I am thinking of getting a 2.0 Tdi 4x4 and have been looking at the options list. What I need to know is a little more about them and if they are worth the extra cost.

I will probably go for Active headrests and Curtain airbags anyway but the others are:

Multi-function steering wheel (including Maxi-dot).

Rear centre armrest.

TPM (Tyre Pressure Monitoring).

Variable boot floor.

I want the Maxidot (I think!) but am unsure what benefits the multi-function steering wheel gives. I usually fit a new third party audio system so the steering wheel controls don't usually interface so might be a total waste of money.

Anyway, I would be interested to hear what you think.

Safty always comes first, so if you can get the safty options.

As for the multifuntion options if your a gadget person then yes if not I wouldn't bother but they are a nice extra.There are adaptors that will work an after market hu with the steering controls. I've heard a few people on here that like the maxi dot display, as with the Variable boot floor is a must from what I've heard.

As for the TPM are you really that lazy that you cant check your tyres at the garage once a week.lol Again if you a gadget man then yes but to me its just a useless funtion.

Multi-function steering wheel (including Maxi-dot).

This option is worthwhile, just to get the Maxi-dot display. Depending on which aftermarket stereo you buy, you may still be able to use the steering wheel controls. Blaupunkt definitely make a canbus adapter for their latest units that can interface with the Skoda loom.

Rear centre armrest.

On the Octavia, I find this to be of little value. On the Superb, it's great, as the top of it opens to reveal a little storage compartment and some cup holders. On the Octavia, it's just an armwrest.

TPM (Tyre Pressure Monitoring).

Lots of reports on the forum of this being very inaccurate. I've read accounts of people having tyres that are 10psi down on where they should be, and not a peep from the TPM. Still, I think this would be a very useful option, assuming it works reliably.

Variable boot floor.

A useful addition, as it raises the boot floor so that it is level with the tailgate opening. If you are going to be putting heavy stuff in, it's great to not have to lift it out over the large lip that normally exists. In addition, there is useful storage underneath the raised floor.

Hope this helps,

Bagpuss.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have to pick up large (47K) gas cylinders from time to time so it looks like the Variable Boot Floor is a must.

If the rear armrest doesn't have cup holders in then you're probably right. Very seldom have anyone in the back anyway.

I will get the Maxidot anyway but just wondered what the Multi-function wheel does. Is it just for controlling the audio?

TPM. I think you've convinced me that it's a bit of a gimmick. I can certainly check the pressures myself.

Wheel does:

Cruise control and Audio and iirc something else but i can't remember what.

On the Octavia, I find this to be of little value. On the Superb, it's great, as the top of it opens to reveal a little storage compartment and some cup holders. On the Octavia, it's just an armwrest.

True, but does the armrest not also give you the through-load facility (i.e. carry long thin items without having to put the rear-seat down?

I fully agree with your other comment though (no storage or cup-holders in the Octavia rear armrest)

R

Out of interest; are you looking at the 'standard' 4x4 or the new Scout?

Otherwise; I'd suggest go for the Multi Funct Wheel inc Maxidot, the maxidot looks a darn sight smarter than the basic display and clearly the variable boot floor but anything else; No.

The safety options yes, should they ever be called upon to activate then you will be glad you opted for them.

The raised floor does make loading easier and those few inches below the floor makes a very useful storage especially for items you do not want on show.

The rest I would do without.

I'm leaning more towards the standard 4x4 as the Scout has too many features included which I don't want. I will definitely go for Maxidot, just have to decide on the MF steering wheel. :confused:

Wheel does:

Cruise control and Audio and iirc something else but i can't remember what.

MFW does audio only - not cruise control.

In fact, for a multi-function wheel there's not very much 'multi' about it.

You can turn the illumination of the buttons on and off though.

Which is nice.

The MFW does do cruise control on the 05 ones, as a relatives Octy II has it and I was using the buttons on the wheel to set and speed up/slow down the cruise control only the other day.

Does it have ESP as standard? That's something I wish I'd got on mine just in case I ever need it.

Yes, I think the 4x4 does have ESP as standard.

Does it have ESP as standard? That's something I wish I'd got on mine just in case I ever need it.

YES; according to my brochure anyway.