Hello

My name is Aaquil I am new to this site but not a Skoda owner. Let me explain I posted a Thread on 'Scoobynet' (Subaru equivalent of this) asking on recommendations for a high performance estate after my current car (Subaru Legacy Turbo estate). I was looking into getting an Audi then three guys gave me what seems some very good advice (Stuart, Ian and Flat4X4) to get a Octavia 4X4 turbo estate (Is that the correct name for it?). Anyway, I am here to investigate all that I can about them...tuning, performance, handling, insurance etc. First of all which is the most powerful Octavia you can get and how much BHP does it have? is there a difference between the saloon and estate (high performance) Octavia's in terms of power, acceleration etc. How good is the 4WD system? Anything else u guys and girls (of course) can tell me.

Thanks a lot

Aaquil

Hello

My name is Aaquil I am new to this site but not a Skoda owner. Let me explain I posted a Thread on 'Scoobynet' (Subaru equivalent of this) asking on recommendations for a high performance estate after my current car (Subaru Legacy Turbo estate). I was looking into getting an Audi then three guys gave me what seems some very good advice (Stuart' date=' Ian and Flat4X4) to get a Octavia 4X4 turbo estate (Is that the correct name for it?). Anyway, I am here to investigate all that I can about them...tuning, performance, handling, insurance etc. First of all which is the most powerful Octavia you can get and how much BHP does it have? is there a difference between the saloon and estate (high performance) Octavia's in terms of power, acceleration etc. How good is the 4WD system? Anything else u guys and girls (of course) can tell me.

Thanks a lot

Aaquil[/quote']

Top o' the mornin' Aaguil, welcome to the site. I know a lad that has a legacy RS, sweet looking machine,very rare. Anyway the Octy vRS (hatch and new estate) are the most powerful standard, 180bhp, 173lb/ft from 1950 to 5000 rpm. Very torquey. All can be modified and ther are some very quick 4x4 turbos on this site.Have a look around to see what mods are on offer.Use the search facility,it's fairly good. Regards David

p.s. There are some quick diesels here also but you didn't hear it from me.

Hi Aaquil , the most powerful standard Octavia Estate is the vRS with 180 BHP , which is excatly the same as the hatchback vRS , with obviously the same performance figures , although the estate comes with 16" wheels as standard , as opposed to the hatch , which has 17" wheels .

The other alternative is the 4X4 Estate , which has 150 BHP as standard , but after a remap will give 225-230 BHP , as will a remapped vRs .

As for the 4X4 system ..............I will let 4X4 owners comment on that , as I have no experience of the system.

HTH.............and BTW welcome to Briskoda .

Edited to say , just beaten to it by Dave !

Welcome, Aaquil!

My name is Aaquil I am new to this site but not a Skoda owner. Let me explain I posted a Thread on 'Scoobynet' (Subaru equivalent of this)

Yes' date=' we're very familiar with Scoobynet here - especially the thread on Octies started by Rob (Flat4x4, Fabpreza here)...

asking on recommendations for a high performance estate after my current car (Subaru Legacy Turbo estate).

I came over from a Legacy too, and was pleasantly surprised by the 4x4. For research I suggest you browse the threads started by Fabpreza, Ian (Tavia4x4), Colin and Stuart, and myself of course , to see how the car compares to a turbo Subaru, and how the standard car can be modified to get it into (standard) WRX territory or even better. For one, it needs lowering and a remap...

First of all which is the most powerful Octavia you can get and how much BHP does it have? is there a difference between the saloon and estate (high performance) Octavia's in terms of power' date=' acceleration etc. How good is the 4WD system? Anything else u guys and girls (of course) can tell me.

[/quote']

On engines - as told by Dave and MY. The 150 (in the 4x4) and 180 (RS) engines are identical, with the former electronically downtuned to 150, which means its chip/remap potential is similar to the 180. The saloon should be a smidgeon quicker because of the weight but hardly a relevant real-life difference.

And as far the Haldex 4x4 system goes - it's fine by me!

Here's my 4x4 FAQ:

http://www.briskoda.net/faq/index.php?sid=2853&aktion=artikel&rubrik=005&id=39〈=en

So quite a difference between the Subaru and Haldex systems. The Subaru viscous-coupling system is easier getting used to - you know what it's going to do. A Subaru is basically a throw-about car, any fool can be fast in a Scoob as it will almost always save your butt.

Because the Haldex feeds in the rear wheels when and in the precise amount it is needed, the Octy's 4WD system doesn't feel "there" in the moments before you really need it, so it demands some trust in the system. It will allow to do some very fast clean-lined cornering but it needs a LOT of effort to get it sideways... On the practical side, its non-permanent character means it is less fuel-consuming, puts less weight on the car and less of the power is lost in the drivetrain.

So if you need the system for fast cornering and eliminating the need for traction control (which I hate), it's perfect. It will do some offroading, but a grassy or moderately muddy field is all it can manage. Haven't actually tried to get stuck though, but I can imagine you'd be lost when the going gets really tough.

So quite a difference between the Subaru and Haldex systems. The Subaru viscous-coupling system is easier getting used to - you know what it's going to do. A Subaru is basically a throw-about car' date=' any fool can be fast in a Scoob as it will almost always save your butt.

Because the Haldex feeds in the rear wheels when and in the precise amount it is needed, the Octy's 4WD system doesn't feel "there" in the moments before you really need it, so it demands some trust in the system. It will allow to do some very fast clean-lined cornering but it needs a LOT of effort to get it sideways... On the practical side, its non-permanent character means it is less fuel-consuming, puts less weight on the car and less of the power is lost in the drivetrain.

So if you need the system for fast cornering and eliminating the need for traction control (which I hate), it's perfect. It will do some offroading, but a grassy or moderately muddy field is all it can manage. Haven't actually [i']tried[/i] to get stuck though, but I can imagine you'd be lost when the going gets really tough.

Crikey Dutch! I'm sold!

Welcome to Briskoda Aaquil.

Hiya Aaquil - welcome on board!

:wave:

Drop me a PM if you fancy a blast out sometime, as you are in my neck of the woods.

Crikey Dutch! I'm sold!

An unlikely convert to the 4X4 - but better late than never! So welcome to the dark side, Rich. :hidesbehi

Don't get your hopes up too quickly, Denis. Richard might just be sold on this:

The Subaru viscous-coupling system is easier getting used to - you know what it's going to do. A Subaru is basically a throw-about car' date=' any fool can be fast in a Scoob as it will almost always save your butt.

[/quote']

Instead of this:

Because the Haldex feeds in the rear wheels when and in the precise amount it is needed, the Octy's 4WD system doesn't feel "there" in the moments before you really need it, so it demands some trust in the system.

So welcome to the dark side, Rich[/b']. :hidesbehi

So now we have two dark sides?

So now we have two[/i'] dark sides?

Mattijs, I'm getting confused! Are you on either of those dark sides or just enjoying stirring the pot? (and I don't mean the Dutch sort of pot...) :confused:

am surprised none of you have pointed out that Haldex/Spandex is for girls and glam rockers... and that fwd Octys regularly destroy Scoobs on track......

just to add a bit of balance... a quality that is sadly lacking from haldex equipped farm machinery.

Thanks for the unbalanced and uneducated input Paul, your knowledge is always a credit to the site..

:tongue2:

Thanks for the unbalanced and uneducated input Paul' date=' your knowledge is always a [b']credit[/b] to the site..

:tongue2:

Shouldn't that be debit? :confused:

Ian.....

anytime you want to compare education / achievments youre welcome to try....

but hiding the truth that the Haldex based cars lack feel is unfair on someone who is spending their hard earned money...

read the motoring press.. all haldex equipped cars this side of an R32 are universally critisised for being boring/uninvolving they shunt power around when they want not when you want? which makes them unpredictable on the limit - the standard set up of 4x4 Octys is a long way from what a press on driver might require... and much closer to that of the caravan club member.

If you want to tow ... buy an Octy 4x4... if you want feel/ feedback dont. IF you must have 4x4 buy a land rover or a Cayenne.

read the motoring press.. all haldex equipped cars this side of an R32 are universally critisised for being boring/uninvolving they shunt power around when they want not when you want? which makes them unpredictable on the limit - the standard set up of 4x4 Octys is a long way from what a press on driver might require... and much closer to that of the caravan club member..

Paul, seeing that you're serious about giving our newbie a balanced view on the 4x4, I will add to that with yet more balanced views.

I won't base my judgement on what the motoring press tells me and instead will talk from my own experience. And then I actually agree with you that the 4x4 lacks a certain feel when compared to a Scoob. I wouldn't say they're unpredictable though, you just need some trust in the system doing what you expect it to do - and then it does. But there's not a lot of advance feedback, and coming from a Subaru that can be quite scary. If that's your unpredictability, then I'd agree. And if you don't push the system to act it will feel like an ordinary FWD understeerer.

I for my part couldn't get around to liking the vRS, or matching it to my driving style which involves taking lots of speed into corners and stepping on the power very early - the understeer is just too much. I have come to trust the 4x4 now kicking the back in to push me through. However, I can see how the vRS can be very quick using a more traditional approach - brake, turn-in, point, throttle. So there's a lot of personal taste and driving style involved here.

And then there's the matter of traction control, which I despise - another matter of taste, probably...

Anyway, what would be needed for the standard set-up to cover the long way from what a press-on driver might require? Just curious and I'm sure Aaquil will be too...

Mattijs, I'm getting confused! Are you on either[/i'] of those dark sides or just enjoying stirring the pot? (and I don't mean the Dutch sort of pot...) :confused:

If there's a vRS dark side (you will have noticed there's a lot of wooing going on from that side) and now a 4x4 dark side, I guess I'd be on the 4x4 side. But then who is on the lighthearted but determined, on-a-mission-to-root-out-evil-FWD-and-AWD side?

The good guys from Beemerland, a.k.a. the mutual Bavarian enemy?

Anyway' date=' what would be needed for the standard set-up to cover the long way from what a press-on driver might require? Just curious and I'm sure Aaquil will be too... [/quote']

small steering wheel.. 17" rims.. decent brakes ... coilovers.

yes i know the RS doesnt have the latter but if you were going to change anything on a 4x4 it would be the only way to go.. am sure Nick would confirm the improvment of RS suspension over std... which obviously is not an option on 4x4 due to the rear setup.....

hence from a "drive" point of view the 4x4 is not the best starting point - unless you wish to tow or carry quite a load.. cos my vRS does not like running with a full boot. As for traction control... you know my views. :hat:

any fool

That's me!

Flipping heck!!! I didn't realise I'd get so many replies and so quickly!!! Thanks a lot everybody. It seems that some people love the vRS (FWD) and some love the other 4WD and the sportiness of the FWD being good (17" wheels, suspension, looks etc.) and the 4WD capabilites of the 4WD. It seems that some hate traction control (I wouldn't know as I have never driven one with it) and some dislike the way the 4WD system of the 4WD works. One thing is for certain u guys and girls are well passionate about your cars (good on you!).

What is the problem with the rears on the 4WD when you want to upgrade the suspension...I have heard that uprated KW3 suspension (did i write the right name?!!!) is really good would that go on the 4WD estate and would it really improve the handling? Also what kind of alloys would u put on? Any recommendations I'm sure I did a search a read that someone had put 18" alloys on. Would that adversely affect the handling or improve it? (looks is a secondary issue to me). You see on my Subaru Legacy Estate I have 16" Impreza alloys with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, the advice tends to be do not put 17" alloys on as they affect handling (adversely). Would uprated suspension and 18" on an Octavia estate 4X4 really help handling or what? I know this is all premature but I've had some real bad ideas given to me when I was tuning my Legacy and I would rather find out before I spend (or should I say waste) my money on upgrades once I finally get an Octavia (may be a very long way off yet!!!).

Thanks again.

Aaquil

Aaquil

re wheels Rs comes with 17's as std, 4x4 comes with 16's. I fitted 17's on my 4x4 to enable me to fit bigger Brakes. Handling seems fine to me. As for choice of wheels its basically what you personaly like the look of, what has the correct offset & ALWAYS check that the spokes will miss your brakes, especially if you intend to upgrade brakes.

I bought one wheel on a sale/return basis & took it to Godspeed who built my brakes to ensure the brakes would clear the spokes, then when I was sure bought the other 4, I always believe its worth having a spare the same as your road wheels.

I went for Wolfrace mainly on cost coming in at

Stuart,

The 17" vRS wheels if I fit them on the 4X4 estate will they fit okay and will there be enough clearance for that 'Group N Brake upgrade'? Do the 17" on the vRS look okay because I do want to uprate my car but I don't want it to look 'In yer face' I would rather have a wolf in sheeps clothing. Would there be a major difference in handling between fitting 17" and 18" considering that I am intending to fit that KW3 suspension set up and get the geometry all done as I did on my Legacy (TSL Motorsport did it). For geometry do you need to know the particular car for the correct settings or will anywhere who do it well be okay (TSL say they have a specific set-up for Imprezas etc.). If you do need to get a specific set up done would it be better to get AmD to do it? Also, what do u think of AmD any experiences?

Thanks

Aaquil.

I have just been on the 'Autotrader' website and I know it may be a very silly question but what it the exact model name of the Octavia Estate 4X4 that can be chipped to over 200BHP. Is it a 1.8T like the vRS. I am after an Estate at the moment.

Thanks.

Aaquil.

I have just been on the 'Autotrader' website and I know it may be a very silly question but what it the exact model name of the Octavia Estate 4X4 that can be chipped to over 200BHP. Is it a 1.8T like the vRS. I am after an Estate at the moment.

Thanks.

Aaquil.

Yes, it can be chipped to over 230BHP. Search for posts by Denis (DGW) as he has a gorgeous 4x4 estate, or I'm sure he wouldn't mind a PM.

Aaquil, the 4X4 in the UK is only available with the 150bhp 1.8T engine and it is as tuneable as the vRS.

Aaquil,

I have replied on your other thread, PM or e-mail me your e-mail address & I will send you a couple of picies of my car with 17's on, Colin (ColinD) also had 17 or 18 inchers on his car & would probably e-mail you a picture,neither are RS wheels but may give you an idea oif how it looks with bigger wheels.

As far as I know the RS wheels should go straight on & if you are just doing the Group N kit the discs are the same sze, just better quality & the callipers dont change so sizes dont change.