Could anyone help me decide between these cars?

 

And state the pros/cons please?

Here are the power curves (based on online, not measurement.)

They have very different driving characteristics and seem an odd comparison.

Of the two choices on offer, I'd go for the diesel, if there was not a larger capacity petrol engine alternative.

Fortunately there is.

 

NOTE: These power curves are for the MK3 Octavia, not the MK4, which I haven't produced graphs for. My bad.

Edited 21 June, 20214 yr by EnterName
Note added to inform graphs are for MK3 Octavia.

I’ve got a 1.0 etec DSG and find it drives very well. Pulls well, copes with motorway, and loaded boot very well too. I’m getting 55-60 mpg on longer runs without trying. All in all very relaxing to drive, especially given how big it is compared to my previous Arona. 
 

my two previous cars were a 1.2 Fabia estate, and a 1.0 Arona (both DSG) so similar size and power output. If you’re coming from a diesel you may feel the lack of torque. I would have opted for the 1.5 petrol but back when I ordered the 1.0 etec was the only petrol DSG available and I’m glad I went with it now, it suits my driving which is 8 mile commutes plus occasional longer drives very well. 
 

It’s well worth test driving one. 

I’m currently driving a 1.0 e-TEC DSG estate (loan car); have covered well over 3000 miles with plenty of motorway and well loaded. To say I was pleasantly surprised at the performance is an understatement, copes well enough with all roads and traffic. In an ‘urgent’ and busy urban context I switch the DSG box to Sport mode otherwise it up-changes a bit too soon. Fuel economy is over 56mpg overall and like @VinzClortho can comfortably get 60mpg on longer runs (a recent 50 mile trip returned 64mpg, mixture of motorway and country roads).

 

I am also surprised at how quiet the engine is, even when working it hard. 

 

Some of the down changes can be a bit jerky, but this is the first DSG I have driven for any time/distance so can’t compare it with any others - and after 40 years of driving manuals a couple of months in a DSG hasn’t given be time to perfect the throttle control. I think the e-TEC mild hybrid energy recovery system adds to this too, it’s taken me a while to get used to the additional ‘engine’ braking which I initially thought was inconsistent - much less so now I am more familiar with it.

 

Which 2.0TDI are you considering? There are two versions 116bhp & 150bhp - the power curve chart from @EnterNameis the 150 unit. I used to own a Mk2 Octavia Estate (c. 80k miles in it) with the 1.6TDI (115bhp, I think) - this 1.0 e-TEC is easily as drivable.

 

4 hours ago, sneal said:

Which 2.0TDI are you considering? There are two versions 116bhp & 150bhp - the power curve chart from @EnterNameis the 150 unit. I used to own a Mk2 Octavia Estate (c. 80k miles in it) with the 1.6TDI (115bhp, I think) - this 1.0 e-TEC is easily as drivable.

 

Given the choice between the 1.6TDI and the 1.0TSI, I'd go for the 1.0TSI, but those weren't the engine choices on offer.

1 hour ago, EnterName said:

Given the choice between the 1.6TDI and the 1.0TSI, I'd go for the 1.0TSI, but those weren't the engine choices on offer.

Yeah, I realise that, but the current 2.0TDI has both 116bhp and 150bhp variants. I used my 1.6TDI as an example of a diesel with similar power to the 1.0TSI e-TEC

8 hours ago, sneal said:

I’m currently driving a 1.0 e-TEC DSG estate (loan car); have covered well over 3000 miles with plenty of motorway and well loaded. To say I was pleasantly surprised at the performance is an understatement, copes well enough with all roads and traffic. In an ‘urgent’ and busy urban context I switch the DSG box to Sport mode otherwise it up-changes a bit too soon. Fuel economy is over 56mpg overall and like @VinzClortho can comfortably get 60mpg on longer runs (a recent 50 mile trip returned 64mpg, mixture of motorway and country roads).

 

I am also surprised at how quiet the engine is, even when working it hard. 

 

Some of the down changes can be a bit jerky, but this is the first DSG I have driven for any time/distance so can’t compare it with any others - and after 40 years of driving manuals a couple of months in a DSG hasn’t given be time to perfect the throttle control. I think the e-TEC mild hybrid energy recovery system adds to this too, it’s taken me a while to get used to the additional ‘engine’ braking which I initially thought was inconsistent - much less so now I am more familiar with it.

 

Which 2.0TDI are you considering? There are two versions 116bhp & 150bhp - the power curve chart from @EnterNameis the 150 unit. I used to own a Mk2 Octavia Estate (c. 80k miles in it) with the 1.6TDI (115bhp, I think) - this 1.0 e-TEC is easily as drivable.

 

Thanks for replying everyone. I'm considering the 2.0 litre diesel 150hp and the 1.0 ETEC 110hp as both these cars are available for me! So I'm just really trying to see if it's worth spending that little bit more for the 2.0 litre diesel. 

7 hours ago, sneal said:

Yeah, I realise that, but the current 2.0TDI has both 116bhp and 150bhp variants. I used my 1.6TDI as an example of a diesel with similar power to the 1.0TSI e-TEC

I'm afraid you have exposed my ignorance here. I had completely forgotten there is a 115PS 2.0 litre diesel.

5 hours ago, Luoas said:

Thanks for replying everyone. I'm considering the 2.0 litre diesel 150hp and the 1.0 ETEC 110hp as both these cars are available for me! So I'm just really trying to see if it's worth spending that little bit more for the 2.0 litre diesel. 

Just for the record, why have you excluded the 1.5TSI from your options?

 

5 hours ago, Luoas said:

Thanks for replying everyone. I'm considering the 2.0 litre diesel 150hp and the 1.0 ETEC 110hp as both these cars are available for me! So I'm just really trying to see if it's worth spending that little bit more for the 2.0 litre diesel. 

 

Adding to my earlier comments, my own Octavia Estate is the 150PS TSI (manual ‘box) - but the loan 110PS 1.0 e-TEC is fine for me. To be honest, if the loan car had the extra ‘toys’ that mine has (powered/heated seats, blind spot assist, ACC, …) I’d be happy to have swapped cars.

 

Let us know what you decide…

2 hours ago, sneal said:

 

Adding to my earlier comments, my own Octavia Estate is the 150PS TSI (manual ‘box) - but the loan 110PS 1.0 e-TEC is fine for me. To be honest, if the loan car had the extra ‘toys’ that mine has (powered/heated seats, blind spot assist, ACC, …) I’d be happy to have swapped cars.

 

Let us know what you decide…

Had to google e-TEC, but that looks like very useful tech to have for economical driving. Really like that idea!

12 hours ago, Luoas said:

So I'm just really trying to see if it's worth spending that little bit more for the 2.0 litre diesel. 

I guess it might depend on what length drives you normally do, only short drives tend to be bad for the DPF on the diesels leading to them having problem regenerating unless you regularly (say weekly) do a long enough drive for a DPF regen to happen.

Hi, no experience with the diesel model but owner to 1.0 e-tec. Love the car, fair Power even with 4 pax in car and very good economy If u utilise e-tec to the full extent. Quite and smooth with DSG. Lowest consumption was 68 mpg but 58-60 as average.

Yes, if a number of short runs are done in the vehicle then I would think the etec be the better and more sensible choice IMO.