Hi all

New to the forum, considering Octavia vrs estate TFSI as possible next company car.

Currently I have a Mk5 golf GTI which I love, but I have a 10 month old son and potentially there might be another family addition at some point in the next few years so something bigger would make sense. I’m struggling to find anything that fits the bill in terms of performance (ie as quick as the GTI) and handling, with a bit more space plus not too heavy on tax.

I’m really not a fan of the passat wagon (too “sensible trousers” for me), anything with a bmw badge on is too much £ to get any sort of performance, and although the skoda badge/image does not appeal, the combination of 200 bhp, space and low price makes it difficult to ignore.

I would probably spec like this: Metallic (either silver or black) 18s, rear bleepers, cruise, trip comp, xenons, heated seats. I'd also look at getting a revo or similar remap.

Two options I’m not sure about: active head restraints & light assistant. Can any one shed any light on these? Any good? Worth the money?

Anything else you think I should add? I already have a tom tom so I’ll pass on the nav system (1,500?!) plus that chap in autocar said its rubbish anyway.. whats the jumbo thing that gets mentioned on here?

Oh, one final thing: Eibach springs from the accessory (ie dealer fit) catalogue – looks ok at £140 plus fitting and apparently a 20mm drop on a vrs. Anyone got these? Is the ride ok? Any problems with a lower ride height if you have a full load on board? Do they really drop 20mm?

For reference, my alternative to the vrs is to stick with a golf and be a bit ruthless about what we take with us when we travel as a family – I already have a thule roof box so we could always make more use of this.. spec for a “new” golf would probably be: metallic, 18s, cruise, ipod link, multi-function wheel, recaros, winterpack, xenons.

Any thoughts or comments welcome.

cheers

Rob

[have posted also in "newbies" section, posting here also on the suggestion of a mod]

Rob

I have had the light assist on both my Octy's and I really like it - It also includes rain sensing wipers.

I can't comment on the active headrests as I've never specced them.

Currently the 18" wheels, Dual Zone Climate, Rear Electric Windows and Jumbo Box (centre armrest) are free upgrades on new cars.

I would urge you to consider Maxidot if you can afford it. Sunset Glass is also nice on the estate.

Suspension wise the Koni FSD and Eibach spring combo is quite popular, would want to be without them on mine.

There are a couple of us not too far from you as well as a fairly regular Oxford and Newbury meet which you might want to pop along to and have a look at the cars.

Hi Rob-e

Welcome to the forum.

R36 passat wagon I dont consider too sensible, would love one, but its an awful lot of money for a reduction in cabin quality versus the power advantages.

You wont believe the boot space, cant find anything on the relevant websites to justify audis claim that the A4 avant has the largest boot space in class..

Jumbo thing is a jumbo box behind the hand brake lever, has aircon option on it as supplied and is a big box for storing things, having one wasnt really a deal maker for me, but as it was free and that my favourite price... I moved from a mk1 rs to a mk2 estate, because I have a 16 month old and a 2 month old, yes I know what causes them now, thank you!!!

Dont even consider sticking with the golf, you will need more space.

Hope this helps.

Billy

Stu: thanks for the heads up on the meets - i'll look out for those. Great news that some of those options are free upgrades now..!

billy: yep - space is sometime an issue already with the current golf - thats just with one child :-/

R36 would be great, but co car tax is massive on that.

thanks for the comments guys.

anyone got any thoughts on the accessory / eibach springs?

As a Company Car driver myself have you looked at the BIK liability for the TFSI? What sort of mileage do you do and who pays for your fuel?

You might like to consider the vRS TDI - I have one its great; with lower CO2 output so lower Tax and about 25% better fuel consumption. TFSI gives 30-35mpg, TDI gives 40-45mpg.

As a Company Car driver myself have you looked at the BIK liability for the TFSI? What sort of mileage do you do and who pays for your fuel?

You might like to consider the vRS TDI - I have one its great; with lower CO2 output so lower Tax and about 25% better fuel consumption. TFSI gives 30-35mpg, TDI gives 40-45mpg.

You forgot to mention the DPF warning light Guy!!! :rofl:

Isnt this the time I normally chime in with the 2.0 tfsi petrol engine from the options list?

I went for the freebies, paid for the sunset glass which not only looks great on the estate, but also keeps the rear cool when placing the kiddies in on hot days, and stops people peering in at them too!

Thanks to confusion, I also got the variable boot floor free too!

Billy

I have 2.0TDI Elegance, and its just brilliant with kids. Loads of space in the boot for trips away including travel cot, pushchair, toys, etc, etc.

I have a roof box for camping trips because the bedding etc is bulky. I would definately go for the more-space option.

On the optional toys front:

Sunset glass - works as well as sunshades but looks better and doesn't block vision out so much, so I think its a good one.

Active headrests - I wouldn't know I had them. Apparently, there is a lever down the back of the seat that brings the rests forward if you are rear-ended to prevent whip lash, but without having an accident yet - who knows.

Light assistant - its fun that the main lights (as well as puddle lights) come on at night when you blip the key, but hardly necessary. The auto lights are sometimes fooled by shady lanes, bridges, etc. Also they come on automatically at autobahn type speeds which attracts attention! Personally, I know when I want the lights on, and wouldn't bother, but you can override anyway.

Dual height boot floor - I like the look of it but it uses space.

Jumbo box - useful place for iPod and bits. Not convinced by the heating/cooling but useful storage and the armrest is comfortable and adjustable.

Maxidot - worth getting to improve the look of the dash and adjust various car settings that are otherwise a dealer trip.

Finally, we have mountainous speed humps around us, that can ground the standard suspension set up on the Elegance when fully loaded - I would consider this before lowering the VRS.

Go for the Skoda - you'll be an convert in no time.

Cheers,

Les.

You forgot to mention the DPF warning light Guy!!! :rofl:

I found out this morning I have a faulty 'Exhaust Gas Pressure sensor'. The part is on order and car booked into my dealer for Friday to fit it. :P

As a Company Car driver myself have you looked at the BIK liability for the TFSI? What sort of mileage do you do and who pays for your fuel?

You might like to consider the vRS TDI - I have one its great; with lower CO2 output so lower Tax and about 25% better fuel consumption. TFSI gives 30-35mpg, TDI gives 40-45mpg.

Yep, done a lot of research already on BIK !

TBH I'm not a fan of diesels i've had several in the past and enjoyed some (especially the 3 mundano ST 2.2 Tdci's that i had) but given the choice i will choose petrol every time even if it costs me more in the tax.

The difference in tax is not that great for me: The petrol is a cheaper car to start with (almost £1,000 cheaper in fact). Tax on the car and fuel for the TFSI is only 30 quid more per month than the diesel. If you add in the rebate my company gives me spending less of my allowance with the cheaper car, the difference falls to only £10 per month..

I know others have different opinions, but for me, i'll happily pay more to not have stinky hands when you fill up plus a red line at 4,000 rpm and engine sound like a tractor.

Apologies in advance if i've offended any diesel owners

I changed from my TT because I needed a car with more room. I really wanted a GTi or an R32 but I didn't think they were big enough given we were starting a family.

The Octy VRs was, and still is, the next best thing IMO. Basically it's a GTi with a big boot. OK the GTi may be slightly more nimble and have slightly sharper handling but there's nothing in it really.

I've not been disappointed. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the interior rattles. It's been back to the dealer a few times for various things but then so did my Golf and my TT. In fact the only car I've ever had that never had to go back to the dealer was a Renault Laguna!

As for the springs, the ones listed in the options are the Eibach pro ones. VRS195 had them fitted to his VRs diesel at PDI and I think he is happy with them. I had these springs fitted to my Golf and it sorted the handling out but made the ride quite firm. Given what I've just said above about interior rattles I would imagine a firmer ride would only make things worse so as others have suggested above get the Koni FSDs to go with them.

...... plus a red line at 4,000 rpm and engine sound like a tractor.

Apologies in advance if i've offended any diesel owners

Red line is at 4,500rpm actually and it isn't that tractor like; the TFSI is fairly mechanical on tickover as well.

I've heard the tickover of the TFSI referred to as a liqudizer full of ball-bearings, so all may not be quite as peaceful as you imagine!