Hi all,

First post here so be gentle...

I am definitely looking for a diesel Octavia estate, I think I've decided on that, but then it starts to crumble!

I've narrowed it down to either a 2010 1.6 CR tdi or a 2009 VRS, which seem like an odd contrast but I can't decide if the extra fun, slightly better resale and power on the motorway of the VRS will be outweighed by the cheaper road fund licence, better economy, ride and overall 'acceptability' of the 1.6. This is a 5-year plan so I need to get it right.

Am I likely to get fed up by the VRS's harder ride and more expensive bits or will thrashing the 1.6 on a 250 mile trip to the outlaws make me regret not going for the 170 bhp?

Any help gratefully received!

Meaty

No contest for me id have the vrs.   might be best to have a roadtest in both & see what you like best. I dont mind the ride on the vrs,its firm but its fine on the motorway,tyres will be more expensive but i doubt there's much in it for the servicing costs.

No contest I have now had three Vee Dubs with the 1.6 tdi engine. A strong reliable little unit but thrashed everywhere to gain any pace. And hence fuel economy suffers. The 170 BHP lump in the VRS is in a different league and comfort is of a sporty nature not harsh. Depending on driving style you will probably get better economy from the VRS.

Thanks fellas, very useful.

The VRS I have in mind is a DSG but from what I've read there's probably not much in it for the economy. I tend to drive like a vicar so might as well look good at the same time!

Ive got a 2009 CR vRS with DSG. Love it. Economy is good if you drive it sensibly and on the motorway it cruises effortlessly.

I've been where you are, almost!

 

I wanted a vRS, I mean really wanted a vRS, they look great and (in my opinion) have all the power and performance anyone driving on UK roads will ever need. The test drive secured it.

 

The reality was that 12 months and 30,000 miles later I longed for something less 'harsh', I was even prepared to sacrifice performance to get something that was able to better absorb the worsening road conditions.

 

My particular vRS was plagued with issues (associated with the older PD170 engine, at the age you are looking at (CR170) it won't be an issue for you) so I knew it had to go. I went all the way and ended up with a proper old mans car (at the age of 34) and ended up with a 2.0 CR140 Skoda Superb.

 

I really don't miss the performance but the softer ride is a blessing and the (slightly) improved fuel economy is a bonus too.

 

Do people still gaze at my wheels with a hint of jealousy is their eyes? Nope.

 

Would I swap my Superb for another vRS? Nope*

 

*unless it's a MkIII vRS

Get the non-vrs 2.0TDI

Edited 3 February, 201412 yr by alberg

I have owned a 2012 CR vRS with DSG for 7 months/7K miles and although I find the ride rather harsh do not regret buying it (the ride is slightly better on its winter wheels/tyres).  Have driven a 1.6TDi manual for a few miles and definitely prefer my vRS.  My average mpg so far is 43.7 (actual mpg, the read-out states just under 46) .

 

As already suggested, why not consider a 2.0TDi (140).

I bought the 1.6tdi SE Connect Estate; it was a bargain new and reports of the real-world mpg were much better than my previous car (40-43mpg). I persuaded myself that I was buying it with a 5 (to 9!) year plan too.

However, I think all of the mpg reports I read must've been on the flat with a trailing wind!

If I'd known that to attain around 57-59 mpg brim-to-brim over a whole tank would require such slow speeds I would have seriously looked at the 2.0tdi 140 or 170. When I drive mine "normally", at speed limits on my commute-route, the mpg is around 51-52. The 2 litre versions apparently can do similar mpg around the speed limit, and they do have a 6th gear...

The vRS TDi is a bit of a sheep in wolves clothing if you ask me; dont get me wrong its not slow by any stretch but mine (2013 Blackline DSG estate) has never hit the spot with its performance and despite its headline figures it just doesnt go as well real world as its 170ps and 258lb/ft torque would make you believe.

Reason being is it has quite flat power delivery and at around 1420kgs in estate DSG form its quite lardy).

From this point on despite the obvious efficiency and cost of ownership savings id always recommend someone buys a petrol vRS as the TSi lump much better suits the vRS's sporty pretence.

My money would be on a 2.0 TDi 140 in SE plus or Elegance trim, the 140 isnt worlds slower than the vRS and its that bit more efficient. The vRS also has a v firm ride which I personally tired of pretty quickly, the regular car is a bit more "boaty" in the handling dept but its still v competent and arguably easier to live with.

Also unless you really want an auto get a manual TDi, the DSG hits economy and emmissions (5 to 10mpg average and probably a tax band) and doesnt mate as well with the diesel as it does with the petrol cars. Also not that they are unreliable but its more to go wrong at considerable expense if it did. On a used car I would suggest its not worth paying a premium for DSG.

.....lies in wait to get lynched by the vRS TDi DSG die-hards....... :-)

Edited 4 February, 201412 yr by pipsyp

Thanks for the posts and ideas, a 140 seems like a great idea. I guess the CR is a better bet than the PD?

Thanks for the posts and ideas, a 140 seems like a great idea. I guess the CR is a better bet than the PD?

Some and some. I prefer the power delivery on the older PD models but they are quite agricultural by comparison also no DPF at all. On the flipside the CRs are alot more refined and dont have troublesome DPFs anyway.

Id probably say the CR is the way forward but if I found a slightly older mint PD car I wouldnt rule it out. Fairly sure the early facelift 140's were PD engined for a short while, CR introduced shortly afterwards

I would say the 140 or 170 should be what your looking for

I'm biased towards the VRS as mine just eats miles, done 23,000 in 9 months and it's such a comfy cruiser!

 

i prefer the VRS on the looks front also, but if you went for a well spec'd 140 2.0 tdi you could do just as well.

 

Don't get the 1.6 as you will really feel it once its loaded up, and anyway who wants to be normal? drive like a vicar by all means but do it in style with a smile on your face!