How much worse is the handling of an Octy Elegance compared to a VRS ? Is it only noticeable when on the limit or does the Elegance feel like a ship at most speeds ?

Not driven a VRs, but can confirm that the Elegance does not feel like any maritime vessel. Grip and handling are fine and predictable on the optional sports suspension with 17" wheels. I don't go to the limit of the car on public roads but do not hang around either.

Edited 8 November, 201015 yr by gregoir

Not driven a VRs, but can confirm that the Elegance does not feel like any maritime vessel. Grip and handling are fine and predictable on the optional sports suspension with 17" wheels. I don't go to the limit of the car on public roads but do not hang around either.

How much worse is the handling of Elegance with 16" wheels and standard suspension though ?

I have an Elegance with 16 inch wheels and the handling is great. Maybe not as good as a 3 series BMW I owned previously but it is still very good and entertaining to drive quickly. Not having driven a vRS I cannot comment on how it compares. I would suggest though that the ride is more comfortable (the tyres not as low profile will absorb more) and I would suspect it is quieter as the vRS will be made as lightweight as possible for speed. Horses for courses as they say.

I have an Elegance with 16 inch wheels and the handling is great. Maybe not as good as a 3 series BMW I owned previously but it is still very good and entertaining to drive quickly. Not having driven a vRS I cannot comment on how it compares. I would suggest though that the ride is more comfortable (the tyres not as low profile will absorb more) and I would suspect it is quieter as the vRS will be made as lightweight as possible for speed. Horses for courses as they say.

I drove a diesel VRS (Pre-FL on 17's) today, I did find the ride a bit jittery. Is this where BMW's rule with their balance of handling and ride, if only they weren't so god damn expensive!

I have an L&K on standard suspension, and I think the handling is wallowy with poor feedback compared to my previous 3 cars (BMW, RX-8, MX-5). I wish I had managed to find a VRS, as I would expect the handling to be better.

Take both for a proper drive.

The Octy vRS is the best handling large hatchback Ive ever driven.

Very predictable on the limit.

Massive grip and very little body roll.

Even better on Eibachs or Coilovers.

I havent driven an Elegance but it might compare to mine at the moment (Fitted 16" Winter wheels and tyres)

That is ...Still good grip but quieter and less sharp

I have the elegance 1.6cr with the 16" rims and I`am suprised how the handling is when pushed over the limit.

Ok their is body roll but never onced showed the ESP light, even when trying to do soo.

Is the VRS suspension the same as the option sports suspension on the non VRS?

Is it possible to upgrade the suspension to sports suspension on an existing car? That might help the handling on mine...

Is it possible to upgrade the suspension to sports suspension on an existing car? That might help the handling on mine...

Would be, but you'd need to compare the cost of OEM sports suspension to aftermarket.

Quite a few people comment on the OEM sports being a bit harsh, but eibach are always hard to beat IMHO.

Just to add my input on the whole handling thing.... Having owned an MKV R32, Focus ST (Lowered on eibach) I moved to my 2.0TDI

elegance and can't say I really found it too bad in the handling department and more than acceptable for the type of car.

That was last summer with 60K on the clock, now however it is quite bad, but it is onto 101k now on the originals.

I keep planning to replace the suspension as the shockers are more than past their best and the rear springs now sit at different heights. :-(

Just difficult trying to get garage time as the car is always in use..... Tempted to put on a half decent set of coilovers, but have to say I'm a little

concerned about the ride quality on them. I'm pretty sure Brimma fitted a set of V-Maxx coilover earlier in the year, so I'm sure he could help

out here......

Edited 9 November, 201015 yr by swil00

Here in Portugal we have a Sportline version of the Octavia, it has sport suspension, 17" wheels, 3 spoke steering wheel ( no controls) and sport seats.

I remember that the sport suspension could be ordered at a cost of nearly 170 € for the Elegance version.

So it must just be the springs that are diferent.

Edited 9 November, 201015 yr by alberg

I drove a diesel VRS (Pre-FL on 17's) today, I did find the ride a bit jittery. Is this where BMW's rule with their balance of handling and ride, if only they weren't so god damn expensive!

Haha i agree! I have one of those roadhawk camera things fitted to my Vrs and previously in my BMW 728i. I was watching some footage the other night and it shows a plot of Z axis movement -- the car moving up and down. The BMW along the same road at the same speed is a smooth green line, and it handles pretty well for a boat. The Vrs was just small sharp ridges on the green line. Very "busy" ride compared to the BM.

Well, The handling on my octy 2009 estate is great. VRS os Sportstyle is even better, but to uncomfortable for average roads in my country (at least for my SWMBO ).

Is the VRS suspension the same as the option sports suspension on the non VRS?

No it isn't. I have the 17" and sports suspension and whilst it's firmer than standard, it's not really that sporty tbh. It does ride with more compliance than the vRS though... If I were spending my money, I would go from standard to vRS style rather than the optional sports suspension.

Dont forget the FL vRS has XDS too now...Electronic Limited Slip Diff...so not comparable to other models...on the limit

Well, The handling on my octy 2009 estate is great. VRS os Sportstyle is even better, but to uncomfortable for average roads in my country (at least for my SWMBO ).

Which country r u in ?