I've currently got a nearly 6 year old Octavia Mk. 2  1.8TSi. hatch.

 

The only model I can find in Skoda's list now that I could be interested in (just!) is the Mk.3 1.4 TSi,   140 bhp petrol model with manual gearbox.

Probably the Elegance hatch.

 

Before I test drive one, does anyone have any comments and experience of this model as compared with my 1.8 Mk. 2, ( which is brilliant!)

I too had the same problem. I so loved the 1.8tsi that I had from new. But was disappointed when the mk3 arrived without a 1.8 engine (in the UK). However, when the 1.8 went in for its 2nd service, I was given a 1.4tsi as a loan car for the day. It was a manual, my cars have been autos, but OK. From hitting the motorway I was blown away by the performance. I would say that it is as quick as a 2.0tdi, but quieter and silky smooth. At tickover you cannot hear the engine. So, take a 1.4tsi for a spin and I think you will not be disappointed.

PS. Its also cheaper to tax and insure.

Cheers.

Not driven it but gather it is very good. By the way it is now possible to get the 1.8 180ps in the UK (assuming that's where you are) if you're willing to plump for the IMHO rather overpriced L&K model.

Also don't be too quick to write off the new TDI's; the 2.0 150 is a peach and is without doubt a bit more urgent than the Mk2 vRS 170 TDI I had previously down to much better power delivery and low kerb weight.

Edited 22 September, 201411 yr by pipsyp

I've ordered a 1.4 elegance estate DSG. Dealer lent me their demo for 4 hours which was really useful. Fabulous engine, I've currently got a 53 plate A6 avant 1.9tdi 130 and the Octy felt so much lighter and more nimble. Much more relaxed drive with the DSG too. I went back to petrol as I only do 5k a year and my commute is at 30mph through town, my A6 barely gets warm! Now I just have a really long wait for my factory order! :-(

The car you mention is my spec (manual 1.4 hatch). It's excellent - would very strongly recommend a test drive.

 

You might also be interested in some of the comments in this thread http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/328597-contemplating-a-purchase-a-couple-of-questions/

Thanks all - sounds like I do need a test drive.

Not so concerned about mpg as I only do 7K p.a. But I don't want to lose too much of the Mk. 2 1.8's surprisingly good performance - not top speed of course, but the decent grunt accelerating in the gears. The Mk. 2 1.8TSi is a remarkable (and under-rated) engine so I want to see if the new 1.4 comes somewhere near it. The figures quoted by Skoda seem similar.

I'd like the  new1.8 L&K but I'm not sure it is worth the extra nearly £6K to me.

Why dont you buy vrs tsi with 220ps?

Why dont you buy vrs tsi with 220ps?

Because, judging by the feel of my current 1.8 TSi, and how I drive it, I have absolutely no need for the extra power and costs of a vRS. The 1.8 was perfect (for me).

 

I had the Mk. 1 vRS 1.8, which was nice, then the 2.0 FSi, which was okay, but this 1.8 I've got now is ideal. Also cheapish to insure and run.

If I test the new 1.4  and don't like it, I'll keep my 1.8 and just pay up for maintenance as and when, at least for a few years. So far it has only done 40600 miles.

I ordered a 1.4 estate with a manual. Driving flat out the performance is only average (my 2.0 N/A Nissan Pulsar will run neck-and-neck with it). The engine's real trick is mid-range torque which makes the car faster in the real world. You don't need to shift, just plant the throttle. As long as you're above 1,500 rpm, the car will pull. I was able to climb a hill in 5th that requires 3rd in the Pulsar.

A month ago I moved from a Saab 9-5 2.3 turbo (auto) with 220 bhp/223 PS and 340 Nm to a 1.4TSi DSG with 138 bhp/140 PS and 250 Nm. 0-60 is the same, and the real world - overtaking acceleration etc. - performance is the same.

The Octavia is around 300 kilos lighter than the Saab, which helps! The big loss of torque only shows when fully loaded, five up and a full boot - the Saab just kept on going like a train. I was concerned that I would really notice a serious drop in performance but it just isn't the case. And I get well over 40 mpg, compared to the Saab's average around 27 on the same journeys.

Thanks all - sounds like I do need a test drive.

Not so concerned about mpg as I only do 7K p.a. But I don't want to lose too much of the Mk. 2 1.8's surprisingly good performance - not top speed of course, but the decent grunt accelerating in the gears. The Mk. 2 1.8TSi is a remarkable (and under-rated) engine so I want to see if the new 1.4 comes somewhere near it. The figures quoted by Skoda seem similar.

I'd like the  new1.8 L&K but I'm not sure it is worth the extra nearly £6K to me.

If you find the 1.4 TSI a little short on power http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/vehicle-skoda_octavia_iii-1.4tsi-140ps

 

 

A month ago I moved from a Saab 9-5 2.3 turbo (auto) with 220 bhp/223 PS and 340 Nm to a 1.4TSi DSG with 138 bhp/140 PS and 250 Nm.

Don't believe all you read when it comes to Skoda power output, VAG need to differentiate from the rest of their range, Tesco's 99 Ron fuel will give you another 10 BHP for a start and the DSG lets way more than 250Nm through quite happily.

 

I like everything about my 1.4 TSI Elegance hatchback and its within 10mpg of my old 2.0TDI so, it wasn't worth the extra purchase of a TDI at only 12K miles p.a. I would add that the rear suspension setup isn't all it could be but, you'll only find it out when pushing hard, you can stiffen it back up with a RARB though without affecting the ride quality.

You can buy a Seat Leon ST with the VAG 1.8tsi engine which has 160bhp i believe!

You can buy a Seat Leon ST with the VAG 1.8tsi engine which has 160bhp i believe!

There's a 1.8180 bhp and a 1.4 150 bhp but I don't like the body shape. Prices similar to the Skoda.

I like the 1.4 engines,..............have a tuned 1.4 13yr old Fabia....................

 

Anyway I have a MK7 Golf estate GT with the 1.4TSI 140PS engine on order..........have driven the dealer car but had a 2.0TDi engine................ :|

 

 

If I want more power then I will be ordering the ABT piggyback ECU which ups power to 170PS & 290 Nm.................& does not affect the tax band or emissions, & is warranted for 2yrs & the engine is also warranted from damage caused by the ECU........& the conversion is TUV approved.................just costs £1,200............... :S

Hmmm. £60 per hp Errrrr. I think I'll pass on that one.

I'm really only interested in getting the nearest thing to my 1.8 TSi Mk. 2 hatch.  

Same kind of power, (no more, no less) similar economy, quality, boot size and umpteen other things.

I'm not yet sure there is one in the Mk. 3 range.

Might be off to another brand. (Perhaps a Jetta?)

A3 Sportback has the 1.8 engine.

 

There's not a whole lot of choice out there though if you need that exact engine, no more, no less.

Got a test drive on Saturday, 1.4 TSi SE hatch manual - should give me a basic idea at least!

We await your report!

Got a test drive on Saturday, 1.4 TSi SE hatch manual - should give me a basic idea at least!

Basic is the word I'd used for the SE as well but, the engine is the bit you're testing so try, to keep that in mind. 

The 1.4 is a great unit. I'd be surprised if you came away disappointed.

The new 1.8t has slightly more top end than the 1.4 (notice a difference above 4-4.5k) but the new 1.8 also has that difference to the old 1.8. New 1.4 to old 1.8 I would put the 1.4 ahead.

The 1.4 is a great unit. I'd be surprised if you came away disappointed.

The new 1.8t has slightly more top end than the 1.4 (notice a difference above 4-4.5k) but the new 1.8 also has that difference to the old 1.8. New 1.4 to old 1.8 I would put the 1.4 ahead.

That's interesting - I hardly ever take my Mk. 2  1.8 TSi to even 4000 rpm !

It is the mid range I want to be good.

 

I'll report on the test!

Power outputs between the 1.4 and 1.8 are essentially identical below 3000 rpm (the 1.8 hits peak torque slightly earlier), but its not until 4-5k that the 1.8 becomes noticeably stronger.

I was given a 1.4TSI manual hatch as a hire car whilst on my hols in Spain. The engine is very quiet, smooth and plenty fast enough for most occasions. It doesn't have the poke of my VRS TSI, but fuel economy is much better and the 1.4 did feel even more refined (most probably due to lack of crappy sound generator and softer suspension).

 

If I was after a well-balanced, nippy, refined and fuel efficient engine I would choose the 1.4TSI over all others. It's a great engine which offers similar performance and economy to the 150CR TDI, and adds superb refinement.

Report of road test: Surprisingly good!  No problem with the feel of the engine. Nice gearbox, good handling.

No stopwatches out of course but very satisfying. An SE with 16K on the clock.

 

It actually has all the toys I need (and then some) and I actually prefer some of the standard spec. over the Elegance. E.g prefer all fabric seats and 16" wheels.

Only down side so far is no spare wheel as standard, just a puncture repair and re-inflation kit. Never used one of those but I suppose it works.

 

I thought I'd hate the stop-start engine but I didn't even realise it was doing it!!Quite like the 3 year deal which is a bit like leasing or hire. Things like free servicing included, warranty of course, AA membership included as usual.

Might well go with it. Have to order by Tuesday and as I want a particular colour (red) I could wait till December apparently for it to be available. No big deal though.

 

Interesting drive all in all.