Skip advert
Advertisement

Watchdog: Fabia MirrorLink misery reflects badly on Skoda

Owner can't integrate smartphone with new car, despite dealer's promise

In-car phone connectivity is more important to drivers than ever, so when one Skoda buyer was told a promised upgrade on his new Skoda Fabia estate wasn’t coming, he was understandably irate – and he wasn’t alone.

Kevin Adams-Wallace of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, bought his Fabia from Progress Skoda, Bedford, in March having been impressed by the advertised MirrorLink tech, which allows content from phones to be projected on to the dashboard screen.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Kevin’s phone wasn’t compatible at first, but he said his dealer told him that would change, as all new Fabias would be upgraded to SmartLink software in May.

Kevin said: “It meant I’d be able to use Android Auto, too – which lets you beam Google’s navigation software from your phone into the car.” The date arrived, but Kevin had no luck. It turned out only Fabias built from May would have the new system. “My car is now two months old and already effectively out of date!” he raged.

Auto Express, Carbuyer’s sister magazine, called Skoda and it admitted Kevin “may have been misinformed”. Skoda told them it wasn’t possible to upgrade to the new system, which was “not available at the start of Fabia production”. A spokesman added it had “re-emphasised to dealers the importance of clarifying the functionality of MirrorLink and SmartLink to customers”.

It’s clearly necessary, as a search of Skoda owner forums revealed dozens of other disgruntled drivers. Auto Express’ road testers also failed to connect with the system using supposedly compatible phones. Skoda revealed there have been 20 complaints made to its HQ to date, but more may have been lodged with its dealers.

Skoda has now offered Kevin a retro-fit, integrated sat-nav instead, as a gesture of goodwill, but he’ll have to pay a third of the £375 cost. Kevin said: “Why should I pay an equal share? That implies I’m equally to blame!” We agreed, but Skoda has refused, adding: “It’s the best offer we are making.”

As he bought the car on finance, Kevin has now taken his complaint to VW Financial Services, and warned if a better offer isn’t made, he’ll reject the car on the basis it was mis-sold and is no longer fit for purpose.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Skoda Fabia review – a great-value, practical supermini
Skoda Fabia front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
12 Sep 2024

Skoda Fabia review – a great-value, practical supermini

New Skoda Elroq: details, specs and prototype drive of new electric SUV
Skoda Elroq design sketch front
News
9 Sep 2024

New Skoda Elroq: details, specs and prototype drive of new electric SUV

Most Popular

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you
Vauxhall Frontera front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2024

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2025
Best cars for under 200 a month
Best cars
4 Dec 2024

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2025

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024