Things I'd like to improve on my Skoda:

[donweather]

I believe its standard on the vRS with leather (and subsequently with electric seats with memory function) - I know the mirror dip option is in VCDS, but enabling it on my Alcantara-trim does absolutely nothing.

I have the vRS with leather and I don't have folding mirrors (well not that I'm aware of anyway??)

With the TSI you'll want 2,500rpm @ 110km/h. Thats probably closest to the engines load vs economy figure.

But if this is the case, why then is it telling me to change to 6th when it's 65km/hr? Surely if it can handle the 1500rpm in 6th at 65km/hr, it could well be suited to a new 6th gear (the 6th gear I think it should have) at 1800rpm at 110km/hr??

Also I assume these cars are geared differently in Europe/Germany for the Autobahns?

[donweather]

I agree, especially since the fuel consumption is so much heavier once you exceed 2000rpm. If I cruise at <2000rpm I average ~5.6L/100km but at 110kmh I average ~6.9L/100km.

That's my point exactly. They are exceptionally economic at less than 2000 rpm, and yet they don't do less than 2000 rpm in 6th gear at 100-110km/hr. A complete waste of 6th gear IMO.

[brad]

But if this is the case, why then is it telling me to change to 6th when it's 65km/hr? Surely if it can handle the 1500rpm in 6th at 65km/hr, it could well be suited to a new 6th gear (the 6th gear I think it should have) at 1800rpm at 110km/hr??

Also I assume these cars are geared differently in Europe/Germany for the Autobahns?

The light is telling you to change because it is trying to maximise your fuel economy.

Gearing is the same overseas. I have access to a few private roads & have had the Octy up to 170kmh (true not indicated). At that point it got a bit bouncy for a 2 lane road with no run-off and suicidal wombats & wallabies watching from the paddock. . It was nowhere near redline.

From my experience on German, Austrian & UK roads (and USA), most people (70%) trundle along about 130-150kmh, the Octavia would still be reasonably economical at that speed when compared to the other road users. Also, you need a bit of revs up to overcome the wind resistance. I think VWs choice of ratios is to give a close-spaced gearbox that you can use all 6 gears around urban areas as that's where most people drive.

[kralster]

Hmmm I've got every factory option except for 6-stacker CD player and I don't have electric adjustable seats or folding mirrors.
This is on a RS, March 2012 build.

[dArK5HaD0w]

I believe its standard on the vRS with leather (and subsequently with electric seats with memory function) - I know the mirror dip option is in VCDS, but enabling it on my Alcantara-trim does absolutely nothing.

the aus spec vrs does NOT have electric folding mirrors, nor can it b optioned.
the folks over at nz get it as standard.
the folks at uk don't get it.
the folks at ireland get it.
sux i tell ya.

nor does the mirror dip function work, even if enabled via vcds.

[kralster]

I can understand the folding mirrors as you'd need a motor for that, but the dipping mirrors makes no sense seeing as the mirrors are adjusted by an electronic motor :/

[zei20t]

the aus spec vrs does NOT have electric folding mirrors, nor can it b optioned.
the folks over at nz get it as standard.
the folks at uk don't get it.
the folks at ireland get it.
sux i tell ya.

nor does the mirror dip function work, even if enabled via vcds.

rekon any of these can be retro fitted? i think once my 1Z gets a few years older, ill start playing around with these things

[Mysticality]

Your place to the CBD is downhill most of the way. I use about 1L/100km less going west to east than vice-versa.

On my return trip to Dulwich Hill and Stanmore yesterday (including that torrential rain/hail that lasted all of 5min) I averaged 5.5L/100km. That includes highway and city driving with lead-footed traffic.

rekon any of these can be retro fitted? i think once my 1Z gets a few years older, ill start playing around with these things

Nope. I've looked into it. :/

As far as the mirror dip, it requires you to have the electric seats. Electric seats have the seat memory function, and the system uses that to put the mirror back to where it should be.

[zei20t]

hmmm ok, sounds like extra modules. I bet the wiring is in the doors and under the carpet. would probably cost too much to have so many different chassis harnesses

[dArK5HaD0w]

hmmm ok, sounds like extra modules. I bet the wiring is in the doors and under the carpet. would probably cost too much to have so many different chassis harnesses

and that's the clincher - the wiring is not there on the non-spec'ed vrs.
likewise, there r some changes necessary with the CANBUS.

as Mystically said - it can't be retrofitted. at least not OEM.
a number of folks over in europe have tried, but failed.

[zei20t]

damn, but im glad people have tried. not much use talking about it when no one makes an attempt.

the good thing is, wrecks do turn up and parts can be removed

[Mysticality]

I had electric folding mirrors in my Sorento... Was very sad not to have them in the Octy, but wasn't a dealbreaker.

I've been looking into it but there's nothing suitable that works. :/

[BottomScratcher]

There's lots to love about these cars. Relative to what they cost I think they're very good at what they do, and how they're kitted out. After 19 months if I've learnt anything it is that the User Manual is my friend.

I've read plenty of comments on the Climatronic. To be honest I wasn't a big fan (Couldn't let that chance go by). A few weeks ago I got the book out, and until I did I hadn't realised that the Recirculate button has two distinct settings. I hadn't even realised that there are two lights on the top of the same button. I set the system up according to the recommendations on the optimum performance chart, and am now very happy with the comfort level. I have the dash vents directed upwards, and only on a hot day do I angle them towards me. When the temp has come down a bit I angle them up again. The problem was never the Climatronic. The problem was me trying to use it like a standard AC system.

I love being able to drop all of the windows to let the heat out of a car that has been sitting in the sun all day. The cabin temp must go down 20C in a few seconds. Brilliant!

I Would love them to offer THE HUGE PANORAMIC SUNROOF as in the Passat and Tiguan.

Having come from the Tigaun, the sunroof in the RS feels like a letter box slot!!!

You probably know from the Tiguan that if you turn the overhead switch through the Open position there is a second spring loaded contact that will open the roof considerably further. When fully retracted there can be an annoying drumminess at some speeds due to pulsating air pressure inside the car. Dropping the rear windows a tad usually stops it.

I would get rid of that stupid Skoda rubber pully handle thingy used to close the tailgatein the wagons and hatches!

What is wrong with good old fashioned handle parts in the inside mouldings?

Would I be right in saying that you are around 170cm or taller? I'm 180cm. Mrs. BS on the other hand is about 160cm, and finds the rubber pull down quite useful. It's there for the vertically challenged.

I still use it, because I'm borderline obsessive about my paint and polish. Wagons collect dirt on their tailgates due to the low pressure area created by their squarish back ends. Putting your hand over the top of the tailgate and sliding fingers across it to force it down is in my view the same as applying a fine grade sandpaper to it. I always use the rubber pull, and the Skoda badge on the tailgate to close it. Like I said, borderline obsessive.

The one and only thing that is already on the car that I would like to see improved is the reversing light. The current one is as useful as a chocolate teapot.

[candy_wagon]

Would I be right in saying that you are around 170cm or taller? I'm 180cm. Mrs. BS on the other hand is about 160cm, and finds the rubber pull down quite useful. It's there for the vertically challenged.

I agree. I hate nothing more than to see a dirty tailgate with a thousand fingerprints on its lower edge! My previous black focus had no accessory pull for the bootlid so my car did indeed have tiny scratches on its lip. Still, a Passat R36 style auto tailgate function would be great!

[brad]

I agree. I hate nothing more than to see a dirty tailgate with a thousand fingerprints on its lower edge! My previous black focus had no accessory pull for the bootlid so my car did indeed have tiny scratches on its lip. Still, a Passat R36 style auto tailgate function would be great!

More to the point, what if the owner of the car is a bit of a pig. My wife's Outback is absolutely filthy (not my car, not my problem) and I hate touching any part of the exterior as you always get dirty. I can't work out why (many) women are happy to have a filthy car & as they get in/out it dirtys their clothes.

Pull handle is great - my kids couldn't open/close the hatch lid if it didn't have the pull handle