Octavia VRS .... What next

Alfagtamini

Hi all

Getting that itch to change car again.

Currently have a 2014 2.0tdi vrs dsg octavia combi

Previous to this I had a 2008 Alfa 159 2.4 jdtm TI qtronic. (Should never have sold it)

Commute is around 800km a week so diesel is probably best

The Vrs is a lovley car and I can't fault it but Ive had it 12 months and just can't take to it.

Minimum requirements

At least 180hp (Alfa was 210 , vrs 184)
Adaptive cruise control (commute is mainly motorway)
Android auto
Auto lights and wipers
Leather
Saloon or estate

So far I've been looking at a Passat DSG with the digital dashboard.

Budget is €15k plus the VRS so around €30k

Thanks in advance

bazz26

To be honest if the Octavia ain't doing it for you then I cannot imagine a Passat being any better.

Would you consider an A6 Quattro?
https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2268991&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D7%26o%5B%5D%3D45%26f%3D2%26nn%3D22%26yn%3D2014%26g%3D0

Alfagtamini

bazz26 wrote: »

To be honest if the Octavia ain't doing it for you then I cannot imagine a Passat being any better.

Would you consider an A6 Quattro?
https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2268991&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D7%26o%5B%5D%3D45%26f%3D2%26nn%3D22%26yn%3D2014%26g%3D0

Thanks for your reply.

I've been looking at the A6 but just thought that tech was lacking

I've found a nice Passat with
Adaptive cruise
Digital dash
Lane keep assist.

But you make a fair point Passat Vs octavia

bazz26

Yes the A6 is a bit dated when it comes to the tech you're looking for alright but if you were happy enough with the Octavia other than lacking tech you desire then maybe the Passat will be fine in that perspective. The Superb would be another one which shares alot of DNA with the Passat.

Alfagtamini

bazz26 wrote: »

Yes the A6 is a bit dated when it comes to the tech you're looking for alright but if you were happy enough with the Octavia other than lacking tech you desire then maybe the Passat will be fine in that perspective.

Yeah I think your right.
I've also been looking at the S60 in r design D4 spec.

Looks good ,has the tech (bar android auto) but like the A6 has a dated interior.

richieffff

Could possibly get the Diesel 180 BHP Alfa Romeo Giulia in around that budget from the UK.

The 2018+ model have Android Auto, could be hard enough to find one with Adaptive CC though, just ignore the recent recall for the cruise control :pac:

AMKC

The Renault Megane 205 GT is a great looking car but its only in petrol form. It has over 200hp do and rear wheel steer as well.

Alfagtamini

richieffff wrote: »

Could possibly get the Diesel 180 BHP Alfa Romeo Giulia in around that budget from the UK.

The 2018+ model have Android Auto, could be hard enough to find one with Adaptive CC though, just ignore the recent recall for the cruise control :pac:

This is the problem with the Giulia. I'm a big Alfa nut but I don't know if I can stomach Giulia depreciation (for the first 3 years )

I have yet to find any with adaptive cruise control and leather.

Plenty of 17 reg Giulia's in the UK for around £19k but they don't have many extras.

Alfagtamini

AMKC wrote: »

The Renault Megane 205 GT is a great looking car but its only in petrol form. It has over 200hp do and rear wheel steer as well.

Cool car bit diesel is a must for my commute

The high horse brigade

Mazda 6 175. No Android auto tho

Wildly Boaring

330d

Alfagtamini

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Mazda 6 175. No Android auto tho

Nice looking car but have they sorted out the reliability issues with the diesel engine ?

Alfagtamini

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

330d

330d tourer I'd like. But didn't think they could be got with adaptive cruise and lane keeping ?
Plus I think they are apple car play only

The high horse brigade

paulryanmini wrote: »

Nice looking car but have they sorted out the reliability issues with the diesel engine ?

I have a 2013 and have zero issues. We're not doing short runs. With big commutes you'd have no problems. The problems are with people buying an unsuitable diesel for city traffic and not getting the dpf regens

I have it remapped to 200bhp, makes it much smoother dropping to 60kmph in 6th and still have the torque to pull away

Wildly Boaring

paulryanmini wrote: »

330d tourer I'd like. But didn't think they could be got with adaptive cruise and lane keeping ?
Plus I think they are apple car play only

You're prob right on the tech.
Not my bag.

Just loved my 330d and will have another yet.

adam88

Just changed my 2017 vrs for a kodiaq and if I could I’d take back my vrs. Was a lovely machine to drive. Kodiaq is a grand bus too but it’s a big bus.

Passat is grand car but I think your getting good value with skoda. Look into the superb. High spec ones come with a host of extras as standard

Alfagtamini

The high horse brigade wrote: »

I have a 2013 and have zero issues. We're not doing short runs. With big commutes you'd have no problems. The problems are with people buying an unsuitable diesel for city traffic and not getting the dpf regens

I have it remapped to 200bhp, makes it much smoother dropping to 60kmph in 6th and still have the torque to pull away

Ah ok that's good to know. I think some of the 2017 and newer models are well kitted out

Alfagtamini

adam88 wrote: »

Just changed my 2017 vrs for a kodiaq and if I could I’d take back my vrs. Was a lovely machine to drive. Kodiaq is a grand bus too but it’s a big bus.

Passat is grand car but I think your getting good value with skoda. Look into the superb. High spec ones come with a host of extras as standard

Yeah a superb sportline would be perfect but oddly enough are move expensive than a similar spec Passat. Granted the superb is a bigger car

Alfagtamini

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

You're prob right on the tech.
Not my bag.

Just loved my 330d and will have another yet.

The reason I'm being so picky with the adaptive and lane keeping is my commute is all motorway. I had both features in a loan golf for a couple of days while my vrs was getting serviced and it made the motorway drive a breeze

The high horse brigade

paulryanmini wrote: »

Ah ok that's good to know. I think some of the 2017 and newer models are well kitted out

Take a test drive, they are lovely to drive, lots more torque than the VRS. The 175 is only available in platinum spec which has leather as standard and all extras and safety kits. Even my 2013 has lane departure and smart city braking support. I don't have radar cruise control but it is available

Alfagtamini

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Take a test drive, they are lovely to drive, lots more torque than the VRS. The 175 is only available in platinum spec which has leather as standard and all extras and safety kits. Even my 2013 has lane departure and smart city braking support. I don't have radar cruise control but it is available

Think I might do that next week. Thanks for your help

bazz26

Wouldn't be my thing but it has most of what your looking for and is a fairly fresh car:

https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2174691&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D63%26o%5B%5D%3D1405%26f%3D2%26nn%3D12%26yn%3D2017%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

20" tyres would be expensive though if your racking up big mileage.

Alfagtamini

bazz26 wrote: »

Wouldn't be my thing but it has most of what your looking for and is a fairly fresh car:

https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2174691&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D63%26o%5B%5D%3D1405%26f%3D2%26nn%3D12%26yn%3D2017%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

20" tyres would be expensive though if your racking up big mileage.

Thanks

The new insignia ticks all the boxes but its just not for me

The high horse brigade

paulryanmini wrote: »

Thanks

The new insignia ticks all the boxes but its just not for me

I worked with a sales rep who had one, we swapped cars once. He loved the Mazda and actually wanted to buy one. The Opel Insignia while a decent car with all the extras including heated steering wheel, 20 inch rims and lots of gadgetry was just horrible to drive, clunky and very noisy.

Alfagtamini

The high horse brigade wrote: »

I worked with a sales rep who had one, we swapped cars once. He loved the Mazda and actually wanted to buy one. The Opel Insignia while a decent car with all the extras including heated steering wheel, 20 inch rims and lots of gadgetry was just horrible to drive, clunky and very noisy.

Similar to that story, I had the old model as a hire car a few years back and really didn't like it.

punisher5112

Superb ??? Some really nice ones out there.

Alfagtamini

punisher5112 wrote: »

Superb ??? Some really nice ones out there.

Yeah I've been looking at the superb sportline. But prices are higher than similar specced Passat's.

I had a standard superb briefly a couple of years ago. I found it a bit like a barge to drive

GustavoFring

I'll be honest if the vrs isn't doing it for you the sportline superb might not either. I did that swap and couldn't wait to get rid of the superb. The vrs is no great shakes but the superb would genuinely put you to sleep.

Alfagtamini

GustavoFring wrote: »

I'll be honest if the vrs isn't doing it for you the sportline superb might not either. I did that swap and couldn't wait to get rid of the superb. The vrs is no great shakes but the superb would genuinely put you to sleep.

Ah, that's good to know....

Out of interest what did you get after the superb ?

GustavoFring

paulryanmini wrote: »

Ah, that's good to know....

Out of interest what did you get after the superb ?

A used 330d Touring.

Alfagtamini

GustavoFring wrote: »

A used 330d Touring.

Lovley car, top of my list if I could find one with adaptive cruise .

Touring in blue with the M sport kit really look good

GustavoFring

paulryanmini wrote: »

Lovley car, top of my list if I could find one with adaptive cruise .

Touring in blue with the M sport kit really look good

Exactly what I got bar the adaptive cruise. Rare option, I'd say the UK is your best bet. Mines missing a few toys compared to the superb alright but I can't say I'm missing any of them bar xenons but they are in hand to be sorted.

Alfagtamini

GustavoFring wrote: »

Exactly what I got bar the adaptive cruise. Rare option, I'd say the UK is your best bet. Mines missing a few toys compared to the superb alright but I can't say I'm missing any of them bar xenons but they are in hand to be sorted.

Sounds very nice well wear !

I've put the Vrs up for sale privately. If it sells it opens up that options of bringing in something from the UK.

NuttyMcNutty

I have a vrs at the moment(second one), have to say this one is not as economical as the 2008 version. Anyway my previous car to this was the opel insignia, top of the range one. not sure if it has all you require but it was very quick and very economical and a good price for what you get. Worth a look.

Alfagtamini

NuttyMcNutty wrote: »

I have a vrs at the moment(second one), have to say this one is not as economical as the 2008 version. Anyway my previous car to this was the opel insignia, top of the range one. not sure if it has all you require but it was very quick and very economical and a good price for what you get. Worth a look.

I'm averaging 48mpg on motorway runs. Not as good as I was expecting.

Wildly Boaring

V60 d4 or d5?

Alfagtamini

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

V60 d4 or d5?

V60/S60 r design would be perfect in D4/d5

Interior is a bit dated but I believe android auto can be retrofitted with a aftermarket system

R.O.R

Would an S90/V90 be in budget? D4 is 190ps and Adaptive Cruise and Lane Assist are standard on all models.
Won't be anywhere near as dynamic to drive as others suggested so far, but for a purely motorway long commute I can't think of anything else that would do that job so well.

New Volvo's are loaded with all the tech, although android auto / car play is still an option, but there is built-in Spotify integration so there's not many features missing that android auto would give.

D5 AWD R-Design would be the business but probably out of budget unless they are really cheap in the UK.

Alfagtamini

Cheers for the suggestion.

Not really thought of the S90. Id need to take one for a spin as they seem quiet large.

Prices are reasonable too in the UK going by a quick autotrader search

vectra

I did exactly as you did OP.
I had 3 vRS's ( 2 hatch and one combi )
I went for a new Passat B8 with adaptive cruise
Highline
Business edition
Sports pack added

I loved that car and to be honest I settled in to it almost immediately,
It was a lovely drive to be honest.
My vRS's were the 170 bhp models
The passat was 150,
To be honest there was little or no difference between performance, except for motorway driving when at 110 or so, the passat was a little sluggish to overtake compared to the vRS.
But again, If you are into cruising along with adaptive on, it feels very relaxing.

Duane Dibbley

Jaguar XE Prestige is a nice car

Alfagtamini

vectra wrote: »

I did exactly as you did OP.
I had 3 vRS's ( 2 hatch and one combi )
I went for a new Passat B8 with adaptive cruise
Highline
Business edition
Sports pack added

I loved that car and to be honest I settled in to it almost immediately,
It was a lovely drive to be honest.
My vRS's were the 170 bhp models
The passat was 150,
To be honest there was little or no difference between performance, except for motorway driving when at 110 or so, the passat was a little sluggish to overtake compared to the vRS.
But again, If you are into cruising along with adaptive on, it feels very relaxing.

That's very interesting, almost identical situation to me then.
I have found a few Passat's exactly as you specced but with 185hp. So that could possibly tick all the boxes

punisher5112

Merc c class...

Jag is another like mentioned couple posts back.

Alfagtamini

punisher5112 wrote: »

Merc c class...

Jag is another like mentioned couple posts back.

2 good mentions aswell there.

I think a trip around the dealers is needed:p

Anyone want to buy a vrs

vectra

paulryanmini wrote: »

That's very interesting, almost identical situation to me then.
I have found a few Passat's exactly as you specced but with 185hp. So that could possibly tick all the boxes

Also
I found that Passat very economical on a long trip.

adam88

The more I read this the more I miss my vrs. I bought it new and specced it out high. Like previous order said of his Passat I fitted into it so well and took to it straight away. Only sold it cause I was getting an unreal trade in value against a kodiaq. Have the jeep 5 weeks now and haven’t got that connection yet with it lol

PaulKK

Duane Dibbley wrote: »

Jaguar XE Prestige is a nice car

Anyone have one of these? What's the reliability like (2015/2016)? There seems to be a few around the dealers.

Alfagtamini

vectra wrote: »

Also
I found that Passat very economical on a long trip.

Thanks for that.

Alfagtamini

adam88 wrote: »

The more I read this the more I miss my vrs. I bought it new and specced it out high. Like previous order said of his Passat I fitted into it so well and took to it straight away. Only sold it cause I was getting an unreal trade in value against a kodiaq. Have the jeep 5 weeks now and haven’t got that connection yet with it lol

Very nice VRS. My wife wanted to change her car for a kodiaq but we were told we would need to wait 16 weeks for a diesel or 1.5tsi DSg

GustavoFring

paulryanmini wrote: »

That's very interesting, almost identical situation to me then.
I have found a few Passat's exactly as you specced but with 185hp. So that could possibly tick all the boxes

Superb I had was the 190 and it pretty close performance wise to the vrs. Drove a few 150s and they don't quite have the same shove at speed which would annoy me - overtaking on N-Roads kind of stuff. Similar in characteristics to the older 170s in that regard but the newer 184s/190s definitely have the edge.

190 Passats are rare enough but if the right 150 popped up a remap would get it to about 180/190 way.

I did notice though that with those engines the economy and driveability took a bit of a nose dive as the emissions hullabaloo took hold. Had there of them consecutively and each one was noticably weedier even allowing for a bit of extra weight each time.

bazz26

PaulKK wrote: »

Anyone have one of these? What's the reliability like (2015/2016)? There seems to be a few around the dealers.

XE doesn't feel like a premium car imo. The interior feels low quality in some cheap looking plastics and if you do manage to find one with a decent spec, the leather seats tend to feel cheap. You will nearly buy a bigger XF for similar money.