Octavia - but which model?

[DanSA]

I imagine it would follow VW example, ie DSG on petrol models will have steering wheel paddles, but not on diesel models.

The 4x4 wagon looks great in isolation, however im wondering if its pushing the envelope too far in value for money terms at $38,990 A Liberty 2.5i is 35k (all beit with less options, crap fuel economy and less torque)

[Plicata]

Didn't realise they did that. Pity, I'd like paddles on 2.0 diesel. I suppose the extra torque makes them less useful.

Anyone know what demonstrators they have at Penrith or Parramatta?

[Plicata]

Went to Penrith yesterday. Drove a 2.0 TDi DSG wagon fresh off the boat (still had shipping codes and plastic trim protection etc). Very nice to drive, apart from very slow takeoff from standstill before turbo cuts in. Cloth seat was comfortable although I'd go for electric because manual height adjuster tips you forward, which I hate. Rode well over rough surface but firmer than I expected.

Also drove Golf GT sport TDi for comparison. In the short drive I did, couldn't pick a significant power difference (although I know there should be). Still had slow start from standstill. Guess I'm used to petrol. Probably get used to giving it more of a boot full for quick start. I suppose manual would be better but the DSG is good.

No steering wheel gear shift paddles on Octavia but Golf GT does have them on diesel model. Ride in the Golf (on 18" wheels) didn't really feel much firmer to me.

Also went to Burwood dealer. No demonstrators available. The guy reckons diesel service interval is 7,500 km and petrol 15,000. Recommended RS. Maybe I should try one just for comparison (but in Golf GTi or Jetta, to get DSG).

They're nice cars and definitely on my shortlist. Lack of dealers and unknown retained value are my main concern (long way to go to get a service or parts, from Wollongong).

[DanSA]

Good right up mate, cheers.

I had a look at some the other day that had just come in. They didnt have any of the 2 models im interested in yet tho , so no test drive. (1.8T and 2.0 TDi AWD wagons)

Was impressed by the car itself from sitting/looking in it. Some cheap short cuts compared to the Golf (DSG shift housing and indicators was cheap plastic) but otherwise impressed.
The stereo is that dot matrix display similar to the Golf, and it still looks pants in the Octavia too..

What you mentioned about the TDi DSG take off is par for the course im afraid. Our Golf does the same, however you do get used to it after a while, a know when to pre load it or plan to take off before you need to. No biggy. Its ashame they dont come with Hill Assist electric brake like the Passats, as this gets rid of the slip you get when taking off on a slope.

We should compare prices soon if anyone else is getting serious.

Personally i wouldnt be too concerned re the newness of the brand, their attachment to VW is strong enough and all the base engineering is the same.

[junior]

I'm surprised that Burwood didn't have any demonstrators, poor considering the recent brand launch

[Plicata]

It was after 3:00 on a Sunday afternoon, so maybe he just couldn't be bothered or thought I was a time waster.

[DanSA]

Im still waiting for them to get any 1.8TFSi's in yet..

Our dealer here is a monopoly and is also the VW dealer. Thet basically converted the shed where they used to service the VW's into the 'showroom' It really does look like a poor cousin, which is a shame.

[Plicata]

Went to Penrith again. They only had RS, 2.0 FSi or 1.9 TDi to test. Took RS out. Nice car to drive. Revved very freely and plenty of power without going anywhere near the redline. Ride was firm but not uncomfortable. Gear change ok but not especially slick. Didn't like square feeling of gear knob but I guess that's easy to change. I'm still leaning towards diesel because the power comes just where you need it and revvy engines don't interest me. Wish they were bringing in the UK spec vRS with 125Kw diesel. I suppose they will do if the brand is successful here. Was told that RS is about $43K OTR, so $46K with sunroof & satnav mentioned in another thread is a great deal.

Also drove Jetta TDi DSG over same roads. Preferred diesel (even 103Kw) and DSG. Ride was softer but still good.

[DanSA]

103kW TDi is easy to chip to 125kw spec and will be cheaper i imagine.

No 4x4's there either then?

You'd think that if you where going to launch a brand youd have all the models to try wouldnt you...

[Plicata]

Not even a mention of the 4X4. I should have asked when the next shipment was due in. Apparently all the cars at the Motor Show were overseas spec, so they may not have got the 4X4 through ADR certification yet? I would go for 4X4 except I prefer DSG (apparently a lot of people asking about the RS want DSG). I'd think about chipping the 103 but you can't add the DPF