Octavia VRS diesel alternatives?

Bif

My next car will probably be a VRS diesel (new). However at the back of my head is a hankering for something different as it is my 3rd Octavia yet I don't see anything to really compare with the VRS package. Any suggestions? Thanks.

MuppetCheck

Seat Leon FR
Golf GTD
Focus ST diesel
Alfa Giulietta 170 diesel
Astra 165 diesel

The golf and the leon are the same car. They weigh less though and feel livelier.

bazz26

Not really a direct rival but the Mazda 3 2.2d is deceptively brisk despite the on paper figures.

Volvo V40 D4 is bit of a dark horse but not sure if it's available in Ireland.

R.O.R

bazz26 wrote: »

Volvo V40 D4 is bit of a dark horse but not sure if it's available in Ireland.

It's on the price lists I received on Tuesday for MY15.5, and for some reason it's 190hp rather than 181hp in the S/V60.

All model versions, so you can get an ES from €31,495 up to the SE LUX Geartronic at €37,945. R-Design manual is €33,995 and looks like the one to go for.

I've driven the S60 with the new D4 engine and it's a stonker, so should be even better with more power in a smaller car.

bazz26

R.O.R wrote: »

It's on the price lists I received on Tuesday for MY15.5, and for some reason it's 190hp rather than 181hp in the S/V60.

All model versions, so you can get an ES from €31,495 up to the SE LUX Geartronic at €37,945. R-Design manual is €33,995 and looks like the one to go for.

I've driven the S60 with the new D4 engine and it's a stonker, so should be even better with more power in a smaller car.

Maybe the V40 uses the engine from the new Focus ST TDCi since the V40 and Focus still share alot?

Bif

Thanks lads for the suggestions. Still inclined on the VRS due to its size as I frequently need to carry 3 adults and also a lot of kit to be carried around. Thinking of the combi... looking at specing it up but the costs are serious on some of it .

MuppetCheck

Bif wrote: »

Thanks lads for the suggestions. Still inclined on the VRS due to its size as I frequently need to carry 3 adults and also a lot of kit to be carried around. Thinking of the combi... looking at specing it up but the costs are serious on some of it .

The FR ST can be had with the 184bhp engine now too - it's the same car in reality but it's a couple of grand cheaper. Has a slightly better spec too. I don't think it would hold it's value as well as a VRS combi though but it's swings and roundabouts there.

I test drove the VRS when I was buying and I preferred my older one to the current one tbh. It's a nice car but really doesn't feel like much of a step up.

Bif

MuppetCheck wrote: »

The FR ST can be had with the 184bhp engine now too - it's the same car in reality but it's a couple of grand cheaper. Has a slightly better spec too. I don't think it would hold it's value as well as a VRS combi though but it's swings and roundabouts there.

I test drove the VRS when I was buying and I preferred my older one to the current one tbh. It's a nice car but really doesn't feel like much of a step up.

As in the finish / spec or performance i.e. Power / handling / brakes? Thanks

MuppetCheck

Bif wrote: »

As in the finish / spec or performance i.e. Power / handling / brakes? Thanks

Actually drove an ST today incidentally. Only the 150 though.

Finish is on a par - the new Octavia isn't anything special. Parts of it feel cheap, but so too do the Leons. Both are down on the Golf a little but I'd say they're equal. I personally preferred the Leons interior. There's a few extra bits in the Leon - electric folding mirrors, driving modes and more climate control options.

Power is the same but the Leon is quicker. For some inexplicable reason the vrs is heavier and slower than even the Octavia scout with the same engine. I reckon it's bits to stiffen it up, but the FR feels a livlier. The Leon feels perkier to drive and the estate drives close on the hatch too. I think the Leon is less prone to body roll. Brakes on both are the same - it's a Golf GTI set up afaik on all the 184s. Ample stopping power when you need it - slightly over sensoed like a lot of VAGs. Either will be good for overtaking - there's a nice step up there from the older vrs.

But the Leon will lose more money - that could swing things. A vrs combi suffers relatively low depreciation. That's hard to ignore. If I was buying one it would be the combi.

You won't be disappointed with either - the suspension and quietness are a good way up on the older model. There's a long waiting list for the vrs too.

kay 9

What about a Honda accord 2.2 type s @ 180bhp and 280lb ft torque with it nicely spread out over the rev range. Or, the mazda 6 2.2 sport with 175 bhp & 310lb ft of torque. I've driven the accord and loved it. Handled well on a spirited drive whilst still being really comfortable (ideal long distance commuter) imo, had a great cabin too. However, with the figures given and a little research on the mazda it is relatively quicker off the mark if that's has any bearing in your decision. Personally I'd have the Honda based on reliability and can't see the mazda being better overall. Both are nice though. Ps. Don't like German cars so hence the recommended above

Casati

Octavia VRS Combi comes with a really long waiting list - something like 6 months, longer if you spec certain options. Hatch is available in stock in some dealers if that is a factor. Seat dealers seem to have stock of ST's too & its priced well for the mix of space/ performance/ spec

josip

Put down a deposit on a hatchback Octavia 2.0TDi (150 PS, not VRS) today.
According to the specs it's only a few tenths slower to 100kph than the VRS.
But not a rally/track car by any means. Long distance cruising, especially with the 6th gear. Still way better than the 2005 1.9TDi tractor we have.
The Combi has only 20l more capacity than the hatch and is a little noisier. What are the benefits of a combi over hatch, especially in an Octavia?
Interior (Ambition) spec hasn't changed hugely since the 05 model.
Adequate, without being "oh, wow look we got that too"

bazz26

The biggest advantage of the estate over the hatch will be the extra practically of the loading area. The estate will be able to swallow more awkward sized things due to it's shape.

The 150bhp has decent poke in it which is probably more than enough for most people but the 184bhp will have that extra bit of power and torque when pushing on that doesn't really translate into figures on paper.