My Octavia Elegance 1.8T estate is due for a change. 2001, 80k and very happy with it. My dad wants it so I am going to be a cash buyer. I am pretty sure I want a Superb but I have two stumbling blocks. How big is the opening to the boot cos it looks quite restrictive, unless it's the huge boot that gives that impression! and which engine? I love my current 1.8T but is it underpowered in the Superb? Is the 2.8 too greedy and is the 2.5Tdi a whole lot better than the 1.9Tdi. I have never been a diesel lover as they sound and smell like an old transit but I have recently driven the 1.9Tdi and I could be persuaded. I have considered the new Octy but it's a lot of cash for something that makes no statement on the road - a bit euro box ish for me. I love luxury and the whole Czech mafia look of the Superb really appeals but I don't want to be driving an old man's slow boat. Help me please!!!

My choice would be.

1.9 TDi Elegance with CargoFlex

If all goes well I pick up my 1.9tdi pd 130 classic in mystery blue next week ...yes the boot opening is a bit restrictive but the boot is massive .....nice car to drive and the 130 has a fair bit of torqe you wont notice a lot of difference between the that and the car you have now

I would have thought for motorway cruising the PD is ideal. That said I remember comments somewhere here about the bigger diesel lump being more refined/easier to drive, hard to say for me though as I havent ever driven one :(

Best option/compromise is the pd130. As for the boot, yes its smaller and more restrictive than the Octy, but it still is big for a saloon.

Everything I read seems to suggest the 1.9tdi is best, what trim though? I like all the toys but hate the wooden dash. How much difference is there in comfort and elegance. I want the Solid wheels or at least some nice ones. I 've seen a stunning one on this site in Black but can't seem to find it now. Any clues? And one other thing, at what point did the rear seats become folding, is that recent. Help much appreciated chaps.

I tested both the 1.9 and the 2.5. There was no contest. The 2.5 feels livelier and has more mid range punch to overtake. MPG is lower (obviously) but I can get 40 out of mine with mixed motoring.

The Solids are a no cost option for the Elegance but are quite a bit for the Comfort. I would go for the elegance. The wooden dash trim is quite easy to pull off (just clipped in) but not sure about door trim. If you couldn't stand it then you could replace easily - may be able to swop with someone on here? Cheaper than buying basic and then paying extra for all the goodies you want.

I think rear seats became folding about a year or so ago - certainly not on my Nov 03 model.

The 2.8 is not too greedy I get low 30s although initial consumption over the first 15 ish miles is in the 20s. Depends on your yearly milage and whats important to you -the 2.8 is silky quiet and does shift on unrestricted roads i.e Germany.

I have considered changing to a 2.5 Deisel but only as most of my cars miles are done on the continent as a slight cost saver. Have driven the 130 deisel and to me its not refinned enough for the Superb feel.

I need a long test in th2 2.5 to make my mind up - personallyt I still prefer it to the Octavia 2.

As for the Superbs boot it is a pain for me but adequate you just have to pack it so that those items thet are first in can be last out - remember mine is used for packed long hauls for normal day to dayuse it should be fine

John