OK guys, spent more time in my local dealers showroom than is good for me or the future health of my wallet and I've been looking around on here as well. So now I've looked at the cars in the flesh, read the specs, looked at the posts and done the nerdy comparison spreadsheets I've drawn up a shortlist and will be test driving some or all of:

1.9 TDi Ambiente Estate manual (1.9 for short)

2.0 TDi Ambiente Estate manual (2.0 for short)

1.9 TDi 4x4 Estate manual (4x4 for short)

I don't intend getting much extra kit above the Amb / 4x4 spec to keep the price down. Therefore I would also prefer an ex demo or sub 1 year 2nd hand rather than a brand spanking.

Here are my Q's which I hope you guys who own and/or sell said vehicles can help me with:

1. Is the MK2 cabin noise really that bad? What's the main component - windrush, tyres or engine?

2. Is the 2.0 really worth the extra ~£1.5K over the 1.9 for the extra grunt it gives you?

3. Anyone done enough real world everyday driving to get some decent MPG figures? How do they stack against the officials?

4. Given that the 4x4 is more expensive, has lower MPG, a higher IG and a slower 0-60 than the 1.9 - is the 4x4 capability really worth it? Is the grip phenomenal on a wet road CW the 1.9 and 2.0? Has anyone taken it off road? If so, what could it handle & not handle? Why is the max unbraked towing weight 150kg less than the other two?

Finally if you're not all asleep, I would intend using one of these three for a 10-40 mile daily commute including town and country roads, motorway & DC from Scotland to Cornwall, the odd excursion up muddy tracks for hill walking and the usual family stuff of ferrying kids, shopping, carrying crap around the place etc.

No I don't expect you guys to tell me what to buy but I am looking for the sort of info I haven't been able to find without actually owning one of these beauties.

I thank you all for your patience

Hi Stone, hopefully i can answer a couple of your questions...

1. The cabin noise isn't bad at all, With the 17" Pegasus wheels and bridgestone tyres fitted, i find the most obtrusive noise is roadnoise, but it depends greatly on road surface, a smooth surface = no noise, but a rough road, and the noise increases quite a lot i find. I believe its the Bridgestones... Otherwise at cruise speed i find it a very relaxed place to be.

2. The 2.0 litre is a great engine, It is just so effortless at picking up speed. When it comes to overtaking on A roads, and Increasing speed on motorways, its just brilliant! The pull in 2nd and third gears will always put a smile on your face. Dont know how that compares to a 1.9, i'm just telling you what i think

3. I think long term average mpg is around 48.

4. Can't answer that one i'm afraid.

To be honest, i think they will all be suitable for what you require, they all have reasonable ground clearance, even with the sports suspension and 17" alloys. I've not grounded it yet.......fingers crossed. The elegance models come with cruise control as standard - ideal for those long trips.

OK guys, spent more time in my local dealers showroom than is good for me or the future health of my wallet and I've been looking around on here as well. So now I've looked at the cars in the flesh, read the specs, looked at the posts and done the nerdy comparison spreadsheets I've drawn up a shortlist and will be test driving some or all of:

1.9 TDi Ambiente Estate manual (1.9 for short)

2.0 TDi Ambiente Estate manual (2.0 for short)

1.9 TDi 4x4 Estate manual (4x4 for short)

I don't intend getting much extra kit above the Amb / 4x4 spec to keep the price down. Therefore I would also prefer an ex demo or sub 1 year 2nd hand rather than a brand spanking.

Here are my Q's which I hope you guys who own and/or sell said vehicles can help me with:

1. Is the MK2 cabin noise really that bad? What's the main component - windrush, tyres or engine?

2. Is the 2.0 really worth the extra ~

1 - Tyre noise is bad on bad roads but on nice tarmac or around town its fine. I have the Pegasus alloys and sports suspension but my rims came with Dunlops on.

2 - Oh yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So different, you will not regret it!!!

3 - I am not too sure as I have only done 2k so far but i get 500+ on a tank driving like a good boy on a run.

4 - 4x4 if you get regular bad weather or just trust the traction control!

I can answer no 4 for you as I have one. Yes it is more thirsty, however I am now getting around 40-43mpg as a daily average and im more than happy with that. Yes it is slower 0-60 however pulling out of busy damp junctions when you see a small gap is a joy as other than a very slight spin to the front wheels to start, the car rockets forward, no amount of traction control can give you that level of grip. The ESP on sheet ice is amazing you can feel it working on each wheel keeping the car straight, dont know about snow yet as we havent had any!! Speed bumps arent an issue as the car rides higher too remember (have been told by a few taxi drivers in my area that run Octys that they have a habit of bottoming out on many around here esp. if the cars loaded). I havent taken it off road as such but I have been on some muddy tracks and it's perfectly sound.

Overall extremely happy with my choice instead of getting a FWD with DSG and I recon that the rarity of the 4x4 will benefit its resale value when its time to dispose.

Excellent stuff, thanks guys

I suppose in the dry the 2.0 takes it over the 1.9 but given that Aberdeenshire isn't exactly mediterranean, the 4x4 may well come in very handy - especially if it has better ground clearance than the FWD octy. However, the 500kg unbraked tow max on the 4x4 is a pest as my trailer is rated to 600kg gross.

Anymore comments from owners welcome and I promise to post my thoughts if (well when really) I get one!

PS I think what would really sell is the 4x4 with the 2.0 but I guess Skoda have their reasons (or VAG are scared it would hammer the equivalent Passat!!!)

Why is the max unbraked towing weight 150kg less than the other two?

I anticipated that the difference would be accounted for by 4X4's total weight being 150kg more than the other 2 models, but the actual figures are +135kg compared with the 1.9 and +110kg compared with the 2.0. But the towing braked maximum for the PD and FSI-engined 4X4 Estates is higher than all other models at 1500kg. That is a useful figure for towing caravans. The 'old' Octavia's permissible unbraked trailer weight is 500kg across all models.

Thanks DGW, I was wondering if it was the weight diff between the models. I'm not a caravan fan myself so it will be unbraked loads only for me

Other interesting thing about the 4x4 is that it has a higher internal max load than the 1.9 and 2.0 TDi's - presumably from an uprated rear axle?

It's unlikely I'll hit the 500KG load + 100KG trailer limit but it's nice to have some reserve