Oh well onward and upward. Since Skoda decided to cease production of the Roomster model I ordered a few weeks ago I found myself back to the drawing board.

I seriously considered and indeed wanted a Fabia vRS, However when I have tested them previously I found the 'box in drive to be too clinical/ sterile/ uninvolving . In sport (imo) it held some ratios too long and others not long enough, and in flappy paddle mode the software still wanted to change gear from the one I had selected.

After reading all the reports of serious oil consumption, piston wear and engine failure, fatal hesitation and coupled with the many reports of mechatronic failure around the 'net, the fact that I would struggle to fit all four dogs in the boot (even in the estate with all the seats down) was just the final nail in the vRS' coffin.

So back to the Octy, did consider another vRS, but tbh I never got on with either the mk1 or the mk2, very capable and fast cars (especially the mk2) but they never quite floated my boat like the fabia vRS (mk1) certainly not enough to justify the increased insurance premium and running costs (I think I averaged 23 mpg in the mk2) I only do about 2 miles a day and swmbo 8 (and that is if I don't cycle or use shanks' pony) so a diesel is out, but I need reliability and comfort (and at least a nod to economy) because when I do go away it is usually for 3~4000 miles at a time. So I also wanted a modicum of power to enjoy the ride, though anything is an improvement over a 1.2 HTP

Anyway seen as the Dealers already had my deposit (from the Roomster) it wasn't too painful an experience to ring them up and place another order, this time (all being well) I should be getting a shiny new Octavia estate.

1.4 tsi elegance

MFSW + Maxidot

Auto dimming rear view mirror, rain sensor and light asisstant (coming home, tunnel light)

Curtain Airbags

ESC + a shot load of other acronyms

MDI

Spare wheel

Sunset Glass

5yr warranty

Candy White

Agonised over the colour for a long time, quite fancied the storm blue with silver rails or the Rosso, but (imo) they are both a bit like the black, in that they look crap if they aren't kept immaculately clean (ie washed every day )

So now just got to pop into the dealer over the weekend to sign an order form and sort out the finance, hopefully I will get a quick build.

And this one is going to be keeper, a long term prospect, I will not care what the new mk 3 fabia vRS looks or goes like, I will not yearn after another roadster or coupe (well not if I want to retain both *******s )

And this one is going to be keeper, a long term prospect, I will not care what the new mk 3 fabia vRS looks or goes like, I will not yearn after another roadster or coupe (well not if I want to retain both *******s )

So, that's the wife talking then

Good luck

Sounds like a sweeet car! Fingers crossed for a quick build...

Building w/c 18/04 so 6 to 7 weeks for delivery