I currently have a 2004 Subaru WRX STi and think ive made my mind up on the Octavia vRS petrol have looked at BMW 330d, jaguar xf, Audi A5 etc but theres just something about the vRS i like.

 

Now obviously the performance is going to be lower than my Subaru (300bhp v 220bhp) and i would like to increase the performance what sort of gains could i expect from a simple remap (petrol) and what can the engine handle in terms of power any chance of getting 280bhp out of the thing? 

 

The real problem im struggling with at the moment is find a petrol model near me 80% of the vRS's on auto trader seem to be diesel is there any reasons for that at all or just down to the sheer fact that diesel was a lot more popular?

 

Is there any real difference from a 2013 model up to 2017, i know this years model got a slight face lift on the front and LED lights all round, but anything drastic on 2013-1017?

 

Whats the reasoning behind the 2 different types of alloys ive on vRS's the majority have like a 10 spoke design while others have like a hexagon shape? 

 

Is there any disadvantage to getting a vRS with a panoramic sunroof, does it add any weight, are they reliable does it effect the structure or handling of the car at all?

 

Anything eles i should look for when viewing?

I believe 280 bhp is doable without massive changes, but mine is TDi power so I’m sure someone with a TSi will be along soon to confirm/deny that. Diesel was popular for a long time so many vRSes have the diesel engine. There are petrol cars about.

 

The differences between the model years is small, the MY13 cars have a round steering wheel and cruise control was an optional extra, MY14 cars got the flat bottom wheel and cruise as standard, MY15 is broadly similar, MY16 has SmartLink functionality for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the MIB2 infotainment system and nav as standard on the vRS. The FL cars have some visual differences and big glossy infotainment screens. 

 

There are 3 alloy wheel designs on the vRS, the 18 inch Pictoris alloys, which are more unusual but I really like myself, the 18 inch Gemini’s (which I have and am still on the fence about) and the 19 inch Xtreme’s which are very nice IMO.

 

I don’t suppose the pan roof makes all that much difference, nice to have but there have been reports that some have squeaked and rattled etc.

On paper there is a difference.

 

Now many years ago, like 2002 era. Insurance spotted run out with friends, so we knew each other and where to back off.

 

Anyhow the point, on paper the octy was down a good bit to a Subaru or Evo, not just in power!

 

On normal road's pushing on, rarely would they be that far up the road. No much more the octys smaller turbo, was quicker to spool only when the road was long did the big top end grunt power kick in.

 

No not the same,not equal but not so big a gap as one would think.

 

Good luck on the hunt... 

 

I went from 200+ to 75 and enjoyed having to think some more. I'm going up next time though.

 

Although I have heard the 330d as unholy, when it came to overtaking. That owner traded for a Suzuki Swift...

 

290-305 Bhp stage 1 map. I had it done in Dec 17 and it makes a difference. 

If a 330d is in budget and you do a reasonable mileage, I'd be looking at one of those. It's a very capable all rounder and there's something very wrong but right about the way those 3.0 straight six diesels growl when pressing on. It's aurally more exciting than a 4 cylinder petrol, especially the 2.0 TSI which is very quiet. RWD (or Xdrive) also much better than FWD.

 

I went for an Octavia VRS petrol as it fitted what I was looking for within budget; reasonable power, low running costs and space. Tempted to get mine mapped to provide a bit of a power boost. I went for a spirited drive with a friend in his MK3 Focus RS and was very surprised at how well the Octavia did. As with the post above, it was only on longer open stretches that the RS really pulled away and left me. The biggest problem for the VRS is FWD and launching from stationary, once on the move it's actually quite capable as it's not particularly heavy.

Go for the VRS 245 

1 hour ago, garpat32 said:

Go for the VRS 245 

My 2017 VRS245 has stage 1 AmD re-map (based in Essex) which increased standard power from 248 to 302BHP and torque increased from 294lb/ft to 345lb/ft which means it can embarrass plenty of more expensive machines on the road. As someone correctly pointed out being a manual which I prefer (DSG auto probably better with launch control) does limit the traffic light grand prix ability somewhat but when it's rolling it's mighty impressive as it only weighs 1,370kg. Also fuel consumption pre-map was 39.9MPG and now it's 39.2mpg but have seen a best of 49.4MPG. Top speed increased from indicated (not GPS) 160 TO 165MPH. For £28,600 new including a few options and the re-map it's one of the best performance per pound bargains available and has the bonus of 590 litre boot in the hatch or 610 in the estate. Just bought a mountain bike at work, dropped rear seats and chucked it in the back without having to remove the bike's front wheel. 4 large suitcases also fit in the boot as long as you remove the parcel shelf. Hope that all helps with your decision!

Thanks for the replies, im surprised that the standard 220bhp engine cant be pushed to near 300bhp with a stage 1 remap....is that kind of remap safe over the long time period though (4+ years)?. I know the scooby is around 1430kg so the vRS it almost 300kg lighter so id think even if i mapped to 280bhp the power to weight ratio would be on par with the scooby only thing letting the vRS down is the FWD.

 

How good is the DSG in the vRS, never had a automatic before and always gone manual but im kind of tempted to try an automatic (if i was going diesel i would defo get automatic however). As the vRS has a custom twin tail pipe what option do we have for a different exhaust system for a better sound?.

 

I should point out here that one of the main reasons im not going diesel it just the way diese engines sound can a vRS diesel actually be made to sound good with a new exhaust?.....also swaying me toward petrol is the bad press diesel has got over the last year and thinking about the resell value of a diesel engine cars in the future!

Edited 18 May, 20188 yr by BlockABoots

So on my search today i have noticed a few differences, i have seen some models with complete black wing mirrors and then other models for the same year have colour coded wing mirrors as the body work why there a difference?

 

Also how come some have red or white accents on the seat trim where others do not have a accent trim colour at all and are all vRS half leather or can you get all fabric seats?

 

So there is nothing different from a 2014 to 2015 model? 

 

Also regarding the 18 and 19" alloy options, the vRS that has the 19's has anything extra been done on these like adjust suspension?

Edited 20 May, 20188 yr by BlockABoots

1 hour ago, BlockABoots said:

So on my search today i have noticed a few differences, i have seen some models with complete black wing mirrors and then other models for the same year have colour coded wing mirrors as the body work why there a difference?

 

Also how come some have red or white accents on the seat trim where others do not have a accent trim colour at all and are all vRS half leather or can you get all fabric seats?

 

So there is nothing different from a 2014 to 2015 model? 

 

Also regarding the 18 and 19" alloy options, the vRS that has the 19's has anything extra been done on these like adjust suspension?

 

Ones with black mirrors will likely also have a black grille. There were two "black pack" options, one which is black grille surround and mirrors, the other "black pack plus" got those plus 19" Xtreme wheels and Colour Maxidot. Both black packs were options, so cars with colour coded mirrors don't have either, and likely have the chrome grille surround.

 

Grey or red stitching were no cost options, I think grey being the standard choice on the VRS. All VRS are half leather plus a neoprene-esque fabric on the centre of the seats, unless full leather was taken as an option.

 

2014 and early 2015 shouldn't be much different, cars built after May 2015 were MIB2 iirc, so the infotainment is better on those. Bigger screen and higher resolution on Bolero and Amundsen units. Allegedly better sound quality too. Some additional features too such as mirror link, smart link etc.

 

Not sure I understand the last point, there's no difference in suspension between cars with 18" or 19" wheels. The only possible difference with Suspension is if cars had Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) which is effectively adjustable dampers, but this isn't tied to wheel options, nor did it become available until 2016 iirc.

Edited 20 May, 20188 yr by ahenners

1 hour ago, ahenners said:

 

Ones with black mirrors will likely also have a black grille. There were two "black pack" options, one which is black grille surround and mirrors, the other "black pack plus" got those plus 19" Xtreme wheels and Colour Maxidot. Both black packs were options, so cars with colour coded mirrors don't have either, and likely have the chrome grille surround.

 

Grey or red stitching were no cost options, I think grey being the standard choice on the VRS. All VRS are half leather plus a neoprene-esque fabric on the centre of the seats, unless full leather was taken as an option.

 

2014 and early 2015 shouldn't be much different, cars built after May 2015 were MIB2 iirc, so the infotainment is better on those. Bigger screen and higher resolution on Bolero and Amundsen units. Allegedly better sound quality too. Some additional features too such as mirror link, smart link etc.

 

Not sure I understand the last point, there's no difference in suspension between cars with 18" or 19" wheels. The only possible difference with Suspension is if cars had Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) which is effectively adjustable dampers, but this isn't tied to wheel options, nor did it become available until 2016 iirc.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Ah so coloured matching mirrors will more than likely have a chrome grill at the front...i didnt actually pick up on the grill being a different colour, this is good to know as i think id like a black grill......but then id rather have colour matching mirrors :(

 

So if i have an option for a 2015 plate after May its a better option and a 2014 or 2015 (before May) for the better MIB?, and is it only the 2015 (after May) that comes standard with the Amundsen or does this apply to the 2014 model as well (m guessing it was an added extra?).

 

Regarding my last question about the the alloy size, i was just wondering if at the factory they adjust the suspension for the 19" alloys as this would effect the ride height, handling and speedo (slightly) as its an inch larger alloy than the standard 18" 

Edited 20 May, 20188 yr by BlockABoots

The 19" alloys come with 225/35 tyres and 18" alloys come with 225/40 tyres, same rolling circumference. Same ride height also 15mm lower than a standard Octavia's but big difference is that all VRS models have independent rear suspension which improves their handling compared to more basic models due to their cruder torsion bar rear arrangement.

Grill surround is Chrome or Black, not the grille

Post May 15 build (MY16) cars have the MIB2 stereo. It’s unlikely you will find one newer than a 65 plate, and even some of those have the MIB1. Suspension is the same no matter which wheels are fitted. I love my black pack and have it on both the Octy and the Citigo, though you can change the mirror covers and grill to suit.

With the Black Pack Plus you also get Sunset Glass from the B pillar backwards. With the other Black Pack you don't get the sunset glass

 

 

 

 

Edited 21 May, 20188 yr by Auric Goldfinger

2 hours ago, Auric Goldfinger said:

With the Black Pack Plus you also get Sunset Glass from the B pillar backwards. With the other Black Pack you don't get the sunset glass

The black pack really does look lovely and really shows off the sunset glass..... (pun intended!)

 

 

 

Edited 21 May, 20188 yr by VRS_Dan

If my car had the the xtremes it would have the full black pack plus. Mine has black pack plus colour Maxidot and sunset glass, but 18 inch wheels. That’ll change haha

7 hours ago, SashaGrace said:

Post May 15 build (MY16) cars have the MIB2 stereo. It’s unlikely you will find one newer than a 65 plate, and even some of those have the MIB1. Suspension is the same no matter which wheels are fitted. I love my black pack and have it on both the Octy and the Citigo, though you can change the mirror covers and grill to suit.

 

Is there an easy way to tell if it has MIB1 or MIB2, for someone who hasn't seen either in person?

If it’s a Columbus then no, if it’s an Amundsen then the screen is 6.5 inches rather than 5.8 inches and there’s no CD drive in the unit in the glovebox. The Amundsen was standard from MY16 on the vRS in the UK, so if it doesn’t have nav, it’s definitely MIB1.

Edited 21 May, 20188 yr by SashaGrace

If it's a Columbus (8") then if it has SmartLink it will be MIB2, you'd need to cycle through the menus to see, it should be there even if not enabled!

 

Black pack looks great, mine didn't come with it so I did the grille (tricky) and mirror covers (easy) myself and got the rear/tailgate windows tinted, about £250 in total.

On 5/21/2018 at 17:25, BlockABoots said:

 

Is there an easy way to tell if it has MIB1 or MIB2, for someone who hasn't seen either in person?

Ask the seller...

 

Simply done, turn the system on, press and hold the Menu" button (bottom right on the display unit), it pops up a page where there's an option for "Software download/versions", select this and there'll be a part number on the third line. Get that number, go to google (or ask on here) and you'll know what's fitted.

Ok just took a 2016 diesel and 2014 petrol vRS for a test drive today and i must say i was surprised by the diesel it didnt seem to be that much different from the petrol despite the 40 odd bhp difference, that could be due to the petrol vRS having done 74k miles though and being wornout more so than the 18k mile diesel?. Because of this it has now thrown a spanner in the works on weather i should now get a diesel or not. The diesel i drove was sadly only a manual and if i did go for a diesel it would defo have to be a automatic i think as the gear change in a diesel is fairly constant (oddly enough the petrol vRS i tested was an automatic lol). So i have a few question regarding the diesel vRS.....

 

Regarding remapping a diesel, i know the petrol version you can get around 275bhp without to much issue is this the same for the diesel version as i would defo want to eek a bit more power from the engine when flooring it.

 

Would getting a new exhaust system help give the car more of a growl than the current fitting system or do diesels sound like diesels no matter what exhaust you put on?

 

The 2014 petrol vRS i tested piped the engine noise over the speakers when in vRS mode but the diesel car didnt seem to do this, is this normal for diesel vRS's not to do this?

Edited 12 June, 20188 yr by BlockABoots

The petrol won't be "wornout" after 74k, unless it hasn't been serviced properly.

 

Diesel should remap to about 220-230ps. I suspect the diesel subjectively felt closer to the petrol due to the greater peak torque and the way it delivers it's torque/power. Unless driving both flat out, there probably isn't a huge difference between the two in real world scenarios. But the petrol is definitely quicker.

 

Diesels sound like diesels no matter the exhaust imo, especially on 4 cylinder ones. 6 cylinders plus can sound nice even as diesels.

 

Both petrol and diesel VRS have the sound generator, which doesn't actually pipe engine noise but generates noise via a unit located underneath the windscreen. Were both cars in the same mode? It's louder in sport than eco or normal.

49 minutes ago, ahenners said:

The petrol won't be "wornout" after 74k, unless it hasn't been serviced properly.

 

Diesel should remap to about 220-230ps. I suspect the diesel subjectively felt closer to the petrol due to the greater peak torque and the way it delivers it's torque/power. Unless driving both flat out, there probably isn't a huge difference between the two in real world scenarios. But the petrol is definitely quicker.

 

Diesels sound like diesels no matter the exhaust imo, especially on 4 cylinder ones. 6 cylinders plus can sound nice even as diesels.

 

Both petrol and diesel VRS have the sound generator, which doesn't actually pipe engine noise but generates noise via a unit located underneath the windscreen. Were both cars in the same mode? It's louder in sport than eco or normal.

 

Yeah they were both vRS, the petrol was 2014 and the diesel 2016 had then both in sport mode.....maybe it was disabled on the diesel?

 

Whats peoples opinions on the full leather interior, is it as comfortable as the half leather and how durable is the leather is it of high quality so wont start looking awful after a few years despite it being looked after?. Im not too sure on leather thought it always got too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter and needed more maintaining? 

Edited 12 June, 20188 yr by BlockABoots

Unless you are doing mega miles, why get a diesel? I do 25-30k miles a year and I was on the fence, but sided diesel as petrol examples were holding strong on price and I was able to bag my decent spec diesel for about £4-5k less than an equivalent petrol one. If you are planning on mapping for more power, stick to the petrol, it’s a much nicer engine and the DSG does blunt the performance of the diesel further, though the box itself is a lovely unit and makes the car IMO. You can turn the soundaktor off on 2016MY cars through the infotainment but only in Individual mode. If you weren’t hearing it, it has probably been disabled either by unplugging it, via coding.