Hi

Very happy Octavia vrs (diesel) driver here, looking to change up to the new FL version. I wonder if I could ask those who have already done so what differences they noticed? With bigger wheels, is the ride noticeably bumpier? Louder? Grippier? And does the new CR diesel make the engine noticeably quieter? Anything else that might be a deal-maker or deal-breaker?

I've had a browse through the forum but not being that familiar with the terms, I couldn't see if anyone had addressed this question. I'm pretty sure I'll be changing to the FL anyway, but it's hard to find one to test drive around here, and my wife is concerned that the super ride she's got used to might change for the worse.

Thanks for any comments

Neil

You do need to try one if you possibly can. I have an April 09 vRS estate, which came halfway through Skoda's rather piecemeal approach to facelifts (it has the CR engine and the new dashboard, but not the cosmetics and not the slightly lowered suspension that I read was part of the facelift. I'm glad about that last, as the ride (on 18" wheels) is a little too firm for me - my only criticism of another wise excellent car.

If you can run to the extra, you can get the same CR 170 engine in the Superb.

If you already have 18" wheels, there may notg be much difference between your Octavia and a new one.

Hi

Very happy Octavia vrs (diesel) driver here, looking to change up to the new FL version. I wonder if I could ask those who have already done so what differences they noticed? With bigger wheels, is the ride noticeably bumpier? Louder? Grippier? Smooth and not crashy like my Honda Civic was And does the new CR diesel make the engine noticeably quieter? Very much quieter and no smoke at all!! Anything else that might be a deal-maker or deal-breaker? The radio is brilliant and I really like the DRL'sI've had a browse through the forum but not being that familiar with the terms, I couldn't see if anyone had addressed this question. I'm pretty sure I'll be changing to the FL anyway, but it's hard to find one to test drive around here, and my wife is concerned that the super ride she's got used to might change for the worse.

Thanks for any comments

Neil

Simples...Get one.. You wont regret it..The DSG is even better!!!

Edited 10 May, 201016 yr by ChrisRs

I take it you have the 17" alloys on your VRS. I have just ordered a FL CR VRS estate and currently own a PD VRS hatch. My one has 18" wheels on it so the same as the FL version. I test drove a DSG estate (although ordered a manual estate). The ride was certainly no worse on the FL (if anything a little quieter and smoother). Not sure on the difference in power delivery as not sure how the DSG gear box affects things. It was certainly more progressive compared to the PD. When accelerating hard it gave a continued shove instead of the bit lump you get with the PD. Looking forward to my new car arriving to try it out for real in the manual.

Had a manual vrs pd, swmbo has a petrol face lift vRS and I've taken delivery of the CR vRS facelift with DSG. 1000 times better than the PD, so much more refined. I agree with all the comments with the differences, Out of the three I prefer the continuous shove of the CR/DSG combination, though currently affecting fuel consumption (high thirties). I'll grow up or novelty will wear off

my wife is concerned that the super ride she's got used to might change for the worse.

Neil

What??

Is she getting rid of you as well

Well worth making the change IMHO.

Lots of detail improvements, plus the big change with the engine.

Can't comment on the Diesels, but I feel certain that the FL petrol is noisier than the pre-FL version. Not so much the engine, more general road roar. I suspect some sound deadening has been removed.

Can't comment on the Diesels, but I feel certain that the FL petrol is noisier than the pre-FL version. Not so much the engine, more general road roar. I suspect some sound deadening has been removed.

After having both, the engine is definitely quieter and I am pretty sure that the road/wind noise is less.

They have changed the door mirrors and the door seals, so maybe it is just the wind noise that is reduced.

The fl petrol now does not have bonnet insulation , the cheapskates!

Later pre-FL petrols didn't have under-bonnet insulation either.

You guys! Thanks for the super-fast responses... I'm used to forums where days pass before someone spots there's been a new post!

So, it's easy then - the FL ride (on a diesel at least) is smoother and quieter, but possibly firmer. Works for me. Not so sure about the DSG, though - I had a few looks at other threads, where it's clear that DSG is the work of the devil / the best thing since sliced bread, it's boring / thrilling and it's essential / unused. Hmm, I'll do some more reading, but thanks again for the replies - think I'm going to like it here

Edited 13 May, 201016 yr by HighVis

Had a manual vrs pd, swmbo has a petrol face lift vRS and I've taken delivery of the CR vRS facelift with DSG. 1000 times better than the PD, so much more refined. I agree with all the comments with the differences, Out of the three I prefer the continuous shove of the CR/DSG combination, though currently affecting fuel consumption (high thirties). I'll grow up or novelty will wear off

I can vouch for how well the CR/DSG goes and the ride was very good in a sporty way. Thanks for the Test flight B33fy

So, it's easy then - the FL ride (on a diesel at least) is smoother and quieter, but possibly firmer.

I pretty sure there are no suspension changes for the FL vRS so any variations in ride are probably down to tyres and/or tyre pressures.

As for road noise, I suspect that if the car (particularly the estate) doesn't have the optional full size spare, then noise will permeate through to the cabin from the spare wheel well. I imagine that having a spare tyre in contact with the floor pan probably absorbs quite a bit of noise / resonance, so that's another reason for ordering a full size spare for the FL

I've got a FL estate with spare wheel and its definately noiser than my pre fl hatch. Not sure what effect the wheel has on it. I've put in some second skin damplifier + some of the noise killer kit. Its cut down the exhaust boom and some road noise. Waiting for some sound deadening to turn up to put in the wheel arch (second skin luxury liner pro).

Regarding the suspension I think they have changed it as my new FL feels firmer and better planted than my pre fl hatch.

If you drive the hatch with the back seats down or the parcel shelf out, it is definitely noiser. I would therefore expect the estate to be noiser than the hatch.

I've got a FL estate with spare wheel and its definately noiser than my pre fl hatch. Not sure what effect the wheel has on it. I've put in some second skin damplifier + some of the noise killer kit. Its cut down the exhaust boom and some road noise. Waiting for some sound deadening to turn up to put in the wheel arch (second skin luxury liner pro).

Regarding the suspension I think they have changed it as my new FL feels firmer and better planted than my pre fl hatch.

I think additional sound deadening is the way to go & I'll be getting some for my new one. Wonder if the quieter CR engine means you here more road and other noises in the car?

Was you pre FL hatch on 17" or 18" wheels?

Regarding the suspension I think they have changed it as my new FL feels firmer and better planted than my pre fl hatch.

Could that be down to changing a car with 3 year old suspension with a brand new car?

If you drive the hatch with the back seats down or the parcel shelf out, it is definitely noiser. I would therefore expect the estate to be noiser than the hatch.

Yep, the estate is like that. Was surprised Skoda hadn't improved sound deadening on the estate to compenstate for the noise.

I think additional sound deadening is the way to go & I'll be getting some for my new one. Wonder if the quieter CR engine means you here more road and other noises in the car?

Was you pre FL hatch on 17" or 18" wheels?

My pre fl was on 18". Think I agree that the quieter engine does mean you notice more noises. Such as the noise of cars passing. The car is reasonably quiet other than the noise from the tyres. Some stretches of road the car is really quiet (few and far between with naff roads round my way). I've read some reviews of the Audi A3 sportback and a number of people have complained about the road noise. So perhaps its just something to do with the stretch golf platform?

Could that be down to changing a car with 3 year old suspension with a brand new car?

Don't think so. The FL to me definatly feels firmer to pre fl. Both in feel and handling, it feels more confident in the corners. My pre fl had 40k on it, I'd hope the suspension wouldn't be that worn. The dealer also said the suspension had been tweaked. I suspose one way to check would be to check against the Skoda parts database?

Hmm, having looked at latest VAG parts ETKA can't see any obvious suspension changes between pre- and post-FL vRS's....

Just had a quick look myself and can't see nowt (not checked all the parts, so far) Hmm. Wonder if having a diesel lump affects it. Or if something wasn't quite right with the old one. Either way, it definately feels better than my old one.

And you get the touch screen Bolero rather than just the Stream in the FL. Much better and it comes with an SD slot. DSG is a marmite thing and very personal. You have to drive one to know if it's for you, and I strongly suggest you drive one in a variety of styles - steady away, aggressive, normal, on hills, stop start traffic etc.

CR wise as opposed to the PD, it's a lot quieter and smoother but also more linear so you can drive it in a more petrol like fashion and hang onto the revs more. It doesn't feel as punchy as the PD as the power delivery is not as 'instant' when the boost comes in and you feel like you need to rev it more to make it go. Again a marmite thing and not for old school diesel purists who like the feeling of that sudden shove.