Hi all

Thinking of taking advantage of 20% reduction and 0% finance and I have various questions that I hope members here can answer.

1. I cannot decide between 1.8 TSI DSG or 2.0CR 140 DSG.

I've driven diesels for the past 15 years and have heard scare stories regarding the VW based DPF's. I drive approx 12,000 miles per year consisting of 10 miles per journey (20) total back and forth to work through built up areas. A blast of approx 25 miles each way to the in laws on the A50 Derbyshire each weekend (50) total and another 25 miles total to garden centres etc at weekend. Holidays to the Isle of Wight twice a year (4 journeys) along fast A roads and motorway. So far I've not had a problem in my present car (Renault Laguna 2.0 150hp with DPF) and it has done 15,000 miles with no fault. Will the Octavia be ok or should I go back to petrol especially with the purchase price difference and the fuel price difference? I love the pulling power of diesel and the economy although I presume petrol has improved in the past 15 years? I'm thinking of DSG as I'm starting to have left foot problems that make depressing the clutch painful.

2. One reason I bought the Laguna originally was for the excellent seat support and the built in Carminat Tom Tom which includes full 7 figure post code search and quarterly updates for a relatively nominal charge. I need post code searches as it can be difficult to find industrial units etc on an industrial estate for work purposes when there are no house numbers to enter. This sat nav has been faultless. Will the Columbus feature 7 digit post code search and regular (affordable) updates? What's the latest map I should expect and how long is the lead time from ordering to delivery at the moment?

3. Does the 20% VAT reduction include options as well?

Thanks

Jonno

Edited 21 January, 201214 yr by Jonno

The 20% vat reduction will apply to all options specified at the time of purchase. If the Columbus unit is the latest revision then it should have 7 digit postcodes but you must ask the question of the dealer at the time as it means having the latest firmware and Version 7 maps. Firmware updates you won't get through the dealer network and mapping updates are a matter of buying the latest CD from your dealer or other outlet (legal of course!! )

Ian

The issue of diesel v petrol is well documented on this site. If you do the miles, fine. If not, probably petrol is your best option but like many have said, drive both, do the sums and decide. I've had two derv Octy's that have had dpf trouble - they've needed the exhaust pressure sensor replacing in each case - again, do a search for the info.

I have diesel VRS that I use for decent journeys rather than short town shopping trips. I use my small petrol VW for town trips and have to confess that I actually avoid using the VRS for such town trips as I fear DPF problems. Also, at this time of year, the 2.0CR diesel takes a long time to warm up.

While I love my diesel VRS and have had no DPF issues,(DSG is fantastic by the way), I have to be honest and say that it would not be my choice of only car if short trips were my main bread and butter. I'd go for petrol under these circumstances.

Good luck.

Edited 15 January, 201214 yr by kevberlin

The 1.8 turbo petrol pulls more like a diesel than naturally aspirated petrol engines. The main difference to the diesels being the pull starts around 3000 rpm and carries on all the way to the limiter around 6000 as opposed to most diesels that pull from say 2500 to 4000 and then run out of puff. For me this means fewer gear changes as 3rd will take you from 30mph to 70 and then slot it straight into 6th. For the sort of day to day driving you say you'd be doing I'd expect around 35mpg, not driving particularly gently. For your holiday trips I'd expect around 40-42.

The 6 speed DSG box on the CR140 diesel has wet clutches and will require an oil change every 40000 miles at approx £140

The 7 speed DSG has dry clutches and no oil change needed for the clutches

I gone from a VRS CR170 DSG giving about 48mpg to a Superb 1.8TSi DSG7 and 36 to 38mpg. However I am doing slightly more town work now

I took delivery of an L&K, 2.0 diesel last March, was also worried about the DPF, as I work as a private hire taxi in South London, with most of my work in around town, a with a lot of stops/starts, with the occasional run down the M23/M25. However, 30000 miles later and no DPF issues whatsoever.

lovely car, what with all the kit and that, but personally I wouldn't bother with the Columbus, save yourself some money and just get yourself a decent top end TomTom satnav.

Be warned though, that the L&K rides on 17" wheels which I am afraid to say are susceptible to the sawtoothing/uneven wear issues that affected the VRS. Most of the dealers round here dont want to know .......

I went petrol and have no regrets. Outstanding car for the cash imho

I love the 1.8TSI engine. It pulls strongly from around 2000 rpm and can be very economical if driven carefully. I've had 46.8mpg on my display after a twenty mile run to the Dartford crossing on A roads.

If you like the pull of a diesel I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this engine.

Make sure you take it on on the A50. The concrete sections kick-up quite alot of noise and as I regularly travel along this in my L&K it's a pain and I can see a realighnment beign required.

Almost eveything else is great though. The 1.8 TSI engine is solid, although slightly lacking in aural fireworks. The Kit, build and VFM are very good. The Electric drivers seat has lots of adjustment and good support. It is slightly on the hard side though.

I couldn't swallow the 1.2K for the satnav though. I bought a Widescreen Garmin that fits in the top dashboard flip-up cubby hole. Some people have wired a power lead to here to cater for longer frequent use. I may get round to doing this if my use increases.

Simon

Thanks to all who replied and all advice gratefully received. I think I will opt for the 1.8TSI DSG. As for tyre noise (and yes the concrete section of the A50 IS noisy) I don't think it will be any noisier than the Laguna as it's fitted with Michelin "Eco" tyres which are very hard as the tread has hardly worn in 15,000 miles. You have to shout to your passenger for them to hear you...

It would appear petrol has come on in leaps and bounds so I'll have to eat my words of "never petrol again"

Right, all I've got to do is find an L&K DSG 1.8TSI to test drive in the Notts/Derby area...

From the accounts of sawtoothing, perhaps I'd better take it here Nottingham Alignment Services once I've bought it to have it done accurately and start as I mean to go on.

Cheers

Jonno

Don't find mine noisy, and no saw toothing so far

Can get 50mpg on the display on a run if I'm careful

Can get 50mpg on the display on a run if I'm careful

How on earth do you do that? I've never seen more than 43 on mine and that was reasonably steady 60-70 dual carriageway/motorway with a tailwind...

Hi all

After lurking for umpteen years on these forums and thanks to the invaluable advice given on the forum and a couple of test drives I've ordered the above car in Black with the following options:

3 Spoke multi function steering wheel with paddles

MDI

Front parking sensors

Columbus Sat Nav

Alcantara instead of full leather seats

Space saver spare wheel

Accessories for free namely rear mudflaps and bootmat.

Full tank of petrol

In theory delivery should be in April.

Cheers all

Jonno

Hi all

After lurking for umpteen years on these forums and thanks to the invaluable advice given on the forum and a couple of test drives I've ordered the above car in Black with the following options:

3 Spoke multi function steering wheel with paddles

MDI

Front parking sensors

Columbus Sat Nav

Alcantara instead of full leather seats

Space saver spare wheel

Accessories for free namely rear mudflaps and bootmat.

Full tank of petrol

In theory delivery should be in April.

Cheers all

Jonno

Jonno,

Sounds good, I too went for the front sensors and the Alcantara. Didn't bother with MDI as a 16GB SD card holds a lot of music for a few pounds. If you are buying accessories consider a sound deadening pad for the bonnet. The petrols no longer get this for free and it finishes it off nicely and keeps the engine compartment warm in winter. Was only £20'ish pounds from a dealer.

Simon

I'd definitely agree with the bonnet mat, deadens the noise a bit more and that insulation helps the engine warm up slightly quicker. Worth every penny.

Hi all

Thinking of taking advantage of 20% reduction and 0% finance and I have various questions that I hope members here can answer.

3. Does the 20% VAT reduction include options as well?

Thanks

Jonno

Just so it doesn't come as a shock to you when settling your account to take account of the "VAT reduction",

the discount on the RRP is only 16.66% . All reductions are calculated on the RRP and not on the road price.

This applies to both the vehicle and all accessories specified with the original order.

Going north on m1 from jnt 8 or 9, upto jnt 24, first third of that trip is 50 due to road words, rest I do at 60ish, but unto 70 if I need to overtake. Not using cruise and following the gear selector, mostly in 6th. Both ends of my journey terminate within 5 miles of the motorway, which helps, and it's display figures not brim to brim. Using shell regular fuel. Car usually loaded with wife and two kids plus buggy and stuff.

I have a L & K and travel to work on the A50 every day.

Changing from the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas to Michelin Primacy HP tyres helped a lot with the A50 - the Bridgestones were much noisier on the concrete. The TSI is so quiet the most noticeable noise is always the tyre noise.

You won't regret going for the TSi - I had a similar dilemma but the Diesel price difference would take a fair bit getting back - I only do 13,000 miles a year so it wouldn't break even. Watch the oil on the TSI - likes a drink.

Only dilemma now would be what to get next when the PCP runs out next Jan - the new Octavia might not be out!

I have a L & K and travel to work on the A50 every day.

Changing from the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas to Michelin Primacy HP tyres helped a lot with the A50 - the Bridgestones were much noisier on the concrete. The TSI is so quiet the most noticeable noise is always the tyre noise.

You won't regret going for the TSi - I had a similar dilemma but the Diesel price difference would take a fair bit getting back - I only do 13,000 miles a year so it wouldn't break even. Watch the oil on the TSI - likes a drink.

Only dilemma now would be what to get next when the PCP runs out next Jan - the new Octavia might not be out!

Thanks for the advice krob2. I suppose it's a bit of a lottery which tyres will be on the car when delivered. I know I suffered truly AWFUL tyre noise from a Mazda 6 with Bridgestone tyres. (That was before I got something else as 3 blown turbos in 9 months was taking the biscuit even though it was all covered under warranty). I suspect something else was up with the engine to make the turbo blow but as we all know nowadays "techs" just replace without finding the root cause as "The computer says there's nothing wrong..." I've driven turbo cars for 15 years with that only issue so I know all about cooling at idle after a run etc.

There are some horror stories about Dunlop Sportmaxx tyres on this forum so I will just wait and see.

Cheers

Jonno

Hi JUNNO thinking of getting a 1.8 l&k like yourself live in stoke area where did you find a demo to drive and where did you find the best deal,thanks

Hi JUNNO thinking of getting a 1.8 l&k like yourself live in stoke area where did you find a demo to drive and where did you find the best deal,thanks

Hi Dasling

I went to Rainworth Skoda near Mansfield, Notts as out of 5 dealers I contacted in my area they were the only one to ring me back when I wanted to arrange a test drive

It was slightly complicated as I wanted to test drive an L&K due to the standard electric drivers seat. They did not have a L&K 1.8 TSI in stock to test drive. In the end they provided 2 to drive, the first one was an L&K TDI 140 which happened to have DSG. I found the seat really comfortable and the DSG was a bonus. I then drove an Elegance estate 1.8TSI manual, so I ended up ordering the best of both worlds a 1.8TSI DSG L&K.

Cheers

Jonno

I've got my SLI number and entered it at trackmyskoda and the provisional build is week 21. I ordered the car towards the end of January. Does this seem a reasonable timescale?

Cheers all

Jonno

Ding dong, sounds cool. My one regret was not speccing dsg. No worries always next time!

Well

My provisional build date is all over the place according to the TrackmySkoda site:

Week 21, Week 17 , Week 27 :think: , Week 33 :wonder:

It's getting worse rather than better. Has anyone any ideas why this would be? The dealer originally indicated an April delivery when I ordered in late January.

Cheers

Jonno