I've had it a couple of days now.

I'm impressed with the overall feel of quality and comfort and, somwhat unsurprisingly, it feels like good German cars I've been in.

Having had mildly-modfied 16v normally-aspirated cars in the past the throttle response seemed a bit slow at first, although I'm now getting used to it.

The performance is deceptively quick, especially as the car is so quiet. Off the mark wheelspin is a bit of a problem, but on the move in 2nd and 3rd gear the acceleration is great -I didn't push it hard for long in 4th due to maturity and to the thought of the further accrual of licence points....

The torque feels strong and fairly constant between 2000 and 4000 rpm and possibly picks up a little more at higher rpm before falling away a bit. Something I've noticed is that the gear ratios are quite tall and widely spaced so that unless you change up at high rpm, the turbo is off-boost when you reach the higher gear. Not a problem when you're 'seeing what it'll do', but for normal driving it will probably take a bit of getting used to.

I was initially unsure about the chassis, coming from a Focus Zetec ESP, the steering is a little slower (& with a bit less 'feel') and there is a bit more roll. Having now driven the Octavia around some fast bends though, it does grip well and hold a line. Having no ESP and a lot more power, wheelspin out of the bends in 2nd is something to be aware of! I assume it's a standard 180bhp, re-mapping has to be tempting, although more power would probably destroy the front tyres!

Fuel economy on the way to work was 33.4mpg : , although a lot less later on in the evening.....

I'm very happy with my choice!

Glad you like it

Chip it...............................

Goose

It's all very tempting.....

I called in at Awesome yesterday for a filter and they tried to sell my a re-map within seconds of entering the shop -Discovering that the place is only 5 miles from my door is not going to be good for the finances....

- I'm expecting you'll have it modded to the nutz in the near future then

- I'm expecting you'll have it modded to the nutz in the near future then

Perhaps even modified bolts :P

If I had the cash... -The dreaded insurance being the limiting factor....