Has anyone had a towbar fitted to a Mark 4 Skoda Octavia)? I have a 2022 1.0 TSi DSG e-TEC Estate and want to have a tow bar fitted to take a Thule Bike Rack. The car's VIN plate includes the information on max towing weight so Skoda clearly envisage some owners will have them fitted, even though Skoda do not supply towbars for this model. Any recommendations on which third party supplier and fitters are best? Any experience with detachable vs fixed (given that the car has rear parking sensors)? How much cutting is required of the rear bumper - some fitters websites suggest that a dealer trim may be required but my discussion with a Skoda Parts Department was inconclusive as to what was required - anyone got any further information? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Retro fitting new cars with towbars is a real torture and a mess, as you, not only need to weld the towbar to the chassis, but also carve out a good bumper.

Mind you, I'd advise you to get a car that is already factory fitted. It is quite popular in the Nordics as well. Hence, TSI 1.0 may be a great engine with 110 HP, as it's 3 cyl, it does lack the torque, which you could find challenging when trying to pull a caravan downhill (yes, downhill).

I had a removable Westfalia fitted primarily for bike rack. Doesn't affect the sensors but obviously they don't function as expected when bike rack is on. Required a small cut in bumper but TBH, you can't see it unless you are looking for it.

Who did you use to fit the tow bar - and did you have to buy a new trim?