Took the plunge and bought a K & N filter I found on ebay for my vRS CR170 - £37.65 delivered. Won auction 29th July 1.31am - delivered 30th July - fitted by 9.00pm. Have to wait and see if I notice the difference now

K&N High Flow Air Filter SKODA OCTAVIA 1.9 2.0D 04-07 on eBay (end time 04-Aug-09 20:40:27 BST)

Let me know if you do!

It may be psychological, I don't know, but it seems quicker and in the short term more economical.

I suppose for £37.65 if it only gives you a psychological boost it's not the end of the world.

It's the first time I've tried a performance filter, so I've only got the standard item to compare it to.

There are other threads which mention Pipercross as an alternative to K & N.