Thats a fair point I guess but I wouldn't want to put it to the test either way though if you're not loading it up above the load cover the space available is the same in the hatch and the rear passengers get a free shower when it rains.... As I've confessed I'm paranoid and prefer the hatch because it's cheaper ( I'm tight too) and the boot is more secure if you have anything you want to keep away from tea leafs, like my golf bats and yes I'm paranoid about them too.

 

1.8 TSi Estate. Drove a Polo 1.2TSi last weekend, scary overtaking, and that engine can not reasonably pull the Octavia, except downhill.

 

There are several different 1.2 TSI's, apparently. 

The 1.2 Tsi is 105 bhp, ie the same as my old 1.9 tdi. We have it in a yeti and also in a golf. Both are very capable replacements for the 2.0pd octavia and 1.9 tdi audi a3 we had previously. You need to look beyond the 1.2 designation. I was very sceptical before I drove it. Go have a test drive in one. I also had a rapid courtesy car last week. Very reminiscent of my mk2 octavia. The dashboard plastic wasn't soft to touch but I don't spend much time fondling my dashboard ;-)

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There are several different 1.2 TSI's, apparently. 

 

This was 90PS (66kw). Maybe the 105PS feels a little livelier. Still think Octy needs a 1.4 at least and even better a 1.8Tsi. A lot of weight to pull.

Edited 18 September, 201312 yr by CEPi

I had the use of a 1.2TSi Octavia for a few weeks while the vRS was in for warranty work - it was so bad that I gave it to the wife to use.

 

Estate/Hatch? We were looking for an estate as we have two Labradors but on checking the two out, we ordered a hatch as it's big enough for what we need and still enough room for the dogs. My personal view is that the vRS looks a lot better in hatch form than the estate - but the normal spec Octavia's are arguably better in estate - the normal hatch looks a bit frumpy and old man.

 

Try both, and try both engines as well to see which you prefer. Unfortunately I'm firmly in the big engine/lots of power camp with regards to cars. The wife has a Citroen C1 and even she didn't like the 1.2 Octavia though. 

I had the use of a 1.2TSi Octavia for a few weeks while the vRS was in for warranty work - it was so bad that I gave it to the wife to use.

 

Estate/Hatch? We were looking for an estate as we have two Labradors but on checking the two out, we ordered a hatch as it's big enough for what we need and still enough room for the dogs. My personal view is that the vRS looks a lot better in hatch form than the estate - but the normal spec Octavia's are arguably better in estate - the normal hatch looks a bit frumpy and old man.

 

Try both, and try both engines as well to see which you prefer. Unfortunately I'm firmly in the big engine/lots of power camp with regards to cars. The wife has a Citroen C1 and even she didn't like the 1.2 Octavia though. 

 

 

I have to agree with you on those points.......Like my big engines and prefer the look of the vRS....the non vRS format is a little un-exciting if I'm honest......Missus was 50 / 50 at first but love it now. The vec C sri seats she hated but loves the seats in the vRS.....also she was never a fan of the spoiler, and i know many people like it and i have to say i was ok with it but wanted something sporty looking and mean looking but without tail.....but again if its economy your after then go for a 1.2 or 1.4 engine....

Thanks everyone, once again! I think I agree with others that in normal, non-VRS trim, the estate is arguably slightly better-looking,

Another question: would I get a bike in the back of an estate? With or without one wheel removed?

Or do I have to buy a Berlingo... 

Thanks!

Steve

Thanks everyone, once again! I think I agree with others that in normal, non-VRS trim, the estate is arguably slightly better-looking,

Another question: would I get a bike in the back of an estate? With or without one wheel removed?

Or do I have to buy a Berlingo... 

Thanks!

Steve

 

you'll not fit a bike and the kid's buggy in there at the same time, but yeah a bike can fit in with the seats down definitely

Because of the power outputs possible with modern engines, and efficient turbo charging, it's far less important about the out and out capacity of the engine.

 

Taking about needing a 'big engined' car these days, especially in the Octavia class, doesn't really mean the same as it once did.

 

Ruling a car out purely on engine size would seem foolish to me, without properly road testing it first, in real world conditions.

The company I work for bought four 1.2TSI hatchbacks recently (past 2 years) and 2 of the 1.4TSI hatchbacks. I have one of the 1.2's and so does my colleague in wales. I love mine, my mate says his is under powered. I have a boot full of kit including four sealed lead acid battery packs as im a mobile service engineer fixing x-ray systems in hospitals. I have a wife and 2 kids and can still have a full boot and everyone in and with careful driving can get 50MPG! 

 

My colleagues with the 1.4TSI's also love them too 

 

I was wondering what the difference between the estate and hatchback was (hatchback actually is a bigger boot according to our tech director lol) and must admit it suits my needs. done 60k since October 2011 with no issues apart from a broken HT lead which Skoda assist fixed and a re map of the turbo which he also did by the roadside too

 

i guess its down to price...

The majority of those complaining about the 1.2 TSi are vRS drivers so it's hardly a suprise they aren't impressed.

 

There are still people out there that see a 1.2 litre engine as only being suitable for a small city car.

 

They are wrong, engine capacities are shinking with power outputs increasing.

 

The 1.2 TSi isn't going to worry many cars off the lights but it is more than capable in the Octavia, it has the same power output as the 1.6 TDi CR105.

 

My advice would be to take one out for a drive and see for yourself.

I was wondering what the difference between the estate and hatchback was (hatchback actually is a bigger boot according to our tech director lol)

 

He's mistaken. The hatch and estate have exactly the same boot floor plan, so are the same size at the bottom. Obviously you gain volume in the estate above the level of the load cover. 

The majority of those complaining about the 1.2 TSi are vRS drivers so it's hardly a suprise they aren't impressed.

 

There are still people out there that see a 1.2 litre engine as only being suitable for a small city car.

 

They are wrong, engine capacities are shinking with power outputs increasing.

 

The 1.2 TSi isn't going to worry many cars off the lights but it is more than capable in the Octavia, it has the same power output as the 1.6 TDi CR105.

 

My advice would be to take one out for a drive and see for yourself.

 

It's not about complaining, its just an opinion. Your correct in the fact that engines have vastly improved over the years. Even I am in shock that a 1.2 today has the same output as something 15 years ago which was a 2ltr.....but then i prefer a larger more gruntier engine...

My dad has the 1.4TSI hatch and tows a (fairly light) 4-berth caravan with it - he's impressed with the fuel economy too.  So enough grunt and good on fuel - it's the one I'd go for.  As for hatch vs estate, that's pretty much down to taste as others have said on here.

1.4 not 1.2, Estate not Saloon... that is all    

What is this Octavia saloon people keep talking about?

 

I've seen the hatch and estate, but no saloon...

It's when people mistake the hatch for a saloon....

 

No, I don't know how that happens either.

Had the 1.4TSI hatch and it was fine for filling up with the buggys, and all the other stuff you have to pack for the kids. Had great fuel economy - got 45-48mpg on normal low distance running, with 50+ possible on longer runs, though not necessarily fully loaded. I would have had the estate out of preference as I do think it looks nicer, but we have a Scout as well and I have to say that it was rare that we would be forced to take the Scout due to needing extra boot space.

 

1.8TSI engine is a marvel, but it is significantly more thirsty than the 1.4TSI, and if you aren't that fussed about giving it the welly, then it could well be overkill for your needs.

Thanks again, everyone! Some hugely useful feedback on here.

Confession: I am also looking at the Fabia Estate.

Pros: reckon it's a big enough boot to cope with a small family's needs, universally good reviews (like the Octavia, only even perhaps more so), quite like the idea of a smaller car and all the increased manoeuvrability and better fuel economy that it entails.

Cons: not actually that much cheaper than a used Octavia. Fewer creature comforts, I imagine. And I am never sure about the Fabia Estate's individual looks!

Ideal world, it's an Octavia 1.4TSI SE estate for me, I think, but there don't seem to be that many petrol Octavia estates on the used market. So Fabia worth a look too...?

Thanks again, everyone! Some hugely useful feedback on here.

Confession: I am also looking at the Fabia Estate.

Pros: reckon it's a big enough boot to cope with a small family's needs, universally good reviews (like the Octavia, only even perhaps more so), quite like the idea of a smaller car and all the increased manoeuvrability and better fuel economy that it entails.

Cons: not actually that much cheaper than a used Octavia. Fewer creature comforts, I imagine. And I am never sure about the Fabia Estate's individual looks!

Ideal world, it's an Octavia 1.4TSI SE estate for me, I think, but there don't seem to be that many petrol Octavia estates on the used market. So Fabia worth a look too...?

I own both. Our fabia is used purely for commuting to work. I have an estate so as it could stand in for the Octavia if required, but in reality it very rarely does.

I wouldn't consider the fabia estate big enough as our primary car. It does have a big boot, but it's very small in the rear seats compared to the Octavia. It is much less refined and noticeably cheaper inside compared to the Octavia.

I'm sure there are plenty of people who get by very well in a fabia estate, but after a spell of driving my fabia for a week, it always strikes me when I drive the octavia again, how much nicer it is in terms of comfort, refinement and quality.

Ah, an owner of both!

That couldn't be more useful, thanks booke23...

Yep, do a back-to-back comparison and I think I know which you'll pick

 

The Fabia's a good car, but it serves a different purpose, and is aimed differently in the market too.

Thanks everyone, once again! I think I agree with others that in normal, non-VRS trim, the estate is arguably slightly better-looking,

Another question: would I get a bike in the back of an estate? With or without one wheel removed?

Or do I have to buy a Berlingo... 

Thanks!

Steve

 

You can get at least 3 full sized mountain bikes in the back of the hatch if you take the front wheels off as well (although there is only enough room to seat 2 when the back seats are down).

 

Yep, do a back-to-back comparison and I think I know which you'll pick

 

The Fabia's a good car, but it serves a different purpose, and is aimed differently in the market too.

 

I was amazed at the difference between the Octavia & Fabia. I borrowed a job Fabia a while back and if I'm honest, couldn't wait to get back and throw the keys at someone else. The work Octavia's, despite being the base spec diesels are a much more pleasant experience to be in & drive.