The forum relating too "Oil Consumption"/ Engine Issues ,has been the most helpul,useful and supportive in the last 18 mth.

 

But was related to Fabia vRS.

 

So thanks Briskoda members,thats what the Forum is all about.

 

Oh! And a bit of FUN!

Happy Christmas Day!

The VRS badge has limited time left, the Fabia VRS is already due to be retired with the Monte Carlo taking over, looks but no sporting pretensions. Same will happen to the Octy in due course. Lets face it expensive to buy, expensive to run sports versions are attracting less and less appeal these days.

The VRS badge has limited time left, the Fabia VRS is already due to be retired with the Monte Carlo taking over, looks but no sporting pretensions. Same will happen to the Octy in due course. Lets face it expensive to buy, expensive to run sports versions are attracting less and less appeal these days.

The fabia is cause engine is rubbish

There won't be a mk3 Fabia VRS because it's not been selling enough to justify it, unlike the Octavia. I don't think they'll be going anywhere for quite a while.

The mkII fabia vRS was destined to fail from the start. They took all the best bits of the mkI vRS and threw them away, crackers!

I honestly just do not understand why people seem to think that the vrs is some kind of unsprung, bone jarring, tyre roaring backbreaker. Have ye all got neigh spines?

The VRS badge has limited time left, the Fabia VRS is already due to be retired with the Monte Carlo taking over, looks but no sporting pretensions. Same will happen to the Octy in due course. Lets face it expensive to buy, expensive to run sports versions are attracting less and less appeal these days.

not while people continue to buy it. Each model needs a premier model and for the Octy its the vRS. Get rid of the vRS and many of its current owners would then have little choice than to go elsewhere when they come to change because they don't want a 'cooking' model even if it is very good.

It's the one that comes with a better spec as standard

Haha Dr zoidberg I can see your point! However I'm not sure I would say the elegance is specced "better" more like "differently" for me. Yes the elegance has colour maxi and nav/cruise but the vRS counters by having Xenons, led rear lights, 18" wheels, sports suspension etc. Horses for courses really. Both great cars I'm sure tho! :-)

U should have just bought a Vrs. That's where it's all happening

Going from a MK2 Blackline estate DSG to a 2.0 TDi Elegance estate manual.

Like my vRS but performance wise its never 100% sold me, wanted a manual car again as dont rate DSG with the diesel engine and also find the ride with the sports suspension uncomfortable. That last issue for me makes it a compromised family car.

With the O3 Elegance spec is very nice, as is the manual gearbox. The combination of the revised 2.0 engine and low kerb weight makes for a car thats easily as quick if not quicker than the MK2 vRS CR and on normal suspension its very refined and still handles quite well. I also like the fact it is quite non descript and ordinary but probably goes better than its looks suggest.

It was pay just under 23k for one of these or 25.5k for a vRS TDi. I didnt think it was worth the premium.

IMO even the vRS TSi is no performance car, its a warm hatch. I dont personally need a family car that can hit 60 in less than 7 secs (had that in my old Fabia vRS estate), I need a cheap old school performance car that can do it in 4 or 5 secs that I can drive on my own without the family on board, or take to track days. If it dies it goes to car heaven or sits on the drive until its fixed. Thats my plan longer term anyway, bored with having family cars that look quicker than they actually go, v underwhelming....just need the cash and approval and im set haha

.....all that said though if someone offered me a 335d xdrive M Sport Touring id probably have myself a bit of that!

Most comforting post I've read thus far.

Totally agree that it has a completely understated look but packs an unexpected punch which will surprise a few drivers out there in more sporty looking models.

Definitely a lot of fun to be had doing the sleeper approach :-)

At the end of the day its a Skoda forum for all things Skoda. Im a petrol head and didnt buy a Skoda because I absolutely love the brand and the cars they make, at the end of the day im verging on middle age with a young family, I have a good job but equally I cant justify or really afford to go and spunk 30/40k on a new car Id really want to own, any extra I spend is money I cant use for the kids benefit....that and id probably get bored of whatever I buy in a few months anyway, Im now that way enclined.

Skoda to me simply represent good value; a VW at less cost. You buy an Octavia of any sort it is based upon and drives practically as well as the equivalent Mk7 Golf yet its way more commodious, generally a bit better equipped and cheaper to boot, list prices run close now but the finance offers are generally better than most mainstream manufacturers are offering VW included, hence why ive just bought my third in three years.

Again you buy a vRS you get a more practical GTi/GTD which in my eyes is a no brainer; in fact if you have a growing family and want a car like this you'd be mad to choose the Golf over the vRS as they practically drive the same but the boot would swallow almost twice as much stuff.

however I do think the mainstream models courtesy of the MQB platform, better engines and less weight (ok that might be down to the cheaper suspension arrangement but i dont think its a big deal on the regular cars and cant say I noticed a huge difference) have seen a massive jump in capability where as the vRS has been more incremental, that maybe because there was not so much to improve on the MK2 vRS but still I struggle to justify spending 5.5k more on a car that yes looks better, is more modern and a bit more capable but IMO not great value like the MK2 was.

each to their own but I went regular Octy this time, more for the family than myself but im happy with the choice; genuinely didnt expect the regular 150 TDi to drive so well, really did show up my BL performance wise, expected it to have the same flat dull power delivery and simply couldnt have been any different. I think VAG finally relented to all the criticism to the PD driving better than a CR, or worked out finally how to make the 2.0 four pot CRs go better anyway.

Still its good to be able to get a variant thats still quite quick but without all the sporty bits, the 1.4 TSi and 150 TDi's are good for that and I now see why a good few went for these instead of vRS's in the early O3 days; i thought they were mad and said so at the time but theyve proved me wrong :-) if you wanted a decent performing Octy it used to always have to be the vRS but not so now.

Edited 26 December, 201312 yr by pipsyp

What is this mythical non-vRS creature you speak of?!

Do you mean the one that looks like a proper car. Oh, and already has cruise control

You can't beat an Elegance spec with a few toys added in my opinion. Bit I am a bit biased LOL!

Sent from my phone so please excuse brevity and spelling

If im honest, Im not sure you need any toys added to the Elegance spec. Except for the full size spare. I think it has enough as it is. Anything else (IMHO) is a waste of money little luxury which in reality probably isnt really needed. Plus it just adds to the complexity of the car, and more chance of something going wrong.

 

Only things i can think which may be handy for some, are the net system, and reversible boot mat.

Yes, but you could say that buying a new car is a waste of money luxury, or advocate buying a base spec.

 

It's some of the options that change my Mk3 from an OK car to something I'd want to spend a lot of money on. The three big ones are the sunroof, canton stereo and winter pack - all big selling points and worth spending the money on *for me*.

Haha Dr zoidberg I can see your point! However I'm not sure I would say the elegance is specced "better" more like "differently" for me. Yes the elegance has colour maxi and nav/cruise but the vRS counters by having Xenons, led rear lights, 18" wheels, sports suspension etc. Horses for courses really. Both great cars I'm sure tho! :-)

Hmmm. Not sure id agree, but then again im a different person, and my main requirement in a car is cruise control, with the next requirements being auto dimming rear view mirror, followed by auto rain sensing wipers.

 

This is how id argue that the elegance is better. Mind most people wont like it:

Elegance:

Cruise Control- (VRS doesnt have)

Nav- (VRS doesnt have)

Auto Dimming mirror- (VRS doesnt have i believe??)

 

VRS:

B Xenons- (Elegance already has lights, and full beam is bright enough with ability to switch off)

LED rear lights- (LEDs are overrated, look odd, and Elegance already has rear lights

18" wheels- (Elegance already has wheels thanks)

Sports suspension- (Is it as comfortable as normal suspension?)

 

But please bare in mind that is me, and i know others are different, and may value B Xenons more over Cruise control.

Yes, but you could say that buying a new car is a waste of money luxury, or advocate buying a base spec.

 

It's some of the options that change my Mk3 from an OK car to something I'd want to spend a lot of money on. The three big ones are the sunroof, canton stereo and winter pack - all big selling points and worth spending the money on *for me*.

Fair enough, hadnt thought of those 3. Must admit a heated windscreen is very good. Had it on my Ford.

You can have those 3

I honestly just do not understand why people seem to think that the vrs is some kind of unsprung, bone jarring, tyre roaring backbreaker. Have ye all got neigh spines?

 

You should hear some of my friends moaning about my vRS' suspension.  Personally I don't mind it at all - but then I changed from a Mk1 Fabia vRS which was far less refined.

 

Hmmm. Not sure id agree, but then again im a different person, and my main requirement in a car is cruise control, with the next requirements being auto dimming rear view mirror, followed by auto rain sensing wipers.

 

This is how id argue that the elegance is better. Mind most people wont like it:

Elegance:

Cruise Control- (VRS doesnt have)

Nav- (VRS doesnt have)

Auto Dimming mirror- (VRS doesnt have i believe??)

 

VRS:

B Xenons- (Elegance already has lights, and full beam is bright enough with ability to switch off)

LED rear lights- (LEDs are overrated, look odd, and Elegance already has rear lights

18" wheels- (Elegance already has wheels thanks)

Sports suspension- (Is it as comfortable as normal suspension?)

 

But please bare in mind that is me, and i know others are different, and may value B Xenons more over Cruise control.

 

vRS has Auto Mirror, Wipers and Lights.

 

Personally I drive a lot of hire cars up and down the M6 and never use the cruise control so wasn't too bothered about it not being on the vRS.  If I'd have had the money I would have specc'd it as I think it's a bit off a car that expensive coming without it but I'd have the Xenons over cruise any day.

 

For me the vRS is, I think, the right choice - for others maybe not.  You pays your money and takes your choice.  Certainly round here I've yet to see another mk3 vRS.

Edited 26 December, 201312 yr by gullyg

They are both fine choices. Different but both offer good things. Good job we don't all like the same etc etc. personally I considered the Octy vRS but I didn't feel I needed the space so felt it was relatively overpriced. Went for a 120d M-sport instead (same cost) and very happy :-)

Personally I'd prefer the elegance 150tdi to the vrs tdi. If I was going petrol tho it'd be the vrs 220tsi option.

vRS has Auto Mirror, Wipers and Lights.

 

 

Shows how good the Skoda UK website is! From what i can tell on the website, the vRS doesnt have auto mirror or rain sensing wipers.

But anyway, no cruise on the vRS? To me a car without cruise is a no go. Dont want to pay extra for it on a car thats already more expensive either. But hey, as you say, we all have our different needs.

 

I once drove i think it was a Citroen Picasso (people carrier?) as a hire car. Was a bit annoyed as id hoped id get a Mondeo but they never had any so gave me the next category up) Anyway, the accelerator was so friction- less, that i couldnt hold the car at one speed. I was constantly fighting it, and always speeding up and slowing down. I ended up going into another branch of the hire company, and asked them to replace it. They only had a Focus (which was less than i paid), but i didnt care. I snapped their hand off. I knew the accelerator on them was ok as id had them as hire cars before.  

All that just because of the accelerator of the Picasso. Back then Focus was a much better vehicle as well. Dont know about now. 

No cruise on a vRS is a minor niggle that costs what all of £180 to add? No Xenons on the Elegance - that will cost over a grand to add on. Food for thought..... :-)

personally I considered the Octy vRS but I didn't feel I needed the space so felt it was relatively overpriced. Went for a 120d M-sport instead (same cost) and very happy :-)

Personally I'd prefer the elegance 150tdi to the vrs tdi. If I was going petrol tho it'd be the vrs 220tsi option.

I'd ban small cars and make everyone buy big cars  

And thats from someone who quite often only has himself in the car!

 

Usually because the larger cars are much better motorway cruisers, and I will never struggle for space if i do need it. Although admittedly if you go with a Beamer, I expect all models are good motorway cruisers.

Gulp, ive just checked the price of the 120d M Sport. I hope its plated in gold for that price. Even the normal 'urban' model is over £2500 more than mine. That for a car quite a bit smaller. Id want the car to come with Claudia Schiffer for that price

No cruise on a vRS is a minor niggle that costs what all of £180 to add? No Xenons on the Elegance - that will cost over a grand to add on. Food for thought..... :-)

Elegance already has headlights. Full beam is bright enough, and can be switched off so as not to dazzle on coming drivers.

vRS costs more to start with, then you have to add on £180. Food for thought

They are both fine choices. Different but both offer good things. Good job we don't all like the same etc etc. personally I considered the Octy vRS but I didn't feel I needed the space so felt it was relatively overpriced. Went for a 120d M-sport instead (same cost) and very happy :-)

Personally I'd prefer the elegance 150tdi to the vrs tdi. If I was going petrol tho it'd be the vrs 220tsi option.

100% agree with this Tom.

Skoda make good cars and have done for a long time, for me they are still largely bought with the head over the heart but ive been fond of the two ive owned and hope the same can be said for the third which is rather a departure from my all vRS experience had so far. Also the dealer and service experience betters anything ive experienced to date, VW having been a bit poor at times in the past. That said if Skodas continue to get ever more expensive with less attractive finance offers the head over heart argument gets even more tricky....I still dont think Skoda is quite at that point or has the brand image to take on more premium metal ans if it thinks it can it'll start alienating the customer base that has made it what it is today, a successful budget mainstream car manufacturer.

I also wouldnt suggest for a minute that one model is better than the other, they are just all different and appeal to people for different reasons.

The vRS features heavily on this forum as its undeniably the most exciting of the range, certainly the car that'll get an emotional response over something like an SE or Elegance spec car, also its the newest model and probably the ranges biggest seller on account of being a GTi/GTD clone with huge rear passenger and boot space and it deserves to do very well, going by the delivery delays and the proposed finance deal changes its doing just that.

The O3 regardless of spec is a good car and something worthy to discuss regardless of spec/performance.....one thing I will say is from what ive experienced so far it is a better car than the MK2 and I doubt there are many people who'd disagree.

Edited 26 December, 201312 yr by pipsyp

If im honest, Im not sure you need any toys added to the Elegance spec. Except for the full size spare. I think it has enough as it is. Anything else (IMHO) is a waste of money little luxury which in reality probably isnt really needed. Plus it just adds to the complexity of the car, and more chance of something going wrong.

Only things i can think which may be handy for some, are the net system, and reversible boot mat.

I do agree with this, I chose solid paint and a spare wheel only.

Compared to the Mk2 the Mk3 Elegance carries approx 5k of useful equipment, even coming from a well equipped Blackline Mk2 the Mk3 is that bit better spec'd still and i dont feel short changed one bit.

Shame it doesnt have xenons but then it has high beam assist which goes some way to make up for the poorer dipper beam.

Cruise I probably wouldnt actually miss that much in truth but a car of this price you'd expect them just to fit it rather than making it a cheap option, is a bit stingy.

my biggest sticking point was the lack of basic nav on the vRS, felt paying £550 for Amundsen when it comes standard on the cheaper Elegance models a little rich....that said neither the GTi or GTD have standard cruise or nav so may have been a VAG UK overruling decision.