Octavia VRS v. 150bhp Elegance v. Superb 170 Elegance

Bif · 13-11-2014 11:38am #1

Octavia VRS TDI v. Octavia 150bhp Elegance v. Superb 170 Elegance: Thinking of trading my 2011 VRS for one of the above. Bit concerned that the new VRS is a bit stiff on the road with 18" wheels. Anybody out there like to help me make a decision...particularly if you have driven all 3? All comment welcome! Thanks.

MuppetCheck · 13-11-2014 1:01pm

It rides much better than my old VRS did on 18's, I thought it was quite comfortable to be honest. If comfort is your thing tough the Superb might be worth it.

Old diesel · 14-11-2014 8:30pm

I see a 150 bhp Octy is on your shortlist - at which point do you get the better rear suspension on the Octy - lower end models get torsion beam suspension - while higher end models like the VRs get multilink.

I THINK the 150 MAY have multilink as i THINK its above the threshold where Skoda start fitting multi link rear suspension.

MuppetCheck · 14-11-2014 8:58pm

It doesn't have multilink. I've got the multilink on mine and I've driven the 150 without it and to be honest the difference is minimal - it's a mute point for most people. You'll only notice it when really pushing or on a particularly bad road and even then it's very slight. I wouldn't discount one for having it, but there's a big difference with the engines. Same economy but the more powerful engine is worth it.

Old diesel · 14-11-2014 9:08pm

MuppetCheck wrote: »

It doesn't have multilink. I've got the multilink on mine and I've driven the 150 without it and to be honest the difference is minimal - it's a mute point for most people. You'll only notice it when really pushing or on a particularly bad road and even then it's very slight. I wouldn't discount one for having it, but there's a big difference with the engines. Same economy but the more powerful engine is worth it.

My apologies - I thought 122 was the cross over point horsepower wise for having torsion beam or multilink

"bows head in shame"

MuppetCheck · 14-11-2014 9:13pm

Old diesel wrote: »

My apologies - I thought 122 was the cross over point horsepower wise for having torsion beam or multilink

"bows head in shame"

I don't know if it's uniform on all the cars on that platform, some might get it at lower power. Maybe the A3 gets something better.

Bif · 16-11-2014 1:47pm

Folks,
Thanks for the feedback. AFAIK the 150 Elegance has a torsion beam. Would really like to drive 150 and VRS tdi to see the difference as there is approx 5k in price difference.

Casati · 16-11-2014 8:06pm

Elegance spec in the Octavia is rubbish compared to the Superb Ambition, never mind the Elegance Superb which is packed to the gills with extras. If you like your toys get the Superb - the 170 is no slouch either, performance is similar to your 2011 but it won't handle quite as well

I haven't had a spin in one but hear great reviews on the VRS, and although its 5k more than 2.0 Elegance, it comes with higher spec interior, lovely alloys etc and looks like its worth the money. The L&K Octavia is an interesting option but compared to the Superb its fairly expensive too

Bif · 27-01-2015 6:12pm

Folks,
I was about to trade my Mk 2 VRS FL TDI (17" wheels) for a new VRS until I drove one and was totally underwhelmed... came away preferring my own car. However I am now turning to the idea of a Superb 170 Combi. If you have gone this road (I will probably get a manual version with 17" wheels) can you tell me how you got on with the Superb? Any regrets compared to the VRS? Has the experience been good? Thanks.

Casati · 27-01-2015 7:29pm

Bif wrote: »

Folks,
I was about to trade my Mk 2 VRS FL TDI (17" wheels) for a new VRS until I drove one and was totally underwhelmed... came away preferring my own car. However I am now turning to the idea of a Superb 170 Combi. If you have gone this road (I will probably get a manual version with 17" wheels) can you tell me how you got on with the Superb? Any regrets compared to the VRS? Has the experience been good? Thanks.

Ive just traded a 140 Combi for a 170 Combi and am v pleased with my purchase. I went with the standard suspension but 18in wheels and find the ride on her very good, and the grip is definitely a step up on the old car - which was on 16in alloys. Dont get me wrong, the 16in was smoother, especially over small bumps in the city. I have it less than a week - circa 900km, so haven't gone too heavy with the power yet, but it seems a nice bit more torquey that the 140 - I can't see myself needing to go over 2500 revs very often.

I drove and almost bought a couple of VRS's over the years and the Superb simply feels like a much higher quality car and has a much better cabin. Its obviously much larger inside too

I listened to my own advise and went with Ambition spec which includes leather and sat nav - I spec'd a 2.0 150bhp TDI Octavia up to the same spec and it comes out more expensive! The downside is that a new Superb will be launched later this year, but its likely to be lower spec (as per the Octavia) and more expensive

MuppetCheck · 27-01-2015 7:31pm

There's a new Superb out in the summer. You might kick yourself getting the old model now.

bazz26 · 27-01-2015 7:45pm

Would not bother with a new current model unless there was a substantial discount off it. As MC says there is a brand new model being launched in a few months time.

Old diesel · 27-01-2015 7:54pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Would not bother with a new current model unless there was a substantial discount off it. As MC says there is a brand new model being launched in a few months time.

The new Passat is an option if one can't wait

bazz26 · 27-01-2015 7:59pm

Substantially dearer though if matching spec.

Oafley Jones · 27-01-2015 8:03pm

If it's the combi you're interested in the new model doesn't launch until 2016. We've a 170 Dsg and the ride is actually quite decent on 18s. It really is fantastic in terms of practicality. My only real issue with is the keyless entry seems to have a mind of its own.

Odyssey 2005 · 27-01-2015 8:14pm

I have driven a 12 VRS on 17's and it was a very nice drive. I also have a Superb 170 elegance and it is a better speced car. You would want for nothing extra,and it goes like stink. Last year bought anL&k superb on 18's. What a fookin pig. Car is beautiful but the 18's made it ****e to drive,so I put 17's on it and it's lovely. For my money I'd go for the superb. The older one now has nearly 290k while the 141 has almost 60k. No problems at all except service and consumables.

Oafley Jones · 27-01-2015 8:19pm

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

I have driven a 12 VRS on 17's and it was a very nice drive. I also have a Superb 170 elegance and it is a better speced car. You would want for nothing extra,and it goes like stink. Last year bought anL&k superb on 18's. What a fookin pig. Car is beautiful but the 18's made it ****e to drive,so I put 17's on it and it's lovely. For my money I'd go for the superb. The older one now has nearly 290k while the 141 has almost 60k. No problems at all except service and consumables.

Weird. I live out in the country and the roads are shocking, never had an issue with the 18s. I'm actually not a fan of big wheels. The ride suffers and I think they look ridiculous on certain cars eg 19 and 20 inch on golfs. Really think anything smaller than the 18 seems lost on the superb combi.

Odyssey 2005 · 27-01-2015 8:23pm

Honestly it was a pig. Went around corners like a fookin train. As soon as I changed the wheels it transformed the car. Set of almost new L&K wheels for sale:)

BdaraB · 28-01-2015 2:01am

My Dad bought an Elegance on 18's last year, he lasted about two months before buying a set of 17's. Said it was a pain everytime he hit a catseye

Bif · 28-01-2015 8:23am

Great stuff guys. Thanks for the input. A 170 (would help replace VRS fun factor) Superb combi on 17s appears to be the consensus...the question is whether to wait for a new model or take what's available. I think the prices of the Superb will 3-4K dearer based on what happened to Octavia prices. The question now...is it ever a good move to buy the last of the old model? Advice please...

Odyssey 2005 · 28-01-2015 8:38am

Depends on how long your going to keep the car. If the combi is not out until mid 2016 I'd go now. Your own car will be 18 months older so Worth a lot less also. Are you prepared to take that hit?.

Ah bollix do it now.

Oafley Jones · 28-01-2015 8:40am

Bif wrote: »

Great stuff guys. Thanks for the input. A 170 (would help replace VRS fun factor) Superb combi on 17s appears to be the consensus...the question is whether to wait for a new model or take what's available. I think the prices of the Superb will 3-4K dearer based on what happened to Octavia prices. The question now...is it ever a good move to buy the last of the old model? Advice please...

As I said it'll be next year before the new combi is being released. You should still be looking for a large discount. A question for the current owners, the new model will be wider and longer again. all in the name of more leg room for the Chinese market. Would it put you off? There's a few places I find parking the current car more than a little tight.

Bif · 28-01-2015 8:48am

Oafley Jones wrote: »

As I said it'll be next year before the new combi is being released. You should still be looking for a large discount. A question for the current owners, the new model will be wider and longer again. all in the name of more leg room for the Chinese market. Would it put you off? There's a few places I find parking the current car more than a little tight.

Yes the current model is more than long enough (TBH almost too long for me) and you would need a bit of planning on the parking front. They are doing some offers on kit re ambition spec with leather and sat nav and there is another layer of extras you can get with the Chess upgrade....I presume with the aim of shifting them.
I didn't like the new interior on the Octavia and wasn't overly excited by the new Passat estate I looked at yesterday which I imagine will have similar design ideas to the new Superb...might just stick with the my VRS as this is too much like hard work :rolleyes:.
I have thought about going away from Skoda but when you compare quality, price and spec I can't see myself leaving the fold.

Odyssey 2005 · 28-01-2015 8:49am

Jesus how big can they go. No problem parking. Sensors are great .don't know what discount you'll get off a brand new model though.

Bif · 28-01-2015 8:50am

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

Depends on how long your going to keep the car. If the combi is not out until mid 2016 I'd go now. Your own car will be 18 months older so Worth a lot less also. Are you prepared to take that hit?.

Ah bollix do it now.

That's my thinking TBH:)...doubt if I will be able to afford a new model with the spec I want. Anybody got any links to definite info on the new MK 3 Superb?

Bif · 28-01-2015 9:23am

bazz26 wrote: »

Would not bother with a new current model unless there was a substantial discount off it. As MC says there is a brand new model being launched in a few months time.

Bazz26, Given it nearly a year, apparently, to the combi, what discount should a buyer be hoping for?

Odyssey 2005 · 28-01-2015 9:36am

Bif wrote: »

That's my thinking TBH:)...doubt if I will be able to afford a new model with the spec I want. Anybody got any links to definite info on the new MK 3 Superb?

Bif have you tried briskoda.net and into the superb forum. There's a thread there with limited info and sketches with one bad official photo. Looks good but will reserve judgment til I see it.

R.O.R · 28-01-2015 9:38am

There's no additional discount on the Superb yet - same as it's been for the past couple of years. Just the Leather and Amundsen Nav on the Ambition as far as offers go.

Still selling pretty well, so no need to do anything to shift them at the moment. Suspect that will change as the new model comes more imminent, but no official date for launch has been communicated to us yet.

Casati · 28-01-2015 9:39am

I got a 2500 discount, plus by buying the Ambition I got free leather and sat nav, and I paid 500 quid for a pack with upgraded sound system, 18 inch alloys, privacy glass and a few other bits. Comparing it to the Passat of the same spec, my cost to change was 8k for the 150bhp and 11k more for the 190bhp. With second-hand Passats generally worth less than secondhand Superbs, I really didn't need to think twice

Most of these cars are build to order so I dont think you will get much extra off, they dont build many to stock so as sales start to slow they will turn off the tap

The new model will see a substantial price hike and likely revert back to more basic spec - i.e. matching the Passat standard spec's as the Octavia has done. Also i personally would not buy a new car in the first year of launch

Odyssey 2005 · 28-01-2015 9:42am

When I was dealing last year I got around 3.5k discount on a straight deal.

Bif · 28-01-2015 9:47am

Casati wrote: »

I got a 2500 discount, plus by buying the Ambition I got free leather and sat nav, and I paid 500 quid for a pack with upgraded sound system, 18 inch alloys, privacy glass and a few other bits. Comparing it to the Passat of the same spec, my cost to change was 8k for the 150bhp and 11k more for the 190bhp. With second-hand Passats generally worth less than secondhand Superbs, I really didn't need to think twice

Most of these cars are build to order so I dont think you will get much extra off, they dont build many to stock so as sales start to slow they will turn off the tap

The new model will see a substantial price hike and likely revert back to more basic spec - i.e. matching the Passat standard spec's as the Octavia has done. Also i personally would not buy a new car in the first year of launch

Casati, I presume that was a straight deal with no trade in?

Casati · 28-01-2015 10:22am

Bif wrote: »

Casati, I presume that was a straight deal with no trade in?

No, I had a trade in - but on the formal order form they had reduced the price of the new car by the discount of 2500, and reduced the value of my trade in by 2500.

The retail of my car was about 34k. I didn't get a formal price for the L&K as I was at my limit already but understood that the dealers have a higher margin and can give up to a grand further discount on them

I dont think the free sat nav and leather has been in place continuously for the last few years- my dealer had a lot of 2014's with Bolero and Half Leather for example, but it has been used previously to help generate sales but only for a short time

Oafley Jones · 28-01-2015 10:41am

Casati wrote: »

I got a 2500 discount, plus by buying the Ambition I got free leather and sat nav, and I paid 500 quid for a pack with upgraded sound system, 18 inch alloys, privacy glass and a few other bits. Comparing it to the Passat of the same spec, my cost to change was 8k for the 150bhp and 11k more for the 190bhp. With second-hand Passats generally worth less than secondhand Superbs, I really didn't need to think twice

Most of these cars are build to order so I dont think you will get much extra off, they dont build many to stock so as sales start to slow they will turn off the tap

The new model will see a substantial price hike and likely revert back to more basic spec - i.e. matching the Passat standard spec's as the Octavia has done. Also i personally would not buy a new car in the first year of launch

This is the thing. I'm convinced the value proposition of the new model will be substantially worse. Think nearly all of VAG stuff is massively over priced to be honest.

Bif · 28-01-2015 10:45am

Oafley Jones wrote: »

This is the thing. I'm convinced the value proposition of the new model will be substantially worse. Think nearly all of VAG stuff is massively over priced to be honest.

This is in keeping with my thoughts and hence I am thinking of moving now. However I believe there is an 8-10 week lead in time so I wonder would it be better to hold until a '152'

Octavia VRS v. 150bhp Elegance v. Superb 170 Elegance

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