Seriously looking at a new Skoda

**aslsw** · 02-06-2009, 11:46 AM

Hi all

Took a new Skoda Octavia for a test drive on the weekend. Only the second car to check out so far but I like it so much I almost think it's a done deal (but I'll still do the rounds of the others to make it look like I've done my homework!).

A couple of questions though:

- can you get an integrated bluetooth kit fitted? ie. something that nicely integrates with the system. I have an iPhone and it would be nice if the car recognised it for both music and phone.

- is the 17" sports suspension package the best set of wheels you can get? They are a bit dreary.

- can you get any of the accessories listed in Europe. Even something basic like chrome exhaust tips.

- also, noticed reasonably high tyre/road noise on the test drive. Is this normal?

Probably more questions as I think about them.

**Golf Loon** · 02-06-2009, 02:27 PM

Save your money on the wheels and get something aftermarket that you like. Audior VW pattern, pretty common.

Other than that, get one I reckon the octavia is awesome and we will have oine as soon as I can kill the audi off.

**aslsw** · 02-06-2009, 04:46 PM

Not bad advice (there are some really nice VW wheels) but the only issue for me is if I can package this car, then it makes sense to add as much to the upfront cost. On the other hand the 17" wheels plus sports suspension adds $1,780 to the cost.

What exactly do you get for the sports suspension?

Another question. What is the sunroof like? I've never owned a car with a sunroof before - is there any extra noise, loss of rigidity, etc?

**wombatoutofhell** · 02-06-2009, 05:42 PM

What spec and body are you looking at?

**aslsw** · 02-06-2009, 10:05 PM

I'm looking at the 1.8 with DSG. Love the DSG gearbox (my brother-in-law has a R32 in Switzerland that I've drive a lot). Like the price, which means I can option everything up and still get a good overall deal.

I'll be honest and say the standing acceleration was nothing to write home about, but acceleration from 80kmh to 120kmh was pretty good.

I'm pretty sure I'm sold, but would like to know I'm making the right decision!

**jacob_1987** · 03-06-2009, 02:33 AM

Well it's a great car to be honest...
30,000 km not a sound to be honest, you can get all parts after market but if ur commited to the originals it will take anything from 2-3 weeks if ordered through your dealer. There is a AUX input and you can addon an MDI input for full integration with your car. I do believe the normal system (audience whatever it's called) does have an addon I think retails for $160 to plug ur Ipod, touch or iphone.

Also depending on your budget consider the new 1.8 tfsi with 7 speed auto DSG. But I do drive a diesel around and I'm loving it. You'll also be suprised with how many addon's you can get for your car because it's a VW group vehicle.

**jacob_1987** · 03-06-2009, 02:35 AM

the tyre noise you have is the tyres, the stock tyres are crap as hell... I noticed this after I purposely tried to warn them out.

**aslsw** · 03-06-2009, 09:17 AM

Yep the 1.8TFSI with 7-sp DSG was the one I drove.

OK. I think I'm convinced to ditch the sports suspension and 17" wheels to find something better later on. Reading on the web, there is definitely iPod support but not sure about bluetooth for phones - but there seem to be some aftermarket kits.

I'm definitely optioning up for leather seats and towbar (not just for bike carriers but for trailer around town), steering wheel (for the paddles), parking sensors, not 100% sure about the sunroof. This is the first "me" car ie. previous cars have been for the family (wagons) so I want this to be as nice as possible.

And the more I look at it, I can't see what the problem is with the looks. Sure, conservative but still stylish.

**wombatoutofhell** · 03-06-2009, 08:51 PM

Wait for the RS with DSG-you can get it now with diesel but not with petrol. No options needed then-18 inch wheels, leather, sports suspension, chrome exhaust tips, parking sensors standard in the back, option in front, not sure if the paddles will be standard or not.
WHat tyres did you get Jacob? Mine are the Michelin Pilot Sports-great tyre but very noisy. The fronts are wearing and just starting to lose grip-I'll get a bit longer if I swap front to back but might have to start saving now-they are quite expensive. I'd like something quieter next time.