is the new octavia better on deisel than the mk 2 1.6 tdi se model

Should be, yes. Especially if you go for the Greenline version with 110bhp and a six speed gearbox. It's a lighter car for a start, though you will need to give the engine time to run in before you see the best results.

is the new octavia better on deisel than the mk 2 1.6 tdi se model

It should be, but I find my Octavia 3 1.6tdi about the same mpg as my Octavia 2

 .........though you will need to give the engine time to run in before you see the best results.

 

I've a month old 1.6 estate and drive 30 miles to work. (Mixed roads from country single track, mostly A's and a bit of dual carriage)

I was horrified when my first couple of journeys were mid to late 40's mpg...!!!

I'm on 1300miles now and the mpg for the journey is now consistently above 60.  :sun:

I've a month old 1.6 estate and drive 30 miles to work. (Mixed roads from country single track, mostly A's and a bit of dual carriage)

I was horrified when my first couple of journeys were mid to late 40's mpg...!!!

I'm on 1300miles now and the mpg for the journey is now consistently above 60.  :sun:

 

That's quite a change.

I have the mk3 Vrs Combi Diesel (non DSG) and starting to average 40mpg's, 5th fill up and getting slightly better each time.