Well I'm starting a new job next week, and I'm thinking of opting out of the company car scheme, taking my allowance, and getting an Octavia. I'm struggling to find anything else nearly new that doesn't have a diesel engine, can carry 3 kids and 2 dogs in comfort, is good for 40mpg average, and is comfy to drive for a 20stone guy! I'm open to ideas if anyone has any!

So looking around there are ex-demo 1.8TSI Elegances kicking around for about £13k, which look ideal, nearly new car with a couple of k on the clock for a massive discount on list.

However, some are TSI, some TFSI. So what are the differences?

I'm trying to get as late a model as possible, although my budget won't stretch to a facelift. Ideally I want an Elegance in storm blue with the sports suspension and pegasus wheels, and maxidot.

How about this one,low miles,in your price range and low miles.

2007/57 Skoda Octavia 1.8 tfsi Laurin + Klement Estate on eBay (end time 04-Sep-09 17:38:19 BST)

Any reason for not wanting a derv?

TSI engines have a supercharger and turbocharger whilst the TFSI engine has jut a turbo.TSI means Turbo,Supercharged Injection,TFSI,Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection.

Any reason for not wanting a derv?

Yes, lots! The PD140 isn't the most reliable lump (DMFs, turbos, porous heads etc), and the ones I've driven have barely averaged 40mpg. I hate the noise, the peaky all-or-nothing power delivery, more expensive to buy in the first place, getting dirty hands when filling up, vibrations through the clutch pedal and gear lever, poor throttle response, a narrow power band, slightly worse handling and steering feel - enough reasons? :P

If the 2.0 CR140 was available in the Octy I would consider it though, but I've had a Fabia vRS and Passat PD130, and don't really want another PD.

Also, I had a 2.0TFSI vRS before, and with a remap the 1.8TFSI is actually quicker (circa 220bhp and diesel like torque), which is nice.

What to 1.8TFSI/TSI owners average in real mpg terms...?

Parkers says:

TFSI TSI

7.9s 7.6s

160bhp 157bhp

250Nm 250Nm

139mph 138bhp

38mpg 40mpg

176g/km 163g/km

Band I tax Band G tax

Any idea what the differences are mechanically? Do both engines have cambelts/chains?

How about this one,low miles,in your price range and low miles.

2007/57 Skoda Octavia 1.8 tfsi Laurin + Klement Estate on eBay (end time 04-Sep-09 17:38:19 BST)

Looks good that, but not sure the extra spec of the L&K is worth going for a model over a year older than the Elegances I've seen floating around

TSI engines have a supercharger and turbocharger whilst the TFSI engine has jut a turbo.TSI means Turbo,Supercharged Injection,TFSI,Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection.

Not sure thats actually true Don't think any of the 1.8s are twin-charged, infact I don't think any Skodas are

I thought you got rid of the last one because it used too much juice .......this one won't be a lot different as regards MPG

Skoda TSi's are turbocharged only.

VWs 1.4 TSi Golfs are either turbocharged only (122PS) or supercharged and turbocharged, also known as twincharger. (160PS)

The 1.4 TSi Golf in twincharger form (GT model) is roughly equivalent in power/torque to Skoda's turbocharged only 1.8 TSi.

The Golf 1.4 TSi turbocharger only is the same as the Octys 1.4TSi.

Not sure thats actually true Don't think any of the 1.8s are twin-charged, infact I don't think any Skodas are

Yes the 1.2 Yeti is ........ the Octavia has the TFSI and FSI engines.

I thought you got rid of the last one because it used too much juice .......this one won't be a lot different as regards MPG

I beg to differ, I'm assured a realistic 38-40mpg. The TSI has moved on and is quite a bit different to the TFSI in the vRS Besides, as of 14th September, my salary will be nearly double what I'm on now

Yes the 1.2 Yeti is ........ the Octavia has the TFSI and FSI engines.

The new 1.2 TSi unit (Yeti, new Polo etc.) is turbo only and produces 104bhp.

Petrol Octavias (except vRS) are all turbocharged only TSi's in either 1.4 or 1.8 capacity whereas petrol vRS's are turbo FSi's. (TFSI ).

Ok as of the begining of this year or late last I can't remmember, VAG designated all Turbo charged AND turbo/super charge petrol engines TSI.

Only the 1.4 is twin charged. So in Tom's instance it doesn't matter. The difference between the two units, I believe is that the FL 1.8TSI is a different engine code running different software and a slightly different top end head build using the new valve lift technology to get the emissions down a notch.

Also the FL TSI doesn't have a cambelt. Not sure on the pre FL version though.

Thanks Auroan! I'll get the dealer to look on the parts system tomorrow to see if its belt or chain.

I've found THIS car at Bedford, I've been offered a good deal and I'm happy with the figures. If I like how it drives it should be mine Nice to have the sports suspension, pegasus alloys and maxidot

At least the dealers can rest easy that there isn't any chance of you trying to get a scrappage allowance Tom, it's 12 months not 12 weeks ownership

Tom, Just double checked... ALL 1.8TSI are chain

I've just tapped the reg into the DVLA site, and its been registered as a TSI, but then quotes emissions of 176g/km, so I'm assuming it must be a TFSI.

At least the dealers can rest easy that there isn't any chance of you trying to get a scrappage allowance Tom, it's 12 months not 12 weeks ownership

Ho hum! :P

I've just tapped the reg into the DVLA site, and its been registered as a TSI, but then quotes emissions of 176g/km, so I'm assuming it must be a TFSI.

Yup the new L&K I looking at getting is only 163.

Yup the new L&K I looking at getting is only 163.

It was only registered in April, so the new TSi engine must be seriously new then!! Doubt there's much hope of finding an ex-demo with the newest engine, and I can't stretch to over £17k for a new one :(

£346 a month on PCP (£1500 down)

Why are you opting out?

What are they offering as a company car and what's the financial alternative?

You need to do your sums very carefully to see if it will leave you better off.

Oh , and if you drive a 1.8T octavia even reasonably briskly I'd be amazed if you get near 40mpg

Just wait a while until a suitable later TSi becomes available Tom? Not like you absolutely need it right away?

Steve

Well its sooner rather than later, or I'm going to have to stump up for a clutch on the 306, I'm having to drive so carefully to stop it slipping :(

The figures so far are £1000 p/x for the 306 (which would be the whole deposit ) and £228/month on PCP over 42 months, VERY tempting indeed!!

Well its sooner rather than later, or I'm going to have to stump up for a clutch on the 306, I'm having to drive so carefully to stop it slipping :(

The figures so far are £1000 p/x for the 306 (which would be the whole deposit ) and £228/month on PCP over 42 months, VERY tempting indeed!!

What annual mileage is that , and what's the excess charge?

I saw some very tempting looking deals that turned out to be shockingly expensive once you actually used the car.