Hi everyone. I suspect I might not get the most unbiased view from a Škoda forum but would appreciate people’s view  

 

I’m in Aus and have a Scala Launch. It’s basically every possible option except the premium audio, nice and refined enough but it can’t escape its AO platform origins. I feel it’s time to upgrade to something more substantial with better dynamics and performance. My partner has a 7.5 GTI and with the multilink rear, mechanical diff, progressive steering, wet clutch and the EA888 it’s truly in the next league. 
 

I’ve narrowed my choice to the titled VAG products. The Civic Type R looks ridiculous and Hyundai N lacks refinement. That’s about it for Aus unless I step into BMW, Audi or Mercedes territory and as a true Škoda owner, keen on maximum value equation and those brands are really for higher net worth people.  
 

I’m doing test drives this weekend on all three. Recommended pricing for each, fully spec’d are roughly RS $68k, GTI $61k (since when is it cheaper?) Formetor VZx $70k and Leon VZ $56k. 
 

Does anyone with the vRS have buyers regret? Does anyone have experience with the other mentioned models?

 

I’m also thinking of waiting 9 months for Mk 8.5 or RS facelift unless I get an attractive offer on what’s currently really a run out model. More power, better infotainment and better matrix lights

 

Also, is anyone seeing good discount by dealers? I read the market is slowing and supply is returning but I get the impression inflated prices are subsidising the electrification strategies so not sure what’s a realistic haggle these days. 
 

Appreciate anyone’s insights  

 

 

Tough choice, but no real bad one though.

If you have home charging and don't mind the smell of Musk then have you considered salary sacrifice and Model 3 Performance or LR?

 

 

@Gerrycan The thought of Tesla crossed my mind but they have the feel of an appliance and interiors like IKEA. Not sure I can get passed their egonimics… 
 

the Octavia drove like a big car. Quite different to the 7.5 gti we have. It’s quite good. The DCC is very good. The fake engine sound is embarrassing and a huge turn off. Interior was surprisingly the winner. I didn’t even drive the mk 8 gti today. I couldn’t get passed the low grade interior. What a step back from the 7.5. How does that even happen? It was quite poor and I had low expectations. The Cupra not my cup of tea in the end. 
 

Skoda dealer was pushing Škoda finance for 2k discount and $14k trade in. So $52k change over… that’s a bit rude so I’ll wait for something that feels more next gen before spending that kind of money and use a less scrupulous dealer. Scala is fine if not lacking a bit of engagement. 

If you can wait for the 2025 VRS update, the  extra power and reported exhaust improvement will make it more appealing in terms of performance.  

 

I have a VRS wagon with DCC for a few years now  and i chose it over Mk8 Gti. I still enjoy it mostly as daily driver with  a good mix of practicality,  comfort and performance. The only negatives is the complete lack of exhaust note for a performance car, fake engine sound,  slightly spongy throttle response and sometimes flaky infotainment system.

 

I'm interested in the 2025 update.

 

Edited 3 August, 20241 yr by jaspertvrs

I am happy with my VRS. I have had it for 3 years. I have not driven the others.

I came from a Honda S2000 but I am not disappointed in the Skoda.

I enjoy the size, the comfort and the various features and the performance and handling.

Edited 20 August, 20241 yr by DaveFromSydney

I looked at the Cupra Leon and Cupra Formentor and the build quality put me off. Leon was very plasticky and rattley  and with the Formentor the leather used in the seats is terrible. It’s very soft but really thin nappa leather and it because of this it pulls easily so that you end up with creases and folds on the bolsters after a very short amount of time. I looked at numerous cars all less than a year old and all had the same issues with folds and creases in the leather and most looked in worst condition than my 13 year old Superb’s leather seats. 
 

The seatcupra.net forums were full of posts about it too and Cupra’s standard response is “wear and tear”. 
 

When looking at approved used Formentors I even noticed dealerships wouldn’t take photos that showed the seats clearly either so they know it’s a problem. 
 

Also with the Formentor the choice is limited power wise you can either have the 1.5 150bhp or the 2.0 300bhp and that’s it….. there’s no nothing inbeteeen. (At least in the UK). 
 

 

On 21/08/2024 at 00:08, WaveyDavey said:

Leon was very plasticky and rattley  and with the Formentor the leather used in the seats is terrible. It’s very soft but really thin nappa leather and it because of this it pulls easily so that you end up with creases and folds on the bolsters after a very short amount of time. I looked at numerous cars all less than a year old and all had the same issues with folds and creases in the leather and most looked in worst condition than my 13 year old Superb’s leather seats.

in Australia at least, owners suffering from this issue have been able to claim it under warranty. They’ve upgraded the seat foam to prevent it happening.

 

in Australia, you can get the Leon and Formentor in V, VZ, VZe, and VZx.

 

The V, VZ, and VZx all use versions of the EA888. The V uses the down rated EA888 that was used in the Octavia Limited edition. Whereas the VZ uses the same tune as the Octavia RS and Golf GTI.

The VZx uses the same tune as the Golf R but misses out on AWD.

the VZ was dropped from the Formentor range.

 

if I were in the position to wait I would. The updated media system is worth it alone.

if you compare the current Leon VZ to the Octavia RS with Premium Pack. Then aside from the size difference, you give up the 360 Camera, passenger side electric seat, power tailgate. HUD, and Matrix LED headlights with the Leon. Plus the Octavia has the 13 speaker Canton system. Whereas the Beats system is only 9 speakers - the facelift Leon gets a 13 speaker Sennheiser system.

I’m considering the trading out other car - a Focus wagon in on a Leon VZ. I love my Octavia and it was such a big upgrade over the Kamiq Monte Carlo it replaced.

Edited 21 August, 20241 yr by aaaaplay