The time has come to opt out of the company car scheme; having done the maths it'll save me a little bit of money, and more importantly get me a Skoda again after a year and a bit in the misery-pit that is the Toyota Avensis.

I'm a bit stuck trying to choose though and would appreciate any comments. I've narrowed it down to:

Skoda Yeti Elegance CR170 (probably no options needed)

Skoda Octavia VRS CR170 DSG estate (with heated seats, parking sensors, maxidot)

In favour of the Yeti it has four wheel drive and a bit more ground clearance (I visit the odd building site and the Avensis has needed a few sump repairs!) and is a bit smaller and thus will be more manageable in London.

In favour of the Octy it's auto (again nice in London), presumably handles a touch better, looks to have more supportive seats and has a bigger boot. Also it's available in a nicer blue and (as I understand it) that lovely anthracite grey.

Once insurance is figured in they cost pretty much the same amount on a personal contract doodad.

I'm seeing if I can arrange test drives of both this weekend - I need to choose one or t'other (or settle for the company option) by Tuesday.

Ta in advance.

The time has come to opt out of the company car scheme; having done the maths it'll save me a little bit of money, and more importantly get me a Skoda again after a year and a bit in the misery-pit that is the Toyota Avensis.

I'm a bit stuck trying to choose though and would appreciate any comments. I've narrowed it down to:

Skoda Yeti Elegance CR170 (probably no options needed)

Skoda Octavia VRS CR170 DSG estate (with heated seats, parking sensors, maxidot)

In favour of the Yeti it has four wheel drive and a bit more ground clearance (I visit the odd building site and the Avensis has needed a few sump repairs!) and is a bit smaller and thus will be more manageable in London.

In favour of the Octy it's auto (again nice in London), presumably handles a touch better, looks to have more supportive seats and has a bigger boot. Also it's available in a nicer blue and (as I understand it) that lovely anthracite grey.

Once insurance is figured in they cost pretty much the same amount on a personal contract doodad.

I'm seeing if I can arrange test drives of both this weekend - I need to choose one or t'other (or settle for the company option) by Tuesday.

Ta in advance.

Octavia Scout: With current VAT fee offer. Far better value than Yeti IMHO

Hmmm IMHO Yeti is a very nice car but vRS got a soul and character

If they are giving away cars with special offers it is because sales are down. Cheap to buy, cheap to sell. Just decide what you want in a car. make a list of the important functions and desires, then see what fits best for you! It does not matter what we think, it is what you need, that counts. For me it would be the Yeti but I have reasons for choosing this type of vehicle. Mainly for its off road capability. It does have excellent handling on road however and in 170 CR form will be quite quick also. It is a brand new design and comes wit a lot of kit. If you need a large boot get the Octavia Estate but from what your saying the 4x4 or scout versions are what you should be considering. Good luck with your decision making.

If I got the VRS I'd just avoid parking on building sites!

The Scout is an interesting idea but I think I'd like the extra power of the 170. I'll certainly consider it though.

Hmmm IMHO Yeti is a very nice car but vRS got a soul and character

hmm,the exact reason i got rid of mine,no character or soul or any happy times at all oh and it was dog slow!!!!!

The plot has thickened - work have come back with a better option for the company car. It's now a Passat R-line estate.

So not as nice as either Skoda, but no hassle. Hmm.

What about a Scout?

I tried both (no Scout available).

Much preferred the Yeti - comfier seats and better ride (though the Octy certainly wasn't bad).

Just need to try the Passat tomorrow (which is the company car option) and then decide.

hmm,the exact reason i got rid of mine,no character or soul or any happy times at all oh and it was dog slow!!!!!

a vRS with soul... it's been manufactured by VAG to fill a marketing requirement

a vRS with soul... it's been manufactured by VAG to fill a marketing requirement

you got to go old school to find a car with soul these days

Let us know how you get on with the Passat Sporky

To be honest I'm not sure I'll bother - both VW dealerships were dreadful for customer service. I'd hate to think how bad they'll be if I've already handed over the money (figuratively speaking).

It was ok inside. Cheaper materials than the Yeti and much lower spec though.