Glen Mansbridge

I've had this same issue with my Octavia 1.5tsi but an ecu update has transformed it. No more over revving, no kangarooing and generally a much smoother drive.

My 1.5tsi also kangaroos down the road when setting off from cold.

I did extensive test drives in a Seat Ateca and VW Tiguan (both closely related to the Karoq) when looking for a replacement to my Superb. Both were good cars, especially the Ateca. In the end I went for an Octavia as I preferred the handling. The 1.5 tsi petrol engine is very good

When my wife and I were looking at used Audi A3's, we visited three dealerships - our local dealer was quite helpful but rapidly lost interest when we explained that we wanted second hand not a £30K+ new convertible (and I'm still waiting for a quote for a new A3 saloon 6 months later...). We then travelled about 2 hours to look at a second hand convertible. When we arrived, there was some doubt that we could take it for a test drive (despite ringing them before we set off), the car was scruffy and had a broken wind deflector. The screen price was completely different to that advertised on the web (a couple of grand more expensive). The condition of the car, the salesman and the fact that they wouldn't agree to replace the broken wind deflector FOC made us walk away. The following day (a Sunday) we started heading to another dealer (again a couple of hours drive) that had 3 suitable models listed on the approved Audi website. On the way, we rang them to confirm the cars were available yet strangely, all 3 had sold! We then detoured and started heading to Tetbury. A phone call confirmed a silver A3 convertible was still for sale so we asked them to call us should they sell it before we arrived, as we still had several hours of travelling to get there. We arrived in brilliant sunshine, mid afternoon to see the car, roof down, and gleaming sitting waiting for us outside the entrance. Decision to buy already made.... We were given the keys for a test drive and as part of the deal they offered to drive the car to our home to save us that long journey - little cost to them but a huge time and hassle saver for us. It was a genuine pleasurable experience, the salesman was great - professional and friendly but not pushy and if/when we are in the market for another Audi, I won't hesitate to make that long drive to visit them...

Yep, mine often switches to 2 cylinders during a journey.

My supplying dealer also mistakenly thought the 1.4 had ACT

The 1.5tsi has cylinder deactivation and therefore I believe lower co2 and improved fuel economy compared with the 1.4

I had exactly the same issue the day I collected my Superb. The lever that adjusts the seat height was vibrating against the side of the seat. Soon fixed with a self adhesive pad designed for the bottom of electronic equipment.

In the end I decided to go for an Octavia - on PCP It is over £100 per month cheaper than an Ateca or a Tiguan and I didn't want to be a "tester" for such a new Skoda model. At least the Octavia is now tried and tested, faults and all! New car should arrive in December...

Hi I have just placed an order for an Octavia SEL hatch with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine and manual gearbox. I currently have a Mk II Superb and there are a couple of small features that the Superb has that I'm not sure will be fitted to the Octavia. Perhaps someone can enlighten me? The two features are: Lights in the bottom of the doors to help you avoid stepping into something unpleasant! Puddle lights built into the door mirrors The Superb also has illuminated air vent controls and small lights behind the interior door handles. I'm assuming the Octavia has neither of these, so it's a good job I have added the interior light pack to brighten the interior on a dark night! I've been onto the Skoda site but their manual for the new Octavia seems somewhat lacking in detail and even building the car using the online configurator does not provide me with the answers! Thanks Glen

There won't be many Octavia owners who can give you their experience of the 1.5 TSI petrol engine as it has only just been made available to Skoda (the Golf has had it for a little while). It has cylinder deactivation similar to the 1.4 engine that has been available for Audi and SEAT (e.g. the A3 and the Ateca). My wife has an A3 with this engine and it is very good. I test drove a an Ateca a couple of times (also with the 1.4 TSI engine) and was very impressed. So much so in fact that I have ordered an Octavia SEL with the 1.5 TSI engine and manual gearbox, expected delivery in December. Depending on the type of journeys you do and your driving style, it should be possible to achieve 50+ mpg. Glen

So, test drives in three cars (Tiguan, Ateca and Octavia) have been done and the winner is..... (drum roll).... the Octavia. I had a third test drive in an Ateca on Wednesday (2 litre diesel with DSG and 4WD) and although it was a nice drive, I felt the Octavia is "more me", in the way it looks and drives. The fact that it is cracking value for money compared with the other two and I don't have to wait 6 months is a bonus. So, I'm going for an Octavia 1.5 TSI SEL manual in quartz grey with interior light pack, sunroof and spare wheel. I'm currently in discussion with Bristos Skoda in Ipswich but also have some offers via carwow. Of all the sales people I have dealt with in this process, Alison Larke, at the SEAT dealer in Bury St Edmunds has been excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending potential Seat buyers in the area ask for her.

Is it just me? Part 2.... So today I did my test drives of a VW Tiguan and a Skoda Octavia. Fortunately for me, the VW dealer decided that a salesman did not need to accompany me for a 2 hour test drive and so off I went on the start of a planned route (A14 west to Bury St Edmunds, A134 to Sudbury, across to the A12 then A14 back to dealership). It was a great plan but 10 miles into the drive I came to a standstill on the A14 due to a serious accident and that is where I remained..... for the next 2 hours! Finally the police released the cars and smaller commercial vehicles and so I headed the wrong way along the west bound A14 back to Stowmarket, carried on to Copdock, a comfort and lunch break at Tescos (living the high life!) then over to Hadleigh before heading back to the dealership. The Tiguan was OK but nothing special, plus it gave me low back pain within 20 minutes. Having spent 2 hours exploring the inside I'm not convinced the interior quality is any better than an Ateca. I was particularly concerned at the worn fabric covering the door pulls/ arm rests in a car that has covered less than 7K miles. Then onto Bristos Skoda. An Octavia 1.6 TDI SE Estate was waiting for me on the forecourt. A test drive westbound was best avoided so instead I drove through Ipswich, along the A14 to Felixstowe, drove around Felixstowe then back onto the A14 and up the A12 to Woodbridge then the Orford road to Rendlesham forest before heading back. In contrast to the Tiguan I found myself repeatedly saying to myself "this is a good car" and "this is impressive". The road noise was fairly good, certainly no worse than my Superb, the ride through towns was fine and the handling engaging. I returned to the dealership feeling I have enjoyed the Octavia far more than the Tiguan. My only concern is that the SEL model I am interested in will have 17" wheels not the 16" wheels fitted to the SE, which may affect the ride noise and quality. Meanwhile, the SEAT salesman (remember him? The one who wanted me to buy a Passat and was doubtful he would be contacting me?) has rung me twice in the past 2 weeks, to reassure me that I have not been forgotten but the dealership will not be getting an Ateca demo until the new registration in September. Faith in SEAT has been somewhat restored! The saga continues.... Glen

... that expects car sales people to at least show (a) a bit of respect (b) a reasonable knowledge of their marque and (c) at least appear vaguely interested in selling cars! On Saturday I subjected myself and my wife to visiting a VW dealer, a Skoda dealer (who has supplied my last 2 Superbs) and a Seat dealer, all in Ipswich. First off, the VW dealer. Lady on reception greeted us warmly and when I explained we were interested in looking at the Tiguan they had in the showroom, she invited us to go ahead, open all the doors, have a good sit in, etc. When finished we were approached by a sales person. I explained my situation (current Superb is on PCP which ends next April. I am considering either a Tiguan, an Ateca or Octavia all with the 1.4/1.5 TSI engine with cylinder deactivation and understand that there may be a long wait, hence looking at my options now, not waiting until March). Salesman then proceeds to extol the benefits of GAP insurance, dent insurance and paint protection..... He then checks his stock list to get me interested in a R line diesel 4WD with DSG as they have plenty of those available - he even checked with his manager who has a "secret" list of other cars he is not privy to. This leaves us hanging around for 10 minutes (must be a long list). Not surprising, no 1.4 petrols to be had. He then looks over my Superb, compliments me on its condition and takes it for a short test run (with me as passenger) to "check the gearbox is OK". The test consisted of putting the car in sixth gear at 20 mph! WTF! This is MY car he is abusing. After another lengthy spell at his desk (with him disappearing regularly) my wife points out that, no, we are not ready to order, we need to do a long test drive of at least 2 hours. Sharp intake of breadth from the salesman - "we don't normally do that, after all someone from the dealership has to accompany you as it is illegal for you to drive on your own with trade plates". Really? Just about every demo I have driven in the past 20 years I have been given the keys and told to enjoy the drive! A test drive has been arranged but I'm expecting it to be in an R line diesel 4WD with DSG so quite what that will tell me about the Tiguan I'm interested in, who knows? I'm very tempted to stick it into top gear at 20 mph...... (pause for breadth)... then onto the Skoda dealer. They were expecting me as the meeting had been arranged and this was a far more pleasant experience. Although the purpose of the meeting was allegedly for "an account review as required by Skoda 'cos you are on PCP finance" we all know it was an opportunity for changing my car early. I sat in an Octavia SEL (very nice and more plush than the Tiguan) and a 2 hour test drive has been arranged, no problem. The salesman will do his utmost to get a car closely matching the model I'm interested in (SEL petrol, manual). He did lose some points for insisting the current 1.4 150 PS Octavia has cylinder deactivation, until he checked with someone. (pause for another breadth).... then onto Seat after a much needed break for lunch. Walk into showroom, ignored by all staff. Spot an Ateca in the far corner so go and have a look. After a few minutes sales guy comes over asks if he can help - I explain that we are just finishing looking at the car and will be done in a couple of minutes. His reply? "Well I might be busy with another customer then". Anyway, we tracked him down (not difficult, apart from one other couple the place was deserted) and I explained the situation. He had a brief look on his system but again no petrol models in sight in the specification I want. I then asked him when it was likely the Ateca will get the new 1.5 TSI engine and his reply? "Seat don't tell us anything, they keep us in the dark, probably won't know until the day before". Ho hum. He then asks me why I'm interested in an SUV as I currently have an estate, then recommends I buy a VW Passat! I explained that no, I'm interested specifically in the Ateca and could I arrange a 2 hour test drive? Apparently this is unheard of but he will see what he can do. He scribbled my name and phone number on a scrap of paper and explained that as two sales persons had left he probably wouldn't be able to ring me so as an afterthought took my email address as well. Not holding out much hope of a follow up communication from him. Now, maybe this is how it has always been and because I really love my Superb and feel it is too soon to consider parting with it I am finding fault with car sales people. Previously I have yearned for a particular car, in fact set my heart on it and no amount of gap insurance spiel or complete indifference would dampen my enthusiasm. As it is, my wife and left came home from the experience last Saturday relieved it was over!

My wife has an Audi A3 with the 1.4 TSFI COD engine and it is very impressive. There is no shortage of power plus it is very smooth and quiet. The cylinder on demand is very good - when I'm in the driver's seat I can easily exceed 50 mpg on a decent run and the switch between 4 and 2 cylinders is imperceptible to me. I have also test driven a SEAT Ateca (a heavier vehicle) with this engine a couple of times and at no times did I feel it was underpowered. I currently drive a 2L diesel Superb and have decided that my next VW group car will have this engine, albeit with will be the 1.5 TSI version, as stated in an earlier post.