Hello. I have ordered a Black Octavia Vrs Estate. Service Pack and 5yr warranty, Heated Windscreen and Steering Wheel, Canton Speaker upgrade, Space Saver Spare, and Assisted drive package plus with remote park plus.

I am seriously considering a Gyeon Ceramic Coating by a known local Car Valet / Detailer as this car will not spend much time garaged.

I’m comfortable with the car on order and the selected options. I’ve owned 3 VAG cars since 2006 from new, so not new to VAG,er, foibles. The Skoda is the best available for the money in my view. I prefer a new car rather than a used 2yo Audi Estate or Mk8 Golf R. Im not a great fan of the dealers local to me for used purchases. A Mk8.5 Golf R is no longer available, and in any case they had become rather expensive with options.

I have owned and cherished a 2019 Golf R from new. Loved it. All of it. The only dislikes are the poor turning circle and the small boot due to 4-Motion and the raised boot floor. I’ll miss the acceleration, grip and performance as well as the all weather security of 4 driven wheels, but I’m hoping still to have some fun and good times in an Octavia vRS estate.

I’ve also been an active member of the Golf R Forum - VWROC- which I found enhanced the ownership experience. I’m intending to be active on here too, and plan to keep my Wagon for several years to come. I’m looking forward to it.

Hi Neil and welcome, a great car with a spec to match. My daily car is a Karoq 1.5 SEL which I had ceramic coated as it lives outside and well worth the cost in my opinion. I also have a 2017 Focus RS [also ceramic coated] which I treated myself to when I took early retirement. Same problems as your Golf, turning circle,small boot etc and agree what you mean about the 4WD. I couldnt live with the RS as an everyday car at my age as its far to hard but a great toy to enjoy when the weather's fine

Welcome to the club, Neil. I’m sure you’ll love your Octavia vRS. Enjoy the drives!

Thank you @minsy & @ducu for the welcome. I will be familiar with some of the kit on the vRS, and some new toys to learn too. I’m confident it will fit into my life just nicely, but I’ll be sad to say bye to my R - by far the fastest, best thing I’ve ever owned. I ve watched endless YT Reviews etc on the Wagon and few suggest major downers…yes, a bit boring but they say that about a Golf R too, haha. I’m hoping it will be easy to own as I intend to keep it for a good few years. I am not chomping at the bit to go Electric yet. I had an Audi A3 for 5+ years, a Mk6 Golf GTi for nigh 7, and my R for 7.5 by the time I change. It’s sure to take a wee while to get used to the increased size, especially for parking and tight space manoeuvring - so I’ll take extra cara, haha.