I'm still deliberating about a 4x4 1.9 TDi. The only thing that puts me off now is the fairly poor 0-60 performance on paper that is only a ~3 seconds better than my 1.2 Fabia. I have yet to drive one but the same 1.9 TDi lump in a VW Touran felt a bit ponderous even in 2WD form with 6 gears. The noise at cruising speed was also pretty bad although that might be the Touran shell rather than the engine.

So, although I know the 1.9TDi can be remapped nicely to 130 bhp, and probably beyond, what are the likely effects on the other components? Is it likely to need uprated brakes? What about the effect of the extra torque on the haldex 4x4 clutch system? Does anyone know what the official Skoda stance is on performance modifications and invalidation of warranties?

Cheers

S

I'm looking into having ours remapped but I'm quite suprised about the acceleration at the moment. Don't know the exact times but it's a dam site quicker than the quoted. If your in the mids at any time pm me and you can have a quick blast in it

The sooner they can put the 2.0 TDI 140 or even the (hopefully) upcoming 170 unit in the 4x4 the better, IMO. I'd certainly look at one of those in the future.

On the warranty issue, I'm sure their official stance would that a remap invalidates it! It may be better to look for a more understanding dealer, who would hopefully deal with any claims not directly engine/turbo related.

Steve

Thanks guys, I'm aware that the quoted 0-60 times are often pants. For example, some friends who own a Fabia VRs laugh at the 10 second time that's bandied about and say theirs is closer to 7.5.

The proof will be in the driving of the 1.9 TDi 4x4 which will be fairly soon I hope and yes, roll on a 2.0 TDi 4x4!

blades, I'll take you up on that if I'm down your way some time. I'm due for a trip to Birmingham on the W/E of 15-16th April.

I'm still deliberating about a 4x4 1.9 TDi. The only thing that puts me off now is the fairly poor 0-60 performance on paper that is only a ~3 seconds better than my 1.2 Fabia.

A 3 seconds difference in 0-60 is a long time and you will certainly notice it. Compare the acceleration of a Mk1 Octavia vRS (0-60 in approx 7.5 seconds) and a BMW M3 (0-60 in approx 5.0 seconds). The difference would be like night and day but there is 'only' a 2.5 - 3.0 second difference.

Also a diesel engine is not at its best going from 0-60, they are much better going from say 30-50 in 3rd/4th and will completely obliterate the 1.2 Fabia in this regard

In addition the Octavia 4x4 is likely to tip the scales at about 1500kg whilst the Fabia is likely to be closer to 1100kg.

Check the other threads about 4x4's, this has been discussed many times, but for the record I have one, the only problem is 1st gear is too low, hence the slow 0-60 figure. when your moving its no slouch and remember it is a 4x4 so traction in wet weather is excellent if you need to pull out of junctions quickly, far better than any traction control could give you.

Thanks gents.

Note from sig that I've got a 1.2 Fabia and a BMW 528 i (0-60 time of 7.5 secs). The 4x4 is to replace the BMW so I really would notice a 12.6 0-60 time!

However 0-60 performance is only part of the package and staying on the roads up here in winter is something a 4x4 Octavia would trounce a 528i at. Also, the 30-50 acceleration hopefully would be more than good enough for me to overtake all those tractors and nissan Micras.

I presume the low 1st gear has an advantage in slippery conditions whilst towing a load say.

Thanks guys, I'm aware that the quoted 0-60 times are often pants. For example, some friends who own a Fabia VRs laugh at the 10 second time that's bandied about and say theirs is closer to 7.5.

Remapped yes 7.5 is possible (infact mine does 6.6, proven on a 1/4 test), standard agreed my most is actually 8.5 if not 9 seconds.

I seriously doubt the claim of 7.5 as this is Clio Sport territory with 182bhp, more than a MK1 Octavia vRS and weighs less. The Clio in truth is more like 6.5 to 60, but their web site claims 7.0 secs.