I'm looking to replace my old Octavia with a new one (Estate). But since the last purchase i now tow a small trailer on camping holidays (with bikes to be added next year). I'm not sure which Octavia to replace it with ?

Will the 1.4 TSI tow ok or would i need the 1.8 tsi in the petrol ? or would the 1.6 CR Deisel be better ? Any suggestions ?

I would be tempted to go with the 1.6TDi CR

diesel every time you will only loose 20% fuel consumption but nearer 50% with petrol

the diesel has better pulling power

diesel every time, torque is king when it comes to towing

And again, Diesel is the answer to towing, the torque makes it easy.......put a small trailer on the back of a diesel octy and you will have keep checking to make sure it's still there

In general diesel is better. However in your case, a small trailer, it will not make much difference. If it is not braked, the towing limit is 600/650 kg depending on engine and any Octy will easily handle that.

It is good practice to check your trailer's weight on a weighbridge if you think you might be close to the limit - you may get close when you add a few bikes next year!

If there is a chance that you may upgrade to a trailer tent or a caravan in the lifetime of your new car then go for the diesel. I would pick the 1.6CR - it will be able to tow up to 1300 kg safely.

If you find you get stuck on wet grass and you can aford it go for the Scout and then you could upgrade to a caravan in the future ? Mine sticks to the road like glue with the caravan on the back. Cheers - Stuart.

I tow a Bailey Ranger caravan with my 2.0TDI, fuel consumption averages 28 - 30 mpg.

Not as torquey as my previous Audi 1.9 although sixth gear is still usable.

Diesel diesel diesel and the higher the cc the easier and nicer it will be to drive.

Simples:)

D

Definitely not 1.4 - too under powered

Those advocating diesels are correct in saying the higher torque is better for towing but if the OP is only ever going to tow a small trailer and a couple of bikes then the 1.4TSI should be more than adequate if the load is within that specified.

According to the July 2009 brochure the difference in the unbraked towing limit between the smallest petrol and the biggest diesel is only 50Kg i.e. 600Kg for the 1.4 16V (and the 1.4TSI) and 650 Kg for the 2.0 TDI CR and the 2.0 TFSI.

The 400 Kg difference in the braked towing limit (i.e. 1200 Kg for the 1.4 TSI and 1600 for the 2.0 TDDI CR/2.0 TFSI) is more significant but if the OP isn't ever going to tow a caravan I wouldn't let towing a small trailer dictate which engine to go for.

The OP may not, by next buyer may try

the 1.4TSI should be more than adequate if the load is within that specified. .. I wouldn't let towing a small trailer dictate which engine to go for.

Yeah, I wouldn't be remotely bothered by such a trailer.

The 1.4TSI gets a lot of undeserved stick for its capacity. 200Nm from 1500rpm would be better numbers to judge it by.

Yeah, I wouldn't be remotely bothered by such a trailer.

The 1.4TSI gets a lot of undeserved stick for its capacity. 200Nm from 1500rpm would be better numbers to judge it by.

I think you're right. When friends have asked me what is the capacity of the engine they seem quite surprised when I tell them it's 1.4l and usually remark that it doesn't seem enough for the size of the car. When I point out it does have a turbocharger I get the impression that they don't really appreciate the difference that it makes.

I've only had it for a week now and the performance appears to be as good if not better than my previous 1.8l Passat although I have been treating it gently until it's run in.

At an average of just over 40mpg for Urban driving on a 5 mile journey to work the fuel consumption is about 7 - 10 mpg better than the Passat if the on MaxiDot display/on board computer is to be believed (although I have to admit I'm being quite light footed with it).