I have a 2016 Octavia 3 vRS TDi Hatchback first registered on 23/06/2016 that I bought last month. It has the variant AACUNAXD shown in the V5, is this enough info to confirm if this is a "Facelft" model? What are the differences between a facelift and a pre-facelift version?

Not sure, but some (facelift?) have a separate set of lights next to the grille. This is my 18 reg.

Edited 18 July, 202518 Jul by Baxlin

Most obvious difference in the front bumper, the original has a single head light, which the facelift has a split head light which is split by the bumper. Another difference is the stereo has capacitive touch buttons whilst the original has tactile buttons. There's probably a lot more I've missed but they're small things.

Mk3 facelift seems to be a bit of a Marmite opinion. I personally like the split headlights. I currently own my second mk3 . Race blue, DSG estate 2020.

Let's not forget the technical aspects. The facelift model has the significantly better control unit generation

4 hours ago, Cairus said:

Let's not forget the technical aspects. The facelift model has the significantly better control unit generation

Would you say the mk3 is a better buy than mk4. I deliberately bought the 3 as I was very happy with my previous model.

2016 is not a facelift, that didn't arrive until 2018.

11 minutes ago, PetrolDave said:

2016 is not a facelift, that didn't arrive until 2018.

It was actually 2017, my facelift is an April registration.

22 minutes ago, jazzyjeff said:

Would you say the mk3 is a better buy than mk4. I deliberately bought the 3 as I was very happy with my previous model.

I would say the MK4 is overall better, mind you I haven't driven one, I personally like the looks of it.

2 minutes ago, CianKT said:

I would say the MK4 is overall better, mind you I haven't driven one, I personally like the looks of it.

It took a long time for Skoda to sort out most of the many software problems (some still haven't been fixed, just read the Mk4 thread on here) so for reliability I'd pick a Mk3 or MK3.5 but if tech presses your buttons (and you don't mind soft keys instead of switches) then Mk4 is the one to go for.

Edited 19 July, 202519 Jul by PetrolDave

2 hours ago, PetrolDave said:

2016 is not a facelift, that didn't arrive until 2018.

That's what i wanted to know but didn't express myself very well in my original question.... DOHHHH

2016 is a PFL. The FL model came in the 2017 registration year (I.E. not a 66 plate).

Split headlights are the easiest way to tell. FL is full LED, along with LED fogs and brake lights.

I debated long and hard about getting a Mk4 or a Mk3.5 (2022 or 2020). The interior on the Mk4 is streets ahead, but aside from the headlights and tail lights, I much preferred how the Mk3.5 looked. In the end, I drove them. I hated the usability of the Mk4, along with things like the light switches, etc. My car has the digi dash, ACC and other bits, so IMO it's the best of both worlds.

Only thing I regret are those horrible rear lights I have...