Potential rs buyer

[Ocy_RS_TDi_Kombi]

I’ve got a 2009 RS TDi DSG Wagon with just over 80,000km now. I drive the Ocy as my daily drive to/from work which is Nunawading to Richmond & back. 46 km all up with half of it sitting idle in traffic The average economy is 7.5l/100km in this driving.

I’ve also taken the Ocy to Mildura & back approx 15 times now with the average economy being 5.5l/100km (empty) to 6l/100km full with baby stuff, clothes, etc. Also lately have been towing a heavy duty single axle trailer as we are taking bikes now, tools and other stuff to Mildura and the Ocy averages 8l/100km. These figures aren’t too bad considering the average speed for the trips are approx 100km/h and it also includes having to get across Melbourne’s peak hour traffic on the way to Mildura.

Space wise the Ocy has more than enough in the rear seat for 2 babyseats/toddler seats but isn’t wide to have an adult sit there for more than a few minutes. The boot is massive and you can fit more in any Ocy wagon’s boot than a Commodore Sportwagon’s – compared the 2 cars with a friend of mine.

Power wise the diesel/DSG combo is great, the gear changes are instant. I can say the Ocy is just as quick as a Commodore SV6 and a Falcon XR6 in the traffic GPs – not too bad for a diesel. Once one of the guys spoke to me and when I told him it was a diesel his face dropped I don’t notice the power drop off above 4,000rpm as it revs so quickly in 1st gear (read wheelspinning) you don’t have time to manual change it to 2nd gear. It’s got paddles on the steering wheel but I think it’s a waste of time with all the torque and I let the DSG do all the work. The low down grunt is really good and rarely does the motor need to rev past 3,000rpm in normal driving.

My missus has a Ford Mondeo Ecoboost (2.0 turbo petrol – 150kw/300nm) with PowerShift transmission (Ford’s version of the DSG). We both agree the Ocy’s DSG is smoother in operation. The Ocy doesn’t have the typical diesel clatter either which is nice but the petrol motor in the Mondeo is smoother at idle and quieter – overall the Mondeo is a quieter car too. Powerwise the Ocy runs away from the Mondeo initially and stays there. Once the Mondeo winds up its good but doesn’t catch the Ocy. The TSi motor in the RS would be a different beast again. Fuel economy in the city the Mondeo does 10.5l/100km and the highway 8l/100km.

I am actually about to put the Ocy on the market as the lease is up and we need a 7 seater, so we’ve ordered a Kia Sorento diesel. If you’re interested in a Race Blue RS TDi DSG Wagon, 80km on the clock, excellent condition and 1 year left on the Skoda extended warranty, let me know...........

[spud75]

Hi guys, I'm considering purchasing an ex-demo Octavia RS wagon. My wife and i are expecting our first baby and the golf gti (wife's current car) is just too small, ie pram just fits in boot. So the plan is to trade my Liberty and I drive the gti.

I have noticed that some rs wagons have a silver colored surround around the touch screen and centre controls, while others have a carbon fiber look which IMO opinion looks nicer. Is this an option or is it a model year change?

For those with newborns, is the rs OK in terms of rear space for a capsule/car seat? Any other things I should consider in terms of practicality in going for the rs?

How does the TDI compare to the petrol rs? I can't seem to find any reviews that compare them.

Thanks. Now to find a blue rs wagon! I've only come across a TDI model but not sure if I want a diesel.

I cant exactly compare a TSI RS and TDI but close.

I have driven the 90tsi octy wagon with DSG and it was fine. But not what I would buy.

Previous car was A4 with chipped 1.8T manual. Loved the turbo shove at 2750rpm. Great gear box, big boot, but it was s sedan.

Then the A3. The boot in the A3 is about 100mm longer inside than a Golf. (measured against a friend of mines Golf 125tsi). The A3 had the baby capsule in it until 2minths, when little 'un grew too long. Then we put rear facing seat in. I would suggest hiring a baby capsule for those first couple months. cost us $100 for 3 months. I would do it again if we had another.

The A3 is a 1.9tdi (not a CR). Took the A3 to Adelaide with bike on the roof, fully loaded with baby, port-a-cot and luggage. Got 4.5l/100km on the way over. 5l/100km on the way back (head wind the whole way). Often the A3 dips into the 3.x/100km. Gear box is great, still a 5sp though.

The A3 has enough room in the back for the baby seat, 2 baby seats have been done, but not much room left in the middle. Boot is good and can easily get city mini pram in it plus shopping etc.

I sold the A4 for more luggage space height wise, not depth.

Now RS tdi manual. Boot is great, and a bit more leg room than the A3. Only 1100km on the clock so still running in. Fuel about 6l/100km avg. Gear box even better. Can now get golf clubs and the pram in the boot at the same time with room to spare.

I drove the DSG tdi and it was good, but not my thing. DSG's and I just dont get along. I want to do something that the DSG doesnt, and when I tell the DSG to do something, it is too slow. Things like multiple downshifts quickly whilst blipping the throttle.

The tdi in the RS is soooo much quieter than the A3. Almost sounds like a petrol with a growl. As far as performance, it has that nice shove when the turbo comes on, and the torque is addictive. Wheels get squirelly, and the grin spreads on your face

I am a big fan of diesel, despite my driving environment, i really should have a petrol.

I agree with a golf boot, it will cope, but only just. The difference to the Octy is huge. Baby seat in the back with heaps to spare.

I miss the A4 as I loved it, but I love the RS for different reasons. It comes down to what has been said before. It you want ultimate performance, go the tsi, if you want fuel economy, tdi. I have read reviews where it has been said the best combinations are manual tdi, and DSG petrol. But any combination will suit, depending on driving style and preference. My wife prefers manuals too, so there was never a question.

Might I suggest you drive the diesel and see what you think? When I drove the DSG diesel, I took it on a little twisty route I know with some inclines just to test it out.

[MrGadget]

Thanks for your insights spud75, things to consider...

[DunlopRS]

concur with spud75 - TDi torque addictive - as is fuel economy. Done 50000km+ in ~18 mths and have never regretted the diesel decision (big fan of the torque produced by diesels (at least since the gemini diesel)). I also love the DSG. use the paddles often to ensure I am in the right gear coming out of corners / roundabouts etc (wheelspin this morning out of a (dry) roundabout in 4th gear at 70kmph......). Paddles work well as long as you can reach them.

Boot is huge. Agree its as practicable as a commodore wagon - often have them for work.

Enjoy

[woofy]

I’ve got a 2009 RS TDi DSG Wagon with just over 80,000km now. I drive the Ocy as my daily drive to/from work which is Nunawading to Richmond & back. 46 km all up with half of it sitting idle in traffic The average economy is 7.5l/100km in this driving....

Sure it's 46k? I'm in forest hill/Blackburn lake and its bang on 10km to work near Swinburne. Richmond is just down the way. We got the diesel Santa Fe 18mths ago. It has its pros but doesn't come close to the Octavia. I'm hanging out for my next car swap to get another....well one for me, my wife can have SF (she has the RS now). You'll notice how wide the Sorento is after the octy...I have had two nice scratches even after parking well away and against a pole as it takes up a lot of car park.

[roshea]

I drive the Ocy as my daily drive to/from work which is Nunawading to Richmond & back.

Sure it's 46k? I'm in forest hill/Blackburn lake

[off topic] Hey - I'm in Blackburn too! And Bluefrog must live or work around here, since I often see RUNVAG in the neighbourhood.

[Ocy_RS_TDi_Kombi]

I take my daughter to Childcare in Blackburn in the mornings then onto the freeway, off at Chandler Hwy, up Princess St then into Richmond via Barkers Rd. Approx 40-45 mins door to door (including the CC drop off). Coming home Hoddle St and freeway - approx 30mins. Actually 44km round trip.

Driving the missus Mondeo at the moment which is wider than the Ocy as I want to keep the km down on the Ocy. I do notice the width difference especially on Princess St Kew going towards the junction with the 2 lanes of cars and the parked cars on the left - shoud be a Clearway.

Haven't seen either of your cars or RUNVAG around but when I see an Ocy on the road I tell my wife now the's a smart person driving the rite car!

[MrGadget]

A few other questions if you don't mind.

1) How is the alcantara vs full leather? I don't mind the look of either, more interested in knowing the differences in cleaning since the baby in the back (toddler in years to come) will proabably make a mess from time to time. Seems to be about a $2K difference in price.

2) Is the stock stereo, any good.

Thanks.

[brad]

2) Is the stock stereo, any good..

Depends how fussy you are I guess.
It's better than my wife's 2010 Outback & her 2008 Calais. I'm sure you could make it better. I did do the resistor mod on my front tweeters which made them a bit less shrill

[kamold]

A few other questions if you don't mind.

1) How is the alcantara vs full leather? I don't mind the look of either, more interested in knowing the differences in cleaning since the baby in the back (toddler in years to come) will proabably make a mess from time to time. Seems to be about a $2K difference in price.

2) Is the stock stereo, any good.

Thanks.

1. I have the leather so can't comment on the alcatara. Leather is quite hardy and stands up well to the abuse of my 2 year old.
2. Stock stereo is acceptable to most and easily improved by adding an amp if required, then replacing the speakers if still not satisfied.

[Martin]

I like the leather myself

The RNS510 audio is fine/good, the door tweeters are the problem
You need to put a capacitor accross them to prevent midrange coming through the tweeters
The bass drivers in the doors are very good - the tweeter is very small (hard to repalce), the cross over is not good
(The Mazda Boze is better - obviously - how much do you want to spend?)

[MrGadget]

Sounds like leather is a better option (except I hate the bum burns on a hot summer day!)

Also it sounds like the stock stereo is pretty good that can be improved. Should be better than my liberty stereo at the very least.

[MrGadget]

1. I have the leather so can't comment on the alcatara. Leather is quite hardy and stands up well to the abuse of my 2 year old.
2. Stock stereo is acceptable to most and easily improved by adding an amp if required, then replacing the speakers if still not satisfied.

Does the head unit have line outs for the amp or do u have to use high level out into the amp?

[kamold]

You can switch the head unit to line level output using a VCDS coding change.

[spud75]

Sounds like leather is a better option (except I hate the bum burns on a hot summer day!)

Also it sounds like the stock stereo is pretty good that can be improved. Should be better than my liberty stereo at the very least.

The leather is a $1750 factory option, BUT there is no option for red stitching. I have posted pics previously on what it looks like. My wife convinced me to get the leather seeing as our boy is now 18mths old. Havent had hot leather yet, but the cold is no issue with the factory stock heated seats.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f149/4-day-old-rs-84275.html