I've looking into my next car. What I'd really like isn't available in the UK, or anywhere for that matter: a 4x4 VRS (with L&K spec). In the UK, previous generations offered a petrol 4x4 but as far as I can tell, the current model does not. I decided to see whether other rhd markets offer the car and it seems New Zealand does. Is this the only market? It seems strange if so. There can't be that many sold there to make it worth while surely? I mean, where are these NZ rhd 4x4 FSI's made, Mladá Boleslav, almost have a world away? I thought I'd check what other rhd markets there are these days and it's more than I thought with one huge market I hadn't fully appreciated before: India (http://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/list-of-left-driving-countries/). So I thought, "maybe they're made and sold in India, I'll check the website, download the brochure". No such luck, they do things a little differently and not being Indian and therefore provide my Indian contact details it seems I can't download the brochure (http://www.skoda-auto.co.in/download-brochure/download-brochure). No matter, I'll just check the website itself. Again, not as straight forward as here - because of its vastness it's split into regions. Ok, which is the most mountainous? Let's go with Jammu & Kashmir. And this is the model I find: "Engine: 1.8 TSI(AT) / 118 kW". Could it be that AT stands for All Terrain implying it's 4x4. At about 160bhp (assuming my conversion is correct) it's not quite as powerful as the NZ spec car. Anyway, all this got me thinking. What's it going to take for Skoda UK to finally relent and bring us what we want - I know I'm not the only one - a mass collective order of cars by UK briskoda members shipped from New Zealand or India? It certainly is tempting to look into what it costs to ship a car from NZ here. I know plenty do it in the other direction. All fascinating and infuriating at the same time.

I would guess that AT stands for automatic transmission.

The 4x4 is not even remotely close to beeing an all terrain vehicle.

Edited 17 April, 201610 yr by Gromle

Have a look at the Superb 4x4 models also. With a good discount they aren't a lot more.

The NZ and India cars aren't homologated for use in the EU, so its a non starter maybe until 23 June??

Edited 17 April, 201610 yr by glosrich

The best way used to be going via Southern Ireland. The cars had full European homologation and an easy import to the UK

 

Unfortunately they seem to have disappeared from the listing there as well. Shame as it is a cracking motor.

 

There is still the 184 TDi 4x4 DSG in non-vRS guise but now the vRS is out everywhere it is not so special. The 184 TDi 4x4 DSG was around for a while, not such a leap to make it a vRS. The fact that some of the few markets that sold the 1.8 TSi 4x4 are dropping it does not bode well for any TSi 4x4

 

I think the unfortunate fact is the sales figures will not justify a petrol 4x4 no matter how good they are, and if they are too good it steps right on Audi's toes.

 

I was surprised they did the Superb 280 4x4 in RHD, not quite the machine I needed, but if I did, I think I would be grabbing one sooner rather than later.

The 1.8tsi Scout is also sold in Australia but DSG only.

It was expected to be the biggest seller of the three version available the others being a basic spec manual 110kw diesel and a high spec 132kw dsg diesel.

There are few govt incentives to buy an economic car and fuel is very cheap at the moment.

All Skoda sold here are made in the Czech Republic.

Go to skoda.com.au for model details.

Skoda would have produced them if Skoda UK think they could sell them.

 

Just two weeks ago I got my Octavia 1,8 TSI DSG 4x4 L&K (LHD - in Norway), and for me thats the perfect Octavia :clap:

Its cheaper than the RS (in Norway), has better comfort and dont looks like a teenagers shoe

Well, I'm to old for the sporty look and drive, but still young enough so that I want a little power.

Thanks for all your responses. It's much appreciated.

> Gromli, Yes, I'm sure you are right.

> Glosrich, I did think about the Superb. I like the new shape and its available with the kinda spec I wish the Octavia had. It's just a little big andexpensive for me just now. Those pesky Eurocrats! You might just have helped my decision

> flybynite - yes, I'd looked at that in the past but I'd also seen that they were no longer sold there either.

> Gerrycan - thanks for the information. That's interesting and potentially useful one day.

> norsko - I'm insanely jealous. You've just described my perfect Octavia. I now want to move to Norway. Take it you've got some Nokians or similar on it.

Well, all being well, I will be driving the next best thing in the very near future and be able to change my name to lucky Octavia owner.

Edited 20 April, 201610 yr by Unlucky Octavia owner

Skoda would have produced them if Skoda UK think they could sell them.

 

Just two weeks ago I got my Octavia 1,8 TSI DSG 4x4 L&K (LHD - in Norway), and for me thats the perfect Octavia :clap:

Its cheaper than the RS (in Norway), has better comfort and dont looks like a teenagers shoe

Well, I'm to old for the sporty look and drive, but still young enough so that I want a little power.

 

Really like the teenagers shoe ; quite accurate ;-)

I'm one of the lucky ones - right hand drive, race blue 4x4 1.8TSI Estate (not a Scout)  - built in the Czech Republic and delivered to New Zealand in September 2014.  Its a lovely car. Great ride and handling while the engine is smooth and plenty powerful enough for me.  It quiet too - I suspect we have more sound proofing that you get in the UK - I read somewhere some markets (Scandinavia I think) have better sound proofing and it wouldn't surprise me if we're the same.

 

Just why we can get this car and you can't in the UK is a mystery.  The NZ market is tiny in comparison.  There's probably only 300 or so Octavias sold each year here and most likely only a handful or two would be 4x4 estates.  I've not seen another in just over 18 months driving it though I've seen a couple advertised for sale. There seem to be more VRS's than any other model.

 

Each country seems to have picked its most mix of models and specifications.  You can't get the 4x4 1.8TSI Estate in Australia either - though both New Zealand and Australia now get Scouts with that engine.

 

But in Australia you can get a great suite of options including a technology pack that deliver a whole range of extras for a very modest price compared to what we have to pay for them individually in New Zealand.

I have to admit I can't believe it would not be worth it to just offer them here either, but I guess we will never know some of the things in play.

 

I think the number sold in Ireland can be counted on one hand compared with the mountain of diesels, which is why they dropped it completely.

 

I do suspect that the emissions scandal has hit VAG more than we know and cars like the 1,8 TSi 4x4 would not do their emissions average much good. However how they got the TSi 4x4 12 g/km less than a 2wd Ford Diesel I have I will never know, but if I were a betting man......

 

The one thing that did (and still does) annoy me is Skoda UK restrict the access to other options available elsewhere. There is maybe a justification for a whole model, but some alloys, Footwell lights, really? In other markets there are things that can be added for peanuts but are just not available in the UK and for such small things there is no reason why especially when it is an option in another RHD market.

 

Its not going to be a machine for everyone but if you need one there is very little can replace it.

Have you considered the Subaru Levorg? 1.6 Turbo 4x4 estate car (170HP). Loads of kit as standard.

Have you considered the Subaru Levorg? 1.6 Turbo 4x4 estate car (170HP). Loads of kit as standard.

Have to admit I am a big fan of Subaru having had a couple, and both the Legacy and the XV were on my watchlist in the past but I did look at the Levorg briefly.

 

The two things that would kill it for me were I felt it a bit underpowered to be lugging a full-time 4wd and I could never get on with the CVT, it is a personal thing, but it would be a deal breaker for me.

 

Although no petrol 4x4 is going to be good on consumption with CVT and full time 4wd I think this will be particularly thirsty in practice. Handling should be good though and its mechanicals should last.

 

Now if they brought the 2.0 GT-S that they have in Japan!

 

For me and what I needed it would have been a choice of Audi A4 or BMW 320 x-drive but it would have been a compromise on spec/price for either and space on the BMW

The Levorg I drive was pretty good, I thought. Lower power than my Forester, but still felt it went well enough. I am used to the CVT though, so it didn't feel alien to me like it first did. Once you learn to use SI-Drive its a wonderful thing and other automatics feel clunky

 

It was actually Skoda's abandonment of petrol 4x4s that pushed me to Subaru in the first place.

I'm one of the lucky ones - right hand drive, race blue 4x4 1.8TSI Estate (not a Scout) - built in the Czech Republic and delivered to New Zealand in September 2014. Its a lovely car. Great ride and handling while the engine is smooth and plenty powerful enough for me. It quiet too - I suspect we have more sound proofing that you get in the UK - I read somewhere some markets (Scandinavia I think) have better sound proofing and it wouldn't surprise me if we're the same.

Just why we can get this car and you can't in the UK is a mystery. The NZ market is tiny in comparison. There's probably only 300 or so Octavias sold each year here and most likely only a handful or two would be 4x4 estates. I've not seen another in just over 18 months driving it though I've seen a couple advertised for sale. There seem to be more VRS's than any other model.

Each country seems to have picked its most mix of models and specifications. You can't get the 4x4 1.8TSI Estate in Australia either - though both New Zealand and Australia now get Scouts with that engine.

But in Australia you can get a great suite of options including a technology pack that deliver a whole range of extras for a very modest price compared to what we have to pay for them individually in New Zealand.

I have to admit I can't believe it would not be worth it to just offer them here either, but I guess we will never know some of the things in play.

I think the number sold in Ireland can be counted on one hand compared with the mountain of diesels, which is why they dropped it completely.

I do suspect that the emissions scandal has hit VAG more than we know and cars like the 1,8 TSi 4x4 would not do their emissions average much good. However how they got the TSi 4x4 12 g/km less than a 2wd Ford Diesel I have I will never know, but if I were a betting man......

The one thing that did (and still does) annoy me is Skoda UK restrict the access to other options available elsewhere. There is maybe a justification for a whole model, but some alloys, Footwell lights, really? In other markets there are things that can be added for peanuts but are just not available in the UK and for such small things there is no reason why especially when it is an option in another RHD market.

Its not going to be a machine for everyone but if you need one there is very little can replace it.

Have you considered the Subaru Levorg? 1.6 Turbo 4x4 estate car (170HP). Loads of kit as standard.

Kiwiboy, I'd say you are doubly lucky. Not only do you get to live in a beautiful country but you get to buy the car I want Skoda UK to sell. It's surprising that they would make this car given how small the numbers must be.

Maybe they had intended to bring it to the UK and then they decided it was one to sacrifice for the sake of average CO2. Or perhaps Audi veto'd it.

No, not considered a Saburu. I'd have considered a BMW 320i xDrive but it seems Beemers aren't that reliable these days.

I saw a Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI L&K estate for sale on Autotrader a couple of weeks ago and this week decided to go for it. I am collecting it on Monday. I had put Nokian Weatherproof all season tires on my current car last Autumn and have been happy with them - even though they've not really been tested this winter. I may put a set on in the future.

Edited 22 April, 201610 yr by Unlucky Octavia owner

Yes, New Zealand is a great country to live in and drive in provided you're out of Auckland.  Great scenery and not too many cars.  The weather's highly variable though so it is good to have four wheel drive.

 

I also get to drive Subaru's regularly as work cars.  The base Impreza's and XV's are very nice to drive but simply aren't as well designed in the cabin or as well put together as Octavias.  The Subaru interiors look like the manufacturer bought bits and pieces off a whole range of companies and put them in without much thought for how they go together.  Subaru's also seem to develop rattles quickly.

 

To me the Octavia looks coherent and better designed and seems very well put together.  Its a much nicer space to be in than the Subaru's I've driven.

Edited 22 April, 201610 yr by kiwiboy

They certainly cannot be condemned for form over function The spartan interior has grown on me, especially compared to some of the shiny plastic and button-festooned monstrosities such as from Vauxhall or Citroen.

They certainly cannot be condemned for form over function The spartan interior has grown on me, especially compared to some of the shiny plastic and button-festooned monstrosities such as from Vauxhall or Citroen.

Don't forget fords recent design team that uses the novel groundbreaking approach dipping their hand in the button parts bin, loading into a shotgun, coating the dash in glue. And firing.

Every time I get in a focus or fiesta I want to get out and go and get my 3 hammers. One for the dash, one for my eyes and one for the driver.

Edited 24 April, 201610 yr by Mallettsmallett