Hi,

I'm Rich, new owner of a 2017 facelift Octavia III. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Hello Rich from the shire of Gloucester 

 

1.4 seems to be a well respected engine choice on here 

 

Gaz

Hi Gaz.

 

It seems decent.

 

Stick it in Sport and give it some beans it goes well. I need to get used to Normal though - pick-up from a standstill is hesitant, and then sudden oomph. I'm probably getting off the line quicker than in a manual but it's not smooth yet. In Normal it also holds on to a gear far too long uphill resulting in either slowing progress or sudden acceleration if I press the throttle to force it to kick down, cos by the time it can be bothered I'm at more than half-throttle.

 

Very little engine braking even in Sequential (M) mode, but then imnused to a diesel.

 

We did a run to the coast today. 200+ miles. Very easy to drive under steady conditions and a pleasant place to be. Passengers were comfortable. This is where it will shine.

 

While there's a bit more room for my left leg than in a Golf it's still not particularly comfortable. SE L seats don't have much thigh support and I feel my leg pushing into the footrest, while the head of my fibula rests right against the edge of the central console trim. I've moved the set back a little and the steering wheel more towards me in irde to drop it an inch or so, but after 2½ hours I can feel my sciatic nerve.

 

Hmm... I think it's safe to say after about 300 miles total I'm not particularly liking this car yet. I wonsernif there's enough cash in the kitty for a cheap Cooper S or MX-5?

There are plenty of comments on here about seats and comfort.  I had a vRS and found the seats quite acceptable, but those in the Golf are noticeably better.  I was going to ask if you're tall, but I guess not, as if you're thinking about an MX5, you must be less tall than me (6'4") as I simply don't fit in them  (which is a shame as I really like them).

 

Gaz