So I got my Octavia SE-L First Edition 2.0 150 HP TDI estate today. It came a lot quicker than anticipated (about two weeks I bought one that was already pre specced and being built but the dealer thought it would be a month to six weeks). I previously had a 105 HP Mk III facelift DSG hatchback and before that a similar original MK III hatchback.

I have only had a chance to drive it 20 miles so far as yesterday it was horrible howling with rain and I had other things to do as well but here are my first impressions.

 

Whilst I would have bought a 105HP version if there had been one in the new line up as I had been satisfied with that engine in my previous Octavias the 150HP engine is definitely nicer from an acceleration point of view. Not blistering obviously (ah fond memories of my old Saab 9-5 Aero with 250HP on tap, that was fast) but definitely a more willing power plant. Should be much better for overtaking on motorways. It also seems quieter, in fact the cabin is quieter altogether I'm not sure if its just better sound proofing or a general improvement in aerodynamics that's reducing wind noise.

 

New DSG switch thing instead of a normal gear stick took only a few seconds to get used to. It definitely frees up space. I didn't really use the old version much to change gear just let the autobox do its thing but I gave the flappy paddles a go in the new one and they are better than doing it the old way. Might be fun for occasional "spirited driving" but that's not really what you buy this kind of car for.

 

The sound system sounds better than the old one at first listen. Haven't played with the adjustments yet but listening to DAB radio I tried speech (radio 4 ) and some music and it definitely sounded better. I have heard a lot better in  some cars but this is fine.

 

The new seats are great. Very comfy but will need a long trip to properly evaluate. The electrically operated drivers seat is easy to use and set the memory on.

 

Rear view camera with overlay of where the car is going is well implemented especially if like me you're a bit rubbish at reversing.

 

The HuD is brilliant all cars should have it. I just had it on default settings but having the speed floating in front of you is excellent. Its sharp and non distracting.

 

The virtual cockpit is OK. I like that you can have the nav instead of the dials. Also the dials are clearer than on the MK III facelift which were a bit rubbish in daytime mode (fine on a night though) who thought whit numerals on a white background was a good idea !

I need to play with this and get it setup how I like it.

 

The new nav/infotainment system is a lot more complex than the old one. Its big and its clear and very customizable. |Feels like it will be good but its one of those thing that needs living with and using a lot before a verdict can be reached.

 

Lack of manual switches for heating etc. I though this would be more annoying than it is. I tend to just set the cabin temp and leave it at that so you might feel different. There are enough manual buttons below the screen fro the important stuff such as defogging the windows so n first impressions I think its going to be fine. I use the steering column mounted controls for stereo volume anyway.

 

Speaking of buttons and switches the ones under the infotainment system mentioned do feel a tad plasticy and cheap. Skoda could have done a better job with these. All the other ones elsewhere seem good.

 

The shiny fake chrome door furniture definitely does produce flashes out of the corner of your eye even on a dull day like yesterday. This may get annoying, lets see. The rest of the materials on the inside seem a bit of s step up from the previous model. I hope they wear as well.

 

Other than that its like every other Octavia I have driven or been in. Its not a luxury car but a sensible one and well specced for it price and in general thoughtfully laid out, easy to use and comfy with an enormous boot. The new exterior styling make sit look smart as well.

Edited 29 August, 20205 yr by pcolbeck

Interesting, and obviously pretty good early impressions. Yours was clearly pretty highly specced over standard with the rear camera and HUD included. What colour?
 

I am collecting a petrol blue 1.5 Tsi manual SEL 1st Ed. estate on Tuesday, and then almost immediately driving it 300 miles, so it’s good to know the seats are comfortable! Mine was also a built car but found one with full leather (plus spare wheel) as the only option apart from the paint.

Edited 29 August, 20205 yr by SUTTS

NIce to read this report. I ordered my 1.5Tsi Manual SEL frist edition on 18th June, again speccing a stock order in the pipeline. Dealer doesn't know where it is! Seems strange to me. I am just hoping it hasn't been damaged in transit.

Nice first impressions!

 

What is your opinion about suspenssion? Is It very soft ?

 

17 hours ago, SUTTS said:

Interesting, and obviously pretty good early impressions. Yours was clearly pretty highly specced over standard with the rear camera and HUD included. What colour?

 

Titan blue with 18in Perseus Anthracite Alloys. It also has the panoramic sunroof, rear view camera, head up display and electrically operated boot and electric child locks (bit pointless that as my son is 24 and married :)).

No wireless charging :(. I thought all SE-L first editions had that but checking the configurator it aint so but that's a very first world problem ...

No factory orders on the SE L First Edition, from stock-only.

 

Seems these are the cars Skoda UK have pre-ordered for the UK to build up some dealer stocks...

 

On 30/08/2020 at 00:21, Alb89 said:

What is your opinion about suspenssion? Is It very soft ?

 

 

Not any softer than in the Mk III. Its not brilliant but it does its job, not too much roll in corners. The roads round here are shocking (rural North Yorkshire) and its not clattering too badly over the potholes. To be honest I prefer softer rather than stiffer these days for suspension due to the state of the roads and general comfort. If it was sports car then I would want stiffer suspension but it isn't so I will take comfort so long as the handling is OK at normal road speeds.

15 minutes ago, pcolbeck said:

 

Not any softer than in the Mk III. Its not brilliant but it does its job, not too much roll in corners. The roads round here are shocking (rural North Yorkshire) and its not clattering too badly over the potholes. To be honest I prefer softer rather than stiffer these days for suspension due to the state of the roads and general comfort. If it was sports car then I would want stiffer suspension but it isn't so I will take comfort so long as the handling is OK at normal road speeds.

Thank you, I think so. Altought I ordered It with DCC. 

 Sat in one yesterday, an SEL whilst my mk3 was being MOT’d. Looks very smart and well screwed together. All very similar to an Octavia owner. I liked the way the bonnet opened with the double catches to secure it. This car had electric seats which I weren’t able to adjust to my position which was annoying.....

 

Looks great but not wow I want one. Yet. 

Had mine for two days now and I have found the suspension nice and firm. I am happy. Seats comfy too. On basic 16 inch rims. The tyres are very tall! 

I am two days in. Absolutely loving the car. If I was being overly picky then the alloys aren't what I would choose but can always sort that next summer. I have the Race Blue and it is a great colour. Interior is commented on by all that have seen it, I just don't mention the door grab handles. Haha

 

My kids love the assist functions, particularly when I took my hands off the wheel (on a deserted stretch of road) and it followed the bends. The constant alarms were annoying though.

 

Thanks to @fox2319 for the tip on the wireless charger, works a treat, just need to find a right angled plug for ultimate neatness.

Mine is just 1 week and 1 day old today.  Enjoying it so far.  Very pleasantly surprised with the economy I'm seeing reported with the 1.5 TSI 150.   I've had diesels for the past 16 years and had been expecting a desperate drop in economy.  So far averaging high 50's on MPG, and still climbing.  My 13 mile journey to work in the morning is returning around 60MPG down the M42 from Tamworth to Birmingham, and only dropping a couple of MPG in heavier traffic coming home again.

Annoyed with Skippy in the morning!!  The gearbox is rather notchy, especially when cold, with third gear particularly difficult to select sometimes.

Niggles: Having to select my phone from a list of one phones before I can use it. Having to set driving mode every time I start the car, if I want to use anything but "Normal" and having to select "SYNC" on the heating every time I start the car too. SatNav is frustrating as every selected destination shows up as "Off-Road" which is not very comforting if you don't really know the area you're navigating to.

The suspension is a little softer than I'm used to, but I'm sure I'll get used to that soon enough.

Can anybody advise whether Skoda Connect is worth it? It seems to get terrible reviews.

1st big drive and got 60mpg. Previously had Audi 1.4 petrol and never got that! Impressed with engine so far. Anyone else notice Lane departure when your drive over a bus stop? 

On 18/09/2020 at 21:52, Hallcyon said:

Mine is just 1 week and 1 day old today.  Enjoying it so far.  Very pleasantly surprised with the economy I'm seeing reported with the 1.5 TSI 150.   I've had diesels for the past 16 years and had been expecting a desperate drop in economy.  So far averaging high 50's on MPG, and still climbing.  My 13 mile journey to work in the morning is returning around 60MPG down the M42 from Tamworth to Birmingham, and only dropping a couple of MPG in heavier traffic coming home again.

Annoyed with Skippy in the morning!!  The gearbox is rather notchy, especially when cold, with third gear particularly difficult to select sometimes.

Niggles: Having to select my phone from a list of one phones before I can use it. Having to set driving mode every time I start the car, if I want to use anything but "Normal" and having to select "SYNC" on the heating every time I start the car too. SatNav is frustrating as every selected destination shows up as "Off-Road" which is not very comforting if you don't really know the area you're navigating to.

The suspension is a little softer than I'm used to, but I'm sure I'll get used to that soon enough.

Can anybody advise whether Skoda Connect is worth it? It seems to get terrible reviews.

 

1) Currently it is warm here in Macedonia (25*C) in the morning so I don't get kangarooing effect in the morning. I experienced it only once so far. I tried to replicate it and make a video but so far so good. It warms up pretty quick.

 

2) Do you have vibrations at any gear in 2 Cyl at around 1500-1600 rpm? Like small hum and resonance.

I booked the car at the dealer on Tuesday. But looking at all of the comments ... I am not gonna get it fixed. They will try to get of it with "We will report this to Skoda" approach. Not fixing my problem.

I was just becoming aware of vibrations in 2 cylinder mode. It creates quite an unpleasant resonance in the cabin. Initially I thought it was road surface, but these are roads I've driven regularly. 

I'll run the car for a while and then go to the dealer for their comments. 

On 20/09/2020 at 16:47, Hallcyon said:

I was just becoming aware of vibrations in 2 cylinder mode. It creates quite an unpleasant resonance in the cabin. Initially I thought it was road surface, but these are roads I've driven regularly. 

I'll run the car for a while and then go to the dealer for their comments. 

 

I went today. We went on a test drive. They were constantly logging the parameters and they sent the report to Skoda instantly.

So it is a good idea to go and report it. If more and more people report this, the sooner they will fix it.

 

It's like a 15 min thing. 

On 20/09/2020 at 16:47, Hallcyon said:

I was just becoming aware of vibrations in 2 cylinder mode. It creates quite an unpleasant resonance in the cabin. Initially I thought it was road surface, but these are roads I've driven regularly. 

I'll run the car for a while and then go to the dealer for their comments. 

 

7 minutes ago, OctaviaMK4 said:

 

I went today. We went on a test drive. They were constantly logging the parameters and they sent the report to Skoda instantly.

So it is a good idea to go and report it. If more and more people report this, the sooner they will fix it.

 

It's like a 15 min thing. 

what is the manufacturing date of yours cars??

On 18/09/2020 at 20:52, Hallcyon said:

Can anybody advise whether Skoda Connect is worth it? It seems to get terrible reviews.

It's pretty useless tbh.

I bought a VW data plug on eBay for £5, it works with the Skoda Connect Lite app.

It's more useful than connect and has some fun features.

It's nothing you cant live without but worth a try and it's only a fiver.

19 hours ago, Tolpol62 said:

It's pretty useless tbh.

I bought a VW data plug on eBay for £5, it works with the Skoda Connect Lite app.

It's more useful than connect and has some fun features.

It's nothing you cant live without but worth a try and it's only a fiver.

One like this one ?

Might give it a go, thanks.

1 hour ago, Fishcann said:

One like this one ?

Might give it a go, thanks.

Yeah that's it.

On 22/09/2020 at 12:24, Alb89 said:

 

what is the manufacturing date of yours cars??

I Have no idea Do you know how to check? VIN?

On 22/09/2020 at 12:28, Tolpol62 said:

It's pretty useless tbh.

I bought a VW data plug on eBay for £5, it works with the Skoda Connect Lite app.

It's more useful than connect and has some fun features.

It's nothing you cant live without but worth a try and it's only a fiver.

Thanks for that.  I'll give it a go.

 

On 24/09/2020 at 19:38, OctaviaMK4 said:

I Have no idea Do you know how to check? VIN?

Likewise.  How do you check the date of manufacture?

16 hours ago, Hallcyon said:

Thanks for that.  I'll give it a go.

 

Likewise.  How do you check the date of manufacture?

The only way I've found is to use the MySkoda app.  The erWin Vehicle Data only shows "Delivery Date" (ie registration date) for me of 02/10/2018, but the MySkoda app shows a "Production date" of 20/08/2018.  The Model Year is encoded as the 10th character of the VIN.  In my case K=2019, so L=2020, M=2021.

Mine is L so 2020