hi all,

working up to a long overdue return to the VAG fold with an Octavia.

i want the 2.0L TDI hatch, and the DSG gearbox - money'll just about stretch to this in Ambiente trim with a few toys.

anyone like to comment on a few options, to see if they're worth it?

* dual zone aircon. not fussed about the dual zone bit, but do like the "set and forget" type operation my alfa's got at the moment. is the standard aircon the sort where you can just set a temp and the car sorts out distribution etc, or is the dual zone worth the money?

* 17" wheels and sports suspension: worth it? i'm an enthusiastic driver and like big rims (!), the missus isn't. we live on a short stretch of cobbled street. is she going to moan?

* curtain airbags - tempted as i'll have the nipper in the back. are they full length, and are they any good?

* multifunction steering wheel - do you get the small leather pack with this?

* what's microdot?

* stereo upgrade - worth the money (not fussed about an autochanger or mp3 - just sound quality) or better to upgrade the speakers myself? i've already got an infinity basslink sub from the old car

* any other toys that are worth the cash? it's either leather or DSG so the hide gets the boot unfortunately....!

cheers!

ric

*

I went for 2.0 DSG, leather, TPM, Multi func steering wheel with Maxi dot (this is a full dot matrix display between spedo & rev counter), light assist, front P/k sensor and curtain airbags as I've also got a nipper.

Admittedly the TPM is probably a bit gadgety but if it helps highlight problems with the tyres then what the heck. I decided the curtain airbag was worth the money for the added saftey, plus it'll be standard on all cars in the next couple of years so will help re-sell. I'd recommend it. didn't go for the ESP , but this might be one for you to consider.

I wanted the upgraded stereo for the MP3 but the missus drew the line there. The speakers are not part of the stero upgrade, they are seperate but only abailable if you also buy the stereo :confused:

I decided against the low profile wheels & sports suspension as I found it noticably noiser than a normal set-up. The 17" alloys do look better but I would rather have a smooth, quite ride. My dealership mentioned that their mechanics were not convinced the upgrade was worth it, just an opinion though. Many cars are optimised for their standard setup and sports packs can often detract from the handling of the car (I'll probably get shot down in flames for that one )

I too debated the Sports Pack, like the look of the 17" Alloys. The things that turned me away from it was the runner steel spare wheel, where as with standard alloys you get another same size alloy as a spare, the additional cost of 17" Tyres as I'll do approx 30K a year, plus I found the suspension and road noise harsh with the sports pack.

I was initially going for it as when I test drove the standard VW Passat compared with the Sport Passat it was a very soft ride and very little feedback.

I love the sound system & speakers especially with the multifunction wheel, but at the RRP cost you could get some serious after market stuff, but it isn't all integrated and delivered together.

Didn't go for the Curtain Airbags or ESP despite having two yougsters (3 + 5) as I don't plan on Crashing, he says hopefully.

The biggest safety feature I am still debating is Pentagon Glass, the stuff that stops the windows being smashed either during an accident or by a potential thief. Had it on my Accord with fully blacked out windows, which is now illegal on the front sides, but was great for reducing the heat in the car and glare especially with a full leather interior.

Glad I went for the rear sun blind excellent piece of kit and great value, keeps the sun off well.

Hi there - welcome back to the fold! Can't answer all your questions, but you might find these helpful.....

dual zone aircon. not fussed about the dual zone bit, but do like the "set and forget" type operation my alfa's got at the moment. is the standard aircon the sort where you can just set a temp and the car sorts out distribution etc, or is the dual zone worth the money?

If you want it to sort out distribution and fan speeds, you'll need the dual zone. I think the standard one will do some temperature compensation, but fan speeds and where the air goes are manual.

multifunction steering wheel - do you get the small leather pack with this?

On the Ambiente, you get the small leather pack and maxidot with this IIRC.

what's microdot?

See the thumbnail below (edited because I couldn't work out what was going to happen until I posted!)

Maxidot is the display between the speedo and the revcounter.

any other toys that are worth the cash? it's either leather or DSG so the hide gets the boot unfortunately....!

I had the same dilemma - went the same way as you!!

I went for 2.0 DSG, leather, TPM, Multi func steering wheel with Maxi dot (this is a full dot matrix display between spedo & rev counter), light assist, front P/k sensor and curtain airbags as I've also got a nipper.

what does the maxidot do, then? does it give graphical warnings about stuff like oil pressure, ice on road etc, track playing on CD etc? presumably if you don't have it these warnings are displayed elsewhere....is it worth 90 quid or so?

hi all' date='

working up to a long overdue return to the VAG fold with an Octavia.

i want the 2.0L TDI hatch, and the DSG gearbox - money'll just about stretch to this in Ambiente trim with a few toys.

anyone like to comment on a few options, to see if they're worth it?

* 17" wheels and sports suspension: worth it? i'm an enthusiastic driver and like big rims (!),

Would Say go for the17" with the sports suspension

[img']http://www.briskoda.net/gallery/data/500/4600Dcp01091-med.jpg[/img]

If you're at all concerned about ride quality, stay clear of the sport suspension. My Elegance spec Octy has atrocious ride quality on what you'd think were good surfaces. The handling is perfectly good with standard suspension, best handling non-sportscar i've driven.

The handling is perfectly good with standard suspension, best handling non-sportscar i've driven.

My 1.9 TDI Elagance with standard wheels and suspension hold the road as if the car is on rails.

Handling is the best of any car I have driven.

what does the maxidot do, then? does it give graphical warnings about stuff like oil pressure, ice on road etc, track playing on CD etc? presumably if you don't have it these warnings are displayed elsewhere....is it worth 90 quid or so?

The standard display shows simple lit icons. The maxi dot gives graphical representations but also displays all the trip information at once. Also shows things like doors being open etc and I believe repeats some of the stero info.