Need advice: GTI or 2013 Skoda Octavia vRS

[GaryC]

A bit of background: I'm in the market to upgrade from my 1990 MX5. Currently, it's just me and the girlfriend, no children, no pets (though I hope that'll change soon!). I've looked around for a few days, and almost settled on either a GTI or Octavia vRS, both with DSG.

I did a test drive of the Mk 7 GTI today, and it was very brilliant. Felt like night and day compared to my MX5. That said, I'm also quite interested in the Octavia vRS wagon, simply due to the enormous boot space. However, the new Octavia vRS doesn't come out until early next year, so it'll be the older generation. I love the Octavia vRS for the versatility, but with the GTI, it's a better driver's car, and is a fresh new car.

I'm quite in a bind and would love some advice on which to get. Is there any particular reason to lean towards one that I haven't thought about yet?

[Eaglehawk]

You'll need to "pram test" the GTI. (Yes, even if you don't have a kid yet)

We coped fine with a Golf Mk5 2.0TDI for 4 years. We've now moved to a Passat Wagon. But the Golf was good enough for 1 child and shopping. The pram barely fit though.

Of course, if you're talking about a pet...that changes the context of this post

Which in that case, we got Samoyed and it fit in the car fine too...(obviously not with the kid at the same time)

I can't comment on how the Octavia vRS is better, just that the Golf was good enough.

[GaryC]

Great, now I need to steal a pram...

But you make a good point, the wagon will have better flexibility, and it'll come into handy on that rare occasion. I'm just worried that the Octavia will feel old. I know it's weird coming from a guy with a 23 yo car, but.. still.

[VR28LT]

Buy a GTI..... you only live once

[rjg]

vRS fits a pram, shopping and various paraphernalia. Then There's still room for Christmas shopping.

It's not really slower than the gti in the real world and imo comes with a higher trim level standard. They're also cheaper.

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[readerr0r]

The current Octavia is a great car but the new one is literally just around the corner. It will have all the features of the Mk7 Golf and the RS will have the Mk7 GTI's engine which will do 6.8 0-100 (vs the GTIs 6.6).

The New Å KODA Octavia RS - Å KODA

Rumours suggest the normal Octavia will be here Nov 23rd and RS early 2014.

[GaryC]

The current Octavia is a great car but the new one is literally just around the corner. It will have all the features of the Mk7 Golf and the RS will have the Mk7 GTI's engine which will do 6.8 0-100 (vs the GTIs 6.6).

The New Å*KODA Octavia RS - Å*KODA

Rumours suggest the normal Octavia will be here Nov 23rd and RS early 2014.

Is there an estimated price for the RS when it's released in AU? The Octavia definitely offers the no-compromise package, but the GTI is just one attractive car..

[Antiplastix]

I wouldn t worry to much about the estimated price for the Skoda vRS. I got about $5K off mine when new. Skoda are a lot more flexible when it comes to driveaway deals than VW. I would expect to pay about $40K ( liftback ) and $42K (wagon) driveaway for the new model TSI DSG. The vRS is nearly a GTI, not quite as chuckable but has a huge boot, my wagon easily fits 3 people, 2 surfboards, 2 dogs, esky etc. Not much else will do that with style and performance.

[GaryC]

I agree with you, that's why I've already put a deposit on an MY13 near, near new RS

[Antiplastix]

On ya Gary. Wagon or Liftback ?

[GaryC]

Wagon DSG. I liked the sportier looks of the Liftback, but the wagon was newer, my preferred colour, and sold at a cheaper price. And anyway, I'm sure that if I got the liftback, there'll be that one moment where I wish I got the wagon instead because the XYZ wouldn't fit in by just THAT bit.

[zoomda]

The boot size on the Liftback is incredible so you'll be laughing with the wagon. Enjoy it.

[GaryC]

You're talking to a guy who's only car has been a first gen Mazda MX-5. The boot isn't incredible... it's cavernous!

[Martin]

vRS fits a pram, shopping and various paraphernalia. Then There's still room for Christmas shopping.

Due to my track activities I've regularly made trips to the tyre shop with four loose 18*8" rims and four 225/40/18 tyres in the rear
I get the tyres fitted and then bring them home
Recently had to do the same for my 350Z, four loose 18*9" rims, two 235/40/18 tyres and two 245/40/18 tyres
Not a lot of cars can do this - the tyres/rims take up a lot of room

I bought a four burrner BBQ from Bunnings, two huge boxes, the Octavia wagon swallowed them.

I picked up a gearbox for the 350Z (it's huge) and took it home in the Octavia wagon
(I used straps around the gearbox and down to the floor eyelets to secure it in place)

It's not really slower than the gti in the real world and imo comes with a higher trim level standard.

And a stage I or II tune will really put a smile on your face