Excite 1.5T-GDI 258 122hp 16.6 kWh DCT Auto Start/Stop 5dr

A great frustrating package

Took a punt on a fairly early car after lockdown 2020, downsizing from a Kodiaq which wasn't being used much.

Lots of toys, lovely interior, powerful engine, good looks and impressive warranty all appealed. Our first year was generally free of significant issues, although the car went back to have a software update to remove the excessive and intrusive warnings on start up/shut down.

It did the job for a reasonable price, but another six months on, flaws really started to grate as the car was pressed into more regular use. The birth of our second child meant we discovered the smaller than average boot was too shallow and the roller cover awkwardly positioned. The fuel consumption was generally lower than expected and the introduction of E10 fuel really made a dent, and we ended up using the expensive super unleaded to improve things.

Using the fuel improved the car's tendency to be more lethargic than the manufacturer figures would suggest. The automatic gearbox generally worked fine but working the engine hard was thankless, coa*** and accompanied by indecision from the gearbox. The brakes were wooden and needed a good shove to pull up, often causing alarm. Ride, steering and handling were all decent enough.

Most flaws were software related. The touchscreen, although nice and clear, was extremely unresponsive and regularly shut down mid drive. This meant losing navigation and all heating and ventilation controls until reset. When working, it was very slow and annoying having to use the slow screen just to make a minor adjustment to the temperature, for example. The gear selection through the electronic lever was dim-witted making for embarrassment when parking.

The electric boot regularly froze, requiring manual reset. The electric seats were slow, with no memory function. The heated seat function had only one discreet setting activated through that awful touchscreen. Engine management lights started to flash up with front camera malfunctions. The 50kg roof weight limit severely restricted roof box usage.

Fit and finish were good, no rattles or squeaks, but after 18 months we had come to resent the car and sold it.

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