I will be making a factory order for a 4 x 4 TDi Octavia Estate (140PS engine) probably for delivery in March 2008. I hear that a new common rail version of the 2 litre engine is soon to be introduced.

Would it be wise to wait a little longer to make sure I get the new engine? Would it be an improvement anyway do you think?

A factory order for March delivery would have to be made just before Christmas I think.

Any info on when Skoda will be installing this engine?

Many thanks in advance for any assistance.

I doubt Skoda will get the engine for sometime. I dont think even Audi have confirmed it yet let alone started fitting it.

Be suprised if it surfaced in the next 18 months or so.

Interesting point about Audi. Their website says that the new A4 will have the common rail engine and it will be available fairly soon. Considered an A4 but the new Avant will not be available for a while and it will be seriously expensive in quattro form.

There seems nothing to beat the Octavia 4 x 4 for specification/value.

It needs to be ready for the 2009 EURO V regs. The PD's can't cut it when it comes to NOx levels. Have a look on the US VW site, I don't think there are ANY small TDI's available. It might be due to the 2007 TIER 2 US regs that are more stringent than the EU regs.

You've also got that BluTec (not bluemotion- that's different :P ) stuff on the horizon too.

I have been told by big boss man in Skoda Ireland that the common rail will be in the octavia in Feb/March 2008 ( Octy vrs tdi anyway )

but if you were going to have the new engine, its probbaly best to wait a few months for any niggles to be ironed out isnt it?