Our 2011 Octavia 1.8TSI has been in the garage getting repaired after some kindly soul reversed into the side of it so we've had a 2014 Avensis diesel for the last week, all in all it's not a bad car but I'm not thinking of defecting anytime soon! The only thing it's made me realise is that the clutch on the Octavia is quite heavy in comparison, the Avensis is so much easier to drive around town. It got me thinking is it possible to change the weighting of the clutch, is this related to the clutch itself or to the pedal?

 

On the flip side the Avensis also has much lighter steering which again is nice around town but feels positively frightening at speed, so light you wonder if the steering wheel is actually connected to anything!

The feel of the pedal is controlled by the springs in the pressure plate. These springs are what provide the clamping force onto the flywheel so on a high performance car like the Octavia with has a high torque output you need a high clamping force to prevent clutch slip. I believe the clutch is hydrolic so the master cylinder could be changed for a larger one but would take research to find a suitable unit. Or changing the clutch pressure plate possibly fitting a single mass flywheel kit like mentioned above would give a suitable replacement. In short though it really is more work than it's worth in my opinion but that's just my opinion. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies - sounds like it would be more hassle than it's worth. It's not like it's too heavy already or anything it would just be nice if it was a bit lighter!

I have a Sachs clutch which was fitted when I had the remap.  It is supposedly an upgraded version, but it is pretty light none the less.

There is always the possibility you have a  mechanical problem, tight pedal pivot bearing or throw out arm bearing perhaps, some thing of that ilk.

 

Years ago, cars which went to driving instructors were regularly fitted with heavier pedal return springs to discourage learners "riding" the clutch.

I don't think there's a problem, it doesn't feel any heavier than other similar sized cars I've had - I was just surprised by how light the Avensis clutch was for a large car.