Skoda Octavia VRS 245 advice.

[Bellasdad]

My beloved A3 has just turned 3 years old and my thoughts are now on which car to go for next.
Ideally I’m after something with a bit more power but would prefer a petrol engine with a manual gearbox, sadly there’s not much choice in the Audi range at the moment which meets this criteria.
The Skoda Octavia seems to tick all the boxes for me but I would really appreciate some input and advice from those who have had experience of this car.
I’m not really ready to take a leap of faith without hearing the thoughts of you guys first.

 

[Joxh]

My dad's had the 245 estate for probably 6 months now and he loves it. My expectations of it comparing it to my S3 is it definitely loses some power at the top end due to the smaller turbo but the initial pick up is very fast. It seems to put the power down very well too with the front diff. Car feels very light for its size. Interior is very nice and I prefer it to my PFL S3. It has also returned 50 mpg on a long run. Doesn't sound great due to the opf filter tbh. Would spec it with 18 inch wheels as it's then very comfortable and great over bumps.

 

[KenL]

Skodas are great cars, go for it.

 

[Fatbloke]

Got a mk2 octavia vrs and had it 9 years. Still got it. 170 cr remapped to 205. 95,000 miles on it. Great on fuel, pulls like a train.
Excellent car. Excellent dealers. Excellent customer service.
Got the A3 to stay in the vag range. Worst move ever. Loads of issues with the A3. Dealerships and customer service and technical ability to fix issues is crap. One dealership in particular seem like a bunch of cowboys. Parts removed and not replaced etc. Audi on a par with Vauxhall in my experience so far.
Wish I had got another Skoda instead.

 

[pburv]

Have you considered other makes? ie Hyundai I30 N sport...Great reviews in motoring press.

 

[Bellasdad]

Have you considered other makes? ie Hyundai I30 N sport...Great reviews in motoring press.

Not really looked at other brands, to be honest I’d rather stay within the VAG group mainly down to past experience and confidence in the group.
I’ve just taken a test drive in the Octavia and was very impressed overall, especially with the power, it really surprised me just how quick it was compared to my A3.
I can now appreciate why people are blown away with their S3’s, the performance of those must be amazing. Just a tad out of my price range unfortunately.
I’ve definitely got some food for thought with the Skoda though. I’m thinking of hanging on until the new year and see if there’s any reduction on the 69 plates.

 

[CHEZ]

Have you considered other makes? ie Hyundai I30 N sport...Great reviews in motoring press.

I like them, however, they are manual only and fwd.
For roughly the same sort of price could get a dsg, 4wd golf R!

I know which will depreciate faster over a few years.

 

[pburv]

I like them, however, they are manual only and fwd.
For roughly the same sort of price could get a dsg, 4wd golf R!

I know which will depreciate faster over a few years.

Yeah. Depreciation is a big factor which is why I have been looking for a used one, also manual is a real pain in the proverbial lol
As for reliability and dealer experience I should imagine they win hands down compared to VAG these days. The five year unlimited mileage warranty is certainly tempting.

 

[pburv]

Not really looked at other brands, to be honest I’d rather stay within the VAG group mainly down to past experience and confidence in the group.
I’ve just taken a test drive in the Octavia and was very impressed overall, especially with the power, it really surprised me just how quick it was compared to my A3.
I can now appreciate why people are blown away with their S3’s, the performance of those must be amazing. Just a tad out of my price range unfortunately.
I’ve definitely got some food for thought with the Skoda though. I’m thinking of hanging on until the new year and see if there’s any reduction on the 69 plates.

What's your budget if you don't mind me asking and also you thinking of used or new?

 

[Bellasdad]

What's your budget if you don't mind me asking and also you thinking of used or new?

I'm looking to pay about £22000, for that I should be able to get hold of a pre-reg, it seems to be the going rate on Auto Trader.
There might be some better deals in the new year, I'm in no particular rush and can wait until the right one comes along.
It's definitely got to be the manual version though.

 

[Joxh]

I'm looking to pay about £22000, for that I should be able to get hold of a pre-reg, it seems to be the going rate on Auto Trader.
There might be some better deals in the new year, I'm in no particular rush and can wait until the right one comes along.
It's definitely got to be the manual version though.

Why the manual? The DSG is a much better transmission.

 

[Bellasdad]

Why the manual? The DSG is a much better transmission.

I’ve had my fingers burnt before with the DSG. Turned out to be very costly and not an experience I’m comfortable repeating.
I know people rave about them but I’d rather stick with a manual gearbox.

 

[eribaMotters]

I'm looking to pay about £22000, for that I should be able to get hold of a pre-reg, it seems to be the going rate on Auto Trader.
There might be some better deals in the new year, I'm in no particular rush and can wait until the right one comes along.
It's definitely got to be the manual version though.

For £22K you could get new. https://www.new-car-discount.com/ca...omatic/2.0-tsi-245-vrs-5dr-dsg-black-pack/18/

Colin

 

[pburv]

I’ve had my fingers burnt before with the DSG. Turned out to be very costly and not an experience I’m comfortable repeating.
I know people rave about them but I’d rather stick with a manual gearbox.

If manual is your preferred choice of box then don't dismiss the I30 N . At least take it for a test drive. I'm sure you will be surprised at the rate of speed it gets up the road.
https://www.carwow.co.uk/hyundai/i30-n
Forward this video to 11.30 minutes....

 

[Bellasdad]

If manual is your preferred choice of box then don't dismiss the I30 N . At least take it for a test drive. I'm sure you will be surprised at the rate of speed it gets up the road.
https://www.carwow.co.uk/hyundai/i30-n
Forward this video to 11.30 minutes....

Thanks for that, very enjoyable viewing. If I was 20 years younger it’s something I would definitely consider but it’s a bit too extreme for me now.
I’m a sheep not a shepherd unfortunately, I want to blend in with the flock and not stand out from it.
The Skoda seems understated but with a good turn of speed for when the moment is right. I don’t want to set the world on fire, just have a bit of fun and be able to put the fear of God into the wife when the mood takes me.

 

[CHEZ]

Please don't get a primer grey coloured one then.
Every one I see seems to be that colour.
Great colour for kitchen cupboards, not so on cars.
Especially skoda estates

 

[pburv]

Thanks for that, very enjoyable viewing. If I was 20 years younger it’s something I would definitely consider but it’s a bit too extreme for me now.
I’m a sheep not a shepherd unfortunately, I want to blend in with the flock and not stand out from it.
The Skoda seems understated but with a good turn of speed for when the moment is right. I don’t want to set the world on fire, just have a bit of fun and be able to put the fear of God into the wife when the mood takes me.

Lol I see where you are coming from...I'm no 'spring chicken' myself. Never the less I do like performance cars.
I am torn between tweaking my S3 or just getting a car which has been tweaked from the factory. Hence the Hyundai.
Either way I'm sure the Skoda VRS will suit your needs nicely
Bet you will still put the fear of God into your wife though

 

[Bellasdad]

Please don't get a primer grey coloured one then.
Every one I see seems to be that colour.
Great colour for kitchen cupboards, not so on cars.
Especially skoda estates

The one I test drove was red and I'm not normally a fan of red cars but this one looked pretty good to be honest.
There's not a lot of choice colour wise, quite limited in fact which is a bit of a let down.
I'm popping into the local main dealer to have a look at a silver one, I'll see if that rocks my boat.
He mentioned the new model is out next year and they have some cracking deals on the outgoing version.
I'll be the judge of how "cracking" the deal is tomorrow.

 

[CHEZ]

Red is nice.
A nice solid red not metallic and always looks nice
Blue and white look good too.
Black is a bit hard work.

 

[TYb]

The Golf GTI performance also uses the 245bhp, you may people to pick one of those up for a good price with the mk8 coming out, not sure if they still produce a manual though.

 

[wab172uk]

Why the manual? The DSG is a much better transmission.

In your opinion !

 

[wab172uk]

If manual is your preferred choice of box then don't dismiss the I30 N . At least take it for a test drive. I'm sure you will be surprised at the rate of speed it gets up the road.
https://www.carwow.co.uk/hyundai/i30-n
Forward this video to 11.30 minutes....

I've sat in a i30N performance at my local dealership. They look quite impressive in the flesh. The dash design and materials are the compromise compared to it's rivals. But the seats were comfy, and felt nice to sit in.

I'd avoid the standard Blue (shown in the video) as like the Focus RS, everyone has bought the same colour. I've seen one in Red, and that looked very good indeed.

The only thing that would put me off the Hyundai is the 500 settings for steering, throttle response, chassis, ESP etc. If you're going to make a Hot Hatch, set it up to be great from the off. Most cars (even the Fiesta ST) now have comfort, sport, & race (or variations) which I still don't really like. But to have the i30N, you'll constantly be fiddling about with it, and you'll never know if your in the best setting for the type of road you're on.

 

[pburv]

I've sat in a i30N performance at my local dealership. They look quite impressive in the flesh. The dash design and materials are the compromise compared to it's rivals. But the seats were comfy, and felt nice to sit in.

I'd avoid the standard Blue (shown in the video) as like the Focus RS, everyone has bought the same colour. I've seen one in Red, and that looked very good indeed.

The only thing that would put me off the Hyundai is the 500 settings for steering, throttle response, chassis, ESP etc. If you're going to make a Hot Hatch, set it up to be great from the off. Most cars (even the Fiesta ST) now have comfort, sport, & race (or variations) which I still don't really like. But to have the i30N, you'll constantly be fiddling about with it, and you'll never know if your in the best setting for the type of road you're on.

At least you won't get bored haha. I have yet to take one for a test drive. From what I can tell there already is a button on the steering wheel which gives you a set race setup. Even in my S3 i am constantly changing between settings while on the go. I have set the Aux function button on my steering wheel to go through the Drive Select modes for this reason in fact I don't think I have used the dash button since the car was new?
So anyway to have a car that is 'mod able' from factory must be a good thing.Just think of the money you are saving in not having to buy for instance a race tuned slip diff. etc. and still keep full manufacture warranty.
As I have said in a previous post the only thing stopping me is there is no option for an auto box.

 

[KenL]

@wab172uk
Setting on Fiesta do not change suspension or actual performance.
Default mode makes the exhaust not pop and bang. Perfect for everyday use.
Sport makes the exhaust pop and the throttle is a bit more (too?) lively.
Track is same as sport but traction is off - never use that mode.

 

[CHEZ]

Lol all these settings and shizzle.
It's like putting them on a kettle..

My kettle only has one button.
Does the trick.
Works just dandy

 

[PhilsA3]

Just visiting and noticed this......

We swapped the A3 Sportback 1.5 TFSI Black Edition for a Skoda Octavia VRS245 Estate, as we didn't like the Audi MMI system, (prefer the touchscreen the rest of VAG uses), the 1.5 wasn't fast enough and, well, I was just bored. Considering they are/were comparable in price the VRS is leagues ahead in refinement and performance and we don't notice any difference in interior quality. My opinion obviously, others will differ, but go and sit in one.....

The 245 motor is superlative, we liked it so much we bought the missus a new Golf GTi 245 Performance, which is tremendous with massive spec but I prefer the Octy VRS. For the money, I don't think you can do better, but go and try one...!

 

[KenL]

Surprising that you prefer the touchscreen.

I bet the VRS, just like any Octavia (or Skoda) is a great car.

 

[wab172uk]

@wab172uk
Setting on Fiesta do not change suspension or actual performance.
Default mode makes the exhaust not pop and bang. Perfect for everyday use.
Sport makes the exhaust pop and the throttle is a bit more (too?) lively.
Track is same as sport but traction is off - never use that mode.

Yeah, I know it doesn't affect the suspension. And that's a good thing, as Ford has set it up to be sporty from the off. Yes, it may ride ca bit firm for some. But it's firm and yet compliant for most situations.

But you don't (or I never have) bought a Hot Hatch to be silky smooth. You buy a Hot Hatch to attack back roads and thrash the s**t out of it.

On my Fiesta ST test drive, `Sport` mode suited the car the best. Gave good throttle response. But for me, it should only be `sport` mode. But they've tried to appeal to the masses who `NEED` a car to be configurable in some way.

 

[Bellasdad]

Just visiting and noticed this......

We swapped the A3 Sportback 1.5 TFSI Black Edition for a Skoda Octavia VRS245 Estate, as we didn't like the Audi MMI system, (prefer the touchscreen the rest of VAG uses), the 1.5 wasn't fast enough and, well, I was just bored. Considering they are/were comparable in price the VRS is leagues ahead in refinement and performance and we don't notice any difference in interior quality. My opinion obviously, others will differ, but go and sit in one.....

The 245 motor is superlative, we liked it so much we bought the missus a new Golf GTi 245 Performance, which is tremendous with massive spec but I prefer the Octy VRS. For the money, I don't think you can do better, but go and try one...!

Thanks for that, just what I was wanting to hear.
I’ve sat in one and was very impressed with the interior quality and then I drove it and was even more impressed with the performance.
Overall a very tasty package and quite understated in the looks department which really appeals to me.
Out of all the VAG group “performance” cars I think the Octavia would probably attract the least attention from the undesirable section of society and I could sleep a little easier at night.
I know it’s sad to have these thoughts when choosing a new car but judging by recent posts on here it is something that is also at the back of my mind.

 

[TYb]

Thanks for that, just what I was wanting to hear.
I’ve sat in one and was very impressed with the interior quality and then I drove it and was even more impressed with the performance.
Overall a very tasty package and quite understated in the looks department which really appeals to me.
Out of all the VAG group “performance” cars I think the Octavia would probably attract the least attention from the undesirable section of society and I could sleep a little easier at night.
I know it’s sad to have these thoughts when choosing a new car but judging by recent posts on here it is something that is also at the back of my mind.

You’ll get nervous attention, when I ever I see a VRS I always check to see if it’s an unmarked police car. Smart looking cars and great value

 

[eribaMotters]

Strange you should mention the Police. a few years back I was talking to a retired officer from traffic in the south west. He drove a Jag and was doing freelance work for his old employer. They had a "modified" VRS in for appraiasal that be borrowed for the day. He said it was wonderful, but equally frightening in the performance they had got out of the motor.
He went on to say how he could easliy understand the BMW 5 series company car owners shiffing towards the VRS upon retirement and having to spend there own money.

Colin