Newbie here though not a Skoda owner just yet!

[brad]

The seats in both cars particulalrly for the lower back are quite narrow and I'm not a huge bloke by anymeans. Anyone else notice this but have come acustomed to it?

I like the seats and find them very comfortable, except the squab length is about 25mm too long. As an indication I'm 167cm (5'6") & am 10 kg overweight @ 82kg. Generally I buy size 87Stout King-Gee workpants or 33S 501s (as an indication of size/leg length)

The 1.8 suspension was as reported in media, jiggly. It was probably a worse ride than the RS. Not sure how this happens or allowed to leave factory with such a ride? I'd want to add 17" wheels for asthetics but how poor would the ride be then?

I have the 1.8TSI Elegance.
The ride can tend to harshness but not enough to be annoying. I run my tyre pressures at 36F/34R and the factory spec is 29/29 (IIRC), so if it was really annoying I'd drop it down a fraction. I also find the 205/55x16 tyres a bit squishy and will probably look at getting some 17" rims when the 16" rubber is worn out.

I think if the suspension was softer the car wouldn't be as enjoyable when driving our "B" roads.

[brad]

how are you finding real world fuel economy. also is fuel min 98RON or 95RON?

Thes days I get about 6.5L/100km. 90% motorway driving; 10% Sydney suburbs.

Contrary to what Woofy says, the minimum fuel requirement for the 1.8TSI is 95ron but 98ron gives better economy and better low down torque. It costs me $50-$100 extra per year (25,000km) to run 98.

It is gutless on 92ron and suprisingly, 100ron e10 made it guzzle fuel fuel without any performance increase.

[woofy]

I just realised you guys are all talking about the 1.8L, the 2L is 98 in the fuel door and in brackets 95 if you have to.