Gerrycan

After a long delay the the mk4 sedan and wagon (estate) has had a limited release here in Australia with more tech and substantial price increases New Skoda Octavia: Full Australian details - carsales.com.au The RS 245 version has the expected 2.0tsi and 7 speed wet DSG option. No hybrid version and no manual (sob). The 'base' version has the old 1.4tsi engine with an 8 speed Aisin torque converter transmission. No 1.0tsi Octavia ever released here, no hybrid, and no manual (double sob). The Australian 1.4tsi/TC combination is or will be available on Karoq, the mk8 Golf and now the Octavia, and is probably an experiment to overcome resistance to the dry DSG which is blighted by a horror run a few years from incorrect lubricant spec and ongoing issues where local drivers wear out clutch packs driving them like torque converter boxes in slow traffic. Interestingly the 1.5tsi and dry dsg is available in the recently released (here) Scala and the Kamiq. Only the Kamiq 1.0tsi has a manual version. Note that Australian politics is about 10 to 15 years behind the rest of the world regarding recognition and reaction to global warming so no incentives for reduced emission. Our vehicles still only need to comply with Euro 5 standards.

Hi @FyllCee awesome consumption but you converted to the smaller US gallon. 5.6L/100 equals 50 mpg (imperial) for the UK.

Isn't the DSG in the 1.6d Passat the 'dry' DSG as opposed to the 'wet' DSG in the more powerful 2.0d. I'm assuming the 1.6d is limited to 250Nm torque, if not then it will be the same 'wet' version. It might account for any differences you experience, even though their operation is very similar.

Looking at your list of cars and requirements it seems that you want a big, comfortable, sporty and powerful car at a reasonable price. I can't really think of one that fulfils all your needs without pushing into the pricey upper Mercedes or AMG category. According to many who have posted about theirs even the 280 Superb cannot really be considered a nimble car despite its many other redeeming features. It's either two different cars or you compromise on something? It is probably a bit too small for you but I always thought the previous edition BMW Series One with rear wheel drive and turbo six cylinders offered reasonable bang for your buck in terms of performance and handling. I think they were still in production in 2019 I did have a chuckle about your comment about being 40 and too old for some cars though.

A lot of discussion and useful information in this thread. Running in TSI engines - Skoda Superb Guides - BRISKODA Just don't put too much load on the engine during the first 1500 km so avoid Economy mode so the gearbox is not trying to maintain excessively low revs. Avoid excessive braking for the first few hundred km so they bed in nicely and won't be warped. Similarly avoid hitting kerbs, heavy braking, acceleration and cornering for the same distance so the tyres scrub off the initial smoothness. You will surprised how much the steering and handling feel changes as the tyres 'bed' in and the braking performance improves from improved grip.

Seeing as how the car is quite old I take it you have had it checked for error codes (malfunctioning sensors, injectors etc), that brakes are not binding or any fuel leaks? Assuming that those things have been checked and it appears to be running ok then it may just be a 'lemon', a car that never actually got good consumption from new. They do occur (ask me how I know, and it was not a Skoda) and the dealers are particularly unhelpful even when the car is new. How well does actual consumption (distance travelled against refuelling quantity) match up with the display (average since refuel)?

What wheel and tyre size are currently fitted to your car?

Jeez that seems to have come around quick.

Depending on your agility you might have to consider how difficult it could be for you both getting in and out a smaller car. I taxi my mother in law around in our old Echo. That works well as long as I do not park next to a curb. It also has a relatively high roof so no ducking. Hopefully you will already have had your jabs and be able to circulate in a couple of weeks to check things out?

That is pretty weird. Don't suppose they told you what they 'fixed' each time?

Neither the 1.0tsi or 1.6d Octavia have ever been sold in Australia where I live but looking at the respective figures and extrapolating from similar engines in other models that I have driven then I'd be surprised if there much difference in hill climbing ability between the two engines. Someone please correct me if I am wrong but I believe the 1.0tsi in the Octavia produces 200Nm from something like 2000-3500 rpm (I don't have a brochure) and I am guessing the 1.6d is 250Nm over something like 1700-2700rpm. Bearing the in mind the petrol engine model is likely lower geared and noticeably lighter with a wider rev range (low rev max torque to high rev max power) and much happier to rev out where required then I don't see that the small turbo petrol would be severely disadvantaged. It is probably faster in the 0-60 dash, the difference being the effective torque at the wheels Where I think you will see a major difference is during descents. My larger 1.4tsi engine Octavia offers stuff-all engine braking on a long 12.5% (1in 8) gradient, even in low gears, so I imagine the 1.0tsi offers still less especially when compared to the 1.6d. It just means that you will probably be using the brakes a lot more than you currently do which is not really a problem but something to be aware of. That is the theory, now it just needs you to arrange a test drive when you can to confirm or disprove it. I think you would prefer the 1.5tsi though. I'm considering the locally available manual 1.0tsi Karoq and the newly released (here) manual 1.5tsi Scala which are similarly priced as possible replacements for my existing Octavia. Hopefully find some time for test drives over the next couple of weeks but I bet they don't have manuals available.

If the dealer is a VW/Skoda specialist then could a standard tune have been reinstated? I guess a one off timed 0-60 would pretty quickly confirm the ECU status....you know just out of curiosity

Doh!

I forgot the UK lockdown. That makes your reported consumption is really quite impressive as a lot of really short runs really cruels the economy figures for any wholly ICE powered vehicle (I know that from the number of trips I make supporting aged relatives at their local retirement village). I've seen our long term average speed as low as 18kph :( . Thinking about it a bike loaded with shopping through Cumbrian hills, in winter would struggle to match that speed as well Be interesting to hear how you go with the new car through a 'vaccinated' summer though.

My tuppence worth, and this is only my opinion: The vRS is a good, versatile car and probably matches, or even slightly betters, the consumption of any of its rivals of similar weight/power/performance/price in like conditions but if fuel consumption is an important consideration for you then the vRS may be the wrong choice. You have already (and sensibly imo) ruled out the potentially much more economical diesel and I assume because of relatively low annual mileage and consequent possible dpf issues which compromise its potential, so have you considered the 1.5tsi petrol option? I'd expect the new 1.5tsi to match or better my 2014 1.4tsi manual estate with an overall average of 45mpg with variations of 40 to 60 mpg per fill depending on driving environment and it really has not done many longer journeys over the last 3 years. It is not that much 'slower' than a diesel vRS. The advantages of a 1.5tsi, other than consumption, is if you are buying new then lower initial purchase/lease costs (lower depreciation?), lower road tax and insurance while retaining the inherent versatility of the Octavia. The disadvantages are that you would not get the irs of the vRS, or the performance and handling package, and if you are looking at an automatic then you get the potentially less durable 'dry' DSG as opposed to the more durable 'wet' DSG on the more powerful engines. Pragmatically, the extra performance of the standard vRS is unlikely to reduce your regular commute by even a minute, I mean look at the average speeds quoted previously from existing vRS owners, in one case I would say they could better it on a bicycle and that is not a reflection on the car or driver but congested public roads. I personally would not even consider a performance re-flash on a new car because apart from the probable warranty invalidation, greater wear and tear on tyres and traction issues, even greater risk of speeding fines and possible risk to my family if I'm tempted to drive like an abbreviated richard (apologies to all Richards) I don't think I would get my money back on improved consumption. Having said all that; current low petrol prices and low annual mileage mean that the current cost saving of better consumption is relatively small (under a thousand pounds?) so it is only important as insurance against future fuel price increases or the satisfaction of being more socially responsible and trying to reduce your carbon footprint. I'm just saying you should at least test drive a 1.5tsi, which can be surprisingly spritely and pulls well from low revs, if only to discount it as an option, and then there is the 1.0tsi....

@Robank you might like to read the following Briskoda mk3 thread from a contributor in Finland who has now had two mk3 1.0tsi Octavia. Replacing a 1.0 TSI with ... a 1.0 TSI :) - Skoda Octavia Mk III (2013 onward) - BRISKODA I've only driven a 1.0tsi in a loan manual Fabia and was pretty impressed by what it offered in terms of the economy/performance/refinement balance. Definitely not a sports car but more than enough for daily driving and occasional overtaking. Seeing as how you are in Scotland with many hills there is one aspect of the small VW turbo engines that you should at least be aware of and that is with regard the lack of engine braking available. When I drove our fully loaded Octavia with the larger 1.4tsi in the hills of Tasmania I was shocked at how much braking I had to do on comparatively shallow descents while the engine was in 2nd gear revving its nuts off contributing virtually nothing. Ascents of the same hills were a breeze. Generally it's not a problem, even an advantage, as most of our local driving is on really flat land but I know it would get to me if I lived in hills. I'd probably look at getting a hybrid to store that braking energy if I did.

No you are not compelled to use a Skoda dealer, but in my experience there is not that much difference between independent servicing prices and Skoda fixed contract pricing, plus you get even better servicing pricing if you buy a 3 or 5 year Skoda servicing contract (the latter not available when I bought mine). I was not aware but fully believe what you and @whitevx say about other VAG group dealerships offering servicing in dealership holes, logical since so many components are shared across the group. Originally there was only one Skoda dealership in Adelaide when the brand was reintroduced here about 11 years ago and naturally that was with main dealer for whole VAG group, so my mk2 was serviced in the same facilities used for VW/Audi/Bentley and it was conveniently placed. Somewhat ironic when as a couple of times they tried to charge me at VW Golf rates instead of the Octavia $30 cheaper rate (same engine/transmission, just different badge). My problem was that the local Skoda dealership and servicing went to another agent and their facilities were further away and much more inconvenient (and nowhere near as pristine as the former location) so I did start looking at alternatives but figured servicing travel was just a once a year issue I could cope with. I think the importing company structure is differs in NZ and Aus as well as the fact that you don't have our crap high sulphur fuel, our ADR (Australian Design Rules) complications so NZ gets to see new issue of cars far earlier than we do.

Looking through this forum on the Kodiak, there ae no real issues being reported on the UK market However you should consider what you intend to do in the car. First off it is not a real off-road vehicle in the Australian sense, but perfectly adequate for our reasonably well maintained dirt roads, AWD is useful for when it gets wet or getting on/off a firm beach. The lack of ground clearance is the main issue. If you are looking at doing any towing then be aware then you need to check the price of getting one fitted (relatively expensive) and its capabilities in terms of ball weight (relatively low). Tiguan options are better for towing as they can take a 200 kg ball-weight which is better suited to Aus caravans. Diesel comes with DPF (as every diesel does now in Aus) but be aware they are not good news if your vehicle is only used for school drop/pickup and the local shops. It really needs a decent run at least every couple of weeks to successfully complete a particulate burnoff. The 2.0tsi petrol engine is good, relatively economical and the DSG gearbox is the heavy duty 'wet' kind which I like and more reliable than some other options. However if you are used to a torque converter box you should get a decent test drive to make sure you like its characteristics, great on the go but some are not happy with it in stop/go conditions or reversing up a slope. The problem with the Aus Skoda dealers is that they are relatively rare, so if you have a good one reasonably close to you then there should be no issue. Legally you can use a registered independent without affecting your 5 year warranty but I am not sure if they have access to updating your automated Skoda service record. So you would have to keep the receipts and reports as proof that servicing has been maintained if you choose that path. The pre-purchase servicing packages are better value but they do tie you to Skoda dealerships, although my experience with Adelaide dealers over 11 years of Skoda ownership is that they are pretty good.

I thought you'd also comment on his conversion rate to shillings.....unless it means they are still accepted in Scotland and his rates are close?

Yeah they are pretty odd but I am not sure the far too many head-on collisions that occur on that route were actually on those segments.

Google says it's 666 km between Canberra and Melbourne so your 7.2L/100 for the 6.5hr hour journey in a heavy awd vehicle lacking good aero is a good return. If I did your journey at your speeds in my 1.4tsi Octavia I'd expect consumption similar your 103tdi Superb. I usually get better returns on longer runs though due to the slower single lane interstate carriageways out of Adelaide where I am happier cruising at a genuine 100kph among the trucks rather than constantly risking life and speeding fines overtaking them.

My 2014 Octavia also does the occasional rear wiper thing too and it is a good feature for me. Not that it has rained here in Adelaide much in December despite being unseasonally cool. A forecast 24 C for my 'traditional' Aussie Christmas day swim. I will wait for the first clear shark spotter plane flypast before I go in though I believe The auto rear wipe can be turned off in the settings. Your excellent consumption returns continue.

Fog lights do not project much light ahead so I don't think think they would add the sort of road illumination the OP is looking for. I've only got halogens I find them adequate on our Australian non illuminated country roads but only in the dry, which is most of the time The other problem we have is that we have long straight stretches of road so even though the oncoming traffic may be kilometres away it is really anti-social to run the high beams, which does not stop some people.

Might have been a chubby driver?

Look in the Superb mk3 section for the thread 'Improving Battery Mileage'. The hybrid owner is not happy with his winter battery performance deterioration.