I had the Fabia VRS it was a 10 plate it was a pain, problem after problem when working it was a joy but that was about 20% of the time! I would stay away I lost all trust in skodas. But I have read so much good reviews of the new Octavia its turns my head!

Just getting back on here as I've been looking at an Octavia vrs TDI for a company car of all goes well. Love this thread really answers a lot of questions I had! I was looking at Audi a4s but like you said the price with options is high ! The vrs with the options I would like is still 5-6k cheaper! I'm lucky with work though we can pick most cars I can think off so got some decisions!

It's a great choice for a company car and I'd have this fully loaded over a basic spec (especially with the power) A4 (had an A4 S Line avant back in 2011 as a company car) without question if it were an option. A fully loaded A4 with the same engine would sway me to the four rings - power was a big tick for me though

I went for this over Passat GT due to options/power and went for it over the Mazda 6 too which was my second choice had I not got the vRS. Love the aggressive looks (IMO) of the vRS

Edited 1 September, 20169 yr by ToffeeMRD

Glad you like it! Think it will be the hatch for me, I can't really warrant an estate only have a laptop for work. The aggressive looks and performance have really pulled me in as well. I'm like you been spoilt with a wide range of hire cars for company use! Just a quick question did the bigger wheels impact the Tax at all ? Just wondering because on some cars it does. If not the black plus pack will be an option with front assist (for stop start traffic on motorways saved me a couple of times in the golf!) Would you recommend any other options since having the car? I know you like the electronic boot but I don't really use the boot just place bag on back seat!

Edited 2 September, 20169 yr by JK-VRS

Glad you like it! Think it will be the hatch for me, I can't really warrant an estate only have a laptop for work. The aggressive looks and performance have really pulled me in as well. I'm like you been spoilt with a wide range of hire cars for company use! Just a quick question did the bigger wheels impact the Tax at all ? Just wondering because on some cars it does. If not the black plus pack will be an option with front assist (for stop start traffic on motorways saved me a couple of times in the golf!) Would you recommend any other options since having the car? I know you like the electronic boot but I don't really use the boot just place bag on back seat!

Good question re the tax - I just put it all through some online calculators and using Skodas BIK rate worked out what I'd be paying. Was around same tax deduction as Passat, so wasn't too worried about extras. Phoned HMRC and updated them with P11D and reg, they never asked about the wheels or other options. Now you've got me wondering!

Good question re the tax - I just put it all through some online calculators and using Skodas BIK rate worked out what I'd be paying. Was around same tax deduction as Passat, so wasn't too worried about extras. Phoned HMRC and updated them with P11D and reg, they never asked about the wheels or other options. Now you've got me wondering!

It's ok checked the website and the Co2 is the same for both 18s and 19s =)!

It's ok checked the website and the Co2 is the same for both 18s and 19s =)!

Thanks - thought there wasn't much/any difference. You've saved me worrying about any letters coming through from HMRC!! I'd recommend them even more over the standard wheels if they are within budget on that basis - the ride is fine on them apart from when you hit huge holes, can't see the 18" being any better on that basis.

Hahahaha be bold - laughing my head off at that fair reflection of my aim!!!

 

It looks like you dangled a fluffy toy from your keys and then let a kitten loose in your car?

Edited 5 September, 20169 yr by SkodaVRS1963

It looks like you dangled a fluffy toy from your keys and then let a kitten loose in your car?

Crying! Hahaha

Should have gone to specsavers

So had a mobile company (auto restore) come out to fix the scratch on the door from the (seemingly) drunk guy in a Bristol car park. Here's a pic again of that scratch:

Here's his awful parking

Here's his door showing many parking scars, wasn't going to let him get away with smacking my car

And here's a pic of the set up used on my driveway for the respray. Quite impressive, although neighbours thought I'd finally lost it with the wife and this was a forensics set up!!

End result was perfect and no sign of the scratch.

Car continues to impress with the miles I'm racking up, although I've had a number of tailgaters this past few weeks - trying to bait me into racing, or just plain moronic drivers. interestingly at dusk/night many cars that I'm following seem to really slam the anchors on when I come up behind them - the bright xenons & that it's a vRS (used by a number of forces as an undercover car) make me think a lot think I'm about to put blue flashing lights on!

Did you get the dent repaired through insurance? I just have a basic new Skoda Octavia at the minute as a hire car and I get the same on the motorway without mine even being a VRS! I am just waiting for my new contract to come through now and I will get a pin to sign into the Lex website to pick a car! Looking forward to it the only thing that has put me off though is the dealer said they have a new face lift model coming out in 2017. I also sat in a 2016 Audi A4 Sline and the new interior is just unreal was so much better than any car I have ever been in. But I see it coming down to can I see my self driving an A4, 3 series, C class and I don't think I can. I'm 24 and I think the body style and the grunt of the TDI vrs offers everything I need at a snap of the price. I need to over look the badge appeal and go with a car that puts a smile on my face on all styles of driving every day not just motorway miles. 

 

Once I get my login I will let you know my build spec with extras and see if you would recommend any further extras or confirm there not needed. Just a quick one does the car come with front and rear parking sensors as standard?

Did you get the dent repaired through insurance? I just have a basic new Skoda Octavia at the minute as a hire car and I get the same on the motorway without mine even being a VRS! I am just waiting for my new contract to come through now and I will get a pin to sign into the Lex website to pick a car! Looking forward to it the only thing that has put me off though is the dealer said they have a new face lift model coming out in 2017. I also sat in a 2016 Audi A4 Sline and the new interior is just unreal was so much better than any car I have ever been in. But I see it coming down to can I see my self driving an A4, 3 series, C class and I don't think I can. I'm 24 and I think the body style and the grunt of the TDI vrs offers everything I need at a snap of the price. I need to over look the badge appeal and go with a car that puts a smile on my face on all styles of driving every day not just motorway miles.

Once I get my login I will let you know my build spec with extras and see if you would recommend any further extras or confirm there not needed. Just a quick one does the car come with front and rear parking sensors as standard?

Our fleet management company sorted it - his insurance is picking up the bill. The area looks brand new again.

The Audi will always be better interior wise, even for cars 5 years + back IMO. You said it though - you want a car to put a smile on your face, the vRS will do it! Plus the extras you'll be able to get over the Audi will be substantial. Even for an estate, it doesn't mind being chucked into corners, not that I've tried of course....

The car only came with rear sensors as standard, had to get front added as an option. Other options on this are the black pack plus (with 19"), canton sound system (superb), heated front seats, electric mirrors, electric boot (probably most useful option with work), Bluetooth plus (meant to improve signal, have my doubts), heated washer nozzles and space saver wheel.

Edited 15 September, 20169 yr by ToffeeMRD

Our fleet management company sorted it - his insurance is picking up the bill. The area looks brand new again.

The Audi will always be better interior wise, even for cars 5 years + back IMO. You said it though - you want a car to put a smile on your face, the vRS will do it! Plus the extras you'll be able to get over the Audi will be substantial. Even for an estate, it doesn't mind being chucked into corners, not that I've tried of course....

The car only came with rear sensors as standard, had to get front added as an option. Other options on this are the black pack plus (with 19"), canton sound system (superb), heated front seats, electric mirrors, electric boot (probably most useful option with work), Bluetooth plus (meant to improve signal, have my doubts), heated washer nozzles and space saver wheel.

 

Glad they have made a good job and its like new!

 

Thanks for letting me know the extras you have I would probs just have the black pack plus and electric mirrors. I am on car watch at the minute and I'm changing my mind daily... actually seems to be every hour when I notice a car on the road! Seen a BMW 220d series M sport in Alpine white I beleive and that looked a nice motor! Had a look and the 190bhp does 0-60 in 7 seconds and claims around 68mpg with CO2 of 107 grams! Have you had any experience of BMW's? or has anyone had/drove a 2 series? Its a coupe but might just be practical enough... see what I mean I love my cars and think it will take ages for me to decide !

Glad they have made a good job and its like new!

 

Thanks for letting me know the extras you have I would probs just have the black pack plus and electric mirrors. I am on car watch at the minute and I'm changing my mind daily... actually seems to be every hour when I notice a car on the road! Seen a BMW 220d series M sport in Alpine white I beleive and that looked a nice motor! Had a look and the 190bhp does 0-60 in 7 seconds and claims around 68mpg with CO2 of 107 grams! Have you had any experience of BMW's? or has anyone had/drove a 2 series? Its a coupe but might just be practical enough... see what I mean I love my cars and think it will take ages for me to decide !

Those are some impressive stats, haven't seen much on the 2 series apart from the M2 in my Evo magazine! Obviously a much smaller car, but if space isn't an issue then that seems good. Just be careful in the wet with that rear wheel drive

Hi Toffee, cheers for the updates. My comp car is ALMOST sorted. Had to delete a couple of options (Smartlink and front heated seats) but we're almost there now. Went for Candy white in the end. Also been told approx. mid/late December for delivery but I've managed to bag a VRS until then through the fleet company. what's the odds on it being green!!!

Hi Guys

 

How's everyone getting on with their 4x4 VRS's?  

Hopefully all good!

I'm due to collect mine first week in October, can't wait!

Current car 07 Mk11 VRS tdi hatch, race blue, 105000 miles - she's been great hence the reason for ordering a new one.

Spec: SKODA OCTAVIA DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDI CR vRS 5dr DSG 4x4,   Options: Canton sound system, Black design plus pack, Winter pack, Special paint – Corrida red, Crew protection assist and rear side airbags, Towing bracket – removable and lockable, Leather – Black with red stitching + heated front seats, Space saver spare wheel and Service pack.

Any tips or advice greatly appreciated!

 

P.S. Also planning to up the power, I was looking at going down the SHARK performance route - any thoughts?

 

Well it's finally happened, after 8,500 miles. Somethings gone WRONG!

A little annoyed by this, as I expected it to last a lot longer than it has.....the air conditioning packed up. I think the gas may be out as the air, even on low, is warm and not changing in temperature. Be interesting to know if others had to have it replaced so soon?

Other than that, the car is still impressive in taking huge work loads and our garden waste (re-turfing) over the past few weeks. Still manages to put a smile on my face each time I put my foot down.

S6JOK - you'll be appreciative of the 4x4 - less wheel spin off the line! Found that today with a Skoda Superb (assuming same engine) where we both went and I pulled slightly ahead until the dreaded wheel spin! Would love to chip the car, but being a Co. Car there's no chance. I'd imagine the 4x4 again will make better use of any extra power.

So, very oddly the A/C seems to be working fine now, maybe I was having a rather flustered day or something went awry with the CPU?

Today however was my first warning light. Just shy of 9,000 miles and the engine coolant warning light comes on.

Thought it may be an error, restarted and there it was again. Opened the bonnet up and sure enough, it was almost bone dry.

Luckily had some G13 coolant from the old Passat, otherwise I'd have been royally screwed as had to get to run a local football team.

Anyone else had coolant run out so soon, or is this something I need to flag? Going to carry the remainder of the coolant in the car and monitor the levels every day now.

So, very oddly the A/C seems to be working fine now, maybe I was having a rather flustered day or something went awry with the CPU?

Today however was my first warning light. Just shy of 9,000 miles and the engine coolant warning light comes on.

Thought it may be an error, restarted and there it was again. Opened the bonnet up and sure enough, it was almost bone dry.

Luckily had some G13 coolant from the old Passat, otherwise I'd have been royally screwed as had to get to run a local football team.

Anyone else had coolant run out so soon, or is this something I need to flag? Going to carry the remainder of the coolant in the car and monitor the levels every day now.

I had this at 5000 miles, over 2 months ago now. Random occurrence. Topped up by roadside assist, and it's been fine and stable since.

 

Weird.

I had this at 5000 miles, over 2 months ago now. Random occurrence. Topped up by roadside assist, and it's been fine and stable since.

 

Weird.

 

I had the same issue at around 5-6k miles. Took it to the dealer as I was nearby when it happened, they topped it up and booked it in for a check. They didn't find any leaks and it's been fine since.

 

Could it take >5000 miles for an air bubble to work its way out of the system?

I had the same issue at around 5-6k miles. Took it to the dealer as I was nearby when it happened, they topped it up and booked it in for a check. They didn't find any leaks and it's been fine since.

 

Could it take >5000 miles for an air bubble to work its way out of the system?

How many miles you on now?

How many miles you on now?

I've just gone past 10k miles now and it looks a little close to the minimum when cold but still alright.

I had this at 5000 miles, over 2 months ago now. Random occurrence. Topped up by roadside assist, and it's been fine and stable since.

 

Weird.

 

Me too, I had coolant loss around 5000 miles (very odd  :p ) I`ve topped it up and it`s ok since.

A summary of my 2 years of my 64 plate vRS tdi manual hatch....

The ride over bumpy country lanes is harsh, much more so than my wife's 16 plate Golf gtd manual with standard suspension and same size wheels & tyres although I much prefer the vRS seats to the Golf's. Wind noise through the door seals especialy on a breezy day and rumbling reverberation in the vRS with/out the sound generator activated makes it hard to hear people talk especially in the back seats.

I've suffered with the intermittent hiccup/cough when lightly pushing the accelerator down somewhere between 1200-1500 rpm on the flat or downhill, annoying.

It spent a week in the dealership when it was less than a month old while they worked out what was making the horrific banging noise from the engine, they thought it needed stripping down then apparently reprogrammed the injectors which my or may not be bs.

Last month the 2 rear right hand door speakers packed up, another 3 days in the dealership to have a now Columbus glove box unit fitted, lost all my music and other data and they left 2014/2015 maps on it which I'd upgraded 3 months ago even after they promised not to change anything without talking to me in advance.

The slightest bit of moisture on the roof I cannot open the window even an inch as more often that not I'll end up with a wet right arm and leg, the Golf did this as well just as bad.

Up until the first service which was around 20k miles I was using a lot of engine oil, probably got through about 3-4 litres. I've now done 7k miles since and the oil level has not visibly moved, why would that be?

The interior hard plastics are a bit naff on a £26k car.

Parking sensors go through phases of regular false alarms even after cleaning the sensors and car but I guess lots of other cars have the same issue.

Glove box is pathetically small in common with the Golf.

Rear washer nozzle has clogged a few times, easy to fix by pulling the cap off and prising the jet out and cleaning it. I left the jet and cap off for a while to stop tailgaters as it sends a fairly thick stream of water directly at their windscreen, they soon drop back.

Drinks holders in the centre console not easy to use due to the manual handbrake, Golf had electronic handbrake with a better layout. No drinks holders in the rear.

On the plus side the driving position is good, easy to get comfortable in those standard seats but the door mirrors don't give the most comprehensive visibility, love the pulling power in middle to higher gears, fuel consumption on short A/B road journeys 42-45mpg and on motorway journeys driving calmly can average around 55mpg most I had on a mostly empty flat motorway sticking to the limit or below was just over 60mpg , interior space excellent and that was a big factor for going for the vRS over the Golf, I think the car does look good, the vRS was less twitchy when thrown into twisty country lanes than the Golf.

 

I'm due a new company car in 12 months time and wouldn't consider another vRS to be honest I can live without the massive boot and get a Golf GTD slightly cheaper and with better spec thanks to the way company car costs work or even a Focus 2.0 TDCi ST-3 nav for £90 a month less than a vRS TDCi standard spec or the ST-2 nav for £140 less per month or even as I don't do much mileage now I could get an ecoboost Focus or Bluemotion Golf both with decent spec about £200 a month cheaper than the vRS TDCi standard spec with similar mpg figures quoted.

 

The above is just my experience and opinion, I respect the fact that the vast majority of Octavia owners will be happy with the car, quality/reliability and dealership which is great and for a private buyer I can see the attractive cost difference between vRS and GTD but that isn't the case with company cars.

mfalconer, what was the cause of the cough? Did it improve?

A summary of my 2 years of my 64 plate vRS tdi manual hatch....

The ride over bumpy country lanes is harsh, much more so than my wife's 16 plate Golf gtd manual with standard suspension and same size wheels & tyres although I much prefer the vRS seats to the Golf's. 

 

Assumed the Golf GTD would come with sports suspension as standard. The seats are very comfy in the vRS and I haven't experienced the ride being too bad considering the car is on 19" wheels - but that can all depend on road, driver etc. Most of my journeys are on twisting country A&B roads.

 

 

I've suffered with the intermittent hiccup/cough when lightly pushing the accelerator down somewhere between 1200-1500 rpm on the flat or downhill, annoying.

It spent a week in the dealership when it was less than a month old while they worked out what was making the horrific banging noise from the engine, they thought it needed stripping down then apparently reprogrammed the injectors which my or may not be bs.

Last month the 2 rear right hand door speakers packed up, another 3 days in the dealership to have a now Columbus glove box unit fitted, lost all my music and other data and they left 2014/2015 maps on it which I'd upgraded 3 months ago even after they promised not to change anything without talking to me in advance.

 

 

Did they diagnose it and fix that 'cough'? So far, the Amusden has been very, very good and a huge improvement over the old Passat (12 plate). The Canton was also worth the extra, when the music's up LOUD anyway!

 

 

Parking sensors go through phases of regular false alarms even after cleaning the sensors and car but I guess lots of other cars have the same issue.

Glove box is pathetically small in common with the Golf.

 

 

Glove box is very small and so is the armrest box up from the handbrake. Also cup holders small too. Sensors so far for me have behaved, will see over time if this changes.

 

 

On the plus side the driving position is good, easy to get comfortable in those standard seats but the door mirrors don't give the most comprehensive visibility, love the pulling power in middle to higher gears, fuel consumption on short A/B road journeys 42-45mpg and on motorway journeys driving calmly can average around 55mpg most I had on a mostly empty flat motorway sticking to the limit or below was just over 60mpg , interior space excellent and that was a big factor for going for the vRS over the Golf, I think the car does look good, the vRS was less twitchy when thrown into twisty country lanes than the Golf.

 

 

That's good MPG and, as I'm on country roads/lanes, I'm seeing around 43-48mpg purely on how heavy my foot is. Car does feel very planted, but haven't ever driven the Golf. Surprises me that it is more planted if I'm honest, but maybe that is the lack of sports suspension in the GTD?

 

 

I'm due a new company car in 12 months time and wouldn't consider another vRS to be honest I can live without the massive boot and get a Golf GTD slightly cheaper and with better spec thanks to the way company car costs work or even a Focus 2.0 TDCi ST-3 nav for £90 a month less than a vRS TDCi standard spec or the ST-2 nav for £140 less per month or even as I don't do much mileage now I could get an ecoboost Focus or Bluemotion Golf both with decent spec about £200 a month cheaper than the vRS TDCi standard spec with similar mpg figures quoted.

 

I'd argue that about cost and company car choices vs a Golf GTD. We get a list and you can go slightly off tangent to that list, as long as 'base' car you're after is on there (i.e. a Octavia TDi is on there - you can try for a vRS). Anything not on the list is a no go full stop. Also, the P11D will also have an impact on whether your choice is even considered.

 

We don't get to see monthly lease costs as it's negotiated by and through a lease company, but it would surprise me if a Golf GTD (loaded up as my vRS is), is much cheaper for the company each month. Also the P11D price may scupper a well specced car before we get to that stage. 

 

The Focus is an interesting one, as the ST (D) variant comes in a similar price to the vRS. If you suffer with the Octavia, I'd imagine the Focus in that guise would be even worse - especially with those deep Reacro's! I'd say that is, arguably, an even better drivers car than the vRS.

Edited 3 October, 20169 yr by ToffeeMRD