Octavia - but which model?

[DanSA]

Hi All.

Looks like im the first to post about actually buying one of these..

We currently have a Golf TDi DSG which we love, but have been on the look out for a wagon to replace it for the kids/dog etc.. We also have a ****ter in the form of an unkillable Scooby which will be staying.

Previous ideas have included MY99 Audi A4 Avant 1.8TQ, Passat 1.8T Variant, Suby Lib GT and a new Passat TDi.

Now i see Skoda is launching the Octavia here, which may just be the ticket to replace Sooty whilst reatining most of the clever engineering that i love about the VW's.

Initiallly I had thought on keeping the same drive train 2.0 TDi DSG, as it has to be auto for the wifes back. We average 5.7L/100k and the torque is great on the freeway..

Now i see that they are launching the new 1.8T, but only in manual at this stage. Rumour has it that this will replace the 2.0NA soon and include the 6spd Auto.
So now im torn, as this would be a great combo too. and the extra cash saved could buy the heated seats (good for the cold hills mornings!)

Any thoughts?

Sorry for the long first post!
Dan.

[99gti]

Welcome aboard DanSA. I'd stick with the TDi if your going to lugg around a heap of stuff just for the extra torque but then I'm not completly up on all the stats for the Skodas.

Good luck with your hunt.

[DanSA]

Tru dat, such a shame we need an auto as the 2.0 TDi AWD with a 6spd man would be awesome..

[phaeton]

Welcome to VWwA Dan

Hope you choose the Skoda that best suits your needs

How about the vRS Octavia ?

[DanSA]

May still be an option , but not unless they add DSG later on. Plus I think id miss the 5.7L/100k we are getting from our 2.0TDI..

I think the 1.8TSi auto will be a good allrounder, anyone care to hazard a guess on economy?
The manual is 7.4L/100 so my bet would br around 8.1 with the tiptonic, 7.8 with DSG.

[junior]

I have always been a fan of 4x4 wagons (my bias having owned many subaru's)
The Octavis 4x4 TDI takes my liking, had a good look at the the motor show, they appear to be well finished.

Good luck with the decision.

[GoLfMan]

go the RS hands down
in all seriousness though i think i'd gop the Tdi, then chip it.

[DanSA]

Update.
Maybe able to get a manual afterall, hmmmm this makes it interesting..

1.8TFSi would be the shrewd buy, then chip it down the track. However the AWD TDi 2.0 chipped to 350Nm would be a weapon..

Anyone have a caravan? what model would you recommend? (future buy)

[Lukev85]

I reckon the wagon.
\\

Saw them at the motor show on sunday. They are a very nice car.

[Plicata]

I had a good look at them at the Motor Show. Very comfortable although hatch lacked rear headroom (most sedan / hatches I'm looking at do too). Not as bad as Jetta, though. Favourite option would be 2.0TDi wagon. Not sure about 4X4 because would like DSG.

Does anyone know if the Octavia DSG has steering wheel paddle shift like Golf GT?

[DanSA]

I imagine it would follow VW example, ie DSG on petrol models will have steering wheel paddles, but not on diesel models.

The 4x4 wagon looks great in isolation, however im wondering if its pushing the envelope too far in value for money terms at $38,990 A Liberty 2.5i is 35k (all beit with less options, crap fuel economy and less torque)

[Plicata]

Didn't realise they did that. Pity, I'd like paddles on 2.0 diesel. I suppose the extra torque makes them less useful.

Anyone know what demonstrators they have at Penrith or Parramatta?

[Plicata]

Went to Penrith yesterday. Drove a 2.0 TDi DSG wagon fresh off the boat (still had shipping codes and plastic trim protection etc). Very nice to drive, apart from very slow takeoff from standstill before turbo cuts in. Cloth seat was comfortable although I'd go for electric because manual height adjuster tips you forward, which I hate. Rode well over rough surface but firmer than I expected.

Also drove Golf GT sport TDi for comparison. In the short drive I did, couldn't pick a significant power difference (although I know there should be). Still had slow start from standstill. Guess I'm used to petrol. Probably get used to giving it more of a boot full for quick start. I suppose manual would be better but the DSG is good.

No steering wheel gear shift paddles on Octavia but Golf GT does have them on diesel model. Ride in the Golf (on 18" wheels) didn't really feel much firmer to me.

Also went to Burwood dealer. No demonstrators available. The guy reckons diesel service interval is 7,500 km and petrol 15,000. Recommended RS. Maybe I should try one just for comparison (but in Golf GTi or Jetta, to get DSG).

They're nice cars and definitely on my shortlist. Lack of dealers and unknown retained value are my main concern (long way to go to get a service or parts, from Wollongong).

[DanSA]

Good right up mate, cheers.

I had a look at some the other day that had just come in. They didnt have any of the 2 models im interested in yet tho , so no test drive. (1.8T and 2.0 TDi AWD wagons)

Was impressed by the car itself from sitting/looking in it. Some cheap short cuts compared to the Golf (DSG shift housing and indicators was cheap plastic) but otherwise impressed.
The stereo is that dot matrix display similar to the Golf, and it still looks pants in the Octavia too..

What you mentioned about the TDi DSG take off is par for the course im afraid. Our Golf does the same, however you do get used to it after a while, a know when to pre load it or plan to take off before you need to. No biggy. Its ashame they dont come with Hill Assist electric brake like the Passats, as this gets rid of the slip you get when taking off on a slope.

We should compare prices soon if anyone else is getting serious.

Personally i wouldnt be too concerned re the newness of the brand, their attachment to VW is strong enough and all the base engineering is the same.

[junior]

I'm surprised that Burwood didn't have any demonstrators, poor considering the recent brand launch