Im not new to this forum and have been browsing for the last year or so mainly because I was interested in the furby vRS. Insurance will be a bit kinder towards me come March so considering buying an Octy vRS (pre-facelift ofcourse).

The only experience I have with the octy is a passenger in a TDI which was very comfortable all the same may I add. The only thing holding me back from the purchase are a few unanswered questions..

1) I've heard lots of problems with torque-steer. Is it that big a problem? Can the car handle the 180hp? Is it an easy car to drive?

2) Reliability. I doubt there should be many problems considering it has the 1.8T powerplant, but are there any common faults?

3) Is this the better option over a 180 1.8T Golf Mk4 or Leon Cupra?

4) Handling. I'm not too experienced with saloon/bigger hatchbacks...does the extra power get in the way of the handling in terms of the bigger load?

5) Anything I should look out for/extra tips?

Dave

Hello and Welcome:D

in relation to your questions,

1) As far as i'm concerned the torque-steer isn't a big problem at all,its true you can feel it at times but not so that you feel your not in control

2) Have had my Octy vRS since 1st Sept 2003,its covered 67K miles and has been converted to LPG.Touch wood i've had no problems other than the coil packs but that is a fault through the whole VAG group.

3) Only you have the answer to this question as car choice ultimately boils down to your feelings and views on the looks,styling,manufactuer,specs etc

4) The extra power for me has no effect on the handling,if anything it is more beneficial as it makes the car feel smaller than it looks.

5) Coil Packs,History otherwise just the usual when buying a car.

Hope this helps,i'm sure some other members will have other views and opinions which will differ to mine but this is all i can remember at 1:40am!!!!

had my vRS estate now for a year and love it. i still get into it in a morning and think yes this is a great car.

2 thinks that i love about the car

1. is it is very under stated so most people do not relaise what it is.

2. that it can either be a very civilsed gt car eating the miles on the roads or as a rapid hot hatch

on the question of relability I have had one small problem but that was me being a very picky so and so on a cosmetic item just after I got the car. otherwise it has never let me down

The car is well balanced and stable in cornering and under braking (which is strong and fade resistant). Torque steer isn't really an issue for the amount of power, even re-mapped.

It has been said that the handling isn't that good, but I disagree (it comes into its own when driven hard) and much better than any MkIV golf I've driven. It compares well with my old Focus, although the Ford steering was quicker and had a bit more 'feel'

It's not really a 'hot hatch' as such, more of a 'sports saloon'.

High 30's mpg on the motorway or thirsty when you floor it (you only get out what you put in). Ideal for tootling to work, overtaking safely and driving enthusiastically.