Hello everyone! I'm currently in the process of ordering another Octavia (I have a 1.2 tsi dsg hatch atm) though this time I want an estate with a more powerful engine. The only engines considered are 1.8 tsi and 2.0 tdi 184 (not vrs, but the standard car). Initially I was set on the tdi, but after test driving it, I've been thinking the 1.8 tsi might be a good choice too. I felt a little disappointed that the tdi was a bit gruff, compared to my current 1.2 tsi which is quiet and smooth. I really like the refinement of the petrol engines hence I'm considering the 1.8. Sadly my dealer doesn't have a 1.8 tsi available for a test drive, and I'm wondering, those of you who've driven both what do you think? The dealer told me that despite what is says on paper the 1.8 tsi is faster than the 184 tdi, and is just as smooth and quiet (even more so) as the 1.2 tsi. Is there any truth to this?

 

The other issue is the 4x4 option. If I settle on the 1.8 tsi I can buy it with FWD only and save some money, the 2.0 tdi 184 is only available with 4x4 (unless I get the vrs tdi which I don't want). Does the 4x4 make a big difference to handling/safety etc? I'll be driving in bad weather as well, so safety and the ability to use it in bad weather is a concern too. Ofc i'll have winter tires so I was wondering if the 4x4 is really a big improvement over the FWD. If it's only marginal I can do without.

 

Thanks for reading.

I went from a Fwd Mondeo to a 1.8tsi 4x4.

And the difference in the winter is massive, both in traction and handling. I didnt get stuck once last winter, and I really tried :p

If you live somewhere that gets snow, you should really consider 4x4.

The engine is quiet and strong. You really dont hear much until 2000rpm.

I went from a Fwd Mondeo to a 1.8tsi 4x4.

And the difference in the winter is massive, both in traction and handling. I didnt get stuck once last winter, and I really tried :p

If you live somewhere that gets snow, you should really consider 4x4.

The engine is quiet and strong. You really dont hear much until 2000rpm.

Thanks, how's the fuel consumption on it?

Thanks, how's the fuel consumption on it?

Not as good as the official numbers.

On long rural runs I usually see around 6.5l/100km.

Overall consumption since I got the car is around 9l/100km. But Im sometimes quite lazy, so its many small trips. And in the winter that really increases the consumption.

1.8 TSI is close to 1.4 TSI till 4000 rpm, specially on FWD where the max torque is 250nm on both flat.

 

If it's 4x4 then the torque is more on 1.8TSI.

 

I own 2.0 TDI 150 hp, I have to admit I like it BUT the complication w/ DPF, fuel type, etc does make me nervous (first diesel for me). I wanted 1.8 but had to wait 4 months which was fast decision.

 

BTW I like the way the motor roars and vibrates, make me feel connected to the car and the drive. Really. 

DPF issues are my other concern, hence I am also considering a petrol car. I do a lot of city driving in a very heavily congested city... Not sure the diesels and their dpfs are suited to this kind of driving.

If you drive a lot in city,its OK. It will heat and regen often but this is good part. But if you drive short distances its not suitable.

Actually DPF regens when I enter the city, after intensive long journey because it gets hotter after the rush, then in the city when speed is lower (air does not cool it anymore like on the highway). So ... Depends on your driving pattern.

If you do longer trips,no matter they are in the city, will be ok. But still petrol is more balanced if you come from petrol (like me).

Wish I was patient and waited for 1.8 or 2.0 petrol for me. But dont get me wrong, I love the diesel and easy drive with its power and torque,plus low rpms outside the city. Just those stuff scares me yet and I feel uncomfortable.

If you can get the 1.8 tsi 4x4 where you are I would not think twice it is a fantastic machine. The 1.8 tsi is good in the city traffic and more than capable to do long distance if needed. If you get the 4x4 you get the better multilink suspension and the stronger DSG6 gearbox that takes more torque. The 4x4 is a bonus but nice to have even when the weather is good.

I have the 2.0TDI 4x4 181hp, its perfect, my avg consumption is 6.5 l/100km( driving in the city only and 2 200 km trips). The tsi is probably quieter, but I cant hear the engine at all if I listen to any music. 4x4 is awesome as I have to go rural with no roads and 20 cm snow to get to my parents house when I visit.

If you can get the 1.8 tsi 4x4 where you are I would not think twice it is a fantastic machine. The 1.8 tsi is good in the city traffic and more than capable to do long distance if needed. If you get the 4x4 you get the better multilink suspension and the stronger DSG6 gearbox that takes more torque. The 4x4 is a bonus but nice to have even when the weather is good.

AFAIK the Fwd 1.8 also has the multi-link suspension.

If I were you I would at least try the 1.4tsi combi. That's assuming you are happy with the ride of the rear torsion bar suspension

It is substantially more powerful than your 1.2tsi, while offering similar economy.

 

I think that Skoda would sell quite a few 1.8tsi 4wd combi, if they offered it in other than just the Nordic countries.

Forgot to add that in some countries multi-link is exclusive to the 4x4 models.

Forgot to add that in some countries multi-link is exclusive to the 4x4 models.

Really? I thought multi-link was on all fwd-models with more than 150bhp. So basicly on the vrs' and 1.8tsi.

Really? I thought multi-link was on all fwd-models with more than 150bhp. So basicly on the vrs' and 1.8tsi.

Yes, what you described is how the mk3 was released here in Australia.

Could mean they did not release the 1.8tsi and vrs (fwd) in some countries, possibly India or China where high import tariffs mean local assembly?

Above 151hp is multilink.

Plus all the 4x4 modifications.

Go with TSI. More kick, better sound, response, etc...and all together not worse in economy department.

I've one more question for tdi owners. Does it take long in winter for the car to warm up the interior? I know diesel warm up slower than petrols, so was wondering if there's a big difference to comfort. Thanks

I've got the tdi, and found the heater works very well heating up quickly .

Thanks, how's the fuel consumption on it?

I totaly forgot that the aCar-app made graphs.

So this my actual consumption since the car was new. Highest spikes on the graphs are only short, urban trips, and mostly in cold weather.

I've one more question for tdi owners. Does it take long in winter for the car to warm up the interior? I know diesel warm up slower than petrols, so was wondering if there's a big difference to comfort. Thanks

 

Both the EA888 Petrol and the EA288 Diesel have the multi circuit cooling system that prioritises engine and heater for faster warm up. It restricts the water to the engine core, then the heater before sending it to the radiator etc. Quite a clever system IMHO

 

Some cars in some markets (I would guess the diesels) have a small electric heating element next to the heater matrix to boost the heating while the engine warms.

 

Although the petrol would heat up faster in theory, in practice I think there would be little difference. If it was a problem you could always go for a Webasto

 

I would still go for the petrol 4x4 but then again I am biassed 

Tdi vrs takes bl00dy ages to heat up, it's not too bad in the cabin (although not great - thankful for heated windscreen and seats) but the engine itself takes forever.

I suspect it's not great for the dpf running cold either.

The sound alone makes the 1,8 TSi a lot better than the diesels    Only negative is the consumption is worse, but all things concidered im very happy with my TSi.

My 1.8 TSI 4x4 DSG L&K has the electric heating element near the heater core also!

And I have never seen an engine that is getting warm quicker.

0 deg C outside and it takes about 3 minutes to reach 90 deg water temp. Its amazing!

The engine is very quiet, at low rpm, and the sound is good when you floor it.

With 280Nm from 1300 rpm its fast to :-)

My long time consumption is averaging 7.3 L/100 km - and its worth it.

I think the only reason to pick a diesel is if tax and fuel costs make it significantly cheaper to operate over time. For most people, the petrol is superior for refinement, performance, noise, feel, etc.

You may want to consider a 1.4 because up to about 4000rpm, it and the 1.8 are essentially equal for outputs in FWD guise. Use some of the savings for a good set of winter tyres and you should be set.

If you want 4x4 and/or the nicer rear suspension, then the 1.8 is the one.

I grew up and drove for years in a place with 5-6 months of snow and never needed 4x4. Being in the country, I would often be driving on unplowed roads, too. No doubt it is convenient and nice to have, but be sure you can really use it before spending extra on it, not to mention the impact on weight and fuel consumption.

Edited 10 September, 20169 yr by hobbie2k