I was thinking of buying a Octavia vRS, both hatch and estate are interested. The diesel is not since I believe it is a weak engine to justify the vRS logo. 

 

I am going from a Volvo V70 -06 and I believe that the octy has similar interior dimensions. 

 

But, as always there is a but :D, now I'm thinking that a superb is a more reasonable car as a family car. And then the TDI 150 is the most interesting. But then I think, is the space in the superb really necessary? Is it every gonna be used?

 

if there is anybody living with a octy vRS as a family car, please share your experiences. 

 

we have two kids, 4 and 2 years old. 

 

I would love the vRS and it's sporty appearance and fun for drive but not at the expense of being unpractical as a family cat. So please, share your thoughts with me. Thanks!

Oh, and meaby I should mention that the year models that I'm interested in are 2016, for both of the cars.

I have a 1.6 and a VRS, the 1.6 is the family car, but internal size is identical and we regularly get 2 adults and 2 kids (3.5 & 1.5 yr olds) in the car as well as all their paraphernalia.

I'd go for the estate, as the extra space as an option is handy. Plus I think it looks better anyway.

 

If you're buying new, I'm a big fan of the variable boot floor, so would receommend that extra, as you can put all the random little things in the boot underneath (2 gratis banana boxes from Sainsburys keep everything in place)

 

We have a VRS TSI hatch and have a 3 year old + newborn. It is a great family car, with a good amount of leg room in the rear and a large boot. We recently went to Center Parcs for the week and managed to fit everything; pram, food, luggage + the kids in the car etc. without needing a roof box or anything. Sometimes I think the extra space of a Superb would be nice, but it's incredibly rare that we'd actually need it.

 

During the week, it does nearly 50 miles a day for my commute to work and back. It's a comfortable enough place to be and isn't terrible on fuel. The sound system is pretty good too (I have the optional Canton system). Being the TSI VRS, it's also good fun for a spirited drive on your own down the back roads.

 

There are better family cars, there are better warm/hot hatches, but I'm not sure there are many all rounders that can do both better in one car at the same time.

I’ve got a 16 plate TDI vRS and it’s a great family car.

 

I’ve got a 12 year old and find there plenty of space for her plus 2 adults in the back for day trips out.

 

There is masses of room in the boot for camping trips. Internally there is more

room both front and rear than my previous insignia, and the boots bigger too.

 

Don't discount the diesel, I have tried both and it's good. But for me because of the number of short trips and current low mileage that I do it wasn't worth it. 

 

The 220 petrol is very good and allows me to have some fun, yet it is as gentle as a puppy when you want it to be and yet as powerful as a wolf when you put your foot down. 

 

The 1.6 diesel is weak by comparison to an RS, but it's for those who can't afford have or don't need or want the out and out power of a RS or are more interested in the low running cost & economy of it. 

 

Either way it's a family car, the estate or combi (as it's sometimes known) is better if you have a dog or two, or kids as there's more space. 

Get the VRS diesel 

 

It’s not just about performance , it’s about looks and style too ;-)

 

if it worries you that much, get it remapped 

Both extremely practical cars and both more than capable as a hatchback as they are an estate.  Go for the estate if you regularly cram your Volvo to the roof, or if you have a medium/large breed dog, or you are a large kitchen appliance salesman 

 

The Octavia is big but the Superb is bigger but you'd only likely feel the difference if you were going from a Superb (or equally large car) to an Octavia.  I get in my brothers Octavia Scout now and it feels quite small compared to my Superb but that's not to say the Octavia is small.  Both cars make clever use of interior space.  If you were comparing the cars with say an Audi A6, you'd think that the A6 would be a direct comparison with the Superb but the Superb makes much better use of it's interior space and is much more roomy.  IMO the Octavia is just as, if not more roomy than the A6.   Like I *always* have to say to my wife, it's not the size but what you do with it 

 

Engine wise I actually prefer the 150PS TDI.  I've had that engine in a few cars incl the Mk3 Superb.  I've had the same engine as the vRS TDI in a SEAT Leon and was very underwhelmed; it never feels as quick as the number suggest.  The range of useable power is quite narrow and the engine needs to be worked to exploit it.  Whereas I think the 150 is smoother with linear power delivery.  I went from a 150PS to 184PS in the Mk3 Leon and almost returned the car  as I was quite disappointed.  I ended up getting the car remapped.  I then tried the 150 and 190 Superb 3's back-to-back when I was looking for a new car and I'll maintain (for me) the 150 is the better of the two.  I had a 150PS manual Superb 3 Sportline hatch for just over a year and it was a fantastic car, pretty much perfect. 

 

I also wouldn't discount the 150PS or 220PS TSI petrols unless you are doing lots of miles and running costs are very important, though the MPG is very respectable for petrol. 

 

I would just look at a few examples and variations of both the Octavia and Superb and take them for a good test drive and don't be afraid to turn up at the dealers with a bike, camping kit and childrens car seats etc, just to see how both will work for you and fit with your lifestyle.  Both great family cars but it will ultimately come down to personal preference.  

 

 

 

Edited 18 October, 20187 yr by penguin17

I'm on my second TSI VRS, and have a 7 and an 8 year old. I switched to the Octavia as my choice for a family car and it's spot on, hence recently switching my 2010 vrs for a newer 230 VRS. I did also look at the Superb Sportline but actually found it too big for what I need. I've never had an issue with space, the boot is vast. The only thing I went for with the new one, is a detachable towbar so I can stick a bike rack on now the kids are getting older.

 

Around, great family car

In the last 13 years I've had lots of Superb diesels and a couple of Octavia diesels. My 63 plate remapped SE had 186bhp and could hit 150mph yet do 70mpg. The 64 plate VRS DSG only had 181bhp and averaged 45-47mpg. Although the Rallye Green car looked better the SE was the better car, more comfortable on it's 16" alloys than the 18" and low profile tyres of the VRS.In 2016 I bought a new 1.4Tsi Superb hatch and although it was a good car I realised I just didn't need the extra space and traded it in for a new VRS245 which is the best car I've ever owned and I would not swap it for anything I love it so much. It's also very well equipped but probably too new for you as you are looking at 2016 models.

I’m on my second Mk3 vRS as the family car and have no plans to look anywhere else when my lease is up in two years. Ticks all the boxes.  Acres of space, both in the cabin and boot. Doors open wide enough for kids and car seats. The only negative for me is you can’t get three car seats along the back. It’s rare I need that, mainly just when ferrying the kids and their friends about. With that said, I can’t think of any car in the same class where you could have three abreast. 

 

Both mine have been petrol hatches.  Never been wanting for space, performance or economy.  Does all of those very well. 

 

My last bit of advice. Get a light colour (white, silver). Hides the scuffs that will come with having the kids around it. 

42 minutes ago, SC03OTT said:

The only negative for me is you can’t get three car seats along the back. It’s rare I need that, mainly just when ferrying the kids and their friends about. With that said, I can’t think of any car in the same class where you could have three abreast. 

 

I'd echo that - I'm now carrying the next generation in my O3, but with the ISO fix seats in for my two eldest Grandsons there would be no room for the 3rd. We will have to resort to two cars when we start taking the youngest as well.

 

You might get 3 across using the belt type car seats but definitely not if using ISO fix. Mind I doubt if there are many at the O3 size that would either - not sure how the spacing is in the Superb so it may have the same issue.

 

What I would say is that the O3 is a great all round car - I have a hatch and the boot has swallowed everything that I have ever thrown at it in the way of luggage.

Thanks for all the good info! 

 

What's most important to me is that it can be used as a practical family car. Im pretty tall (188 cm) so good space in the front seat is also important. But it would be nice to have a car which serves that purpose but at the same time can be fun when you drive alone.

 

I had some more sportier cars before we got kids and owning a car that's fun to drive would definitely bring me a smile on my face when driving again Our Volvo V70 is not so inspiring but works great for transporting luggage and driving to kindergarden....

 

So, if it's not possible to combine in the vRS I'll go for the Superb. But as I see from the responses in this thread, it feels like there is a possibility that a Octavia vRS can serve that purpose. Next step will be to find cars around my area to test drive and see for myself.

 

If there is more info available out there that you want to share with me, I'll gladly take it! For an example, how is the real world MPG between the engines?

14 minutes ago, Bob-thebuilder said:

Thanks for all the good info! 

 

What's most important to me is that it can be used as a practical family car. Im pretty tall (188 cm) so good space in the front seat is also important. But it would be nice to have a car which serves that purpose but at the same time can be fun when you drive alone.

 

I had some more sportier cars before we got kids and owning a car that's fun to drive would definitely bring me a smile on my face when driving again Our Volvo V70 is not so inspiring but works great for transporting luggage and driving to kindergarden....

 

So, if it's not possible to combine in the vRS I'll go for the Superb. But as I see from the responses in this thread, it feels like there is a possibility that a Octavia vRS can serve that purpose. Next step will be to find cars around my area to test drive and see for myself.

 

If there is more info available out there that you want to share with me, I'll gladly take it! For an example, how is the real world MPG between the engines?

 

Where abouts are you? You may be able to get some valuable information from the folk here on which dealers they recommend and which to avoid. 

35 minutes ago, Gti Jazz Blue said:

I'd echo that - I'm now carrying the next generation in my O3, but with the ISO fix seats in for my two eldest Grandsons there would be no room for the 3rd. We will have to resort to two cars when we start taking the youngest as well.

 

You might get 3 across using the belt type car seats but definitely not if using ISO fix. Mind I doubt if there are many at the O3 size that would either - not sure how the spacing is in the Superb so it may have the same issue.

 

What I would say is that the O3 is a great all round car - I have a hatch and the boot has swallowed everything that I have ever thrown at it in the way of luggage.

The Superb is only 50mm wider than the Octavia.

32 minutes ago, Bob-thebuilder said:

Thanks for all the good info! 

 

What's most important to me is that it can be used as a practical family car. Im pretty tall (188 cm) so good space in the front seat is also important. But it would be nice to have a car which serves that purpose but at the same time can be fun when you drive alone.

 

I had some more sportier cars before we got kids and owning a car that's fun to drive would definitely bring me a smile on my face when driving again Our Volvo V70 is not so inspiring but works great for transporting luggage and driving to kindergarden....

 

So, if it's not possible to combine in the vRS I'll go for the Superb. But as I see from the responses in this thread, it feels like there is a possibility that a Octavia vRS can serve that purpose. Next step will be to find cars around my area to test drive and see for myself.

 

If there is more info available out there that you want to share with me, I'll gladly take it! For an example, how is the real world MPG between the engines?

My 245 has averaged 41mpg over the last 7,000 miles with 70% motorway cruising.

3 hours ago, TheWanderer said:

The 1.6 diesel is weak by comparison to an RS, but it's for those who can't afford have or don't need or want the out and out power of a RS or are more interested in the low running cost & economy of it. 

 

My VRS gets better mpg than the 1.6* which more than covers the £30 a year tax.

 

*Probably because my wife drives the 1.6 more than I do.

I have a vrs tdi hatch and it's more than adequate as a family car. I have 3 kids. 9, 5 and 1and we fit a 5 people, push chair and shopping in the boot.  I have diesel as i do 40-50k a year. And it does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds! 

 

There a great car, this is my second one now and for the price, there really aren't any serious competitors.

The mpg and wider running costs are fairly reasonable to be honest, given the space and performance. Short trips and town is around 30mpg, longer runs are low 40s and proper motorway runs are high 40s. VED tax, tyres (18"), insurance, servicing are all fairly low cost.

 

Mine celebrates its 5th birthday this month, it passed its MOT this week with no advisories, and nothing has failed and needed replacement during my ownership. The only thing right now that could tempt me away is a 530d touring, but that's a significant step up in purchase price and running costs and I'm not sure I can justify it.

My only complain with the vRS as a family car are the front seats.

As the headrest is integrated into the seats its not possible to fold them flat forwards or backwards.

The limits the usefulness of the vRS on trips to Ikea for wardrobes for example where its more practical to take the smaller car where you can fit some things over the top of the front passenger seat.

For those of you who have owned and drivven a Superb and/or a Octavia vRS, how is the difference in road noice?

 

Since I live in Sweden where the tarmack is blended together with small rocks due to winter conditions the road noice properties would also be interesting. Although Skoda claims that the cars that are sold on the Swedish market have some special sound proofing equipment so maybe it's not applicable with cars from other markets.

33 minutes ago, Bob-thebuilder said:

For those of you who have owned and drivven a Superb and/or a Octavia vRS, how is the difference in road noice?

 

Since I live in Sweden where the tarmack is blended together with small rocks due to winter conditions the road noice properties would also be interesting. Although Skoda claims that the cars that are sold on the Swedish market have some special sound proofing equipment so maybe it's not applicable with cars from other markets.

Superb is alot quieter than Octy and Octy hatch less noisy than estate which can get a bit boomy at motorway sppeeds.

3 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

Superb is alot quieter than Octy and Octy hatch less noisy than estate which can get a bit boomy at motorway sppeeds.

+1. I test drove a Superb and it was noticeably quieter/more refined. Having said that, the new Mk3 VRS was noticeably quieter than my older Mk2 VRS. 

I was out for a test drive today. Here is my verdict. 

 

The cars were both diesel. The vRS 184 hp DSG and the Superb 2.0 150 hp manual. To begin with, i was disappointed with the 184 hp engine I the vRS. I don't know why but the 150 hp in the superb seemed so much more even in the power output. More refined in some way. As whas my overall experience with the octy vs superb. I didn't feel the 34 hp difference in the smaller vRS to be honest. A bit disappointed. 

 

So I'm heavily leaning towards a Superb. Style trim level plus some more extras. There is no doubt that the octy felt sportier, and I believe that the petrol engine would have magnified that effect. But my overall experience is simply that the superb was a more refined and premium car. 

 

As we speak about sound insulation, it was also noticeable that the superb was quiter. 

 

I would say that the superb felt like a bigger and more refined version of the octy.

 

 

For rear seat passengers the Superb is in a different league.

 

It's not only the space it's the refinement and ride quality.

 

in the back of an Octavia 3 you feel every thump and bump in the rear seats and that's in torsion beam and irs models. You don't get that in a Superb.

 

 

 

 

Edited 18 October, 20187 yr by logiclee