Octavia RS ?
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From: Australia
Thinking of changing my 98 Terzo for a slightly less obvious motor as a new arrival to the family is due at christmas.
Getting worried by a lot of these thefts with violence with Junior going to be around soon.
Anybody tried/driven the Octavia RS . Main reason for change is cost , boot size, less obvious etc etc.
Any views, good or bad !
Thanks
Pete
Getting worried by a lot of these thefts with violence with Junior going to be around soon.
Anybody tried/driven the Octavia RS . Main reason for change is cost , boot size, less obvious etc etc.
Any views, good or bad !
Thanks
Pete
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My wife bought one about 3 months ago. I'd say definitely worth a look. It's not as raw as the Scooby (MY00) and you can certainly feel that it's not nearly as quick (but it's still a lot quicker than most cars about).
Only negatives I can immediately think of are that I find the gearchange a bit remote (it's the VW cable change mechanism) and the brakes are very snatchy (no doubt you get used to this).
The car is beatifully finished and has all the goodies (climate, half leather, 6 disc CD changer, very good stereo) and all for £15k. It also returns about 38mpg on a run. All in all Subaru could learn a thing or too...
As for it being a Skoda, personally badges have never bothered me, and I quite like telling people we have a Skoda. Each to their own.
If you want to know any specifics, mail me off-line.
Dave
Only negatives I can immediately think of are that I find the gearchange a bit remote (it's the VW cable change mechanism) and the brakes are very snatchy (no doubt you get used to this).
The car is beatifully finished and has all the goodies (climate, half leather, 6 disc CD changer, very good stereo) and all for £15k. It also returns about 38mpg on a run. All in all Subaru could learn a thing or too...
As for it being a Skoda, personally badges have never bothered me, and I quite like telling people we have a Skoda. Each to their own.
If you want to know any specifics, mail me off-line.
Dave
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LOL - a Seat is a big improvement over a Skoda 
The RS does look really good value, Skoda's name will always have the old jokes associated with it, but nowadays anyone telling one of the oldies finishes with "mind you their new motors are supposed to be ruddy good" so I wouldn't worry about that anymore.
ATB,
Dean
The RS does look really good value, Skoda's name will always have the old jokes associated with it, but nowadays anyone telling one of the oldies finishes with "mind you their new motors are supposed to be ruddy good" so I wouldn't worry about that anymore.
ATB,
Dean
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From: a land full of corsets
As you might guess, I've got one! I love it!
Had it 8 weeks, done 11,000 miles, been round the 'ring.
Cost £14,240 (incl metallic paint), averaging overall 34mpg, GPS speed so far 149.7 and still accelerating (slowly) on the autobahn. Servicing costs, 10k = £48, 20k = £120, 30k = £48. Tyres about 1/2 worn at the front. Brakes are awesome. If you are anywhere near Bracknell, email me and you can have a look at it.
Can be tuned (http://www.audituning.com/english/default.html I like the 550bhp version!) there are UK places that will tune it as well to 215bhp and 230 lb/ft for £300 set up on rolling road.
Insurance £500.
Hope that helps.
Had it 8 weeks, done 11,000 miles, been round the 'ring.
Cost £14,240 (incl metallic paint), averaging overall 34mpg, GPS speed so far 149.7 and still accelerating (slowly) on the autobahn. Servicing costs, 10k = £48, 20k = £120, 30k = £48. Tyres about 1/2 worn at the front. Brakes are awesome. If you are anywhere near Bracknell, email me and you can have a look at it.
Can be tuned (http://www.audituning.com/english/default.html I like the 550bhp version!) there are UK places that will tune it as well to 215bhp and 230 lb/ft for £300 set up on rolling road.
Insurance £500.
Hope that helps.
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From: Notts, UK
I own a Diesel Skoda as a second car, build quality and dealers are first class.
Just after I swapped the Scoob for a V6 Mondeo our local Skoda dealer invited us over for the launch of the RS Turbo Octavia. If this car had been out when I was replacing the Scoob I would have bought it. The half leather trim is Audi quality, the exterior does just enought to give it an aggressive stance and the 17" wheels with big brakes look very smart. Performance whilst not in scoob league is very entertaing with loadsa of midrange (Max Torque available from 1950-5250rpm).
A couple of group tests in the motoring press recently, A3, Golf, Leon, and Octavia all 1.8 turbo's although the Golf only has 150bhp. One mag said you would have to be a VAG specialist to tell the differnce under the bonnett as evey lead, pipe, cap, nut and bolt is identicle. Most picked the Skoda as group winner although the Leon is the choice for comfort.
Would I have one? Yes, £15k Bargain.
Lee
Just after I swapped the Scoob for a V6 Mondeo our local Skoda dealer invited us over for the launch of the RS Turbo Octavia. If this car had been out when I was replacing the Scoob I would have bought it. The half leather trim is Audi quality, the exterior does just enought to give it an aggressive stance and the 17" wheels with big brakes look very smart. Performance whilst not in scoob league is very entertaing with loadsa of midrange (Max Torque available from 1950-5250rpm).
A couple of group tests in the motoring press recently, A3, Golf, Leon, and Octavia all 1.8 turbo's although the Golf only has 150bhp. One mag said you would have to be a VAG specialist to tell the differnce under the bonnett as evey lead, pipe, cap, nut and bolt is identicle. Most picked the Skoda as group winner although the Leon is the choice for comfort.
Would I have one? Yes, £15k Bargain.
Lee
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My brother has one, bought new about 8 weeks ago. 180bhp same unit in all the above cars (the engine has "Audi" stamped all over it). Interior is better (build quality wise) than my UK300, it's comfortable, quicker than most, roomy and reasonably economical. Doesn't cost very much to sort the engine to the TT levels of 225bhp either, Skoda dealer my brother went to even offered to do it for him.
Yeah it's a Skoda, so what! Drive one before you dismiss it!
I believe also there is a quattro due out soon.
Yeah it's a Skoda, so what! Drive one before you dismiss it!
I believe also there is a quattro due out soon.
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From: Australia
Thanks Guys,
Seems the enthusiasts amongst us have an eye for a good car regardless of badge.
Who would have bought a 95 Subaru Impreza new had they not known about Colin McRae ( I bought a new 96 Subaru Impr Turbo - cloth seats an all because i followed rallying not because i thought the badge meant anything)
If we all bought cars because of the Badge wouldnt we all be driving a Porsche or Ferrari!
The feed back seems better than i thought so i think a visit to Mr Skoda is on the cards for a test drive!
Might even be able to a straight swap - who knows!
Thanks again guys
Peter
Seems the enthusiasts amongst us have an eye for a good car regardless of badge.
Who would have bought a 95 Subaru Impreza new had they not known about Colin McRae ( I bought a new 96 Subaru Impr Turbo - cloth seats an all because i followed rallying not because i thought the badge meant anything)
If we all bought cars because of the Badge wouldnt we all be driving a Porsche or Ferrari!
The feed back seems better than i thought so i think a visit to Mr Skoda is on the cards for a test drive!
Might even be able to a straight swap - who knows!
Thanks again guys
Peter
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Depends what your looking for .. I had an A4 1.8T Quattro Sport for 14 months and now have an MY00 wagon. Comparing the two ..
The A4 will be similar to the RS (same engine and performance - rougly anyway given drivetrain losses for 4WD A4).
Good points
-----------
The fit and finish is a major league above that of any Scooby and that's everywhere - interior, panel gaps. Everything is soft touch, damped and it had lots of lovely little touches (like the interior light coming on when you take the key out of the ignition
, if you leave your windows open by mistake after getting out of the car you could hold down the button on the key fob and they would close ).
I had nice half leather recaro's, the BOSE sound system and a multi-changer in the boot. A nice place for motorways, traffic jams just turn on the CD player, adjust the climate control and relax.
The engine has a wide spread of torque so you're away from about 1900 revs. V. smooth and refined and a constant acceleration. Good roadholding with 4WD, excellent in wet and snow (shod with 225/45/17's all round). Very discreet too but quick enough.
Bad points
----------
Gearbox was a bit mushy.
Brakes take a bit of getting used to. Over-servoed. Brake like you do in the Scooby and you're through the windscreen. You do get used to them though and they feel safe enough.
I found the driving experience boring. Quick enough but since you have constant smooth acceleration it felt too slow. Did not like being revved round to the red-line and no nice noises either.
No character, anodyne.
---------------------
I changed for the Scooby for one reason really (although I said to the wife that it was for practicality - 5 door wagon) .. I like to drive.
Nothing beats the secure handling, snickety gearchange, whooshing barpy noise and thump in the back of the Scooby
Sad really, I used to sit in traffic queues looking at the occasional scooby trundling by and think, why do I still want one of those?
I mean I'm sitting here .. in my discreet .. quite powerful 4WD car .. in comfort .. at 21 degrees .. in my electrically adjustable Recaro seat ... listening to my 210 watt Bose sound system.
Why would I feel any happier in that less discreet .. more powerful 4WD Scooby .. manually adjusting a fan heater ..sitting in that Bucket Seat .. listening to my doors rattle from that 5 watt tape player that is called a sound system ???
Then the traffic thins out a little ...... I have to have that Scooby.
I suppose through all this long tedious post what I'm saying is would you be happy in that RS, good though it might be.
It's a whole different experience to a VW car. Me, I'm never going back .. and you can't make me
Doofus.
The A4 will be similar to the RS (same engine and performance - rougly anyway given drivetrain losses for 4WD A4).
Good points
-----------
The fit and finish is a major league above that of any Scooby and that's everywhere - interior, panel gaps. Everything is soft touch, damped and it had lots of lovely little touches (like the interior light coming on when you take the key out of the ignition
, if you leave your windows open by mistake after getting out of the car you could hold down the button on the key fob and they would close ). I had nice half leather recaro's, the BOSE sound system and a multi-changer in the boot. A nice place for motorways, traffic jams just turn on the CD player, adjust the climate control and relax.
The engine has a wide spread of torque so you're away from about 1900 revs. V. smooth and refined and a constant acceleration. Good roadholding with 4WD, excellent in wet and snow (shod with 225/45/17's all round). Very discreet too but quick enough.
Bad points
----------
Gearbox was a bit mushy.
Brakes take a bit of getting used to. Over-servoed. Brake like you do in the Scooby and you're through the windscreen. You do get used to them though and they feel safe enough.
I found the driving experience boring. Quick enough but since you have constant smooth acceleration it felt too slow. Did not like being revved round to the red-line and no nice noises either.
No character, anodyne.
---------------------
I changed for the Scooby for one reason really (although I said to the wife that it was for practicality - 5 door wagon) .. I like to drive.
Nothing beats the secure handling, snickety gearchange, whooshing barpy noise and thump in the back of the Scooby
Sad really, I used to sit in traffic queues looking at the occasional scooby trundling by and think, why do I still want one of those?
I mean I'm sitting here .. in my discreet .. quite powerful 4WD car .. in comfort .. at 21 degrees .. in my electrically adjustable Recaro seat ... listening to my 210 watt Bose sound system.
Why would I feel any happier in that less discreet .. more powerful 4WD Scooby .. manually adjusting a fan heater ..sitting in that Bucket Seat .. listening to my doors rattle from that 5 watt tape player that is called a sound system ???
Then the traffic thins out a little ...... I have to have that Scooby.
I suppose through all this long tedious post what I'm saying is would you be happy in that RS, good though it might be.
It's a whole different experience to a VW car. Me, I'm never going back .. and you can't make me
Doofus.
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Why not amuse yourself with a Golf 5dr GT PDi 150bhp.
More torque than a scooby and at half the RPM.
Driving round town they feel extremely quick as no need to change down a cog for Xlent pulling power. Great fun. Very discreet and 50mpg to boot.
More torque than a scooby and at half the RPM.
Driving round town they feel extremely quick as no need to change down a cog for Xlent pulling power. Great fun. Very discreet and 50mpg to boot.
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From: Australia
Doofus,
I would not be as happy as in the RS as the Scooby but i am now thinking about the family and the cars security/safety.
I have owned three imp turbos since 96 and still love them but i think now the family have to come first and the RS seemed like a good alternative and practical too.
I did think about a wagon possibly a new WRX (bug eye) but i personally feel the new shape is not right. Its a personal thing.
So decided to look for something a bit different and still with some performance and toys to play with!
Considered a Golf Gti T but its a little to small so the Octavia came to mind.
Will let ye all know my findings/decision in due course!
Pete
I would not be as happy as in the RS as the Scooby but i am now thinking about the family and the cars security/safety.
I have owned three imp turbos since 96 and still love them but i think now the family have to come first and the RS seemed like a good alternative and practical too.
I did think about a wagon possibly a new WRX (bug eye) but i personally feel the new shape is not right. Its a personal thing.
So decided to look for something a bit different and still with some performance and toys to play with!
Considered a Golf Gti T but its a little to small so the Octavia came to mind.
Will let ye all know my findings/decision in due course!
Pete
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From: Derbyshire
I'll follow your report with interest. I've been looking at cheaper alternatives for the future (6-12 months) and the two main contenders are the Octavia RS and the Leon Cupra, both with the same engine
Keep us posted
Keep us posted
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From: a land full of corsets
Nope, currently doing several contracts for various companies around the country, just happen to live near Bracknell. Is the one you've seen a red one?
I'm a real fan of the Skoda (as you might have guessed) and am willing to show it to anyone who wants to have a look (as I say I travel around alot). I've been on a couple of meets and I'm sure there are people on this board who can testify that it is adequately quick as standard. It has a huge boot which is great for push chairs (especially those 3 wheeled monsters, you can get 2 plus the shopping in the boot) the only thing is they seem to have robbed rear passenger space to achieve it, but if you have little uns, it don't matter!
I'm a real fan of the Skoda (as you might have guessed) and am willing to show it to anyone who wants to have a look (as I say I travel around alot). I've been on a couple of meets and I'm sure there are people on this board who can testify that it is adequately quick as standard. It has a huge boot which is great for push chairs (especially those 3 wheeled monsters, you can get 2 plus the shopping in the boot) the only thing is they seem to have robbed rear passenger space to achieve it, but if you have little uns, it don't matter!
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From: Hampshire
Yeah - I think its red, but I've seen a red one about on the road too - I'll keep my eye out - Green T-reg Uk Turbo 4 door, in case you get a flash
Yeah - come down the Crispin next Thurs if you can make it!!!
Yeah - come down the Crispin next Thurs if you can make it!!!
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When I change job and can't have a Scooby i will go for a Skoda, look on the bright side, it should be there in the morning and u don't need Tracker!plus the satisfaction of beating other motors in a Skoda hey, had a Rover 620TI 4 3 months and enjoyed my self.
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One day I was travelling along the brilliant A road that goes from Bath to Stroud in Gloucestershire. At a set of lights I came up behind a Skoda Estate. I was preparing to blast past, but this one was the RS model and the driver was obviously up for giving it some. I managed to hang on acceleration wise (I was in my 148BHP Astra GTE 8v shhhhh). I was mightily impressed with the way this car shifted. Then on the corners I was impressed as well. In my wibbly wobbly Astra (lowered and rebuilt suspension etc) I was hanging on for life on the bends. A little later the RS turned off, so I guess the driver knew the road really well.
All the same, the RS is a very well regarded car I personally I think that they are an excellent proposition for someone who is anti badge snobbery.
All the same, the RS is a very well regarded car I personally I think that they are an excellent proposition for someone who is anti badge snobbery.
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From: Notts, UK
Tom,
Didn't think the RS was available as an estate, may be wrong.
I know they do a 1.8T estate but only 150bhp without the RS brakes and suspension.
Also a 1.8T 4x4 estate available but more a soft roader with increased suspension hieght.
Lee
Didn't think the RS was available as an estate, may be wrong.
I know they do a 1.8T estate but only 150bhp without the RS brakes and suspension.
Also a 1.8T 4x4 estate available but more a soft roader with increased suspension hieght.
Lee
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From: Notts, UK
Tom,
Just to add, Skoda's web site and the Octavia brochure states the RS is only available in a Hatchback. The Estate you followed would have been at the most a 150bhp version with standard brakes and suspension, unless it was modded of course.
Makes the RS look even better then.
Lee
Just to add, Skoda's web site and the Octavia brochure states the RS is only available in a Hatchback. The Estate you followed would have been at the most a 150bhp version with standard brakes and suspension, unless it was modded of course.
Makes the RS look even better then.
Lee
Why not consider a Seat Leon 20VT?
My cuz has got one and she loves it.
Looks pretty cool, fast (180 bhp) and nice inside too.
I would much rather have one than an Octavia RS.
It probably is the badge and the "lardy" look that put me off
to tell u the truth!
Kos.
My cuz has got one and she loves it.
Looks pretty cool, fast (180 bhp) and nice inside too.
I would much rather have one than an Octavia RS.
It probably is the badge and the "lardy" look that put me off
to tell u the truth!
Kos.
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