New Skoda VRS

[indulis]

Sounds v expensive compared to Mazda 6 diesel

In Jan Mazda were offering 08 built Mazda 6 manual diesel wagons for $38K inc on road costs, so as cars are right now a buyers market, the rrp does not really matter, what matters is what else you can get with similar spec for around the same price. Ford Mondeo diesel hatch (only) is also in the 30s.

If you can wait for a couple of weeks, the other car sellers will likely be offering massive deals to move stock. While I like the Skoda I would not pay around $10K extra for the privilege of driving one.

[JP-009]

R1 Crasher,

Have you considered an Elegance model with your preffered options? We were keen on the RS TDI - as it is a sexy bit of kit. But in the end we went with the Elegance diesel wagon with tow-bar, roof racks, tinting and then chipped it up for less than 40K (Not sure if this is a good price, but I was happy to pay this. We also considered the Mazda6 diesel, but couldn't get a good price.).

I have not once regretted it. The extra handling you get with the vRS is not use able with our little gomes in the back. Speaking of which, extra grippy and comfy seats in the front lets you push it harder at the expense of the passengers in the back who get an almost standard/unchanged rear seat

Also, in terms of every day use, we use the steering wheel stereo controls a fair bit - which the current vRS does not have - wierd.

Anyway, just my experience.

Cheers,

JP


PS - The Octavia is so close to the 2TDI MkV Golf (that we loved so much) the decision was easy really - as both cars are almost identical.

[indulis]

The current VRS has the new steering wheel

The 09 shipped VRS's have the steering wheel with the radio switches. Yes, I know what you mean the "on wheel" functions are great, I really like them in my Renault Laguna (if the french pirates weren't so bad on spare parts pricing I'd keep the Renault as it is a v nice car to drive and esp to tour in).

[kenvik_7]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and would appreciate if you guys could take it a bit easy on me if the following has already been posted. I'm currently debating between buying a MkVI Golf GTI or the new facelifted Skoda RS.
The latest information I came across the RS (From another forum - BriSkoda) is

1) Lots of cool pics including some interior pics - http://img34.imageshack.us/gal.php?g...gbocrs1530.jpg
2) Youtube video of journalists testing the new RS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39bsn4g7d3E

Now I have lived for a while in UK as well as in India, both countries where the Skoda brand is quite popular and delivers excellent value for money as well as good customer service.
I understand that the Skoda brand is just starting to build its reputation in Oz, and it still has a long way to go, but I'm completely sold over the brand (based on what I've drive in the UK).
So my question to you guys is how would you rate the RS against the Jetta 2.0L petrol 147kW and the GTI - from an Australian perspective - such as resale, servicing centres, negotiating a price with dealers etc. Sometimes the VW dealers can be quite snobbish and aren't willing to move even $1k on the top of the range vehicles such as the GTI since they know they are in great demand. Is the story similar for the RS?
i know the GTI is a hatchback and hence not in the same car bracket, but aside from the space issues, do you think the GTI really is worth $4 to $5k more than the RS - for comparable specs (since the RS gives a lot more as standard equipment as compared to a 5 door GTI)?
Thanks in advance.
Vik

[mrgolf]

While I cannot speak specifically about the new GTI and the facelifted RS, I can share my experiences with the MkV GTI and current RS.

The new GTI is a tauter, faster and better version of the MkV. The RS is a mildly worked version of the current car. The RS will not have the technological advances of the GTI (trick elec diff, adjustable suspension) but will have lower stiffer suspension (my bugbear in the RS.)

Question you must answer for yourself: Do you enjoy driving? Hard? How often? If you like driving hard, the GTI is your answer and will be worth the extra dollars. If you just want a very capable car which is close to the GTI but more suitable for the blue rinse set, the RS is for you.

I like my RS, but I loved my GTI. All I have read says the GTI is stiffer and more advanced.

As for the Jetta, I was told by a dealer not to even look at the car when I was looking for a family car. Knowing my penchant for supportive suspension and great dynamics, they said I would be dissapointed. A quick drive confirmed it was softer than the RS and less practical and only came as a DSG. The RS is better, but the GTI is king.

[kenvik_7]

Thanks a lot Mr Golf, you have summarised the differences between the GTI and RS quite well.
I do love stiff suspensions, which makes the whole car very taut and a real pleasure to drive around in hilly areas.
But for me, right now, I trying to convince myself that since I'm about get married later this year, its time for a mid size sedan with a big boot and 5 doors , - or more - that is what my fiance is trying to convince me!
I am fiighting tooth and nail for my right to own a 3-door GTI (assuming that it will be launched along with the 5 door version later this year), but I'm guessing this is going to be a long battle...
Mr Golf - one quick question - if you see the youtube video I've posted in my earlier post, does your RS also understeer this much? is it on 18inch 225/40 tyres or 17inch ones? Overall would you say that the RS is atleast 80% as fun to drive as the GTI? or not even close to that?
Thanks

[woofy]

Add in that maybe....maybe the Skoda doesn't have as many quality control issues and is theoretically cheaper than a VW for the same parts. Service wise we seem to be paying more than the UK counterparts.

[mrgolf]

Kenvik, the RS is a fine car. If I had never driven a GTI, I would be really impressed with it. I am still impressed with it, but it is not quite as fun as a GTI and also lacks the unquantifiable x/ badge factor the GTI has. To be honest, it is close between them. The Skoda is just a little less composed over bumpy sections.

As for understeer, you would have to be fairly ambitious on entry speed to get drastic understeer, or be on fairly bumpy or corrugated roads. I actually think it has more front end grip on smooth surfaces. More weight over the back wheels account for this. Tiff Needel thinks there is little to seperate the two on a track. I reckon with better spring rates and damping, the RS would be a better drive.

For a back to back, read this article. The RS and 3dr GTI in the story are mine.

http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/11/16/drive-thru-skoda-octavia-rs.html

[Tick]

Kenvik, the RS is a fine car. If I had never driven a GTI, I would be really impressed with it. I am still impressed with it, but it is not quite as fun as a GTI and also lacks the unquantifiable x/ badge factor the GTI has. To be honest, it is close between them. The Skoda is just a little less composed over bumpy sections.

As for understeer, you would have to be fairly ambitious on entry speed to get drastic understeer, or be on fairly bumpy or corrugated roads. I actually think it has more front end grip on smooth surfaces. More weight over the back wheels account for this. Tiff Needel thinks there is little to seperate the two on a track. I reckon with better spring rates and damping, the RS would be a better drive.

For a back to back, read this article. The RS and 3dr GTI in the story are mine.

http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/11/16/...ctavia-rs.html

Love that story. It is such a great read. Before buying my vRS, I read this story quite a few times. While it did not convince me to buy the car (I was going to buy it regardless) it put my mind at ease that I was not buying a dud car. OOOOOOOH how right that was. I really love my Octy. It puts a smile on my dial every time I drive it.

[kenvik_7]

That is a great comparison between the GTI and the RS - well written by you and your friend. You have given me enough confidence to think that the RS is not that bad at all. And like you said, since you had the 3-door GTI for a long time, you can now compare every little shortcoming of the RS. For me, I may as well directly just go for the RS, and in fact not even test drive the GTI....this at least I stay away from what is 'awesome' so that I can be contended with is 'just cool'
Thanks again Mr. Golf (Steve)... you been great help.

[kenvik_7]

on a different topic guys........any one knows the stupid logic behind why Skoda is only bringing steering remote controls on the 3-spoke wheel - for RS with DSG + paddle shifts - and NOT for the 3-spoke manual RS model?

However from the Aussie brochure for the new standard Octy, you can see that the 4-spoke steering wheel has remote control buttons for both manual and dsg (even the basic 1.6Ltr manual gets these controls!)

That just sucks! its clear discrimination against people who love their RS with a traditional manual shifter

[woofy]

Didn't realise that, maybe they figure if you have the ability to reach over and change gears you can probably use the stereo controls as well.

[MJKooLio]

haha ha

[mrgolf]

Thanks again Mr. Golf (Steve)... you been great help.

First time I have been accused of that.

No probs. Drive the GTI anyway cos they are so good to drive. Then buy the Skoda if you need the room. I reckon if the facelifted RS has better suspension it will be a winner. For me, my next car will be a GTI. Maybe MkVI, maybe MkVII.

[kenvik_7]

Nice one woofy

anyword on when the new VRS is expected to touch down here? I asked the Adelaide dealer and he didn't really have any idea - he took a wild guess and said sometime in Nov-Dec, at least 1 - 2 months after GTI
any one heard of similar timing?