New Skoda VRS

[gregozedobe]

Just make sure that they actually can do full service and repairs, I tried to get a new key coded to my car a week ago and the 1st VW dealer I took it to could not do it. I had to take it to a VW dealer that had the Skoda <whatever_magic_thing_you_need_to_recode_for_new_k eys>. So, I am thinking that the statement from Skoda that "all VW dealers can service Skoda" has its limits, sort of like taking your Skoda to TuneMasters or wherever- they can change the oil and do some of the servicing, but not all of it. I expect the VW dealers can do more than TuneMasters, but it would be nice to know exactly where the limits are- when I was thinking of buying a Skoda I rang up Skoda Australia and asked them about service (as the WA Skoda dealer at that time was closing down, new one open up now luckily). I was told then that all of the VW service centers could do Skoda. But it is not quite true.

I had the same experience with my Octy when I wanted a spare key coded. In fact I think I may have been the first Octy owner in Oz to try to get it done, and my dealer WAS a Skoda dealer as well. That's was when they discovered that Skodas need a different security arrangement than VWs. My impression was that it didn't need a different (software) tool, but was more a proper authorisation for security purposes (ie more documentation than mechanical).

Also note that as long as you have the security code that came with the original keys (on a plastic tab) then I believe (but am not certain) you can code new keys using VCDS, unlike recent VWs which need a code from the factory to do the job. This was for a 2008 skoda, the latest ones may be different. In fact, the VW dealer probably could have done the recoding for me if they had asked for my security code (rather than trying to get the factory code online).


I haven't researched this, so again I cannot be certain, but I believe that pretty well all the mechanical work (and almost all the electronic stuff except for keys) can be done by VW dealers (but they might not get the latest tech bulletins if Skoda Oz only send them out to Skoda dealers).

I certainly wouldn't have purchased a Skoda if VW wasn't a "backstop" for support (I don't like the issues you can get with orphan brands or models).

[brad]

Just make sure that they actually can do full service and repairs, So, I am thinking that the statement from Skoda that "all VW dealers can service Skoda" has its limits, - they can change the oil and do some of the servicing, but not all of it. I expect the VW dealers can do more than TuneMasters, but it would be nice to know exactly where the limits are- when I was thinking of buying a Skoda I rang up Skoda Australia and asked them about service (as the WA Skoda dealer at that time was closing down, new one open up now luckily). I was told then that all of the VW service centers could do Skoda. But it is not quite true.

I made enquiries at Audi Sutherland (close to home) about getting the 30,000km service done on the Octy. I gave them the list of service items so they knew what the service involved. Their reply:

We are able to everything that you mentioned as part of the 12 month minor service BUT we are unable to check the vehicle for recall campaigns, carry out any warranty repairs, check for fault codes or even reset the service indicator.
We do have the oil filters in stock for the Audi vehicles but if there is any difference with your vehicle then we will not have it.

We will not be able to carry out the required service for you as it will not be completed 100% due to the electronics not being able to be checked, service indicator reset or recalls checked.

The service costs for that engine in an Audi is $525.00 for the 12 month/15000km service.

I do not feel that we will be able to assist you with the required servicing on your vehicle.

So, at least the guy was honest & appeared to know what he was talking about.

If you are wondering why I went to the Audi dealer, it's because my engine is the same as the Audi model range & isn't fitted to any VWs. logically, i would expect that VW don't carry the oil filter for my car either.

[brad]

Another winner for me with the RS - I'm impressed with VGA's decision to lower the octane requirement to 95RON for most TSI engines, which of course, includes the RS.

They didn't do it just to be nice, it's a mechanical issue.

The later chain drive TSIs have only ever needed 95ron as a minimum due to their better design.

It's a bit academic as they have more low down torque & get better fuel economy when run on 98ron.

Edit: My apologies. I wasn't aware that the VW range (not Skoda) still had a 98 ron requirement for their "modern" engines. I understand what you are talking about now.

[TuNeS]

Has anyone else who has a FL vRS on order been given an updated delivery date? I have just been told 'soon'.

[Gaz]

The pre-ordered cars may be at the dealers today, but that is not certain.

I see that Skoda managed to get a bunch of journos into the new cars before their customers.

I vote we start a new thread once we have our cars.

[TuNeS]

I am hoping to get it next week. however if they cant get it to me by then, I will have to wait 4 weeks as I am going on holiday to the US for a month! It will be a nice surpise to come home to!

[Jake02]

http://www.skoda.com.au/downloads/pd...s-brochure.pdf

The fully Aus-spec Octavia RS. Folding mirrors are apparently standard, but the alarm isn't (wtf??? My 2008 has it standard). VERY interestingly, a rear-wiper is available as an option on the Liftback (although its standard everywhere else and here its only available on the RS!!! ) and yet it should be standard, like the Bi-xenon lights (and the Corner foglamps too). BUT overall I'm happy - its still bloody good value!

[pinzvidz]

a rear-wiper is available as an option on the Liftback

Thank gawd. Rear wipers on vehicles that look like sedans are just plain silly IMO. One or two sedans of various manufacturers had them in the 90s. Naturally they didn't catch on.

[MJKooLio]

Thank gawd. Rear wipers on vehicles that look like sedans are just plain silly IMO. One or two sedans of various manufacturers had them in the 90s. Naturally they didn't catch on.

They might look silly but they are pretty much worth it. I don't have a sedan, only a hatch but having/using rental sedans such as the silly falcon and not having a rear windscreen wiper and raining all the time, i'd go for the wiper on the back of the liftback Octavia vRS!

[Jake02]

They might look silly but they are pretty much worth it. I don't have a sedan, only a hatch but having/using rental sedans such as the silly falcon and not having a rear windscreen wiper and raining all the time, i'd go for the wiper on the back of the liftback Octavia vRS!

I know right? The lack of a rear-wiper on my 08 RS Liftback really pisses me off - to get rain off I have to put the demister on (takes a while...) or get a shammy. Very annoying! Luckily the new one has it as an option...