First impressions are mainly positive.

 

Things i need to get used to or change.

 

1. Handbrake position as others have suggested is mildly annoying but im sure it will become second nature

2. VRS button seams a pointless addition. Has no real effect on economy or performance possibly placebo effect

but nothing tangible that i can tell that couldn't be modulated with right foot. So i have it set on individual with Sport

on everything apart from fake engine noise which i have muted.

3. Suspension is sharp but a bit crashy. The MKII feels soft in comparison.

4. Flat bottomed steering wheel takes some getting used to

5. Not keen on how the stop start will turn off the engine even when your moving, I thought i had stalled at a downhill

junction earlier because i went into neutral.

6. Hill assist is plain weird the pedal has no feel and goes hard, but i can see how this would be helpful if i can get used

to it.

 

EDIT:

 

7. Passenger side sun visor has massive airbag safety warning or something 'both sides' that can't be removed

(if someone finds a solution to this please let me know as my eyes keep getting drawn to it)

8. Seats should have had a detachable head rest.

 

 

A lot of things feel a bit artificial at the minute like the car is driving me rather than me driving the car. That said much 

of it can be customized to how i like it especially seeing as i have VCDS.

 

The main positives are:

 

1. Engine very strong feels like a petrol rather than diesel lump even more so than the blackline which was pretty strong.

2. Looks very nice in candy white with the black contrast of privacy glass and subtle vrs styling cues.

3. Handling. Corners flatter than the blackline less roll. But at the expense of the comfort.

4. Xenon Head lights are much better than the halogens on my other VRS.

5. Don't have the Canton upgrade and the standard sound was a bit peeky and has a trebble bias. Although

i have tweaked it slightly by increasing the mid range +3 the bass +2 and the trebble - 2 and its more suited to

my ears now and im happy and can't imagine the canton being worth the extra for me personally the setup is now

fine and better than the old amundsen in the blackline.

 

If i think of anything else i will update.

First impressions are mainly positive.

 

Things i need to get used to or change.

 

1. Handbrake position as others have suggested is mildly annoying but im sure it will become second nature

2. VRS button seams a pointless addition. Has no real effect on economy or performance possibly placebo effect

but nothing tangible that i can tell that couldn't be modulated with right foot. So i have it set on individual with Sport

on everything apart from fake engine noise which i have muted.

3. Suspension is sharp but a bit crashy. The MKII feels soft in comparison.

4. Flat bottomed steering wheel takes some getting used to

5. Not keen on how the stop start will turn off the engine even when your moving, I thought i had stalled at a downhill

junction earlier because i went into neutral.

6. Hill assist is plain weird the pedal has no feel and goes hard, but i can see how this would be helpful if i can get used

to it.

 

A lot of things feel a bit artificial at the minute like the car is driving me rather than me driving the car. That said much 

of it can be customized to how i like it especially seeing as i have VCDS. The main positives are:

 

1. Engine very strong feels like a petrol rather than diesel lump even more so than the blackline which was pretty strong.

2. Looks very nice in candy white with the black contrast of privacy glass and subtle vrs styling cues.

3. Handling. Corners flatter than the blackline less roll. But at the expense of the comfort.

4. Xenon Head lights are much better than the halogens on my other VRS.

5. Don't have the Canton upgrade and the standard sound was a bit peeky and has a trebble bias. Although

i have tweaked it slightly by increasing the mid range +3 the bass +2 and the trebble - 2 and its more suited to

my ears now and im happy and can't imagine the canton being worth the extra for me personally the setup is now

fine and better than the old amundsen in the blackline.

 

If i think of anything else i will update.

Wow, I think the  Octy 2 vRS has harsh suspension. Thanks for the info, hope you enjoy your new wheels.

Stop start shouldn't turn off whilst moving. Do you have a manual or dsg?

Strangely enough I'd never have noticed the handbrake position if others hadn't pointed it out (still doesn't bother me now).

Manual.

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

The only issue I have with the handbrake lever is that it has one. I had an epb before and I keep forgetting to put it on......

I was told by the dealer that a full size spare wont fit in the wheel well. however it looks like there is plenty of space under there. I was told the same thing with the Blackline but I managed to squeeze an 18" Neptune in there. Can someone confirm that the same thing is the case with the MKIII or will it genuinely only take a space saver?

It will take a full size 16" wheel. I think the issue with larger wheels is the width rather than the diameter.

Took a while for the positivity to come in there. Ha ha!!

I'm completely baffled by some of things I read on here. Not just this thread, but other ones too. I wonder what some people were driving before getting there Octy. I didn't have a mk2 octy, I've come straight from a MK4 golf GTI and all I can say is that my four week old VRS diesel manual estate is an absolute joy. It's suspension is no worse than the golf. Steering is sublime, very direct and lots of feel. It's quiet. It's quick. The MIB2 Amundsen sounds great and is intuitive too. Yes it's got a big airbag sticker on it, but I never see it as I'm driving!! Black insulation tape around it is a fix. Ha ha.

The seats would not be the same with detachable headrests. It's part of VRS ownership. How is that a review point?

My stop start only drops out when I'm virtually at a standstill. If my wheel gets anywhere near a full rotation of "creep" my engine kicks back into life. I'd say it's pretty standard stop start fayre. If yours doesn't do this i'd suggest taking it back to the dealers. Sorry Scribbler I'm not having a go, but stickers on sun visors and headrests?? Enjoy your car mate, my expectations have been truly exceeded and my VRS puts a smile on my face every time I look at it / drive it.

It seems as in many cases in life,it's the tiniest details that irritatate the most,bit like having a small pebble in your shoe.

Took a while for the positivity to come in there. Ha ha!!

I'm completely baffled by some of things I read on here. Not just this thread, but other ones too. I wonder what some people were driving before getting there Octy. I didn't have a mk2 octy, I've come straight from a MK4 golf GTI and all I can say is that my four week old VRS diesel manual estate is an absolute joy. It's suspension is no worse than the golf. Steering is sublime, very direct and lots of feel. It's quiet. It's quick. The MIB2 Amundsen sounds great and is intuitive too. Yes it's got a big airbag sticker on it, but I never see it as I'm driving!! Black insulation tape around it is a fix. Ha ha.

The seats would not be the same with detachable headrests. It's part of VRS ownership. How is that a review point?

My stop start only drops out when I'm virtually at a standstill. If my wheel gets anywhere near a full rotation of "creep" my engine kicks back into life. I'd say it's pretty standard stop start fayre. If yours doesn't do this i'd suggest taking it back to the dealers. Sorry Scribbler I'm not having a go, but stickers on sun visors and headrests?? Enjoy your car mate, my expectations have been truly exceeded and my VRS puts a smile on my face every time I look at it / drive it.

 

I think you may be misinterpreting the nature of my post. Someone (can't remember who) asked me to do a quick review. I Am being overly picky though deliberately which may be skewing the overall view of the car. Don't get me wrong Im very satisfied with my purchase and im going to really enjoy it for a few years until I get the itch again.

Its pointless me singing the praises of all the good points of the car because many of these are existing in the previous VRS's. I have had each VRS since inception Silver Mk1 VRS 1.8t,  Mk2 Pre FL 2.0 TFSI (Kept it because its amazing)  MK2 FL CR TDI Blackline and now this MKIII. Im just pointing out issues however trivial that may be more important to some people than others so they are forewarned before signing on the dotted line. But make no mistake against its rivals its hands down a better car. Trouble is its closest rival is probably the MK2 Blackline that we traded in which was an excellent benchmark.

 

P.S The separate Headrest make it easier to see naughty kids in then back seats. At the minute they are mugging me off and I can't see them. Like I said important to some not to others. Plus I prefer my head to be protected in a collision I have had whiplash once and its no fun.

If you think the suspension is really crashy, maybe check that the transport blocks have been removed - see other posts for details.
I think it's actually quite compliant, but that's coming from a Honda Civic with notoriously crashy torsion bar rear suspension.

If you think the suspension is really crashy, maybe check that the transport blocks have been removed - see other posts for details.

I think it's actually quite compliant, but that's coming from a Honda Civic with notoriously crashy torsion bar rear suspension.

Agreed. The ride is a massive improvement over my Mk2 VRS and my MK3 is on 19s!

Well I would like to partially agree with skodev.

I came straigt from Audi A4 Avant 2.5 V6 TDI. With engine performance I have no issues or complaints. Nuff power, great thru lower rpm.

The interior is little bit lower quality, no door trims but thoose are only aestetics.

In this 7 days of ownership i noticed a little bit louder noises above 120km/h and louder window motors/guides or whatever (lifting and lowering windows is a little bit louder). None of thoose is crucial nor annoying.

Suspension is harsh up to 40km/h in cities. I just made a 700km trip. As Your speed raises suspension is better. SWMBO was 3/4 of the trip on rear seat in the middle between two child seats. She said it's 10 times more comfortable than Audi and had no issues with suspension. Space behind is... well my 4 yo told me they will play football... in Audi You could have an envelope behind my seat...

So really, reading the forum I'm wondering what You guys were driving before Octavia.

My investment in Octi RS was the best in last 10 years. My decision to try Skoda instead of next new A4 even better and we even save lots of money! Hope it will be the same with time/age!

If you think the suspension is really crashy, maybe check that the transport blocks have been removed - see other posts for details.

I think it's actually quite compliant, but that's coming from a Honda Civic with notoriously crashy torsion bar rear suspension.

 

First thing I checked at handover. Might be just because my MkII is quite old now and this is new so a bit tight. The Blackline suspension was spot on not harsh but not too soft either. I don't mind hard suspension coming from hot hatches previous to the skoda's these are like boats in comparison but for a car of its size they handle surprisingly well.

I think the Tyres make a big difference. My MK2 Vrs is on 17" and this is on 18" so the lower profile makes a big difference and they are Bridgestone Potenza I think these may be a bit stiffer shoulder than the Avon's on the MK2.

I think the Stop-Start needs time to get used to. When I first had it, it was a bloody pain. But now I've no issues with it. I think a lot of the negative comments relating to stop-start is from people that never had it on the previous car.

 

Glad you are enjoying it Scribbler only 4 days to go until I get mine

 

7. Passenger side sun visor has massive airbag safety warning or something 'both sides' that can't be removed

(if someone finds a solution to this please let me know as my eyes keep getting drawn to it)

 

I was considering seeing if I could order a LHD drivers visor and fit that, as I have the same annoyance. Especially when it's folded down/a passenger is using it.

I was considering seeing if I could order a LHD drivers visor and fit that, as I have the same annoyance. Especially when it's folded down/a passenger is using it.

 

Good idea maybe superskoda or similar website sell them.

 

Edit:

 

Nope just checked.

Mine came with the daft airbag warnings on the visor. :clap:

 

If your engine is stopping while the car is moving then there's something wrong with it.

I'm annoyed there is no vanity light in the the visor. My brothers low spec vw policy has one in the head lining but not on the VRS

Mine came with the daft airbag warnings on the visor. :clap:

 

If your engine is stopping while the car is moving then there's something wrong with it.

 

If your in neutral and the clutch is disengaged I think it must monitor the wheel speed sensor and If your below about 3-4 mile an hour and slowing down it switches off. But I would say the vehicle should need to be at a complete stop. Its only a minor point, I put it in first and went to pull off from the junction but because it judders when it wakes up I thought I had stalled even though I hadn't so I go to turn the key to start the engine and its actually running. It caught me out that's all wont happen again.

Another thing I have noticed that's different to the MK2 is that the key seams to enter the ignition at the wrong angle and when you turn it there is a slight pause before she starts up almost like its having a think about it. The MK2 was instant and the key felt like it was in the correct orientation. Like I said before not deal breakers just things I have observed.

If your in neutral and the clutch is disengaged I think it must monitor the wheel speed sensor and If your below about 3-4 mile an hour and slowing down it switches off. But I would say the vehicle should need to be at a complete stop. Its only a minor point, I put it in first and went to pull off from the junction but because it judders when it wakes up I thought I had stalled even though I hadn't so I go to turn the key to start the engine and its actually running. It caught me out that's all wont happen again.

Another thing I have noticed that's different to the MK2 is that the key seams to enter the ignition at the wrong angle and when you turn it there is a slight pause before she starts up almost like its having a think about it. The MK2 was instant and the key felt like it was in the correct orientation. Like I said before not deal breakers just things I have observed.

 

Mine doesn't stop the engine until it's completely stopped.

 

As for the ignition, the key no longer directly operates the starter, it just tells the car to start it does when it's ready.  You can just turn the key to the start position and just let go, the engine will then start itself.

Mine doesn't stop the engine until it's completely stopped.

 

As for the ignition, the key no longer directly operates the starter, it just tells the car to start it does when it's ready.  You can just turn the key to the start position and just let go, the engine will then start itself.

 

Well according to this the conditions for switch off only need to be below 3kmph it felt like more than this but it explains what I experienced.

 

http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/mini-apps/owners-manuals/pages/octavia-1z.aspx?requestOwnersManualOnlineVersion=en/Octavia_1Z/11-2012/Manual/Octavia/online&requestOwnersManualLanguage=en&requestOwnersManualEditionDate=11-2012&requestOwnersManualPage=1&printPage=1&pageId=00266

Well according to this the conditions for switch off only need to be below 3kmph it felt like more than this but it explains what I experienced.

 

http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/mini-apps/owners-manuals/pages/octavia-1z.aspx?requestOwnersManualOnlineVersion=en/Octavia_1Z/11-2012/Manual/Octavia/online&requestOwnersManualLanguage=en&requestOwnersManualEditionDate=11-2012&requestOwnersManualPage=1&printPage=1&pageId=00266

 

No, according to that it needs to be at a standstill, but it will restart if the speed climbs to 3mph, ie you're rolling down a hill from a standstill.

I was told by the dealer that a full size spare wont fit in the wheel well. however it looks like there is plenty of space under there. I was told the same thing with the Blackline but I managed to squeeze an 18" Neptune in there. Can someone confirm that the same thing is the case with the MKIII or will it genuinely only take a space saver?

 

I have a full size wheel in the spare wheel well of mine. Its an Audi rim, 18x8J. It fits fine in terms of diameter, but it does lift the boot floor slightly, maybe 15-20mm. But I have one of the hard plastic boot liners so its not that noticeable. The only downside is that the polystyrene insert doesn't fit into the wheel, but I have removed the tools and put them in the storage space at the side of the boot.

No, according to that it needs to be at a standstill, but it will restart if the speed climbs to 3mph, ie you're rolling down a hill from a standstill.

 

Your splitting hairs if it wont fire back up until its rolling above 3kmph then It must consider the car still to be at standstill they have to allow for some tolerance in the speed sensor otherwise a stiff breeze would trigger the restart. So the car assumes anything below 3kmph is standstill. That's a very slow crawl but movement none the less. Its almost like its pre-empting you stoping. Try it on a hill engage neutral foot off clutch and gradually slow the car to a crawl with the brake and the engine will shut off before its stopped completely. That said the tolerance in your wheel speed sensor might be slightly different.