Hi All,

I’m still in the process of deciding which new car to buy. At present I drive an old Omega, which is quite roomy. Main contender is the Octavia but looking at the specs, one of the measurements mentioned is ‘Elbow Room 1415mm’

I’ll take a run down to the dealers this weekend with my tape measure, but anyone any idea what that means? Window to window, Door facia to door facia.

Many thanks, RoystonB

I think it's "elbow room across the front just above the arm rests", but there's not really a specific definition.

Also, if the budget will stand it, I think the Superb would have been more of a rival for the Omega.

As someone who has just changed from an '02 Omega to a '56 Octavia estate, I can report that I find the Octy noticeably narrower. Her indoors has a habit of removing her seatbelt as we turn the last corner near home, and always bumps elbows with me as I grapple with the manual gears. The other things I miss are the rear-seat 'lighter' socket and the cubby holes and decent armrests. Why does the Octy have so many drink holders and such small door pockets?

The passengers all seem happy with the size of the car. One daughter in law complained twice that the seats were wet. They weren't. Why do Skoda use a fabric that feels wet when cold? I don't find my seat as comfy or adjustable as the Omega.

We sat in umpteen different makes and models before choosing the Octy. Apart from the Nissan Note, it was the smallest car I could find that had enough space and headroom front and rear for our needs without going to a much older Merc or BMW. So many cars have poor headroom in the back, or sides that slope in so my head touched the headlining.

The diesel Octy is giving about twice the mpg of the auto petrol Omega. I considered a Superb, but tax, insurance etc. ruled it out.

Overall, I'm happy with the change in spite of the above niggles.

One daughter in law complained twice that the seats were wet. They weren't. Why do Skoda use a fabric that feels wet when cold?

Bizarre

Many thanks for your replies. Unfortunately budget dictates, and with the Superb some 5k more it will most probably be the Octavia.

Thanks again, RoystonB