Dutch AutoWeek magazine will be running a comparative review of four VAG TDI130 models: A6, Sharan, Ibiza and Octavia Combi. Will let you know which one won...

The tough question to answer, however, will be - why?

Octavia, as it's the cheapest...

Or the A6 because the journo is a badge snob...

Or the Sharan because it's got 7 seats...

Or the Ibiza because it "has the best styling"...

Rob.

Sounds a little unfair as the cars are just SO different! apart from the engine output obviously. You wouldn't see Top Gear pitting an MPV,estate,saloon & small hatchback against each other, would they?

Maybe that's just me being a stick-in-the-mud. I prefer different brands of similar cars being pitted against each other. I guess as its a VAG thing they can't really do that?

Yeah, it's pretty senseless, isn't it?

"Now what's the best car to go with this engine?"

What a page filler...

Its pretty clear what will win each category isn't it?

Handling around a course - Ibiza

Family room / space - Sharan

Luxury - gizmo's - A6

Best Value - Octy

Originally posted by devonutopia in this post

Handling around a course - Ibiza

Dunno, thought the Octy was just as good if not better...

Rob.

Golf TDi 130 is pretty neat too ....

I heard the Octavia had a stiffer chassis than the Golf, which made it handle better...

But then, I hear lots of things...

Rob.

Originally posted by robmawer in this post

But then, I hear lots of things...

Rob.

I'm surprised you can hear anything, with that avatar thumping away all the time

Originally posted by KLB in this post

I'm surprised you can hear anything, with that avatar thumping away all the time

I hear lots of things, but they usually comprise modulated ringing noises...

Rob.

Originally posted by Dutch4x4 in this post

Dutch AutoWeek magazine will be running a comparative review of four VAG TDI130 models: A6, Sharan, Ibiza and Octavia Combi. Will let you know which one won...

The tough question to answer, however, will be - why?

The Skoda wins!!

Hands down, on all accounts!

The cars:

1. Skoda Octavia

2. VW Sharan

3. Audi A6 Pro Line Multitronic

4. Seat Ibiza

Weight / 0-100 kph / top speed

Ibiza    1193 kg / 9.3 sec. / 207 kph
A6       1495 kg / 9.5 sec. / 200 kph
Octavia  1285 kg / 9.8 sec. / 207 kph
Sharan   1583 kg /11.6 sec. / 188 kph 

50-80 kph in 3rd/4th / 80-120 kph in 4th, 5th, 6th

A6        4.1/  x / 7.7/   x/   x (it's a Multitronic!)
Octavia   4.3/6.9 / 7.2/ 8.5/11.5 
Ibiza     4.4/6.1 / 7.4/ 9.6/12.6
Sharan    5.3/7.6 / 8.8/10.6/12.9 

tested avg fuel consumption (km per liter) / Km on a single tank

Octavia   16.7 / 919 km
Ibiza     16.4 / 738 km
Sharan    13.6 / 952 km 
A6        13.0 / 910 km

(km per liter to mpg > divide through 0.365)

So the Skud is fastest when it matters (thanks to better gearing?) and has the best mpg!

But the question remains... Why?

Because it's fastest and has the best mpg.

LOL. But that would be the same if you put the Octy up against a Robin Reliant... but why would you do that?

Because it doesn't have the same engine.

Oh, you're right, they're bloody useless, these tests.

However, it does show how Skoda engineers have managed to do a very good job.

Originally posted by Dutch4x4 in this post

However, it does show how Skoda engineers have managed to do a very good job.

You're preaching to the converted, I'm sure!

Rob.