Hi Everyone,

 

Apologies for the rambling but thought I’d give a bit of history and context to my cry for assistance / advice.

 

I originally joined the forum back in 2011 when I owned a Fabia VRS briefly (12 months as I couldn’t get on with the DSG - just not for me).

 

- Ibiza FRCR Diesel (with tuning box) for about 12 months as my commute increased.

 

stayed On the forum for a good while as to be fair it’s the best I’ve been on for advice and most people seem quite genuine and happy to help (unlike some forums where any question is dived upon and seems to become a battleground)! Anyway I digress.

 

- Peugeot 208GTI for a few months (great little car but 2 door not great with growing family) 

 

- VW Polo GTI 1.8T - very torquey engine (18 months)

 

- Peugeot 208 GTI - Again (6 months)

 

- Seat Leon Cupra300 - great power and good fun (albeit struggled to put the power down in anything other than dry conditions (prob the one I should have kept) - (6 months)

 

- Golf R - was always my ‘one day I’ll get one’ car so I did but I honestly found that it was so capable/composed that on my daily 15/20 mile commute it just never felt ‘fun’ as you would never use the power fully or get close to the edge (6 months).

 

- VW Up GTI - crazy maybe from the R but I wanted something I could use 100% of the performance more of the time - it was fun and returned 50mpg however the massive drop in power was too much so (6 months)

 

- Fiesta ST3 MK8 - current car - performance is fantastic, full kit list and the sound of the exhaust is fantastic HOWEVER the seats are so uncomfortable - more than that they cause an old/existing lower back issue to be so uncomfortable ALL THE TIME whether it’s a 5 min spin or 20 min to work or trips of 2 hours. I’ve tried adjusting every which way, every height, setting, watched the videos on ergonomic positioning but to no avail. May seem silly but it’s so uncomfortable no matter how short the journey that it spoils everything else that’s great on the car. The seats are the leather Recaro’s and from the ford forum there are a handful of people who have had to get rid of the car for same reasons. They do not bed in after many miles either it would seem so all the rambling (sorry) leads to this.

 

i have priced up some R’s and Cupra’s however the best deal I have by far is on a Demo Octavia 245 manual with low miles. It’s pretty much a straight swap of cars and virtually identical monthlies. I’ve got the car held for me as it stands and I’m 99% there just tweaking figures/deal.

 

Has heated seats, virtual dash, 19” wheels (no Adjustable suspension)  and space saver wheel albeit it’s a 500 mile round trip but when we are allowed to get out I won’t mind (get me away from the wife / kids).

The Golf R’s require much more cash, are older and many more miles and I know I remember it just wasn’t useable performance so I’ve ruled them out.

 

there is A Cupra with only 9000 miles but no heated seats (I do always want them ideally) but again more cash down and older car (never know how it was driven for 9000 miles)

 

I’ve always had a soft spot for Skodas since the Fabia and did a deal for one after the up but pulled out of the deal as the car was not as described by the dealer by a long way! I also love the space and practicality the octavia gives you (the wife and kids will love it) but wanted opinions on the performance/fun factor from owners especially anyone who owned Seat Cupra or golf R previously or a fiesta ST of course - how do they compare?! Also from the research the seats seem to get great reviews so personal opinion on these too.

 

ive priced up some tuning options with insurance that seem feasible that would take it to around 280 bhp 310ft lbs (which I imagine would take it to the Cupra300 level of performance so opinions on anyone with tuned car also greatly appreciated.

 

sorry for the super long post.

 

in short how practical, fun, sporty, comfy is it?

 

All opinions welcome other than any suggestions that I have MH issues that manifest in me changing my cars for no apparent reason (I get enough if that from my wife!) 

 

Thanks all - hope it’s still as welcoming on here as I remember. 😀

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome back Fox I have probably done more to a Vrs245 than just about anyone on here, so a brief history of my last car sold last December to make way for my Superb 272 (Golf R hardware) stage 1. One of the first along with Manwithnoaim in Hampshire to buy a 245 new in August 2017 and immediately took it to Cardiff with SWMBO for a long weekend. Two things stood out the electric sunroof makes the dark interior better along with ambient lighting on the doors. Seats are super comfy on longer trips but grip well on track days to. I always got good economy from my car over 29,000 miles. After 7 months and 7,000 miles I wanted more power so booked the car in with my regular tuner AmD in Grays, Essex (near Lakeside Shopping Centre) and in March 2018 it went from 249bhp on their rolling road to 302bhp (always ran it on 99octane Shell V-Power) and torque went from 400nm to 467nm (Skoda claim 242bhp and 370nm). I always found the standard 340mm vented front and 310mm vented rear discs more than upto the job for the road. Having got used to the power (stage 1 cost me £500) I decided in October 2018 to return to AmD and spend £3,000 going stage 2 with Airtec air filter, Airtec intercooler, HEL brakelines and uprated brake fluid, full Milltek stainless exhaust (3" up from 2.5") including sports cat. Although this increased power and torque (the stage 2 map was just £120) to 336bhp and 517nm it made the car very difficult to get off the line quickly as the chassis was overloaded by the increases so I would advise anyone not too get carried away and just stick to the stage 1 map. Economy varied from 9/10mpg on a track day to just over 50mpg on a gentle 2,000rpm cruise. It did use slightly more fuel at stage 2 so stage 1 is the sweet spot for performance/economy. After 12 months and 12,000 miles I sold the standard 19" Xtremes with the factory Pirelli P Zero tyres for £600 and invested the money in wider alloys and tyres, going from 7.5J to 8.5J and tyres went from 225 to 235 Michelin ps4s WHICH ARE BRILLIANT. I still have these wheels which will be going on my Superb at some point. Not sure what your budget is but new new 245 cost me £28,000 with a few options and my current used Sportline Plus which has a nice standard spec cost me only £23,840 with only 4,900 miles (March 2019 UK Skoda managers car). The Octavia handles better, braking is better (lighter by 250kg) uses less fuel and had nicer steering. However with the traction control flickering away in 3rd gear (my car had the 6 speed manual) at 77mph it could be a bit unruly especially in the wet. When I firsy bought the 4WD Superb it rained alot and I couldn't believe the traction was excellent all the time. So in conclusion the 245 averaged just over 40mpg and the Superb is over 38mpg on the same commute but now has a stage 1 map going from 283bhp t0 360bhp and torque from 369nm to 514nm. Away from the lights the Superb will destroy any 245 with monster grip and pins you back in the seat like a stage 1 Golf R would. Which do I prefer. The Octavia hatch had a 590 litre boot with decent legroom in the back, whereas the Superb hatch has 625 litre boot and incredible rear legroom. If you need anymore info don't hesitate to ask. One final thing both cars have the same road tax but the quicker Superb is cheaper to insure for me but I'm old at 55 with 12 years NCD.

Thanks for the reply greatly appreciated.

 

i did look at Superb and there are a few in budget/low miles but I’ve ruled them out as they’re DSG and has to be manual.

 

i think it’s between the Cupra and the VRS 
 

the VRS has better spec more space and is fewer miles but I think I’m just worried that the performance won’t be as ‘fun’ as the Cupra but that’s where the tuning comes in I suppose.

I have driven a VRS previously albeit in 30 min you don’t really get the full feel compared to cars you have owned for months but it’s 50bhp down so that shows in the in gear acceleration stakes.

 

i know it’s a whole different debate but I’ve used blue spark with a number of vehicles and never had an issue so would prob go down that route for warranty reasons. They show data of 280Bhp and 310 ft lbs (New gpf so slightly down compared to non-gpf) which should put it on a par.

 

 

Another query is that as the car is 2019 (69) plate 245 - material seats not full Alcantara and silver exhaust Tips not the black ones will it have the upgraded exhaust and brakes or were they just part of the original 2017 production pre GPF?

 

how does the exhaust sound once warmed up - any cracked, pops or bangs etc?

 

sorry for all the questions!

Edited 2 May, 20206 yr by FOX1429

The early cars on 17/67 plates were not burdened by having a GPF but from 18 plate on they came with silver exhaust tips, GPF fitted which made them quieter but manuals are even quieter than the DSG models which could be programmed to give the DSG fart but not as vocal as some VWG cars. Early cars had a much higher spec as standard so later cars can feel a bit basic in comparison which suited the leasing market which made them popular and gave cheap monthlies. Even folding mirrors were consigned to the options list along with manual seats (the electric seats are very comfortable). Brakes were always the large Golf R and Audi S3 340/310 vented ones.

Ok so given it’s a 69 plate it will have the bigger brakes but the exhaust will be quiet then. It’s a manual 

Yes the early high spec cars were £27,595 retail then the basic later cars started at £26,995 so you get a lot more value with earlier cars. The original 19" Xtremes became an option also.

Ok a lot to ponder

For comparison, I recently went from a 290 Bhp manual VRS saloon to a Golf 245 PP DSG.  For most of my Golf ownership I felt overall as a package that the Octavia was better and easier to drive quickly,  due to the Golf's  DSG box. 3rd gear in the Octavia was simply brilliant. In fairness the Golf actually was epic if you held it in sport and thrashed around country lanes and (to my eyes) definitely looked better. However day to day I preferred the space and versatility of the Octavia and was irritated by minor things like the lack of a mute button and having to go through the infotainment to activate the Golf's heated screen, which is easily and quickly activated on the Octavia's.  You already know the VAG  TSI petrol is really smooth. The Octavia's  exhaust note is quiet, handling is good but nothing at all to write home about. There's a fair bit of road noise but probably similar to the cars you've had. Stage 1 manual will be more than enough to put a grin on your face as long as you're rolling and the roads are dry, otherwise wheelspin spoils it. Good economy and performance with lots of space for the family.  Standard kit is ok. The 280/272 4WD  Superbs are really nice, better traction, kit and noise levels but possibly might not suit your image as they're are floaty, even with DCC, comfy and a bit of a barge.  

Fab thank you

 

i am concerned that I will miss the pops and bangs of the fiesta which if I’m honest sounds better than the golf r and Cupra but is sounds like (no pun intended) that the octavia might be a bit disappointing on this front. 

Edited 2 May, 20206 yr by FOX1429

Long shot maybe but are there any current 245 owners with the ‘new’ GPF that could add a sound bite of the exhaust is VRS/sports mode inside cabin (with actuator) and outside for actual exhaust sound.

 

I've asked the dealer to do the same hopefully they will oblige.

 

virtually all the YouTube videos are of the pre GPF (black exhaust) model.

Edited 2 May, 20206 yr by FOX1429

Just now, FOX1429 said:

Fab thank you

 

i am concerned that I will miss the pops and bangs if the fiesta which if I’m honest sounds better than the golf r and Cupra but is sounds like (no pun intended) that the octavia might be a bit disappointing on this front. 

They're completely different cars. One is a family man's relief from tedium. The other ( to me) is a go-kart, a  21 year old's first fast car before moving on.  It used to be XR2 - XR3 - Capri 2.8.  I have probably offended you. If you prefer pops and bangs and traffic light grand prix floats your boat, then you're still lucky enough to be young .  I sat in the Fiesta ST and started it up, it sounds good, but I didn't test drive it, just too small.  I always wanted a GTI. As a young guy, I couldn't afford the original GTI, I had a Mk1 Golf 1.6  auto  and a young family,  you couldn't even get the fold down kids buggy in the boot!   My 245 PP had a lovely exhaust on cold start and did burble and occadionally pop on the overrun but was still too small. It sounds like you want practicality  but hanker after small hot hatches so stick with the Fiesta ST. 

1 minute ago, Redboy said:

They're completely different cars. One is a family man's relief from tedium. The other ( to me) is a go-kart, a  21 year old's first fast car before moving on.  It used to be XR2 - XR3 - Capri 2.8.  I have probably offended you. If you prefer pops and bangs and traffic light grand prix floats your boat, then you're still lucky enough to be young .  I sat in the Fiesta ST and started it up, it sounds good, but I didn't test drive it, just too small.  I always wanted a GTI. As a young guy, I couldn't afford the original GTI, I had a Mk1 Golf 1.6  auto  and a young family,  you couldn't even get the fold down kids buggy in the boot!   My 245 PP had a lovely exhaust on cold start and did burble and occadionally pop on the overrun but was still too small. It sounds like you want practicality  but hanker after small hot hatches so stick with the Fiesta ST. 

not offended at all I appreciate everyone’s views. 

 

I’m not young unfortunately And perhaps it is time to move on from the stereotypical ‘hot hatches’ and grow up a bit! as I have 2 growing kids that will def appreciate the space.

 

i think I’m hankering after that mystical car that has every option I want with every driving characteristic that makes it frugal, fast, engaging and sounding great.

 

in essence there isn’t any such car so I have to decide what the priority is and make a decision accordingly.

 

would be nice in some respects to fly under the radar a bit with a VRS ‘Q’ car That is mapped to 290bhp etc.

 

thanks for the opinions.

Just now, FOX1429 said:

not offended at all I appreciate everyone’s views. 

 

I’m not young unfortunately And perhaps it is time to move on from the stereotypical ‘hot hatches’ and grow up a bit! as I have 2 growing kids that will def appreciate the space.

 

i think I’m hankering after that mystical car that has every option I want with every driving characteristic that makes it frugal, fast, engaging and sounding great which is prob why I’ve changed 6 cars in about 3 years!

 

in essence there isn’t any such car that will satisfy every urge  so I have to decide what the priority and Compromise accordingly.

 

would be nice in some respects to fly under the radar a bit with a VRS ‘Q’ car That is mapped to 290bhp etc.

 

thanks for the opinions.

 

You may have decided this already, but sounds like choosing the 245 is the best option for the family, and then you can make some modifications to help it suit your ‘wants’ as well.  
 

Good luck.  The Octavia is a great all round car!  I’ve had three and they served a growing family brilliantly whilst offering no little amount of fun too! 

If you want a fast fun practical family car with a pops and whistles then I would just buy a Focus RS mk3. Decent sized boot and plenty of space inside. 340bhp as standard which with a simple  remap takes you to 380bhp without the need to upgrade anything.

However the Octavia is a fantastic car and quick enough for what anyone wants for a daily drive. I have the diesel VRS purely because I do the miles and even that is quick enough in the mid range with the torque. But I know diesels arent for everyone. 

I would wait until lockdown is over and take one for a test drive to see if you like it. We can all give differing opinions on here but we all like different things and have different needs from a car. I needed a large boot and I have always loved the Octavias. This is my third VRS and I know it wont be my last, as the mk4 VRS looks very nice on the pictures I have seen.

Having read the original post I'd say buy whatever you want because you're not going to have it for any length of time.  And if it's a used car you're after to maximize your selection, don't get bogged down with toys. Why the want for all those options? For instance you say you want heated seats yet you seem to keep a car for an average of 6 months? Makes no sense to me. Just seems that whatever car you buy you're going to find fault with it.

 

Hope you're not offended by this but If you can't get 'fun' from a Golf R then perhaps it's not the car that needs changed but your expectations otherwise a 245 Octavia isn't the car for you.

Edited 3 May, 20206 yr by Guest

Again fair points - you sure you’re not my wife? 🤔😂

2 minutes ago, FOX1429 said:

Again fair points - you sure you’re not my wife? 🤔😂

Why is she cynical too?

Yes being married to me!

 

you do raise very valid points and I think you are right that I will never be happy with any car (says more about me than the cars no doubt).

 

when I look at it though I’ve had about the ‘best’ performance family car around in the R but my commute / journeys don’t let you get anywhere near the performance - same to some degree with Cupra. Cost to change vary from 1500-2000 which is no small amount.

 

the current fiesta at 200 bhp is much more accessible in my day to day travels but it prob too small for for  my growing family (prob knew that at the time!) and as stated in my original post the seats are not good and spoiling any time in it.

 

The 245 would be on equal par performance wise with the fiesta (and prob more accessible day to day Due to that plus having test driven a 18 plate previously the comfort/seats are really nice.

 

cost to change in a low miles 69 plate is 500 for same monthlies as my fiesta. Plus The wife and kids would appreciate the space.

 

 

Edited 3 May, 20206 yr by FOX1429

It would cost a lot more to sort out my psychological issues that manifest in my constant chasing of the ‘perfect’ car 😂

What about a Leon Cupra ST 300 with a manual box, very rare.

There are a about 7 facelift versions for sale on Autotrader at the mo, all 67 reg. Not many about, as most of them were AWD and DSG.

Similar boot size to the Octavia hatch but more kick under the bonnet.

51 minutes ago, Bogwoppit said:

What about a Leon Cupra ST 300 with a manual box, very rare.

There are a about 7 facelift versions for sale on Autotrader at the mo, all 67 reg. Not many about, as most of them were AWD and DSG.

Similar boot size to the Octavia hatch but more kick under the bonnet.

yeah cheers had a look at had quotes back on 2 but cost to change will be around 2000 and I’ve owned one previously albeit for 6 months!

 

think I’m 99% there to go for the 245 deal I have in the pipeline and get blue spark box straight on (280Bhp / 310ft lbs) cost to change including tune 650

 

thanks for all the advice so far it is appreciated and You are def right about my expectations and needing to really think about the main priority which is space for the family, a bit of poke (that’s useable) and (after the fiesta) a comfy seat/ride!

 

ill give it a go. The worst that will happen is that I’ll be looking for another car in 6 months (and at least I wouldn’t have spent 2000 on the change this time around! 

We downsized from a Leon Estate to a Golf 245 PP manual, well impressed with the engine, pulls from so lowdown.

 

We looked at the Octavia vRS 245, but didn't need the space. You won't be disappointed with the Octy 245 as a quickish family car 

However you may be disappointed with the handling. The Fiesta ST is in a different league for handling, as it is so small and light and also why it wins so many awards in the handling category. If it was me buying a car and I wasnt doing high miles,  I would go for the RS Focus or an Estate Golf R.