Hi All,

As of yesterday, I became the owner of a 56 plate Octy vrs. Having looked at a number of other alternatives, and researched this website, with all factors considered, the octy was the right car for me. Although I have had it a short time, all I can say is I'm nothing but impressed so far.

I have been through a few cars in the last few years, as I've had a few job changes and some dissatisfaction, those being a Golf MkIV GTI, Golf MkIV GTI, Volvo S40 SE Sport D, Audi TT Coupe.

All I can say is the best car I have owned out of that lot, is the Mk5 GTI, which was great all round performer, with both power and refinement, but I always found the strength of the engine to be the star of the whole package. As for the other cars, they all failed to impress one way or the other, and the worse being the TT, which is far and away the most unrelaible car I have owned. It's unreliability is the reason I now have the Octy.

Which brings me back to the engine. I had made the decision that I had to have another car with that engine. Just so easy to drive fast or sedately, and so so torquey. I had a look at another GTI(Don't get real nice examples unless you're spending quite big), Leon FR(Interior didn't do it for me) Audi A3(The TT has put me off an Audi for now) and the Octy ticked all the boxes, and for me came out as the best all round package.

I would say it doesn't have quite the handling of the GTI, but it is not a long way off. As for build quality, I would say it easily on a par, and in my opinion has nicer plastics in the cabin. It obviously shares many items with the golf, and is a good car for it. The only noticable 'cost savings' are things like no real aluminium trim and slightly less well constructed door handles.

Anyway, to cut this rambling post short, Hi everyone, and well, I am more than happy with the new car............

Nice first post, welcome

I agree with most your comments but I would say that my TT was an excellent car and I was really sad to see it go.

My preference would be a Golf GTi over my VRs but the practicality of the Octavia is necessary with a 5 month old baby girl.

Welcome to briskoda, glad you are enjoying your car.

Welcome to Briskoda.

Thanks all for the welcome.

I would say is the GTI is the better car when it comes to driving dynamics and looks, but as for overall build quality and practicality, I reckon the Octy is at least it's equal.

Looking forward to some happy years (months?) with my vRS.

Nice Read, Welcome to Briskoda

WELCOME ......

Now ...... :confused:

Lets get you on the 'upgrade' tack .... :eek:

Headlamp bulbs, Lowered springs, sports shock absorbers, remap, anti-roll bars ....? :D

What do you fancy?

Hmmm, yes some mods.

I had uprated ARB's on the TT, and have to say they impressed with a little more taughtness, but I somehow like the flexibility of the Octy chassis, but we will have to wait and see.

Was also very tempted by the Koni FSD's for the TT when both my rear springs decided to snap, but opted because of the amount of maoney I had already had to spend on the TT for standard springs again.

Would you recommend the FSD's?

What ARB's are rated highly for the Octy too?

Hmmm, yes some mods.

Would you recommend the FSD's?

Yes, definitely; I have a set fitted with OEM springs although Eibachs are used in conjunction with FSDs by several other Briskodians. They soften the ride wonderfully whilst keeping it taut when you are being 'brisk'.

What ARB's are rated highly for the Octy too?

I have just fitted a Neuspeed 25mm Rear adjustable ARB (OEM is 22mm) to neutralise the understeer I have with the TDI engine up front. I haven't really got to test it thoroughly yet but initial impressions are that it does what I wanted.