I've not really driven the other octavias much, test drove a 1.4 TSI for a few minutes, but I personally wouldn't say my TDI vRS is a particularly great motorway cruiser.  It's not bad but it's too light and the steering is a little too responsive to be a great motorway car.  I had a Superb as a loan car a few weeks ago and I'd reckon that was far better as was my old Volvo 854 T5 (although the fuel costs were too high).

 

But seeing as most of my long distance motorway driving I take a hire car, insignia usually, I wanted a car for long distance A/B roads with decent space so the vRS diesel was a great fit as it corners well and has a good amount of punch 45mph+ for overtaking.

 

 

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.

 

As previously said by many others on a car forum the weighting is going to be disproportionately towards the performance cars, even looking at the Fabia Mk1 forum there's a lot of vRS talk.  However even threads about vRS models can still be useful for other models as there's a large amount of shared tech, for example admundsen on Elegance versus admunsen on vRS.

 

As for doubting that you'll find many that'll disagree on the O2 v O3 debate - I wouldn't be so sure, it seems to be a rule of life that people will argue all day about anything.

now I've got a 2 litre TDI SE hatch on order and can't find diddly squat on the things I'm interested in.  Such as:- Delivery dates, Fuel consumption, Performance, Driving on 'normal' tyres, mods, etc.

 

Fuel consumption- According to computer, motorway driving at 70mph is around 50- 55mpg, rising to 60 once settled at the speed.

 

Performance- Very smooth acceleration. Turbo doesnt suddenly kick in with a massive increase all in one go. It kicks in gradually. Yes this means you have to wait a bit longer to get the best acceleration, but that doesnt take long with the 2.0. Unlike with the 1.6 where its pedestrian until the trubo eventually joins the party (and then gives you one single and sudden kick). Acceleration at its best is very impressive with the 2.0. Short slip roads being no problem now.

 

Driving on normal tyres (well the tyres that came with the car)- Very smooth. Car gobbles up the motorway miles without you knowing it. Go 80 and you'll still be thinking you are going slow.

Steering wheel is gorgeous and smooth. I want to keep rubbing my hands up and down it. Makes steering so much easier, as it glides through your hands.

 

Mods- She looks just fine as she is. Dont fit front mud guards (even though the rear ones do seem to do a very good job). Would spoil the looks. Just wash it a bit more often! Dont de badge it, or whatever some people do. The 'Octavia' badge is not too big and looks nice, and a blank rear looks odd. Unless of course you are embarassed to be seen in an Octavia and want to hide it?? Just leave the old girl as is, and she will reward you. 2.0TDI is fun to drive, and no doubt as i get used to driving diesels, she will become even more fun.

 

Oh, and thats on a car with less than 80 miles on the clock. So no doubt fuel economy will improve. As may performance. I dont know.

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.

 

Im assuming you are thinking of the vRS? The Elegance has cruise as standard. Best invention for a car after the wheel!

 but I personally wouldn't say my TDI vRS is a particularly great motorway cruiser.  It's not bad but it's too light and the steering is a little too responsive to be a great motorway car.  I had a Superb as a loan car a few weeks ago and I'd reckon that was far better as was my old Volvo 854 T5 (although the fuel costs were too high).

 

But seeing as most of my long distance motorway driving I take a hire car, insignia usually, I wanted a car for long distance A/B roads with decent space so the vRS diesel was a great fit as it corners well and has a good amount of punch 45mph+ for overtaking.

 

 

 

 

 

As for doubting that you'll find many that'll disagree on the O2 v O3 debate - I wouldn't be so sure, it seems to be a rule of life that people will argue all day about anything.

When i say motorway cruiser, im not really looking at the steering (how much real steering do you do on a motorway? Ive got my steering setting on normal, and its lovely and light. Perfect for a relaxing motorway run. Wind noise is non existent virtually. Its overall such a quiet car (apart from some engine noise due to it being diesel), that you do not realise you are going 70.

If I was on a nice bendy A road, I may switch steering to 'sport' mode, to get a bit more feel.

Yes ive no doubt the Superb is a much better motorway cruiser (although ive been told the gap has really been reduced with the Octy 3.

Havent driven a Volvo, and will no longer touch a Vauxhall after having a few Astra's as hire cars a few years back. 

Interestingly, dealers had print outs of a What Car review, where they reckoned the Octy was overall a better car than the Mondeo and the Insignia.

As for M2 Vs Mk3. I test drove a Mk2 a few years back, and whilst it was a nice car, the Mk3 has taken the bar, raised it, and then raised it again. Its nicer in every sense. One thing i never liked about the Mk2 is the steering was too heavy.

The Mk2 is a good car, but the Mk3 makes it look poor. Thats not bad going really.

Edited 26 December, 201312 yr by JungleJames

Im assuming you are thinking of the vRS? The Elegance has cruise as standard. Best invention for a car after the wheel!

Is it? My last three cars have had cruise control, I never got round to finding out where the button was on any of them.

Must try it on the Skoda if I find it but I probably won't. Its safe to say I probably won't discover half the features of this car. Im a lazy arse at heart.

When i say motorway cruiser, im not really looking at the steering (how much real steering do you do on a motorway? Ive got my steering setting on normal, and its lovely and light. Perfect for a relaxing motorway run. Wind noise is non existent virtually. Its overall such a quiet car (apart from some engine noise due to it being diesel), that you do not realise you are going 70.

If I was on a nice bendy A road, I may switch steering to 'sport' mode, to get a bit more feel.

Yes ive no doubt the Superb is a much better motorway cruiser (although ive been told the gap has really been reduced with the Octy 3.

Havent driven a Volvo, and will no longer touch a Vauxhall after having a few Astra's as hire cars a few years back. 

Interestingly, dealers had print outs of a What Car review, where they reckoned the Octy was overall a better car than the Mondeo and the Insignia.

As for M2 Vs Mk3. I test drove a Mk2 a few years back, and whilst it was a nice car, the Mk3 has taken the bar, raised it, and then raised it again. Its nicer in every sense. One thing i never liked about the Mk2 is the steering was too heavy.

The Mk2 is a good car, but the Mk3 makes it look poor. Thats not bad going really.

 

 

I would say the Octy is a better overall car than the insignia as well (after all I bought one ), however personally I think as long as you're not taking rear passengers or lots of luggage the Insignia 2.0 Diesel is better than the TDI vRS on the motorway as it's heavier.

 

In my opinion the Octavia is too light to be a good cruiser, especially the estate.  It's impacted by wind, draft from lorries etc more than I'd like and on the vRS the suspension setup makes the car too twitchy. 

 

Bear in mind that I'm talking about cars which are excellent and the difference is small if not imagined.  The Kerb weight of the Insignia Estate is 1655kg versus the Octy vRS Deisel at 1412kg which makes a difference.  In addition the 18" wheels and harder suspension make it less comfortable over poor tarmac and the fuel tank is just too small for a long distance cruiser.

 

I love my vRS but it's more of a competent motorway car in my opinion than a real mile muncher.  As for the Insignia - it's like night and day compared to the Astra/Corsa - hence the reason I won't hire anything smaller than the Insignia "Class" unless I really have to, but then I don't pay for the hire or the fuel.

Edited 26 December, 201312 yr by gullyg

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

A Citigo has headlights. Also has a main beam which can be dipped. Cheaper than an Octavia too but I'm assuming you don't want one? We all buy the car we want by and large. I'm not obsessed by the vRS -far from it but it is what it is. I've said it before but just to clarify - if I was in the market for a diesel Octy for family car duty I'd also buy the elegance. If I was buying a vRS tho I wouldn't give a dump that cruise wasn't standard. The small fee to add it on is peanuts compared to the overall cost of the car. Rarely use it myself either, as others have said.

Thanks JungleJames for a really useful reply to my topic. OK I really would have liked a Race Blue VRS (as per my last Mk 1 Fabia VRS) but I always use a spreadsheet to choose a car and my bog standard Corrida Red SE came out on top.

A lot of my (modest) mileage is on the continent (with 130kph limits) and I'm hoping this will be a relaxing and economical 85mph cruiser.

Daren't tell JungleJames what my broker based deal was - but I am prepared to wait till March - in fact I don't want to lose my Yeti!

Is it? My last three cars have had cruise control, I never got round to finding out where the button was on any of them.

Must try it on the Skoda if I find it but I probably won't. Its safe to say I probably won't discover half the features of this car. Im a lazy arse at heart.

Yep, Elegance has Cruise as standard. On the left hand stalk (right hand drive cars), there is a little switch on the top of it. This flicks the system on or off. On the very end of the stalk is a little switch to set the speed and start it when up to speed (so you could just leave the top switch kept in the 'on' position). Press the top of this end switch to speed up. Press the bottom of this end switch to slow down. Nice and easy 

A Citigo has headlights. Also has a main beam which can be dipped. Cheaper than an Octavia too but I'm assuming you don't want one? We all buy the car we want by and large. I'm not obsessed by the vRS -far from it but it is what it is. I've said it before but just to clarify - if I was in the market for a diesel Octy for family car duty I'd also buy the elegance. If I was buying a vRS tho I wouldn't give a dump that cruise wasn't standard. The small fee to add it on is peanuts compared to the overall cost of the car. Rarely use it myself either, as others have said.

I was teasing Mr Tom!

But anyway, in answer- A Citigo doesnt have the space!

So id still have to pay the extra to upgrade to an Octy. But as i said. Purely my opinion, and it was purely my argument for wanting the Elegance.

I would say the Octy is a better overall car than the insignia as well (after all I bought one ), however personally I think as long as you're not taking rear passengers or lots of luggage the Insignia 2.0 Diesel is better than the TDI vRS on the motorway as it's heavier.

 

In my opinion the Octavia is too light to be a good cruiser, especially the estate.  It's impacted by wind, draft from lorries etc more than I'd like and on the vRS the suspension setup makes the car too twitchy. 

 

Bear in mind that I'm talking about cars which are excellent and the difference is small if not imagined.  The Kerb weight of the Insignia Estate is 1655kg versus the Octy vRS Deisel at 1412kg which makes a difference.  In addition the 18" wheels and harder suspension make it less comfortable over poor tarmac and the fuel tank is just too small for a long distance cruiser.

 

I love my vRS but it's more of a competent motorway car in my opinion than a real mile muncher.  As for the Insignia - it's like night and day compared to the Astra/Corsa - hence the reason I won't hire anything smaller than the Insignia "Class" unless I really have to, but then I don't pay for the hire or the fuel.

Ok, just checked the weight of the Octy, and its nearly 200kg lighter than my old Focus Saloon. So will give you that. It is very light. I havent yet driven in strong winds with the Octy, but the Focus could be a nuisance at times. Really had to keep hold of the steering and fight it at times. It wasnt very often though. Very rare was the wind to that extent. Will be interesting to see what the Octy is like when the wind picks up a bit.

Also, I am thinking of my Elegance, which has 17" wheels, and probably softer suspension? It really has so far been a joy on the motorway. As i said elsewhere, my dad was about to tell me to get a move on, until he realised i was already doing 70. I can imgine in the wind it will be less fun, but out of the wind it does gobble up the miles quite effortlessly, and my mum sat in the back, right behind my dad with his seat fully back, and she had plenty of room. An absolute joy.

Perhaps the set up on the Elegance makes it a nicer motorway cruiser to the vRS? Albeit in calm conditions.

 

As for the fuel tank. Yes its 5litres smaller than before, but you also get more MPG compared to the last model. Overall there cant be a lot of difference range wise? But yes, it is much smaller than the Insignia, and thats what we are comparing I think. However, whilst not denying it is much smaller than the Insignia (and I do wish it was larger than 50litres), is it not still big enough? Afterall, I should easily get from Kent to the Central Belt of Scotland, and still have fuel left over. Most people would have stopped more than once in that time to have a break. So yes it is smaller, but is it so small in that it makes a difference to how good it is as a motorway cruiser? In my opinion it doesnt, but perhaps others feel differently. Im going Kent to Crewe and back over the weekend (about the same as Kent to Scotland). If I can do that on 1 tank, I will be perfectly happy.

 

Please dont see this as me trying to say you are wrong though. Purely a discussion with slightly differing view points. All the more interesting because of it as well i think.

Edited 26 December, 201312 yr by JungleJames

Apologies for the stupid '  ' insertions in the above post. I went to edit it, and when i saved it again it had automatically inserted these. Very odd

Yep, Elegance has Cruise as standard. On the left hand stalk (right hand drive cars), there is a little switch on the top of it. This flicks the system on or off. On the very end of the stalk is a little switch to set the speed and start it

when up to speed (so you could just leave the top switch kept in the 'on' position). Press the top of this end switch to speed up. Press the bottom of this end switch to slow down. Nice and easy

Cheers for the info I will definitely try and give a go on my next motorway trip.

 

Thanks JungleJames for a really useful reply to my topic. OK I really would have liked a Race Blue VRS (as per my last Mk 1 Fabia VRS) but I always use a spreadsheet to choose a car and my bog standard Corrida Red SE came out on top.A lot of my (modest) mileage is on the continent (with 130kph limits) and I'm hoping this will be a relaxing and economical 85mph cruiser.Daren't tell JungleJames what my broker based deal was - but I am prepared to wait till March - in fact I don't want to lose my Yeti!

 

I preferred the interior on the Elegance. Couldnt go without the arm rest. Lovely. Not forgetting Cruise etc.

Nah, if i couldnt have got the Elegance from on stock, I wouldnt have brought one.

I was teasing Mr Tom!

But anyway, in answer- A Citigo doesnt have the space!

So id still have to pay the extra to upgrade to an Octy. But as i said. Purely my opinion, and it was purely my argument for wanting the Elegance.

Haha yeah I assumed you were being tongue in cheek with the headlights comment lol!

We are both on the same page in preferring the diesel elegance. I dunno why I am defending the Octy vRS really when I don't have any interest in owning one, but then again I do like to play devils advocate!

By far and away the main reason for opting for the Elegance has to be avoiding this monstrosity which comes with he vRS :

Interesting thread this one. As far as depreciation is concerned to me the elegance makes some sense because I'd be less likely to add loads of ff extras to it that would be worth naff all come trade in as the vRS lacks some kit it should have as standard IMO. I also found the comments regarding the mk3 vRS being skittish on motorways a bit of a shock and is something I will need to check out come trade in time as my mk2 tank is rock solid. Keep the discussion going chaps and have a happy new year

I also found the comments regarding the mk3 vRS being skittish on motorways a bit of a shock

Never heard that one before, sounds like it's been made up by someone who has never driven one.... Mines no different to my mkII vRS on the motorway, rock solid and very relaxing.

Haha yeah I assumed you were being tongue in cheek with the headlights comment lol!

We are both on the same page in preferring the diesel elegance. I dunno why I am defending the Octy vRS really when I don't have any interest in owning one, but then again I do like to play devils advocate!

By far and away the main reason for opting for the Elegance has to be avoiding this monstrosity which comes with he vRS :

Eww no! Next there'll be taking after Honda!

I suppose what I was trying to say earlier, is i cannot see the point of Bi Xenons. Hence the headlight comment. As long as the elegance has headlights, hey why pay more for another type of headlights! But thats me, and as mentioned, i just need cruise control, auto dimmer rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers. Oh, no to mention the front arm rest. Ah, lovely.

 

Never heard that one before, sounds like it's been made up by someone who has never driven one.... Mines no different to my mkII vRS on the motorway, rock solid and very relaxing.

 

I think it was down to the light weight of the Octy Mk3. Anyway, I shall see what mine is like when the wind picks up. The Elegance is even lighter isnt it?

Plus by all accounts, it was written by somebody who had driven one. Read the comments. He admitted the differences are negligible.

I think it was down to the light weight of the Octy Mk3. Anyway, I shall see what mine is like when the wind picks up. The Elegance is even lighter isnt it?.

Can't be, the manual vRS weights 1407 kilos so it's not light, off the top off my head it's only about 40 kilos lighter than the mkII.

Driven the SE TSI 140, Elegance 150 DSG and vRS 184 DSG trim levels, all very good and well equipped with my only grip being the lack of cruise on the SE; would find that more useful than the pointless system that tells you to have a cup of tea

 

I'm trading in a well equipped Yeti Elegance for an SE Octy 4x4 and in many ways I'm looking forward to loosing some of the tech stuff. Be glad to regain manual control of the wipers for example, not in three years have I managed to get it to work as I'd like and the auto lights are a pain with fog, mist and low cloud over the Wolds. A number of times I've found myself briefly in the dark going from auto to manual to get the fog switch; if your a tad slow turning said switch the lights go out :S

 

 

TP

Driven the SE TSI 140, Elegance 150 DSG and vRS 184 DSG trim levels, all very good and well equipped with my only grip being the lack of cruise on the SE; would find that more useful than the pointless system that tells you to have a cup of tea

 

I'm trading in a well equipped Yeti Elegance for an SE Octy 4x4 and in many ways I'm looking forward to loosing some of the tech stuff. Be glad to regain manual control of the wipers for example, not in three years have I managed to get it to work as I'd like and the auto lights are a pain with fog, mist and low cloud over the Wolds. A number of times I've found myself briefly in the dark going from auto to manual to get the fog switch; if your a tad slow turning said switch the lights go out :S

 

 

TP

To be fair to the auto wipers and lights on the Elegance. You do have the choice. It isnt a case of it must be in auto. If my wipers arent operating well enough in auto (very rare on my old Ford), then I switch to manual, or do a single manual wipe. Lights wise, ive never had them in Auto.

So to say you now regain manual control of the wipers. Well, you could have had on your Yeti (unless ive missed something with the Auto wipers on Skoda's). Same with the lights. I have full manual control (if i want, which i normally do) on my Elegance.

Yes the Elegance has kit I wouldnt otherwise want, but the SE missed stuff which I did want, and I prefer not to add loads of extras. Means i have to wait for my car to be built. Anyway, Elegance sounds better than SE. Oh boy, who would have thought you could own a Skoda and turn into a badge snob!!!

Be glad to regain manual control of the wipers for example, not in three years have I managed to get it to work as I'd like and the auto lights are a pain with fog, mist and low cloud over the Wolds. A number of times I've found myself briefly in the dark going from auto to manual to get the fog switch; if your a tad slow turning said switch the lights go out :S

TP

On the Octavia 3 you can now switch the fog lights on while in Auto.

Eww no! Next there'll be taking after Honda!

I suppose what I was trying to say earlier, is i cannot see the point of Bi Xenons. Hence the headlight comment. As long as the elegance has headlights, hey why pay more for another type of headlights! But thats me, and as mentioned, i just need cruise control, auto dimmer rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers. Oh, no to mention the front arm rest. Ah, lovely.

Cruise control = comfort/laziness, auto dim rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers = handy and use wipers manually as before. Bi xenons however are a safety feature. I drive on unlit country roads and can hand on heart say the dipped beams on the octavia Vrs are marginally better than hi beam of my previous motor and it's a different type of light that shows more of the road and it's surface (potholes, standing water etc.) then we get to hi beams on aforementioned bi xenons which improve things even more. This is the point of bi xenons regardless of model.

Cruise control = comfort/laziness, auto dim rear view mirror and rain sensing wipers = handy and use wipers manually as before. Bi xenons however are a safety feature. I drive on unlit country roads and can hand on heart say the dipped beams on the octavia Vrs are marginally better than hi beam of my previous motor and it's a different type of light that shows more of the road and it's surface (potholes, standing water etc.) then we get to hi beams on aforementioned bi xenons which improve things even more. This is the point of bi xenons regardless of model.

Oh im not denying dipped headlights arent the best, and i always switch to main beam when i can. However the fact Bi Xenons are so bright means they will dazzle on coming drivers. Making it dangerous for them. Which is why I said that Elegance has headlights with main beam which i can switch off when necessary. That way its good for me and for other motorists. Plus certainly for me main beam is more than adequate, so the thought of paying so much extra for an even brighter bi xenon main beam? Yikes, think how many penny sweets i could buy for that    

 

Cruise isnt laziness. Comfort yes, but not laziness. After all, my foot is still doing exactly the same. Sitting there doing nothing. Its just if it sits on a pedal, it can get uncomfortable after a period.

You could also claim cruise has another benefit. It in some situations, will stop other drivers getting frustrated. Ever gone to overtake somebody, and they have started speeding up ever so slightly? Depending on the person, and on whether the road has hills or not, this can happen quite a bit, and can be very annoying for the person overtaking (especially if on a single carriageway road). Now imagine if they had cruise control. Very little chance of this happening. Certainly when i have cruise control on, My speed fluctuates far less than others, especially when the gradient changes.

 

Now i know thats getting very niggly. But id definitely argue that bi xenons are not a safety feature because of the problems bright lights can cause on coming drivers. Always good to be able to switch down to 'normal dipped beam' brightness