Another vote for the 1.6. Tried both but found the 1.6 to be smoother and well suited to the 7 speed DSG. Previous car was a Passat estate with same 1.6 engine and the Octavia, being much lighter, really seems to fly!. Only 900 miles so far so still taking it easy. Only downside seems to be slightly firm ride but I did go for 18" Golus so that probably accounts for it.

1.6 does indeed drive very well... when it works. Trouble is, the working condition does not seem to last, at least in my experience of the last 18 months. The car has been off the road for past 6 weeks.

Edited 2 April, 201412 yr by dieselV6

Whilst I have every sympathy with your problems, Dieselv6, the op shouldn't base their purchase on 1 car that has a defect. The 1.6 is second to the 2.0 only in performance - which you have to pay more to get, and is adequate for the majority.

We have 6 # 1.6 VAG engined cars on fleet over last 3 years ... Audi  A3, Superb Estate, Octavia ( mk 2 and 3) and Passat Estate...350,000 miles between them so far and no issues whatsoever with reliability. In general ( quite hard use ) they all do approx 50mpg. 

 

I would say that the 1.6 is just acceptable in the Superb and Passat Estate, but it is so much better in the new A3 and Mk3 Octavia due to weight reduction.