Opinions about buying a Skoda Octavia RS DSG diesel over a VW Tiggy DSG diesel?

[darnit]

Hi guys just wanted to get some expert/owner opinions about the Skodas over the VW's? I was originally in the market for a Tiguan 103tdi DSG and was amazed at how well it drove and how good it felt especially the smoothness and power delivery with the DSG, but after adding some options etc, it started to become hefty expensive. I've just read an old caradvice review on pre facelift RS and so far its a big thumbs up. The boot from what I've seen is massive and that's another deciding factor. The tiguans boot was big enough but the Skoda's boot is impressive for its size. I've yet to visit the local dealer to see one in detail as the guy I spoke to this morning had to go. Would be looking in to the diesel version of the rs if they're available? Wouldn't mind the pre-facelift model either if I can get a hold of one in Melb. What's the reliability like on the Skodas? Wouldn't think it'll be too different from VW's?
Thanks guys.

[Jake02]

We looked at a Tiguan 147TSI but the lack of a manual, the small boot and a general lack of equipment led us to the Octavia. The biggest issue with the Tiguan was the terrible value - the 147TSI was $45k on road (at the time) but to make it nice you had to add leather and the like, 125TSI/103TDIs don't even get front foglights as standard and the rest of the class get everything as standard (note: this is where the Yeti will really do well - a more practical Tiguan with more for less).

The most annoying thing about the Tiguan, for me, is that it's so much nicer than the rest of the dreary compact SUV class, but look elsewhere and you can do better. Reliability? Well, I haven't had any trouble whatsoever in just under three years at all, something that (touch-wood) really surprised me.

If you're looking at an RS, the MY11 cannot be beaten for value - sat-nav and everthing else as standard for around $40k is unbeatable in my book. But get the facelifted version - the styling finally matches the car's aggressive (at times) character and when my pre-facelift RS is parked next to a facelift, it does kinda look old... Still love it to bits though!

[K1W1]

Would be looking in to the diesel version of the rs if they're available?

Available in wagon or hatch, diesel or petrol, manual or automatic (DSG) in both

Wouldn't mind the pre-facelift model either if I can get a hold of one in Melb.

No show new. The last pre facelifts were sold on special about this time last year.

What's the reliability like on the Skodas? Wouldn't think it'll be too different from VW's?

Reliability - nearly 100%. I think the Czechs are trying as hard as they can to stick it up the Germans and Skodas are reflecting that.

Now Tiguan vs RS. They are completely different beasts with different driving positions and power delivery and handling. The RS obviously is much lower and more sporty in it's ride without actually being a shake your teeth out sports car. The RS has no AWD option. You really need to decide what style of vehicle you prefer because if you want something that is the basic shape of a Tiguan then you may be unhappy with the RS. I came from a couple of SUV type vehicles into the RS and whilst its a great car and all that it's not 100% me. I'll be going back to the SUV shape (maybe a Yeti, the Skoda version of the Tiguan due here March / April) for my next car.
Maybe have a look at the Skoda Scout but that is only available as a wagon.

[Golf Loon]

Octavia is a great car, get a manual and enjoy it.
Tiguan is the silly 4wd shape, that is not that good off road and the lack of manual option emphasises this IMO.
Id get a manual skoda wagon all day.

[theduckster]

I thought about a Tiguan about 6 weeks ago. I too was left with the same feeling that a base model wouldn't just do and you had to add options. At the end you are left with a feeling that it's a rather expensive proposition. After checking out the Skoda's and if I had to choose between a Octavia and Tiguan I would select the Octavia RS purely on value for money for the overall package. That decison would be based on being happy to have a wagon over a SUV as well.

[darnit]

Thanks guys for all your quick responses. Tiguan shape doesn't really matter as its the boot space and overall comfort that matters most with some performance for those 'inspired' moments so not fussed whether its an SUV or not. Won't be doing any offroading so 4wd isnt important. Higher sitting position would be nice but not essential as I'm looking for an over package. Definately would have to be an auto/DSG since wife can't drive stick and not willing to learn but then again she has her own car. I suppose if there aren't any pre-facelifted ones available then I guess i'll go for the face lifted one. Does look more modern but either one is good. The hatch looks sporty with the rear spoiler and has plenty of boot space but the wagon has EVEN more space. Perfect or the bikes and other bulky stuff. Looks like the Skoda may indeed be the winner here. Never thought of one until this morning.

[theduckster]

Considering your thoughts it looks like there might be another convert to the Skoda brand. I'm sure once you check out the Octavia you won't regret it. I nearly signed a quote for a new Subaru Liberty GT and I'm glad I had the thought "Hey, wait one I haven't been down to Skoda yet!".

Half an hour at the Skoda dealership and I was sold. The Superb being my most wanted and then the RS and the Liberty GT long forgotten lol. I just regret not going to Skoda first Luckily in the need I made the right choice!

[Transporter]

The Tiguan is very quiet ride compared to RS Octy, even our diesel Tig is a better ride for me than my son's in law RS. It really depends what you value more, quiet ride with higher siting position (good for city traffic) or big boot and sportier feel of the RS (some Tig owners could dismiss that-especially the TSI ones). If you travel long distances on smooth roads, Octavia would be my pick.

[BlackOctaviaRS]

Wait a few months for the new Yeti, similar concept to the Tiguan, but a bit more spacious from what I've read. Google "Top Gear Yeti Review" and have a look at the review Clarkson did on the Yeti. Great car, I would've bought one over the Jetta if it was available at the time.

[spellbound]

I was jumping out of liberty 3.0r wagon , and thought the tig would do the trick

Lack of wagon space was major issue , and i hated the round town jerky DSG , great out of the city .

Also looked at a mk5 gti , had a mk4 , but the space issue in back no better than the tig .

Once i drove the rs wagon amnual i was sold , dont miss the AWD of the liberty except in extreme wet .

Skodas come with about a 10% discount , try and get it on a VW .

[darnit]

Thanks Transporter. I do a lot of travelling and will be taking this new car on interstate or long day trips every so often so the Octavia should be good. Most likely will go for the wagon for greater practicality. Did a google search on the yeti and as practical as it may be and yes I did watch the episode of top gear with the yeti review, it probably isn't my kinda style and surely wont be missus' style either. So as far as I can see for the time being, the Octavia is the go. I'll be sure to visit a Skoda dealer or two tomorrow. Got the day off so will be perfect timing If Skodas are as good as they seem to be, why are they so rare to see on the roads? Not doubting it in any way but just curious. Is it an extremely new brand in Australia? When did they start selling over here? So far all the media reviews have been nothing but extremely positive but all mention about the lack of badge cred.

[CanberravRS]

Hey Darnit, I can say from 4 1/4 years in Skoda's, and being on my second one now that the Brand has Cred.. to the point where I could have sold my pre-face life Octavia vRS 3 times and no one has ever asked me what the Superb is, its well known as the Large car of the year now.. I can also say from experience in Skoda's that the quality is fantastic. In both my Skoda's everyone i knew who owned a VW or Audi would simply say, wow its such a nice place to be and so familiar ( shared trim and engineering ). The Octavia vRS had performance of the GTI and the flexibility of a full sized A4 Wagon at a far more acceptable price.

The Superb for me was a natural progression..

Have a good drive of a few models, i doubt you will be disappointed.. Skoda package VAG tech very very well..

The lack of Badge cred comments by the press are generally from media types who have little understanding of the Brand and its capabilities. If you look at the Global awards, local awards and the more savvy writers all have it right. Skoda is not a new brand and has evolved, maybe in the eye of narrow minded people who follow lead cow with the bell... but if your a free thinker, have an eye for quality, value, unique and attractive looks then Skoda's should rate highly on your list to look at.

[darnit]

Mate, that is so well said with such emotion and passion. I'm pretty much sold now. Actually I was already won over from my interactions with gti dave? and the quick tour of his yellow bullet (name was definately David...thanks mate). So I guess next on the agenda is to park my arse in a skoda at the dealership tomorrow and have a good drive of one or two. Thanks everyone for your warm support on and off forum

[Jake02]

If Skodas are as good as they seem to be, why are they so rare to see on the roads? Not doubting it in any way but just curious. Is it an extremely new brand in Australia? When did they start selling over here? So far all the media reviews have been nothing but extremely positive but all mention about the lack of badge cred.

Just over four years in Australia so yep, not that many on the roads but they're going up. NZ has had them since 2002 and they are really popular over there! Same with writer's comments; the lack of resale 'greatness' in their reviews is because people assume that people don't know what the car is and how much it should be worth, and then devalue it. Once Skoda starts really selling and really advertising then I'm sure A) the actual resale value will go up, B) so will reputation and credibility (if you're into that sorta thing) and C) the negativity from writers will dissipate (I mean, unless they actually find negative parts of the car).

[K1W1]

NZ has had them since 2002 and they are really popular over there!

NZ have had them more or less continuously (in small numbers) since the 1960's. 2002 is only when the current import arrangements started.