I've lurked on BriSkoda a bit and posted a couple of times, but I'll be getting behind the wheel of a vRS Octavia Estate tomorrow, so I'll have something meaningful to say at last!

Going to test drive one at Farmers Leicester - I'd be getting a vRS hatch, but they only have the estate as a demo. Unfortunately they only give half an hour for the test drive, which is less than I'd have thought. Is this normal - or possibly they think I'm a timewaster? I've test driven a 180BHP Leon Cupra when I was choosing my last company car, so it'll be interesting to see how this compares. I remember that the Cupra was undoutedly fast, though I wasn't keen on the power delivery. The Octavia is more practical size wise too.

They don't have a Superb as a demonstrator - are there any other dealers in the Midlands you know of that do? Coventry? May try Liverpool too, as I'm up there quite a bit.

I have a Passat now (2.0 petrol), which is coming to the end of its lease, and am considering a Superb PD130 Comfort as well as the vRS. I know the Superb is based on the Passat - does it drive the same? Shame they don't stick the PD150 engine in it (as they have done with the Golf, Leon and Toledo). Can't afford the V6 Tdi and the 1.8T's CO2 is too high (would suffer the CO2 in the case of the vRS ) I've driven a PD130 Passat - and expect the Superb to be much the same performance wise, if a tad slower due to the extra weight. Still should be quicker than my 115BHP Passat though, which is no slouch.

I'd love the vRS, but I do 20-25,000 miles per year, a lot of which will be stuck in jams - so the comfort of a Superb appeals.

Anyway - I've got a huge list of cars to test, though the vRS and Superb are at the top of my list. Also testing a Saab 9-3ss 1.8i tomorrow, but am expecting this to be too underpowered and underspecced compared to the Skoda's for me to seriously consider...

I'll let you know how I get on.

I have a Superb pd130 Comfort, and it is lovely if just a tad on the soft side suspension wise which might be a problem if you like to push on round narrow lanes etc. However it is a great motorway cruiser and very relaxing to boot. Fuel economy is climbing now for me (now getting around 44/46 mpg a tank).

I have read quite a few reports saying the Superb is a better ride than the Passat, but how much better(if any) the Passat handles I cant help you with.

I used to have an Octy estate (tdi not vRS) and the ride was very crashy in comparison to the Superb.

When I first got the Passat, I heard loads of reports saying it was wallowly on the bends, especially compared to the Mondeo. After 2 Lagunas and a Megane Scenic (hand me downs) I thought the Passat handled ok. The Mondeo I test drove was quicker and better handling than the Passat, though the VW was far more solidly built, with quality materials. Ditto the Skoda's. The Passat is good enough for me round the twisties, so as long as the Superb is as good - that'll do me Must be getting old, but the creature comforts are getting higher up the list!

I got a quote for a lease on the PD130 Elegance at the same time, though it was way higher than the Comfort. I'd be able to get some extra's on the Comfort - the first thing on the extra's list would be the 17 inch alloys - "Solid". :D Wouldn't be able to afford much more than that - though the Comfort is so highly specced anyway, it wouldn't really matter. It has loads over and above my SE Passat as standard.

These ones - (I think!)

When I bought my Superb pd130 Classic (second hand - I never buy brand new), I actually went to test drive an Octavia, but was dissapointed with the wind noise and the performance of the 110 TDi. I then spotted the Superb, and went and had a look, I'd already decided how much I was going to spend, and couldn't find a Comfort within my budget, and I'd seen the spec on the Classic and it didn't have everything I wanted - but this one had Climate Control which was the main thing I required, so I had a drive and bought it.

I can't comment how it comapres to a Passat, I've been in a couple but never driven one. As for a wallowy ride, well its not sports car handling, but it is much better than the Saab 9-5 I used to have, and its comfort I want most since I spend am hour a day each way on the daily commute.

The Superb isn't quite as refined as my Saab was (diesel engine aside), but it ain't far behind, and the Saab over

Bear in mind that the new Octavia is being launched later this year, I guess thats going to be more up your street with major improvements in comfort and suspension according to the press. At the end of the day the current Octavia and Superb are based on old technology as they have been around for a long time. The RS version is suposidly not going to be available at launch.

I have an Octavia RS and Superb Elegance 2.8v6 Tiptronic Auto (with Solid 17") . I can say that comfort wise on long and continental journeys they are both fine, The Superb better in slow start stop traffic as the clutch is quite heavy on the RS. The Superb is a bit jittery over bumps but this is due to the Passat type suspension that you will be experiencing. And the Superb is always getting admiring looks. A freind of mione has a new Passat SE 130PD with winter pack and I was amased at the price and lack of standard kit when comparing.

The Superb is great value especially after the recent additions to the available options for the classic and comfort trims.

Remember also that the rear seats are fixed in the Superb and do not fold down as in the Passat.

If you study the specs of the Superb you will notice in standard form it has load of items that are accessories on Passats so take this into account. Most of the extra gismos are night driving related i.e cat vision, wing mirror lighting, footwell lighting vent control lighting etc etc

John

As to other dealers, try the reviews section:

www.briskoda.net/reviews

It has a dealer list and comments broken down to regions. Either way add a comment on how you find the dealer or any other you go to.

As to duration of test drive, arrange it for another time, 30mins is enough to get a taster, but should be a bit longer.

As to comfort, superb will win hands down. The RS will feel better from a driven point of view, but perhaps the driving requirements lean towards the superb

Bear in mind that the new Octavia is being launched later this year, I guess thats going to be more up your street with major improvements in comfort and suspension according to the press. At the end of the day the current Octavia and Superb are based on old technology as they have been around for a long time. The RS version is suposidly not going to be available at launch.

Any ideas when the new Octavias will be available? This is going to be a company car, so depreciation is not relevant, though it does have to be changed towards the end of May. Suppose I could hang on to the Passat for a bit longer if it came to it..... I'd heard that there wasn't initially going to be an Octavia vRS version - in the same way that I missed out on a vRS in 2001 :( So it'd be no hardship having a "classic" Octavia vRS 04 reg Would I miss out on the new shape Octavia's in May? Is there a facelift or new Superb due any time?

Also interested in other cars such as the new Volvo S40/V40, but need to see one in the flesh.

Right - have come back from the test drive of the Saab 9-3ss 1.8i and the Octavia vRS Estate.

I must be getting old - I think I have ruled the Octavia out of the running. It was not as quick as I was expecting - especially from low speeds and in second gear. Mid range was what I would have expected though. I drove a Leon Cupra 180BHP a while back, and that was definately quicker - I expected them to be very similar given that the engine's pretty much the same, but the Octavia seemed a bit sluggish. Obviously, a lot quicker than my Passat, but low down felt no quicker than a 150BHP 1.8T Golf I drove recently. I even wondered if there was something wrong with the car I test drove. Should you be able to hear the turbo whistle? (Had me winding down the windows down built up streets - love the noise )

Handling was probably on a par with the Saab 9-3 sports saloon, though I believe the hatch has a different setup, and will be stiffer than the estate.

Quality of materials and finish were excellent in the Octavia (as I expected) - a lot of the switches feeling higher quality than the Saab.

This inevitably pushes me more towards the Superb. I like the comfort of my Passat, though would like more pace. The PD130 Comfort gives me the comfort, the quality, the pace, with loads more goodies thrown in Shame I can't test drive one just to be sure :( Think I'll get hold of other Skoda dealers to see if they have a demo.

If you thought the vRS was slow you must be looking for rediculour acceleration. I have one, its performance is great. Much more in fact and I would question its safety for an average driver. Also if you need more room than in a Passat, then no Octy is going to satisfy (nor would a Volvo V/S40).

Would say that the performance improves with miles.

Also does the Leon Cupra have a 6 speed box? If so it'll have shorter ratios and be a little quicker in the first 2 gears I guess. I think the 4x4 Octy is a little quicker off the mark than the RS due to it's shorter ratios.

I also guess a remap is not on the adgenda due to it being a company car? My RS is remapped and has a boost controller so I can turn boost down to near standard or up for the full monty.

Difference is like chalk and cheese or ,night and day or, wet 'n dry ......errr....etc.

That said you've got to go with what you feel happy with and at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

If you thought the vRS was slow you must be looking for rediculour acceleration

I didn't say it was slow - just that it wasn't as quick as I'd expected

The acceleration from flooring it in second, seemed more like a light pressure turbo than a 180BHP FPT, although the mid-range was very good. The problem was that it felt noticeably slower than a Seat Leon Cupra 180BHP I drove - I'd thought they would have been a lot closer. I don't know. Maybe it is deceptive? Though if I'm after a fast car, I don't want deceptive - I want in your face, pushed into your seat stuff It was a quick / quality car, though I think the Superb will be more my thing. I'm not trying to rubbish the vRS - it's just my honest opinion, albeit on one demo vRS estate. I think there may be something wrong with that demonstrator - felt more like 9 seconds to 60 than 7 and a bit. :confused:

My vRS pushes me back in the seat when I hit the accelerator! The Leon is lighter so with the same engine should be quicker.

My vRS pushes me back in the seat when I hit the accelerator! The Leon is lighter so with the same engine should be quicker

I was hoping the demo would push me back in the seat but it didn't at all. Odd though that the mid range was fine :confused: The Leon is lighter, but the demo vRS was closer acceration to my 115BHP Passat than the 180BHP Leon Cupra. Maybe I should eat less pies? :D It does sound like there is some sort of problem with that car, which I am glad of - i.e. glad it is that particular car and not the vRS as a whole - which does sound as fast as I had anticipated.

As you're after a company car, try contacting Skoda HQ fleet dept. When I was looking to repalce my co. car I did this and got a loan car for a week FOC. Delivered to my door and collected. Most manufacturers offer this service - I tried examples from Ford, Fiat, Peugeot all for a week's drive at a time.

Incidentally, if you decide to wait for a new-style Octavia, ask if your existing lease on the Passat can be extended. I've been waiting for a new Fabia vRS since last October and the lease company have agreed to extend the contract until the new car arrives.

Don't know what type of journeys Kentish is doing' date=' but I'm getting an average of 55mpg and but I'm often stuck at 55-60mph on the M1 :(.

I have had a few trips with over 60mpg - oh and people think its an Audi - they all know its not a Passat - the looks you get are brilliant.

Vince[/quote']

The car will go from my garage then to my wifes work place...total distance 1.5 miles time 7 mins, going through the Medway tunnel, rather than 8 miles and 40 mins round the towns. Most of the other driving is town based, so you can see why my mpg is much lower than yours. Also, when I get to give it a run I do have a tendancy to use the horses a bit so again mpg suffers. However distance runs, when mpg might enter the equation will give similar figures. (Please remember that I had an indicated 69.7 mpg in a fully loaded Octy estate tdi so I am fully able to maximise mpg when needed.)

I didn't say it was slow - just that it wasn't as quick as I'd expected

The acceleration from flooring it in second' date=' seemed more like a light pressure turbo than a 180BHP FPT, although the mid-range was very good. The problem was that it felt noticeably slower than a Seat Leon Cupra 180BHP I drove - I'd thought they would have been a lot closer. I don't know. Maybe it is deceptive? Though if I'm after a fast car, I don't want deceptive - I want in your face, pushed into your seat stuff It was a quick / quality car, though I think the Superb will be more my thing. I'm not trying to rubbish the vRS - it's just my honest opinion, albeit on one demo vRS estate. I think there may be something wrong with that demonstrator - felt more like 9 seconds to 60 than 7 and a bit. :confused:[/quote']

Kp m8 if its a newish VRS then i think i know what the problem is.In second gear with a car thats got less than 2000 miles on, from 1200 ish to 2000 rpm the acceleration in the octavia is AWFUL.I seriously thought i was gonna stall when i did a low rpm change........but give it a few thousand miles and the engine loosens up beyond all recognition .I would say a conservative guesstimate would be about 10 to 15 % gain in power when the engine had done about 2000 miles rising again when you get nearer 5000 miles.Try one thats been loosened up.....then chip it.....see if its slow then when you are doin 110 in 3rd .

Yours

Dash

The car will go from my garage then to my wifes work place...total distance 1.5 miles time 7 mins, going through the Medway tunnel, rather than 8 miles and 40 mins round the towns. Most of the other driving is town based, so you can see why my mpg is much lower than yours. Also, when I get to give it a run I do have a tendancy to use the horses a bit so again mpg suffers.

I don't know the area, but I imagine that the Superb makes the journey more pleasant. And with trips like those, you are still getting mpg many cars would dream of.

Its up to kprm77, but for a company car, I'm surprised he's even looking at the nice powerful cars like a vRS or Leon Cupra, yeah it would be nice to have more power, but the Superb is more comfortable and it can hold its head high enough when using the horses as Kentish says, though todays motorways don't give you much chance.

If I didn't like the comfort so much, I'd get a Fabia vRS instead - same engine - less car - more performance and probably better mpg (performance willing).

Vince

As you're after a company car' date=' try contacting Skoda HQ fleet dept. When I was looking to repalce my co. car I did this and got a loan car for a week FOC. Delivered to my door and collected. Most manufacturers offer this service - I tried examples from Ford, Fiat, Peugeot all for a week's drive at a time.

[/quote']

Do you have a contact name/number for Skoda that I could speak to about this?

from 1200 ish to 2000 rpm the acceleration in the octavia is AWFUL.

Dash

Probably because on a standard Octavia RS the Turbo dosn't kick in till 1950rpm where max torque is maintained till 5000rpm

John

Probably because on a standard Octavia RS the Turbo dosn't kick in till 1950rpm where max torque is maintained till 5000rpm

John

Im aware that the turbo comes in at 1900 ish,but my point is that in pre 2000 mile octavias the accelaration from 800 to 2000 rpm is considerably less than post 2000 mile tavias, cos the engine hasnt losened up.In other parts of the rev range the tavia is noticeably quicker when run in,but to me the dif in that lower rev range before the turbo spins up is one of the noticeable points of improvement when run in .IMHO of course .

Yours

Dash

KP

If you are in the Midlands I would try the Dealer at Alcester, I have had a RS and Superb from them , my feeling is that dealers expect the RS to sell itself in 1/2 hour, but when I swapped it for the Superb I had it for a full weekend , as someone else has said Skoda does this under business development, BTW my one is exactly as per the picture you posted. I do Banbury- Wolverhampton daily and get 48-50mpg easily os if you get taxed on fuel this is a serious consideration, . My first Octavia had the 2 litre engine and I think you 'll be amazed how much better the 130 PD is. Yo are right to get the 17" wheels -they do make adifference. Also I personnly think Skoda have done a better job of the interior than VW . These cars grow and grow on you. I wouldn't go back to the RS for the driving I do. If you get to test drive one you'll find the steering needs lots of small inputs and smooth direction changes are possible.

Good luck

Do you have a contact name/number for Skoda that I could speak to about this?

I dealt with Robert East, Business Sales Manager - South East, Skoda Auto ([email protected]). If you live in another part of the UK, ask Skoda UK for the manager for your area.

BTW my one is exactly as per the picture you posted.

Any pics? :D

Thanks for everyone's input on this - may well try Alcester. In the meantime I spoke to Coventry Skoda, and they have a TDi 100BHP Classic Superb to try out. At least I can get a feel for the way the car drives and handles - think they also have a 1.8T Comfort, so at last I may get to see one in the right trim!

Re the torque of the vRS - I think I have been spoilt in the past - I used to have a 220BHP Saab 9000 Carlsson. This was a 2.3 Turbo with 280lbft+ of torque between 2000 - 3500 revs. This thing wasn't great on the bends, but had me hanging on for dear life when flooring it in second. Mid range acceleration was excellent (40 - 60 in 4th, and 50 - 70 in 5th in around 5 seconds). I tend to compare everything to this car, acceleration wise, which is unfair. Averaged 26mpg in that! I want another! Though the last were built in 1992, so good ones are very hard to find.

Anyway - looking forward to the test drive of the Superb on Saturday. I'll post a new thread to let you know how I get on. I know this won't be any where near as quick as the vRS, but it will be swifter than my current Passat, very comfortable, with loads of toys, and low CO2.

Any pics? :D

In the meantime I spoke to Coventry Skoda' date=' and they have a TDi 100BHP Classic Superb to try out. At least I can get a feel for the way the car drives and handles - think they also have a 1.8T Comfort, so at last I may get to see one in the right trim!

Anyway - looking forward to the test drive of the Superb on Saturday. I'll post a new thread to let you know how I get on. I know this won't be any where near as quick as the vRS, but it will be swifter than my current Passat, very comfortable, with loads of toys, and low CO2.[/quote']

I had a 24hr test from Prestige in Coventry - I guess it was the same 100BHP Classic Superb - very friendly and eager to please. They did have a comfort in the showroom that they could organise a 20-30min drive in. Give the 24hr test a try and see what you think. The other dealer I've used, and highly recommend is Autosales in Cannock.

Hope this helps!

Matthew