Hello everybody,

I've been a lurker for a while on this great site and trying to learn as much as i can about the potential benefits/problems with getting a new Octavia Vrs.

My dilemma is that i can't decide whether to go for the petrol or diesel, I've got a 51 plate Focus 1.6 at the moment so either one is a major step up in performance for me. I've driven both and thought they were both really really good, i typically don't like to thrash engines so i prefer the lazier power deilvery of the diesel, although i think the delivery of the petrol is more fun if you like to rev your engine and i also do 25k mainly motorway miles a year so i will end up saving quite a few

IMO if your doing 25k+ a year the diesel will be far more beneficial to you...both in economy, servicing, residual value etc.

Most dealerships now have both the petrol and deisel available to test drive so that is the first step to take and see which you prefer. The mileage you cover and the type of journeys you do may have a bearing on your decision too.

The petrol currently offers the more potential for getting a few more horses but you state that you intend to keep it standard, all I would say is that if you hang around on this site too long then you may be on the slippery slope already

About the particulate filter - a short explanation may be helpful (I used to be in this business).

The purpose of the filter is to trap very fine particulates that emitted by diesel engines and that are harmful to health. Any filter will, over time, become clogged. The technology used by VAG uses a fuel additive which acts as a catalyst so that the particles collecting in the filter burn off, thereby regenerating the filter. This self-cleaning happens as needed - depending on the usage pattern of the vehicle.

It's a very good technology. Not only are particulate emissions almost totally eliminated, other harmful emissions and greenhouse gases are reduced.

It's also well-proven. It's been through 300,000km trials on a range of vehicles. Renault and PSA have been using similar technology on their diesel engines for some years.

The additive dose rate is very low (1 litre to 2200 litres of fuel on the additive verson that I worked with), and the original fill on the car should give 80-100,000 miles. Over the mileage and life of your car, you will need a refil. I don't know how much the dealers will charge - but think in terms of a similar price to the cambelt change at the same sort of mileage. It is important that the additive is replenished - otherwise your filter will clog and the engine will gradually suffocate.

The filters themselves are pretty indestructible - usually from silicon carbide. With the HGV applications that I worked with, we recommended off-vehicle cleaning annually - but that was for very high mileage vehicles. It may be worth checking the service requirements - my guess is a filter exchange when the additive is replenished.

In summary - you are unlikely to see any long term problems with a DPF so long as you keep to the recommended maintenance.

I have used Millers Diesel Power Plus on several cars from new, can this still be used with a DPF?

I must admit i'm leaning towards the Diesel with the miles i'm doing, i don't think i'll be disapointed with it, although the petrol would be nice i've got to be practical.

Have many people here picked up their Vrs Tdi's yet?

If so what are you finding them like to live with?

Also what kind of tank range can you expect to get in real world motorway driving for the petrol and diesel, i.e how much further can the diesel go on a tank of fuel.

Cheers

DOn't use power plus on any PD engines, even millers say don't do it for the PD's.

Take one of each fo ra drive, I loved the Derv VRS but tbh it along with the petrol VRS is a lot of money for not many toys.

DOn't use power plus on any PD engines, even millers say don't do it for the PD's.

Okay, thanks for that!