensive.

 

You may have missed that with android auto you have to plug the phone in via the usb in the cubby in front of the gear stick. Often with a factory cable too as some aftermarket ones sometimes only do power. I'd also be surprised if your s10e won't work. It's a current model sub-flagship and AA should work on most modern devices. Also AA is very good. Nice and clean/simple but with most of the features you need day to day.

1 minute ago, MarkyG82 said:

 

You may have missed that with android auto you have to plug the phone in via the usb in the cubby in front of the gear stick. Often with a factory cable too as some aftermarket ones sometimes only do power. I'd also be surprised if your s10e won't work. It's a current model sub-flagship and AA should work on most modern devices. Also AA is very good. Nice and clean/simple but with most of the features you need day to day.

 

Thank you for that, I had heard the experience was good over all and that is a little reassuring RE the s10e.

 

Surprised to learn it needs to be plugged in though, that seems a little backward! Hopefully that too can be fixed with firmware update. That said, it's not the end of the world, and you could always plug in, put the phone in the cubby and pull the cover back to reduce the unsightliness of it I guess.

 

RE the cable, would be odd if it had to be a Skoda cable? I will plug mine in to the 2016 with a regular cable later to see if anything happens.

9 minutes ago, Rodge said:

Sorry to ask the obvious, but I take it you have installed the Android Auto app on your phone?

Yes indeed I have 

 

Must play around with it a bit more though tbh, I didnt actually open the app in the car, I had naively thought it might open/ the car might open it once connected by bluetooth - I still have a bit to learn about modern car infotainment systems. I'm coming from a 2005 (pre FL 😎) Opel Vectra C!

Edited 8 June, 20197 yr by Otto_Octavius

@Otto_Octavius

I should have made it more clear. I mean the phone manufacturers cable. So Samsung in your case. Wireless AA is a thing but only for a small number of aftermarket head units that unfortunately aren't compatible with modern Skoda's due to the shape and size of the space behind the screen.

 

Just seen your reply above and AA does automatically turn on when plugging in. You're right, it does seem a bit backward having to plug in but it works well. I have a set of cables from Amazon with 90 Deg connections so it doesn't put too much strain on the cable and also doesn't stick out towards the gearstick. Will find them and post a link although I can't guarantee it will work with all makes of phone.

 

Also it's a good idea to open the app on the phone to set it up before trying it on the car. Works in the same way but needs a few prods to go through a setup similar to setting up a new phone.

Thanks very much for the help and info! 

Im guessing you're in Ireland from your first post. Dab is a waste of time in Ireland, only the RTE stations broadcast digital and then only around Dublin and Cork and Limerick cities if I recall correctly.

14 hours ago, Otto_Octavius said:

Hello,

 

As briefly mentioned in the Introduction thread, have been lurking for a few months and am currently super excitedly awaiting my new car, which should hopefully be here next week: a 1L Quartz Grey Skoda Octavia, Petrol, Manual. It's the Irish configuration of the Limited Edition Soleil, with Chrome sill's as extra.

I had initially planned to go for a highly customised Ambition spec I had settled on after a couple of weeks of thrashing out every possible combination on the Skoda Car Configurator but, upon prancing into the Skoda dealership like a newborn lamb, I was told a custom build would leave me waiting until November,

 

Don't assume the dealers word is gospel.

 

I ordered my Kodiaq VRS at the end of March and was told 20-22 weeks for a factory build with options which took me to a September delivery.

 

My car was built within 5 weeks and arrived in the UK on 17th May.

53 minutes ago, lway said:

Im guessing you're in Ireland from your first post. Dab is a waste of time in Ireland, only the RTE stations broadcast digital and then only around Dublin and Cork and Limerick cities if I recall correctly.

Thanks and yep. I had naively thought I could pick up digital stations globally, and with good signal. I had also thought good to future proof due the shift to digital, but I guess that might be some way off.

Got the Android Auto running today and took a spin to Krispy Kreme. It works great, just a bit lame I have to be wired in. 

1 hour ago, Otto_Octavius said:

, just a bit lame I have to be wired in. 

 

Yep. Probably some mib3 in the works with wireless smartlink. With any luck it would be retrofittable too. Although there is a way to have it wireless by using an old phone as a receiver. Tempted to give it a go if I can find a compatible old phone in the drawer.

I've just taken delivery of my Octavia.

 

Re use of Android Auto, the big advantage for me is Google's much better voice recognition compared to the rather poor effort built into Bolero. Means I can avoid too much use of the touch screen, leaving finger marks all over it.

 

Android Auto is not just for navigation of course. Getting stuck in traffic the very first time I drove it I discovered the ability to easily dictate and send WhatsApp messages whilst driving which works amazingly well. Had the phone not been plugged in I couldn't have done that.

 

Aside from plugging the phone in, the only downside I can really see is not getting the next turn directions on the driver information display between the rev counter and speedometer, but I can live with that.

 

Certainly a big improvement on a phone windscreen mount, and imo not worth paying extra for the built in satnav. I'm impressed they thought of little things like reducing the radio/media playback volume whilst giving instructions.

Interesting RE the voice control. I guess it goes to show the car can be used in so many ways and tailored to suit whomever.  

 

Congrats on the new car, wear well!

On 08/06/2019 at 02:49, Otto_Octavius said:

I'm pretty sure Norway has completely knocked old school broadcasting on the head and is digital only.

 

Yes this is correct. 

 

However there are a few small local radio stations broadcasting on FM.

30 minutes ago, BGB said:

 

Yes this is correct. 

 

However there are a few small local radio stations broadcasting on FM.

 

How is DAB working out for you? 😬

39 minutes ago, Otto_Octavius said:

 

How is DAB working out for you? 😬

 

Almost flawlessly in all of Norway. There are places with «shadows» where the signal drops out halv a second but rarely. 

 

Most of the tunnels are also covered.