New car

[swingdoctor]

Nope, the testing predates the current shape, it was last done in 2004 I believe, the first Skodas we had here were already different, the fl was minor but even mine which was just pre FL was different to the series I which the tests were based on.

Accoring to the ANCAP website, the testing was done on the model that arrived in Australia in 2007, so unless between 2007 and 2009(when the current "facelifted" model arrived), there was a model change I would assume the test would have been done on the prefacelifted model, and therefore the current shape would have the same ANCAP rating. I asked the Skoka salesperson about this and he did not dispute it, so I think my assumption would be fairly accurate. Furthermore, if the current model did qualify for a 5 star rating I'm sure Skoda would have sent it for retesting, the costs would be negligeble compared to the percieved increase in safety by the public.

At the end of the day I agree with Bobski, its one factor but by all means not the only factor.

[swingdoctor]

One of the first things I did with my Octavia was take a long trip down to Adelaide and Kangaroo island. Where I found on slick wet dirt roads, that AWD is now not required for general purpose driving. The stability control systems these days makes it very hard to get yourself into serious situations, so I think the AWD question is a furfy unless you want to rally cross or track day it.

The Octavia, as stated will spin the wheels on takeoff (especially the TSI), however it has very little torque steer and I've never felt unsafe giving it heaps off the line (again the computer works this out). It performs very well in the wet and dry.

So for your question, If it was me, I think the key differences with the Audi. Refinement (The Audi has much better road noise isolation), servicing costs (That badge could mean pain!), price (obviously - and you lose a LOT more money driving it off the lot).

Safety didn't come into it for me as much - I had thought that the difference was that they hadn't tested the new model with curtain air bags (sounds like its not completely true). However even knowing that, I doubt it'd make a difference to me now.

After reading comments here I'm less concerned about AWD vs FWD. The thing that still concernes me though is wheelspin on takeoff. I'm no expert driver but I equate this to possible loss of control, is this assumption right? Will better tires ie Continental reduce this?

[Ocy_RS_TDi_Kombi]

I've got a RS TDi DSG with a Bluefin tune and it makes approx 145kw & 420nm with the tune. Yes it wheelspins in the wet and dry but you can make very quick take offs without wheelspin. Just depends how much you push the accelerator and you do get a feel for that fine point between spinning and no spin easily.

Recently I had a friend in the car with me and I took off quickly at lights a few times in the wet. Not knowing too much about cars he thought the Ocy was an AWD cause of the traction it had and how quickly it accelerated.

BTW I have Michelin SP3 tyres on my car (2nd set now) and I found they grip better (are quieter and ride better too) than the Continental Sport 2's the car originally had. I also have 235/40 18 tyres so a little wider than standard which helps with the traction - especially with approx 420nm going thru the front wheels. Not much torque steer either.

Cheers

[kamold]

After reading comments here I'm less concerned about AWD vs FWD. The thing that still concernes me though is wheelspin on takeoff. I'm no expert driver but I equate this to possible loss of control, is this assumption right? Will better tires ie Continental reduce this?

Breaking traction in a modern FWD car is generally pretty benign. The traction control tramps on it pretty quickly and you just get this really annoying shuddering/thumping all up through the dash and steering wheel. Kind of like the shudder you get in the brake peddle whilst emergency braking with ABS. Its over pretty quickly and you're away.

I beleive that if it becomes a problem your best bet might be an anti lift kit which modifies the suspension geometry slightly in order to allow you to put more power to the road before the tyres start to break it.

As has been mentioned, throttle control is really the key, learn your car and learn to love it

[ausspace87]

After reading comments here I'm less concerned about AWD vs FWD. The thing that still concernes me though is wheelspin on takeoff. I'm no expert driver but I equate this to possible loss of control, is this assumption right? Will better tires ie Continental reduce this?

LOL how powerful do you think a Skoda is??? You really needn't worry. I have only experienced wheel spin in my RS when the roads are wet and I floor-it from a standstill going up hill (which you could achieve in any modern vehicle). Ever driven/heard about the Mazda3 MPS? Now there's a car that puts a lot of power to the road through the front wheels, yet remains predictable and fun to drive. It can also be driven normally/sedately without torque-steering into the nearest telegraph pole.
If you are really that concerned with having 100% grip at all times maybe you should buy one of these:

[candy_wagon]

I beleive that if it becomes a problem your best bet might be an anti lift kit which modifies the suspension geometry slightly in order to allow you to put more power to the road before the tyres start to break it.

Another way to reduce axle tramp and improve grip and acceleration is to add a dogbone mount or stiffer bushing. This will cost less than $50 from Dub Addiction or ECS Tuning and reduces the amount or roll the engine produces under acceleration. This in turn helps keep the tyres down, the axle line stable and also has the bi-product of improved shifting response and feel.

...So I'm lead believe, this is one of the first mods I plan to carry out on my new car. I know of a couple of the Octavia guys on here have done it and rave about its benefits.

[MarksVRS]

I have only experienced wheel spin in my RS when the roads are wet and I floor-it from a standstill going up hill (which you could achieve in any modern vehicle).

Seriously? I notice in your tag you have the TSI DSG. Maybe it is the diesel torque combined with the manual 1st gear ratio but there is no way I can plant my foot without wheel spin and major axle tramp, so I try to get into 2nd gear quickly. Even then if I have my foot flat it is losing traction but not enough for the tyres to bounce!

I have ordered some new Toyo tyres which I hope to have fitted in the next few days so I hope to have some improved traction after that.

[bobski]

Yep - agree with Mark. Wheel spin is easy to get in the TSI VRS (as it is in all front drivers with a turbo). It has never caused me an issue, what *is* a problem is when a car torque steers, in powerful front drivers, I've had some violent reactions when the road surface changes. I have no inclination to change front geometry, I've heard the various fixes alter the ride quality in a bad way (which is another topic) - I think the VRS is on the borderline of ride quality versus fun for a family car.

These are not dangerous cars, a bit of wheel slip when you stick the boot in is the least of your worries. Take one for a drive at the dealer and see. It is very benign if you have no inclination to get up it.

[swingdoctor]

Thanks for all the replies guys, this may be off topic and I may need to start a new topic but, what do you think about the Jetta Highline vs the RS?

[woofy]

The answer to that is would you rather a sporty car with a hatch, or a sedan (and the narrow boot opening that comes with that) that's more sedate? That's pretty much what it comes down to without thinking about things like the cost of options in the VW.