Yes, I have to say the 4 X 4 option has the grip appeal for me too. It's a fair amount of power to put throught he front wheels, and since my other car is pretty hopeless for wet grip I guess I don't want another!

It does look like there's a few jobs to get a 4 X 4 how I'd want it - VRS alloys, front bumper, poss seats, suspension (probably as recommended above) and off course the power upgrade (just a rechip for the moment!) - that'd pretty much be my fantasy Octavia spec. Haven't ruled out a VRS yet though, will have to see!

I would go for the 4x4 hatchback I own one and its the best car I have ever driven, plenty of power, fantastic road holding, even in the snow, plenty of power, lots of luxury, what more can you ask for!

I've got a 4x4 hatch.

Tremendous. Bargain price for a great mix of everything.

Only thing is - I think the 4x4 loses boot space to the Haldex controller - it's still massive though..

If I had my time again I would have gone for a 4x4 estate not a hatch, for the simple reason of water running into the boot if you open it when it is raining, as I have a bit of stereo in the boot I get really worried about it getting wet!

Plus I could have fitted a bigger stereo!!

If I had my time again I would have gone for a 4x4 estate not a hatch, for the simple reason of water running into the boot if you open it when it is raining, as I have a bit of stereo in the boot I get really worried about it getting wet!

Plus I could have fitted a bigger stereo!!

The leak is caused by water getting trapped in the channel at the bottom of the rear window, If you seal it with silicone or get some small dia round rubber, say 3-4 mm & force it into the gap hey presto its cured. If you go the rubber route leave it over length for a few days, if youve stretched it when fitting it will shrink slightly & look odd, if you coat it with the dashboard anti squeek silicone you can get in Halfords its easier to fit

ah excellent thank you very much indeed for that!

The leak is caused by water getting trapped in the channel at the bottom of the rear window, If you seal it with silicone or get some small dia round rubber, say 3-4 mm & force it into the gap hey presto its cured. If you go the rubber route leave it over length for a few days, if youve stretched it when fitting it will shrink slightly & look odd, if you coat it with the dashboard anti squeek silicone you can get in Halfords its easier to fit

Ah -ha!

Great advice Stuart - think i'll try that - its one of my only dislikes about the car!

Thanks,

Lee