Hello all, I've been wanting to get a Octavia Mk4 estate but here in my country(Singapore) they only bring in the ones with panaromic sunroof and that is something I would not rather have due to, 

Additional weight, chance of leakage in the long term, heat, more noisy. 

So would like to hear some feedbacks from owners if the above are really a very big issue. My concern is since I'm living in a very hot tropical country(all year round) the seals breaking and causing leakage and heat might be the biggest issue. Debating if I should take the risk and go for it. 

My other option would be to get the Seat Leon sportstourer. 

The opening panoramic sunroofs can be troublesome with seals

The motors might need occasional oil-grease as well to run well.

 

The fixed bonded type (that was fitted to cars like roomster) are just like the windscreen, very unlikely to leak

 

The sunshades (blinds) do block out lot of the heat, but really glass roof is better for countries where it is not as hot, or daylight is restricted in winter months as they do make car light and airy when blinds are open.

 

 

Originally from SIN myself and have friends with pano sunroofs on their cars,  They report no issues on theirs, oldest being five years old now.

 

The advice is to use the roof on at least the tilt/vent position most days and open/close both the roof and sunshade from time to time to ensure that the motors and seals are kept functioning.

Here in UK pano roof makes a big difference to interior light and ambiance... I will pop for ventilation most days... recent 33°+ temperatures has seen electric blind very useful in daytime 

I agree with Zedboy.  Blinds have been helpful to provide shade during spells of heat. Remaining time,  I have mine open for the fresh air. My kids like the sunroof for looking at the stars when driving at night. 

1 minute ago, LSport said:

My kids like the sunroof for looking at the stars when driving at night. 

Has also been big result for my little one who can’t see around the vRS seats! All round winner