Hi guys, its decision time for me and as ever I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

I have a Mk II vrs Octy estate CR170 manual that I need to trade in now (sadly cannot wait until new vrs estate I'm afraid, although I'm looking forward to a slighly more comfortable ride on perhaps 17" wheels!) The problem is, there seems to be universal opinion in the press that it's, we'll, a bit dull to drive compared to other cars from VAG on the MQB platform and a bit jittery a low speeds etc. As I am a keen driver, what do you think is the best option right now? I was thinking about the 4wd as it has the multi link rear suspension rather than the torsion beam setup that everyone seems to be a bit unhappy about. Or should I consider a different option? Everything else about the new Octy seems to be a major improvement. Such a shame they couldn't offer multi link rear suspension as an option or something!

I've gone from an octy2 CR170 vRS to the Octy3 with no disappointment at all, arrange yourself a long test drive in a 2WD Octy and see for yourself if it meets your needs

I am an incurable petrol head, I had two yet drives in the 2.0 diesel Octavia before I ordered it. The second drive was over an hour long on challenging driving roads I know very well. I have no problem at all with the torsion beam suspension, it's fine in a car that does not pretend to be a sports car. If you want something sharper and don't need the room that an Octavia has the latest Golf GTi is probably the best hatchback out there for keen drivers. If you are doing high mileage and need a diesel try the Golf GTD or BMW 120d.

4wd adds weight, will be slower and drink more fuel. Not keen on it myself but great in the winter of course.

When does the multi link get fitted then? I thought it was standard on the higher powered (over 150 BHP) models?

I'm a big fan of the haldex awd system so I disagree with the comments above. The new system is very light and therefore offers minimal cost in terms of additional fuel used and the system isn't just of benefit in the winter. It allows you to put the power down when needed no matter what the surface or environmental conditions. If you're a keen driver I'd say you should seriously consider the 4x4 option. They are without doubt more planted and feel more stable at high speeds. I've had a few Skoda awd models and a fwd mk 2 VRS. I wouldn't touch another VRS, due mainly to its inability to put the power down in anything but warm, dry road conditions. The mk1 turbo 4x4 and the Yeti are MASSIVELY better in these respects. In fact, mine has no issue with 330bhp whatsoever. If the system is good enough for the S3 and Golf R it's good enough for my family car.

When does the multi link get fitted then? I thought it was standard on the higher powered (over 150 BHP) models?

And on the 4x4 Models, irrelevant of power output.

I'm a big fan of the haldex awd system so I disagree with the comments above. The new system is very light and therefore offers minimal cost in terms of additional fuel used and the system isn't just of benefit in the winter. It allows you to put the power down when needed no matter what the surface or environmental conditions. If you're a keen driver I'd say you should seriously consider the 4x4 option. They are without doubt more planted and feel more stable at high speeds. I've had a few Skoda awd models and a fwd mk 2 VRS. I wouldn't touch another VRS, due mainly to its inability to put the power down in anything but warm, dry road conditions. The mk1 turbo 4x4 and the Yeti are MASSIVELY better in these respects. In fact, mine has no issue with 330bhp whatsoever. If the system is good enough for the S3 and Golf R it's good enough for my family car.

Totally agree, my old MkI 4x4 was on paper about 2secs slower than the vRS but in damp or wet conditions it blew my mates vRS away at the lights while he sat there wheel spinning!

Edited 18 May, 201313 yr by Matt Pez

Front wheel drive, is useless in any car that pretends to be a performance car - although the latest Golf GTI with the trick diff might be an improvement. I agree therefore that if you've got any more than 200 bhp, four wheel drive is better than front wheel drive. Personally I prefer rear wheel drive in anything remotely sporty.

Thanks guys - some great comments, really appreciated. A LONG test drive is needed for sure. The new model looks amazing IMHO. Stokey, love the combo of Race Blue and cream leather, I know its a personal thing but I may well consider it - also 1.4 could be a contender for me , especially with the long term running costs of diesels now (DPF, Dual mass flywheels etc). I cover 20k a year, mixture of all roads including motorways and London commuting - diesel or highly efficient petrol. Still not sure. I do sometimes carry heavy loads, as the car is used for work too.

Yeti Man and Matt Pez thanks for 4WD comments - will check it out. BTW, local dealer loaned me a 1.2 Yeti when my vrs was in for service. Absolutely unbelievable performance! My wife wants one.

And thanks Timoctav, fellow Petrolhead! Really encouraging comments about torsion beam setup. Things have clearly moved on.

I cover 20k a year, mixture of all roads including motorways and London commuting - diesel or highly efficient petrol. Still not sure. I do sometimes carry heavy loads, as the car is used for work too.

l cover a very similar mileage to you, about 22k per year and was very tempted with the 1.4 TSi as would prob not cost any more to run than the Berb but in the end, the possibility of another 10-15mpg with the 2.0TDi swung me back to the devils fuel, as every 10 mpg equates to about £60 per month for me so over 48 months, thats getting on for somewhere between £3k min, poss £5k fuel saving, so the £2k extra outlay for the diesel motor seemed a no brainer for me, have also opted for the 80k warranty though! :think:

It does add up to a diesel really I guess. Warranty is essential of course. How good is extended Skoda warranty vs warranty wise etc? Extra in gear punch of a good diesel is great, although the new TSI petrol are very quiet and smooth.

It does add up to a diesel really I guess. Warranty is essential of course. How good is extended Skoda warranty vs warranty wise etc? Extra in gear punch of a good diesel is great, although the new TSI petrol are very quiet and smooth.

For £255 you get, as far as I am led to believe, the same level of cover as 3yr warranty including full skoda assist breakdown cover, so seems pretty good value to me. The Berb had a turbo problem a few weeks ago and it would have been £460 bill if not covered by lease/warranty so not taking any chances as opting out of company car this time.

Same for me. My car is financed by car allowance having previously had a company car before current vrs - Audi A4 some 3 years ago now - a bit boring and corporate, not to mention expensive. Octy ticks every box possible, just need to find some good handling/ride/smile on my face compromise having driven a fantastic vrs for the last 3 years! This time round though the wife and kids need to feel comfortable and not travel sick (as they did in the vrs - great drivers car, not necessarily a great car for fellow passengers, especially on 18" wheels!)

Will absolutely take out extended warranty on whatever I go for. Skodas are good but high mileage and London driving takes its toll on any car.