I've been debating getting a new VRS, but think it would be more sensible to go used for better value.  It will be a petrol estate, and there seem far less of the petrol ones than diesel models so limited in choice.  I was thinking of getting an early car 2013/14 but wanted to know whether a later model year is worth going for.

 

For example, I understand sound deadening was improved at some point, when was this? and that the infotainment system was updated at some point in 2015, is it noticeably better?

 

Also, have xenons, auto lights, dimming rear mirror always been standard?

 

Thanks

Early 2013/14 vRS's didnt have cruise control as standard if I remember right.

I think Xénons, auto lights & Mirror were standard iirc.

 

I would say that whilst the MIB1 Entertainment unit is adequate the MIB2 released around 2015 is a marked improvement in terms of useability & supported a few extra functions like CarPlay/AndroidAuto if added as an option.

I'm not aware of any changes in sound deadening though.

 

As with all Octavias, Watch out for the "Cabin Boom" issue if buying used or new.

 

The bonus with buying used, asside from the cost, is that you can avoid the aweful split front lights on the new FL...

@Gabbo is absolutely spot on, earlier ones didn't have Cruise as standard, but Auto Bi-xenons and Auto dimming interior view mirror were standard. I guess the one to go for if budget constraints allow, is the VRS230 as it gets further standard kit over the VRS, plus the VAQ diff and extra 10ps.

 

MIB2 Amundsen and Bolero units are much better than their MIB1 counterparts; bigger screen size and better resolution, in addition to the additional features available which Gabbo mentioned. Columbus screen size and res didn't change, so the only difference there is those additional features.

Thanks both, good to know that cruise wasn't standard initially as I want cruise.  Will look into the cabin boom issue a bit more so I can identify it on a test drive.

 

I like the idea of the diff on the VRS230, but not the bigger wheels.  I expect they are more money anyway so will probably stick to the standard model.  So a 2015 car should in theory have the MIB2 system? as long as it wasn't a late registered 2014 car.

 

I am sure I have read somewhere that noise insulation improved at some point, but maybe I am wrong.

The MIB2 units should have a faster processor though as I remember them being much more responsive to inputs & a lot less jerky when displaying the navigation when I tried them at the motorshow.

Perhaps not worth paying the difference for, because in the end the MIB1 is still pretty functional & I've never had any problems with it.

Not tempted by 4x4 then?

Didn't they make Nav standard as well?  It's the only other thing I wish I'd speced on mine!!

On 27/04/2017 at 15:47, JackReacher said:

So a 2015 car should in theory have the MIB2 system? as long as it wasn't a late registered 2014 car.

 

Nope - I fell for that also! My car was registered in September 2015 but manufactured in April 2015. As it turns out, the MIB2 units only started to get fitted after May 2015, and this is manufacture date.

 

Nowadays I know better, but I wish I had done a bit more research :P

9 minutes ago, mk4gtiturbo said:

Didn't they make Nav standard as well?  It's the only other thing I wish I'd speced on mine!!

Yes I think this was also at the MY15 change.