The first week!

Well, it was last Friday that my days with the VX220 came to an end and I picked up my Octavia vRS from the dealer.

I've always had a soft spot for the vRS, ever since reading about the car in evo and a subsequent test-drive in a black fully loaded demonstrator. At the time I was looking to replace my Racing Puma and eventually settled for a VX220. Just didn't need the vRS's boot and rear seats!!

Anyway, priorities change and the need for a 5-door hatchback became greater. We narrowed the choice down to 8 cars - Mondeo Ghia X, Saab 9-3, Focus ST170, Accord Type-R, Leon Cupra R, Impreza, Evo and Octavia vRS. For various reasons, it came down to a choice between the Cupra and vRS.

The vRS won the day because of a better deal, superb customer service and I actually prefer the vRS.

A week later and we've completed nearly 1k miles in the car. A trip to the West Country last weekend and a business trip to Norwich on Tuesday have certainly given me time to get used to the car.

I have to say that we've been delighted with her. The engine revs freely and the 1.8T unit seems sooo much nicer in the vRS than it does in the A3s and Golfs that I've driven. Handling is ok for a car of the size, although I feel some work needs to be done on the suspension once the warranty expires. The ride is excellent and she seems happy to cruise around quietly one moment and then equally happy to tearaway the next! In terms of the toys, the climate control seems excellent, although I'd like to invest in the cruise control upgrade offered through this site.

All in all, we're more than happy with the car and indeed the package. Westover Skoda couldn't have been more helpful and they really made the whole experience a pleasure. Something we're not used to having lived with fast Vauxhalls and Fords for the past few years. My brand loyalty is already extremely high and I feel quite liberated driving around in a Skoda. I love the anti-establishment feel to it. I'm also amazed at the attention she gets - I expected her to quietly go about her business unnoticed!

For

I'm glad you are enjoying it! It must feel really different to drive than a vx220.

My dealer experience has been brilliant so far, makes a big difference.

1000miles in 1 week :eek:, dont make the suspension too stiff if you mod it

I'd also recommend swapping out the sound system in it straight away if it's the standard spec stuff

Doing a few hundred miles more than me, for motorways the Octy is sure a good purchase & it has loads and loads of boot space.

As for the handling - not driven a vRS Octy but I drove the 1.9PD in Classic trim, which was a little 'loose', compared the the Fabia 1.9 PD100 and my Furby vRS.

It does have a much better braking system as standard so hopefully a little suspension tweaking will sort out that problem

Sounds like you made a good choice and kudos to that dealer, job well done

I'd also recommend swapping out the sound system in it straight away if it's the standard spec stuff

Oh yes!

Actually picked up an Alpine brochure today. Looking at a Sat Nav, DVD system.

Nice