Hi everyone, I collected my new octavia yesterday and activated the Skoda connect system. Having read about remote unlocking/locking and other stuff that you can do in the app, I was looking forward to having a play with the settings, however I have no options available to me in the app, just a pic of the car and the dealer information. Any idea what I need to do please? Thanks 

You need to sign up to Skoda Connect and I believe the dealer has to enable the remote lock/unlock function.

i'm all signed up online but all it provides is the connected infotainment services. I don't think you can subscribe to the other packages (care connect / automated service scheduling) unless you have a Columbus navigation / media unit and a data sim installed in its slot.

Edited 16 January, 20206 yr by Octaviarse

That's exactly what I found. Not impressed at all.

Connecting a phone and using CarPlay or Android Auto provide more and better facilities IMO. 

I've had (used) Octavias with and without the remote access features.

 

You only get these extra remote functions if the car was ordered with the optional "Care Connect" package.  This provides the car with its own independent comms to support  sending data to/from Skoda and provides the emergency call feature.  Such a car has an extra set of buttons near the rear-view mirror (below).  As I understand it, it is not available for retro-fit.  Skoda don't do a good job of explaining all this. 

3 hours ago, GaryL said:

Skoda don't do a good job of explaining all this. 

 

One might argue they deliberately try to conflate the free Infotainment Online service and the cost option Care Connect service and confuse consumers into thinking they're the same thing by constantly just calling them Skoda Connect collectively.

 

They know full well virtually nobody is going to pay extra for the ability to remotely honk their horn and check the lock, so they're happier to just let people think they get these things standard as they try to close the deal on the car itself. 

My dealer helped me with the Skoda Connect when I bought my car, setting it up and got it running. The only thing I had to go back to the dealer was to show my driving license for the "lock/unlock" function to work. 

 

I have a Amundsen system, so Columbus is not required.

 

 

The servers are down rather often, but otherwise I like the functions to start the heater (even when the remote for the heater does not reach the car, check the data of the trips done and to check the remaining fuel (if I have to refill before going to work, especially if my finacee have used the car before me...) 😛

 

Don´t know what to do when the first "free" year comes to an end, but I probably will pay for the Connect service, not for the online-infotainment.

 

/Björn

1 minute ago, B284 said:

My dealer helped me with the Skoda Connect when I bought my car, setting it up and got it running. The only thing I had to go back to the dealer was to show my driving license for the "lock/unlock" function to work. 

 

I have a Amundsen system, so Columbus is not required.

 

 

The servers are down rather often, but otherwise I like the functions to start the heater (even when the remote for the heater does not reach the car, check the data of the trips done and to check the remaining fuel (if I have to refill before going to work, especially if my finacee have used the car before me...) 😛

 

Don´t know what to do when the first "free" year comes to an end, but I probably will pay for the Connect service, not for the online-infotainment.

 

/Björn

Have you got the care connect buttons in you car, as mentioned above? 

2 hours ago, Scvrs2 said:

Have you got the care connect buttons in you car, as mentioned above? 

Yes I have!

It’s all a pointless / useless gimmick that soon lost it’s novelty value

I don’t have any useful ŠkodaConnect functions but using CarPlay means the My Skoda app has fuel level & mileage etc. It noted when the low fuel light came on too, but failed to log the EPC warning light.

It's a complete rip off. I got the email saying about the renewal and upgrade of my apps etc and being able to start my car remotely. 

 

So I (like a bloody fool) went and paid the £40 for it, only to find it doesn't do anything of the sort, the apps tell me battery and fuel levels and generally useless stuff and that's about it. 

 

So to avoid disappointment DO NOT BUY OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, SAVE YOUR MONEY. 

Its not good Skoda Connect....and Skoda make a pants job of telling you the difference between all the packages.  In essence, if you don't have the push buttons in the roof space, you probably don't have Care Connect.

 

So on my new MY19 Octavia Scout, it come with Skoda Connect (Infortainment Online via wireless connection to my mobile or via CarStick), but it doesn't come with Connect Care (which is the nice stuff which allows you to see how the engine and on-board systems are doing).

 

My advice is not to bother with Care Connect, and go and buy for yourself "Connect Lite" [plugs into your ODBC2 port] - which IMHO is better than the in-board variant.  Connect Lite gives you far more information about the running of your car.

 

Thanks

 

M

You need a data plug to use Connect Lite.

VW data plug works in Skodas and are on eBay for £4.99, I put one in my Octy and it works pefectly.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/264551317253?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=264551317253&targetid=1048787107632&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9046990&poi=&campaignid=6466403949&mkgroupid=87900567065&rlsatarget=pla-1048787107632&abcId=1140486&merchantid=119380762&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvJXxBRCeARIsAMSkApqunoNsHkx6yoM2vBwnS_ARLKNz8Q9sEMcr6OkkJC_m8HKiUKhq2FwaAnQCEALw_wcB

16 hours ago, Tolpol62 said:

You need a data plug to use Connect Lite.

VW data plug works in Skodas and are on eBay for £4.99, I put one in my Octy and it works pefectly.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/264551317253?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=264551317253&targetid=1048787107632&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9046990&poi=&campaignid=6466403949&mkgroupid=87900567065&rlsatarget=pla-1048787107632&abcId=1140486&merchantid=119380762&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvJXxBRCeARIsAMSkApqunoNsHkx6yoM2vBwnS_ARLKNz8Q9sEMcr6OkkJC_m8HKiUKhq2FwaAnQCEALw_wcB

 

Typical, I bought a Skoda one today for £36.00, then get home & read this!!!! Unfortunately I've unboxed and used mine now 😞 

If you have Apple CarPlay then there is another fun app Skoda OneApp.  It gives trip recording, G meter amongst other things.  It also has a 0-62 mph timer and a PlayStation like accelerate & brake reader with a live BHP gauge in the middle. 

I can assure you it is not a distraction at all!!!!  Perhaps it should only be allowed to be activated on cars with Front Assist braking fitted!!!