I have just ordered a 245 Challenge to replace my existing 2016 TDi vRS. I am a little confused about the exhaust spec which in the brochure is written as ‘Black exhaust tailpipes with sports sound’. 

 

This isn’t very clear so asked my local dealer who couldn’t clarify exactly what sports sound was supposed to mean. I would have assumed a sports exhaust but wanted to clarify. I messaged Skoda UK who passed my query onto the product team. The response was ‘the sound comes from the interior cockpit through the speakers’. 

 

Thats all well and good but is misleading, so I raised this as it’s an element mentioned in the specifications of the challenge model over and above the base vRS. After pointing this out Skoda came back to say this is a feature only available on the challenge model and not available as an extra. Funny as I have the cockpit sound in my 2016 tdi! 

 

My guess then is that either an improved sounding exhaust will feature on the challenge model along with black exhaust tips or it will be just exhaust tips and no sound improvement at all. Anyone know any different? 

Do they mean the sound is unique or the black tips are unique? The former is wrong but the latter is correct, at least from the factory

I've got the original 245 from MY17 & it don't sound much different.

 

Stop sweating the small stuff, you'll love it

Edited 14 February, 20197 yr by themanwithnoaim

If you want a sporting sounding exhaust on the VRS then you need to replace it with an after market one.  

 

The 245 SE had the same marketing and it’s not sporty.

 

 

Edited 14 February, 20197 yr by pkoconnor

How different can they make a stock EA888 engine sound with an OEM exhaust...?  

Skoda's marketeers are perhaps some of the least car-savvy people around these days, it seems (other than Peugeot).

 

Likely it'll mean the same as it's ever meant - i.e. twin outlets (minus TDIs), 'less restrictive' (although that's ironic considering they have to restrict it to comply with WLTP emissions tests), black tips (didn't know paint was 'sporty'), and slightly noisier than another stock VAG 2.0L TSI model - with the interior sound generator.

2 minutes ago, Ads230 said:

How different can they make a stock EA888 engine sound with an OEM exhaust...?  

Skoda's marketeers are perhaps some of the least car-savvy people around these days, it seems (other than Peugeot).

 

Likely it'll mean the same as it's ever meant - i.e. twin outlets (minus TDIs), 'less restrictive' (although that's ironic considering they have to restrict it to comply with WLTP emissions tests), black tips (didn't know paint was 'sporty'), and slightly noisier than another stock VAG 2.0L TSI model - with the interior sound generator.

 

I guess there's only so many ways you can, but the Golf R and Leon Cupra both have a noticeably better/audible exhaust sound than my Octavia VRS despite all being OEM and EA888.

It's a good point. The Golf R has a bigger downpipe as standard (IS30 turbo) and less restrictive central resonator (as my mate's just had his removed), plus decent back-boxes with the quad exit might make some audible improvements. I'm sure Cupra spent more time on their exhaust development, since they have more interest in creating better-sounding exhausts for a 'more sport-focused' brand.

 

Guess it's the compromise we have to make to have phat boot-space and lumped with the 'family car' image of the Octy.

 

If it's a real issue, there's always lovely aftermarket exhaust options 

Unfortunately no aftermarket options for me as it will be a lease. I am not fussed about noise. Its one thing that is noticeable across most sporty new cars. Family friend has a new Civic Type R with the triple exhausts... you can hardly hear it! It was more the lack of knowledge, the Challenge is a UK only spec, you would think they would know what they are marketing! Went to a local dealer before Christmas to test drive a manual 245, the car was owned by the head of sales and he didn't have a clue about anything technical on the vehicle what so ever! I am looking forward to having the petrol over the diesel and this will be enough of a sound change for me!

12 minutes ago, JKeswick said:

Went to a local dealer before Christmas to test drive a manual 245, the car was owned by the head of sales and he didn't have a clue about anything technical on the vehicle what so ever!

Snap  . Mine's a pre-demo model the sales director was driving around in and - bar grilling him around the 'running-in' period - he knew significantly less than me about the car in general (including things like the e-diff etc). Wasn't surprised, but I do find it a shame that people who sell cars don't necessarily have the passion for them that us lot do.

 

Anyway, best of luck with the new 245 Challenge and let us know how you get on with it.

Edited 14 February, 20197 yr by Ads230
'Challenge-ing' :)