So you want a vRS with VW's XDS?

[Loobie]

While I can appreciate Skoda choosing to spec cars differently for different markets, it is a shame when their hero model differs between markets for what I would consider 'core' specifications (ie. safety/handling system)

UK vRS' (from ~ week 45 '09 build onwards according to Briskoda forum) are being built with VW's xDS .. part of the electronic diff system standard on MkVI GTIs.

Have a look at the Occy brochure .. page 11 & 26. http://www.skoda.co.uk/brochures/default.aspx

The same system that Top Gear, in Jan '10 edition, felt gave the GTI the significant handling edge over the RS.

I wonder how an RS with its more compliant chassis set-up would improve handling wise & esp in comparison to the GTI? Unfortunately, FL RS owners in OZ won't know.

[K1W1]

How do we know that Australian spec cars are not being built with XDS?

How do you tell whether it's fitted or not?

[Jake02]

How do we know that Australian spec cars are not being built with XDS?
How do you tell whether it's fitted or not?

I couldn't agree more. The Skoda Australia website is as useless as tits on a bull! The Skoda UK brochure made it appear like it was standard across the world, so maybe, I dunno. It said all RS models built from April 09 onwards have it standard (is that when the facelift was released or is it something they added along the way?) so, again, I dunno.

[Pietra]

for a laugh you could call and ask a dealer - the sales staff might know or the service department working on the cars might have some insight, possibly ...

[K1W1]

And today's Comedian of the Day award goes to.....

for a laugh you could call and ask a dealer -

[Loobie]

How do we know that Australian spec cars are not being built with XDS?

How do you tell whether it's fitted or not?

Not exactly sure K1W1 - a dude has raised same question in a Briskoda thread (essentially asking whether there is any coding to specify a car having xDS). Unfortunately, its gone off topic so still wondering ...

I took a Mk VI GTI for a test while I was getting my car serviced, specifically to test out the xDS and xDL fancy diff work.

I couldn't feel any significant intervention but certainly was not understeering in places I have before (eg. sweeping off camber 60 deg bend). There wasn't any noticeable correction of my poor steering line or me overcooking it into the bend, it just steered round in a manner unexpected of any FWD car.

I've driven my brother-in-law's old Renault Meganesport 225 Cup that had a proper front diff, and recall it having quite a mechanical feel when hoofing it through corners, although the wheel wasn't giving much feel of the sensation.

[backdoc]

While I can appreciate Skoda choosing to spec cars differently for different markets, it is a shame when their hero model differs between markets for what I would consider 'core' specifications (ie. safety/handling system)

UK vRS' (from ~ week 45 '09 build onwards according to Briskoda forum) are being built with VW's xDS .. part of the electronic diff system standard on MkVI GTIs.

Have a look at the Occy brochure .. page 11 & 26. http://www.skoda.co.uk/brochures/default.aspx

The same system that Top Gear, in Jan '10 edition, felt gave the GTI the significant handling edge over the RS.

I wonder how an RS with its more compliant chassis set-up would improve handling wise & esp in comparison to the GTI? Unfortunately, FL RS owners in OZ won't know.

Mine was build week 49 so I guess there is a chance. Now, what to look for...............

[K1W1]

a dude has raised same question in a Briskoda thread (essentially asking whether there is any coding to specify a car having xDS).

If you knew what codes to look for I'm sure that the vehicle diagnostics would tell you.

[backdoc]

Did some quick research........it's all software. An electronic diff so I guess you would need a VAGCOM to determine that?

[h100vw]

What about deciphering the options codes on the build info sticker?

I also wonder if Jmac has any Skoda info in ELSA?

Gavin

[Antiplastix]

Its like the same motor in the RS makes 147kw and 155kw in the GTI, Hmm maybe VW doesn t want their "hero" car upstaged. Any one got a dyno ?

[Jake02]

Its like the same motor in the RS makes 147kw and 155kw in the GTI, Hmm maybe VW doesn t want their "hero" car upstaged. Any one got a dyno ?

Agreed. I've always thought that because I still don't understand how a car that weighed roughly 100-150kg more than a GTI Mk V can only be 0.2 seconds slower to 100km/h (and I'm comparing previous GTI and pre-FL RS) Golf - 7.1/RS - 7.3 (but Wheels has done a 7.1 in a manual), with the DSG being 0.2 seconds quicker again. Maybe the RS has more power than that...

[K1W1]

The power output of any engine these days is largely governed by electronics and what you get depends on where the manufacturer wants to position the vehicle. Our S3 with a 2.0 litre TSFI engine puts out something like 188kW from memory so there is probably no reason why a vRS or GTI engine couldn't put the same sort of power out with some tweaking.

[Loobie]

Its like the same motor in the RS makes 147kw and 155kw in the GTI, Hmm maybe VW doesn t want their "hero" car upstaged. Any one got a dyno ?

Yeah, that's a definite statement about where VAG perceive the GTI against the vRS. And if we all put on the marketing hats, we'd probably do the same or even turn up the wick on the GTI a bit more to create a larger point of difference between the GTI & vRS.

I still believe the greater disappointment & point I was highlighting is Skoda providing more bang for buck in UK compared to Oz - volume aside, I would think both countries would be perceived as similar markets in terms of market/driver expectation of the vRS. It further reinforces the relatively poor deal we get in Oz for the vRS - to demonstrate:

UK GTI (5 door manual) 24,760 GBP (on road price)
UK vRs (L'back manual) 19,005 GBP (on road price)
- GTI is 30% more expensive than the vRS

OZ GTI (5 door manual) 40,490 AUD
OZ vRS (L'Back manual) 37,490 AUD
- GTI is 8% more expensive than the vRS

What the pricing shows is that the OZ GTI is a bargain when you look at the exchange rate. It also seems to show that VW Oz either negotiated a pretty ordinary deal for the vRS or they're making a nice big margin - the diplomat in me says that's an "odd" decision when you're trying to establish a brand and model in a new market.

[woofy]

It's been said to death, but Skoda priced everything too high here. When the Gti has such long wait times they aren't likely to be giving us such a bargain, but why the RS is so close in price I don't know. The have stated all along its being placed as a premium product, but really it's not meant to be.