2 years of ownership - Octavia 1.6 FSI Elegance Estate impressions

Just got PM'd by a member asking for some details on how good/bad/indifferent I'd found our car as he was looking to buy similar. Thought I'd share my reply here to help any other prospective purchasers:

REPLY:

Car is great, only issues we have had we a bit of trim rattle which the dealership almost eliminated under warranty (car was <3 yrs with only 8k miles when we got it) and a bit of a buzz from the engine which I have yet to figure out but clearly nothing serious as it drives ok.

Handling-wise it is one of the best planted and grippy cars I have ever driven! (my other car is a Jag XKR so that is fair praise), and proves to be suitable fun down the B-roads on my way to work. Grip is excellent and even more so when fitted with winter tyres (although they do lead to a slightly spongy ride). The engine is willing for such a large/heavy car and provides decent acceleration from rest, the only thing I would say is that there's not much left for acceleration at motorway speeds, but it will cruise happily at 70+!

MPG wise, I get about 32+ when hooning around or motorway cruising but regularly see 41-42 mpg on a more relaxed run (it is VERY economical at 50mph) and my wife gets in the 40+ on a regular basis too.

The boot is huge, with un-intrusive wheelarches (unlike so many of its competitors) and happily fits our double buggy and all our paraphernalia for our twin girls.

Interior-wise, ours had cream leather, which creates a nice light interior but obviously requires more work to keep clean, although it seems to be surviving the rigors of being the family hack very well. The maxidot display is an excellent addition which keeps up up-to-date with all the relevant trip info and car status (and stops you driving off with the boot or doors not fully shut!), as are the heated seats which are always welcome on cold winter mornings. The only thing I would say it is missing is a heated front screen, but not sure if this can be specified/changed? All-in-all it is a great and surprisingly economical car and unless you do >20k miles a year I'd go for the petrol vs the diesel. Only other one to consider is the vRS if you're after a bit more performance (I wasn't allowed one as the missus says I already have one expensive car...!

Edited 7 November, 201213 yr by MarkSk0da