Feeling the itch to change and being somewhat selfish and looking at cars for me rather than a car for me, SWMBO +2 small people I recently took one of these for a drive. I also recently drove a vRS TDI and will make some comparisons along with my mildly mapped Mk1 vRS. Here is a quick look.

First Impressions: Oh my god ! its beautiful. This is a gorgeous piece of machinery. By comparison the Octy 2 looks decidely frumpy, even more so when parked next to a Mk1

Result:1st- Alfa, 2nd Octy Mk1 3rd Octy Mk2

Interior: The Alfa's cabin is very snug and sitting in the red stitched leather seats makes you realise that this is a car aimed at the driver rather than those around him. The build quality felt very good with no squeaks, rattles bits of loose trim. The dashboard is clear and logically laid out and a nice touch is the use of Italian as opposed to English on the dials, however I am yet to be convinced of the use of red illumination for the dials. The Mk1 Octy felt low fairly low rent by comparison but the Mk2 faired better mainly because it has decent seats as opposed to those bloody stupid silver inserts.

Result 1st- Alfa, 2nd Mk2, 3rd Mk1

Equipment: The Alfa comes with Cruise, duel zone climate, MP3 Cd player, 17in alloys and metallic black paintwork as standard, this compares favourably with the Mk2 (when you factor in the free upgrade), but leaves my poor mk 1 in the dust.

Joint 1st Alfa/Mk2, 3rd Mk1

Practicality: OK no contest, the 2 Octys far outshine the Alfa, Interior space/rear seat legroom, headroom and that enormous boot leave the Alfa way behind although at 320 litres the Alfas boot is by no means impractical and for this kind of car is actually pretty good, as is the rear seat area (its based on the 156)

1st Mk2, 2nd MK1, 3rd Alfa

On the Road: This is where we get very subjective and please bear in mind this is simply my opinion I am sure others will feel differently.

The Alfa's 150HP 16V mJet engine is extremely civilized, being barely audible when on tickover and with a surprisingly rorty sound when the loud pedal is pressed. Although not overly quick from a standing start (both Octys would leave it behind), once moving the engine proves to be very flexible and smooth and the gearshift is a joy to use. It doesn't have that 'shove in the back' the Octy TDI has however it is more than adequate for over-taking manouvers. One thing that did suprise me however was just how fast you hit the 4500 rpm limit in 2nd and 3rd compared to the Octy TDI, when using those gears it felt much more like my Mk1 and it was very difficult to reign the engine in before bouncing off the limiter, this engine really wants to go However neither seemed as responsive or as willing as my (lightly mapped) mk1 although I suspect that the fact that the Alfa and the Mk2 are 6 speed as opposed to the Mk1's 5 speed has something to do with it but the ease with which both diesels pulled from very low down did make for relaxed driving(In some ways this is a bit unfair as I should really just compare the diesels)

On the handling side I felt both the Alfa and the Mk2 were superior to the Mk1 with the Alfa just snatching it from the Mk2. Both felt composed over all surfaces, however the quicker steering on the Alfa suited my driving style although in truth I didnt feel there was much in it.

Joint 1st, Alfa/Mk2 3rd, Mk1

Economy: I had both the Alfa and the Mk2 for a day and so I was able to do some fairly consistent tests over the same stretch of road which I drive daily to and from work (The A30 from Exeter to Okehampton and back, approx 66miles of generally quite duel carriageway) Over the whole route, maintaing a steady 65-70 the Octy 2 returned 51 mpg including a remarkable 62mpg from Okehampton to Exeter (well it is downhill ) The Alfa by comparison averaged 46mpg a small but significant differerence for what is a lesser powered car. My Mk1 manages 33mpg under the same conditions

Opening the cars up on some of the Devon back lanes the Octy dropped to around 44mpg, the Alfa to around 40 and my Mk1 to 28.

Result 1st Mk2, 2nd Alfa, 3rd Mk1

Final Verdict.

Being logical the Octy M2 is the outright winner, it is quick, composed, hugely practical, and very economic which cleary shows up the now aging Mk1

A car for the head (and wallet ! )

But

We dont always buy cars logically

The Alfa is a car for the heart, It may not be as practical, or as economic or even as quick, but sitting in one makes you feel special, and looking back after you park it at those swooping lines well, sometimes the heart wins

nice review....

so what are you gonna do?! lol....

and rememebr the 1.9jtd will map to 195 bhp

The result is here

http://briskoda.net/forums/octavia-i/after-3-1-2-years-its-time-say-goodbye/104890/

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And sometimes SWMBO wins

lol... cool....

I drove the mark II octy vRS for the first time last weekend... (thanks jeanette, postmanpats swmbo)

and I really liked the engine in that sweet spot between 5-7k revs

enjoy