Hi this is my first post. I've decided to go for a new Octavia after brief test drives of both the 2.0 TDI and 1.9 TDI . Having monitored the posts here I was sure I would much prefer the 2.0 TDI and indeed it was seriously sporty.

However, the 1.9 was a lot of fun to drive as well and if anything had a more even and predictable power curve than the 2.0 which could lurch a bit. My most frequent need for fast overtaking is from 50mph on twisty A roads and I thought with the 1.9 I could achieve this by dropping into 3rd gear if I really needed to pass quickly. I suppose I was surprised at how quick the 1.9 felt and wonder if the 2.0 is worth the extra dosh and unresting temptation to drive it fast.

Has anyone else felt this way and are there othe considerations such as smoothness and economy?

Spec-wise it will probably be the Elegance and as for options the general opinions from you good people on this forum would suggest ESP, curtain airbags and probably maxidot. One last question - do the Xenons make a significant difference?

best regards all

Sam

Hi this is my first post. I've decided to go for a new Octavia after brief test drives of both the 2.0 TDI and 1.9 TDI . Having monitored the posts here I was sure I would much prefer the 2.0 TDI and indeed it was[/b'] seriously sporty.

I agree. I have a 1.9 and it is quite pokey enough for me. I had a loan 2.0 for a period and while it was fun to drive it was rather too powerful.

The torque on the 1.9 is good and I rarely have to drop gear to overtake at 50 mph. It has very good acceleration even in 5th gear.

Xenons worth it - IMHO depends. I drive a fair bit and personally I find it worth it, BUT they HAVE to be properly adjusted. Dealers do have a (VERY annoying) tendency to adjust too low = spent a ton of money on cr*p lights.

When adjusted properly they are fantastic.

You can get very good results with aftermarket uprated bulbs as well though, and that's cheaper

Both the 1.9 and 2.0 are very capable units. I've driven 3 different cars now with the 2.0, and after every drive I find myself down about my 1.9 PD130...

Both the 1.9 and 2.0 are very capable units. I've driven 3 different cars now with the 2.0, and after every drive I find myself down about my 1.9 PD130...

thats the problem with std Tom..........

I've driven both, but I lean more towards the 2.0, simply for the sheer hell of it.

I always think of a restaurant - you agonise for ages over what to have for dessert, and then, when your citrus sorbet arrives all light and refreshing and lovely, you spend most of your time longingly gazing at the hot double chocolate fudge cake with whipped cream ordered by table 12.........

1.9 has plenty of poke for A road motoring. I test drove both and, while admit 2.0 was a seriously fast and fun car, the decision came down to what I needed teh car to do - and the 1.9 does it admirably.

One thing tho' - would recomend you test drive a DSG. This is no ordinary auto box and turns a good car into a great car. 1.9 with this 6 speed auto is just as economical as the manual. My car is currently sitting at 54.5 mpg on the trip computer (which admittedly over estimates) where my previous Mk1 1.9 110 did 53.

One thing tho' - would recomend you test drive a DSG. This is no ordinary auto box and turns a good car into a great car. 1.9 with this 6 speed auto is just as economical as the manual. My car is currently sitting at 54.5 mpg on the trip computer (which admittedly over estimates) where my previous Mk1 1.9 110 did 53.

That's really interesting 'cos I always thought the official figures for the 1.9 DSG were far too removed from that of the manual given the efficiency of the DSG box. The difference is far more than that between the 2.0 TDI manual and DSG. I put it down to the fact the 1.9 manual has a 5 speeder whereas the DSG is a 6 speeder and therefore the gearchange points enforced by the official test cycles will be quite different and possibly more changes for the DSG than the 5 speed manual.

Any techs. got views on this?

One thing to note is that the 2.0 is a more modern design than the 1.9 and IMHO significantly quieter than the older one. Agree the power comes in with a bit of a rush, but put your foot down with the DSG and way-hey!

I thought it was generally accepted now that manufacturers tune and specifiy their drivetrains specifically for the official test cycle to show the best possible figures - that's why the results are never matchable in real driving.

Headlights...

I *don't* have Xenons on my car and I was AMAZED at how fantastic main beams are on the Octy II. Miles better than the Octy I and probably the best I've had since a Sierra a decade and a bit ago...

No idea about proper comparisons with Xenons, tho, sorry.

I agree that the 2.0 TDI is a bit of over endulgence as the 1.9 is very capable but i've had mine 9 months now and it still raises a smile when overtaking. The sheer grunt is truly amazing sometimes. I've also noticed that the 2.0TDI being a 16v lump is very free reving but it's also harder to drive economically than the 1.9. Getting the DSG version would help with this though.