I've found this web page on the Skoda.co.uk site, which suggests that auxiliary heaters are available in the UK, but that's not true, is it? Auxiliary heaters are not offered either in the brochure or the configurator, and I understand that they are not permitted under UK legislation anyway, so the website would appear to be misleading.

Not an option from the factory for UK imports.

No idea what legislation you think makes them illegal.

They are type approved for Europe / EU and the UK was in both.

There are vehicles here with Auxiliary heaters and vehicles visit with them and using is perfectly legal.

45 minutes ago, David61 said:

I've found this web page on the Skoda.co.uk site, which suggests that auxiliary heaters are available in the UK, but that's not true, is it? Auxiliary heaters are not offered either in the brochure or the configurator, and I understand that they are not permitted under UK legislation anyway, so the website would appear to be misleading.

That web page is telling you that if your car has an auxiliary heater, it can be controlled via the app. That does not imply that auxiliary heaters are available in the UK.

30 minutes ago, mumpsim said:

That web page is telling you that if your car has an auxiliary heater, it can be controlled via the app. That does not imply that auxiliary heaters are available in the UK.

It is a Skoda GB web site so you would assume it is aimed at people in the UK who have Auxiliary heaters. Also my English/UK owners handbook (SE L 2024) mentions the Auxiliary Heaters (if fitted). Other vehicles do have Auxiliary heaters and the UK was part of the EU up until 2020. AFAIK automotive regs have not diverged since. These things run on 5+ years schedules.

So any reason not to have auxiliary heaters in the UK would be a Skoda decision not down to government regulations.

What is an auxiliary heater? If it works as well as the standard fitting that is the poorest heater I have encountered in driving over 50 cars is it worth having?

2 minutes ago, Karock said:

What is an auxiliary heater?

It is an additional hearing system that does not need the engine running. These are often used to remotely pre-heat a car before you get in and turn on the engine.

The logic being that it is illegal to start the engine of an ICE car you are not in. Especially if it is in an enclosed space. The car could be in gear and/or you could put exhaust fumes into a confined space with other people in it.

Of course, modern cars have additional safety features to stop you starting the car in gear, assuming they work, but you are not in the car and would not know.

The other example is you are parked somewhere in the car and need heat, but it is an enclosed space, garage, tunnel etc The Auxiliary Heater will stop you gassing yourself.

This sort of auxiliary heater has been fitted to many types of vehicles for decades.

Electric vehicles (and Hybrids) are a different kettle of fish.

Many thanks! I prefer Classic cars as they generally appreciate not depreciate.