Hi

my father-in-law is looking for a diesel automatic car to replace his Honda Accord, and is quite taken by the diesel + DSG combination available in the Octavia (and therefore also available in the Seat Altea)

Having done some searches on the Skoda Used website (he doesn't want to fork out for a new one) I noticed that there are a large number of 1.9 diesels with DSG available, and very few 2.0 with DSG

is the 2 litre just newer ? is it only on Octy IIs, and hte 1.9 was on the original ?

is one of the engines better than the other ?

- should he really get the Altea instead ? the reason for the automatic need is one of (sometimes) limited mobility, and the Seat is apparently easier to get in and out of.

thanks

Hi, I have a 2ltr PD140 with DSG and it is an excellent motor. I also have back and neck problems which restrict mobility a little and have no problem getting in and out of the car.

I did test drive the Altea when choosing this car and found the Altea had a much harder ride which jarred my back and made for an uncomfortable long test drive so I would not recommend this motor for anyone with back or neck problems.

The 1.9 diesel has been around for much longer that the newer 2ltr which probably explains the difference in supply but the 1.9 is older, and cheaper, and less powerful, but more economical, also the 2ltr cars will still be covered by the 3 year warrentee - so its your choice of trade-offs.

The 105bhp 1.9tdi in the Octy II is a new version of the engine compared to the ones in the Mk1 and was first used at about the same time as the 2.0 TDI. The Mk1 octavia didn't have DSG or either of these engines.

The bigger engine is a bit smoother and certainly more powerful , but not quite as economical as you'd expect. As for the relative scarcity of the 2.0 TDI & DSG I think it was just a cost issue when new meaning that a lot of people (especially company car drivers) could afford either the flashy gearbox *or* the bigger engine but not both.

As for the ease of access , I know plenty of people find the taller cars easier to get into. My dad prefers something he can can just lean across and sit into , whereas with my octavia he has to drop a fair distance to get his bum on the seat.

It's something that your F-I-L really needs to try out for himself.

1.9tdi and DSG is a capable car. Not maybe as quick of smooth as 2 lt but I find it quick eneuogh and smooth eneogh for my needs.

I was iinfluenced by the cost as I needed an auto but couldn't steach to the price of the 2.0 ...I have no regrets

I think the PD105 1.9TDi is a cracking engine, I'd argue more flexible than the 2.0TDi too. If performance isn't a requirement, then I'd definately go for the 1.9TDi. More economical too, and seeing as there's more about, better chance of getting a bargain and/or the spec he's looking for.

Nothing wrong with the performance of the 1.9 105bhp engine, even hooked up to a 4x4 system it still pulls well and overtaking, whilst not breathe taking is not a scary affair. Mate the engine up to DSG and it's better, just a shame Skoda don't offer 4x4 AND DSG as that would be the ideal solution for many. If you father in law has issues with the size of his male member then look for the 2.0, if not the 1.9 will more than fit the bill:).

P.S. Just kidding guy's, I enjoy a high performance car as much as any red blooded male but if the car is just to do a job then I'm happy as long as it does it.

thanks to all of you for your comments, I will pass them on