Fabia VRS vs Octavia VRS
Discussion
Chaps, being back to one car for the OH, I have been thinking about putting the fun back into my driving. Only a 10 min drive to the station and a few mway blasts up north, so I am in a position where I can get something a bit fun for myself.
Seen the recent 0% VAT (I know it isn't really 0% VAT before people jump lol) and found out that it now includes VRS models. The Octavia also includes 3 yrs free servicing (30k mileage rubbish but fine for me) and a 500 dealer contribution.
I've driven a couple of Fabias and they were mini-tardis' inside, and I am 6ft4, so I like the sound of it, plus they now come with the black grille/headlights/roof combo and look mean as anything. Also liking the 1.4 TSI with 180BHP and flappy paddles.
Flip side, the Octavia is a Golf platform, bigger all round, and a bit more "mature" shall we say. Also like the look of the 200BHP 2.0 petrol, I don't want the 170bhp diesel lump as I don't feel like a hot hatch can have a Diesel motor.
So, Fabia DSG standard comes out at £14275 (chuck another 750 on in options), and Octavia 2.0petrol DSG is £17690 inc 500 dealer contribution.
I guess my questions are:
1) Anyone driven both?
2) Pitfalls?
3) Any ideas on dealer likelihood to waggle a bit on price as these are both due to be replaced v soon?
Any help is appreciated, I am no badge snob and these cars offer brand new wheels and warranty with fast performance at a great price - happy to hear alternatives and thoughts...
Seen the recent 0% VAT (I know it isn't really 0% VAT before people jump lol) and found out that it now includes VRS models. The Octavia also includes 3 yrs free servicing (30k mileage rubbish but fine for me) and a 500 dealer contribution.
I've driven a couple of Fabias and they were mini-tardis' inside, and I am 6ft4, so I like the sound of it, plus they now come with the black grille/headlights/roof combo and look mean as anything. Also liking the 1.4 TSI with 180BHP and flappy paddles.
Flip side, the Octavia is a Golf platform, bigger all round, and a bit more "mature" shall we say. Also like the look of the 200BHP 2.0 petrol, I don't want the 170bhp diesel lump as I don't feel like a hot hatch can have a Diesel motor.
So, Fabia DSG standard comes out at £14275 (chuck another 750 on in options), and Octavia 2.0petrol DSG is £17690 inc 500 dealer contribution.
I guess my questions are:
1) Anyone driven both?
2) Pitfalls?
3) Any ideas on dealer likelihood to waggle a bit on price as these are both due to be replaced v soon?
Any help is appreciated, I am no badge snob and these cars offer brand new wheels and warranty with fast performance at a great price - happy to hear alternatives and thoughts...
Octavia is due to be replaced soonest.
I have a Fabia and it's been great - fits 4 people OK, 300 litre boot, etc. It's big enough for me, but I don't have kids. If I did, or needed to carry bigger things often, or carry 4/5 people on longer trips, the Octavia would make a lot more sense.
I have a Fabia and it's been great - fits 4 people OK, 300 litre boot, etc. It's big enough for me, but I don't have kids. If I did, or needed to carry bigger things often, or carry 4/5 people on longer trips, the Octavia would make a lot more sense.
I had a Fabia press loan car for a week a couple of years ago when I ran a MINI owners site - to give a comparison to the Cooper S.
You can read my thoughts here: http://www.totalmini.com/forum/126-totalmini-revie...
You can read my thoughts here: http://www.totalmini.com/forum/126-totalmini-revie...
Dr Interceptor said:
I had a Fabia press loan car for a week a couple of years ago when I ran a MINI owners site - to give a comparison to the Cooper S.
You can read my thoughts here: http://www.totalmini.com/forum/126-totalmini-revie...
That's brill thanks!You can read my thoughts here: http://www.totalmini.com/forum/126-totalmini-revie...
I can't comment on the Fabia.. but I own a MK2 (but pre-facelift) Octavia VRS petrol estate.
I've only had it a few months now but I *adore* it. Interior quality is superb, it's almost entirely rattle / squeak free (even with 53k on the clock), it goes like a train, it doesn't handle too badly yet rides quite smoothly even on rubbish roads and on 18" wheels, and it's cavernous with the back seats down.. fuel economy hasn't been stellar but I think that's partly down to enjoying the engine rather than it being excessively thirsty.
My only gripe so far has been with dealers.. both the one I bought it from (messed up the warranty, forgot to send me paperwork, etc) and one I'm in the process of getting a minor warranty job done with (not returning calls, etc etc).
I would whole heartedly advise anyone looking for something quick, comfortable and practical who doesn't want to pay Audi badge tax, to look into one!
I've only had it a few months now but I *adore* it. Interior quality is superb, it's almost entirely rattle / squeak free (even with 53k on the clock), it goes like a train, it doesn't handle too badly yet rides quite smoothly even on rubbish roads and on 18" wheels, and it's cavernous with the back seats down.. fuel economy hasn't been stellar but I think that's partly down to enjoying the engine rather than it being excessively thirsty.
My only gripe so far has been with dealers.. both the one I bought it from (messed up the warranty, forgot to send me paperwork, etc) and one I'm in the process of getting a minor warranty job done with (not returning calls, etc etc).
I would whole heartedly advise anyone looking for something quick, comfortable and practical who doesn't want to pay Audi badge tax, to look into one!
carparkno1 said:
I have been thinking about putting the fun back into my driving ... I am in a position where I can get something a bit fun for myself.
Does it have to be a hatchback in that case?If you're looking for something to put the fun back into driving and you have access to a second car for sensible stuff then maybe you could get away with something more overtly sporting? An MX5 or an MR2 Roadster should have room for a tall driver and a passenger.
In terms of the Skodas, the only one I can comment on is the current-shape Fabia vRS, which I think is a rather underrated little car. That TSI unit is a great engine and even the flappy-paddle gearbox works well.
Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 14th August 12:59
Chris71 said:
Does it have to be a hatchback in that case?
If you're looking for something to put the fun back into driving and you have access to a second car for sensible stuff then maybe you could get away with something more overtly sporting? An MX5 or an MR2 Roadster should have room for a tall driver and a passenger.
In terms of the Skodas, the only one I can comment on is the current-shape Fabia vRS, which I think is a rather underrated little car. That TSI unit is a great engine and even the flappy-paddle gearbox works well.
Done the two seater soft-top thing, although any MX5 is a great shout.If you're looking for something to put the fun back into driving and you have access to a second car for sensible stuff then maybe you could get away with something more overtly sporting? An MX5 or an MR2 Roadster should have room for a tall driver and a passenger.
In terms of the Skodas, the only one I can comment on is the current-shape Fabia vRS, which I think is a rather underrated little car. That TSI unit is a great engine and even the flappy-paddle gearbox works well.
Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 14th August 12:59
Part of me fancies a Brera but it isn't for tall people, but I do love my Alfas.
Octavia estate is ringing some bells right now I have to say.
Thanks for the tip on drive the deal.
As for the Mazda3 MPS - I have had a serious think about them. We have a new 12 plate Mazda2 and it's a brilliant little car, and the 3 is handsome. I might have another look at that. Quite like the vent on the front etc in a slightly Halfords kind of way!
Not sure about price/bhp/ride quality vs octavia?
:-)
As for the Mazda3 MPS - I have had a serious think about them. We have a new 12 plate Mazda2 and it's a brilliant little car, and the 3 is handsome. I might have another look at that. Quite like the vent on the front etc in a slightly Halfords kind of way!
Not sure about price/bhp/ride quality vs octavia?
:-)
Currently work for a Skoda dealership and have driven both. Extensive long term use of Octavia VRS (both diesel and petrol) as company cars.
When I first drove the petrol Octavia i found it one of the easiest cars to get in and go quickly in. I've worked in Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, Renault, Kia and Seat dealerships in the past (oh, and MG/Rover
) and found the Octavia as fun and quick as any of the offerings they let me use as company cars (most fun admittedly was the 350Z i ran for a few months in my Nissan days! 
).
To be honest most of the time i had the petrol VRS i had a fuel card covering business and personal mileage so did hoon it a fair bit
These however, were taken away when my original company was taken over by a group, at this point i couldn't wait to get rid of the car as an everyday travel to work bus and weekend car. The MPG wasn't good at all when pushed and it cost me a furtune in fuel.
With the Fabia VRS, like the Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4TSi, i find in sport mode the gears just hang on too long and i was always changing up before it did it itself. The stated MPG is miles off unless you drive like a vicar, even then doubtful and what's the point in pootling. They work best when driven properly. The boot's very small and the feeling of sitting high takes some getting used to for me. Still, nippy and nimble.
Think for your argument it will come down to size. Octavia feels really well planted (better than its Seat counterpart) and is great to chuck around, Fabia is much more flighty. If fuel money is no object the petrols will certainly appeal for the fun factor, saying that, if i was buying my own car with my own money it'd be the predictable, reliable, roomy, sensible, economical and 'can provide enough smiles' diesel Octavia VRS which you have ruled out.
Pricing you'll struggle to get further significant discount with all the offers on. If you go for paint protection, GAP and other bits you'll probably get them with decent discounts but if you just buy car as is there really isn't a lot of money across them to play around with.
Good luck with the test drives
(Sorry for all the i's which i can't be arsed to change to I's!!)
When I first drove the petrol Octavia i found it one of the easiest cars to get in and go quickly in. I've worked in Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, Renault, Kia and Seat dealerships in the past (oh, and MG/Rover
) and found the Octavia as fun and quick as any of the offerings they let me use as company cars (most fun admittedly was the 350Z i ran for a few months in my Nissan days! ).To be honest most of the time i had the petrol VRS i had a fuel card covering business and personal mileage so did hoon it a fair bit
These however, were taken away when my original company was taken over by a group, at this point i couldn't wait to get rid of the car as an everyday travel to work bus and weekend car. The MPG wasn't good at all when pushed and it cost me a furtune in fuel. With the Fabia VRS, like the Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4TSi, i find in sport mode the gears just hang on too long and i was always changing up before it did it itself. The stated MPG is miles off unless you drive like a vicar, even then doubtful and what's the point in pootling. They work best when driven properly. The boot's very small and the feeling of sitting high takes some getting used to for me. Still, nippy and nimble.
Think for your argument it will come down to size. Octavia feels really well planted (better than its Seat counterpart) and is great to chuck around, Fabia is much more flighty. If fuel money is no object the petrols will certainly appeal for the fun factor, saying that, if i was buying my own car with my own money it'd be the predictable, reliable, roomy, sensible, economical and 'can provide enough smiles' diesel Octavia VRS which you have ruled out.
Pricing you'll struggle to get further significant discount with all the offers on. If you go for paint protection, GAP and other bits you'll probably get them with decent discounts but if you just buy car as is there really isn't a lot of money across them to play around with.
Good luck with the test drives
(Sorry for all the i's which i can't be arsed to change to I's!!)
We've got a Fabia VRS at the moment and i will echo the earlier comments regarding fuel economy, also being 6 foot 5 myself space is very limited behind me and at roundabouts i'm looking out of the rear passenger window! The gearbox is good enough and performance is sprightly, my girlfriend drives it like miss daisy with the occasional blast and she averages 26 mpg around MK.
Baldy881 said:
Currently work for a Skoda dealership and have driven both. Extensive long term use of Octavia VRS (both diesel and petrol) as company cars.
When I first drove the petrol Octavia i found it one of the easiest cars to get in and go quickly in. I've worked in Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, Renault, Kia and Seat dealerships in the past (oh, and MG/Rover) and found the Octavia as fun and quick as any of the offerings they let me use as company cars (most fun admittedly was the 350Z i ran for a few months in my Nissan days! ).
To be honest most of the time i had the petrol VRS i had a fuel card covering business and personal mileage so did hoon it a fair bit These however, were taken away when my original company was taken over by a group, at this point i couldn't wait to get rid of the car as an everyday travel to work bus and weekend car. The MPG wasn't good at all when pushed and it cost me a furtune in fuel.
With the Fabia VRS, like the Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4TSi, i find in sport mode the gears just hang on too long and i was always changing up before it did it itself. The stated MPG is miles off unless you drive like a vicar, even then doubtful and what's the point in pootling. They work best when driven properly. The boot's very small and the feeling of sitting high takes some getting used to for me. Still, nippy and nimble.
Think for your argument it will come down to size. Octavia feels really well planted (better than its Seat counterpart) and is great to chuck around, Fabia is much more flighty. If fuel money is no object the petrols will certainly appeal for the fun factor, saying that, if i was buying my own car with my own money it'd be the predictable, reliable, roomy, sensible, economical and 'can provide enough smiles' diesel Octavia VRS which you have ruled out.
Pricing you'll struggle to get further significant discount with all the offers on. If you go for paint protection, GAP and other bits you'll probably get them with decent discounts but if you just buy car as is there really isn't a lot of money across them to play around with.
Good luck with the test drives
(Sorry for all the i's which i can't be arsed to change to I's!!)
This is brill thank you. A mate put an order in for a Fabia VRS two nights ago and they chucked in extra warranty and a decent trade--in price on his car - I guess that's better for them than knocking money off the list price.When I first drove the petrol Octavia i found it one of the easiest cars to get in and go quickly in. I've worked in Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, Renault, Kia and Seat dealerships in the past (oh, and MG/Rover
) and found the Octavia as fun and quick as any of the offerings they let me use as company cars (most fun admittedly was the 350Z i ran for a few months in my Nissan days! ).To be honest most of the time i had the petrol VRS i had a fuel card covering business and personal mileage so did hoon it a fair bit
These however, were taken away when my original company was taken over by a group, at this point i couldn't wait to get rid of the car as an everyday travel to work bus and weekend car. The MPG wasn't good at all when pushed and it cost me a furtune in fuel. With the Fabia VRS, like the Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4TSi, i find in sport mode the gears just hang on too long and i was always changing up before it did it itself. The stated MPG is miles off unless you drive like a vicar, even then doubtful and what's the point in pootling. They work best when driven properly. The boot's very small and the feeling of sitting high takes some getting used to for me. Still, nippy and nimble.
Think for your argument it will come down to size. Octavia feels really well planted (better than its Seat counterpart) and is great to chuck around, Fabia is much more flighty. If fuel money is no object the petrols will certainly appeal for the fun factor, saying that, if i was buying my own car with my own money it'd be the predictable, reliable, roomy, sensible, economical and 'can provide enough smiles' diesel Octavia VRS which you have ruled out.
Pricing you'll struggle to get further significant discount with all the offers on. If you go for paint protection, GAP and other bits you'll probably get them with decent discounts but if you just buy car as is there really isn't a lot of money across them to play around with.
Good luck with the test drives
(Sorry for all the i's which i can't be arsed to change to I's!!)
Unfortunately he also was told there is a 12-14week build time on any DSG car :-(
I need one sooner than that really. I will talk to the dealership tomorrow. My heart is set on either a petrol Fab or Oct. Sensible head should say diesel, but I am only doing short drives to the station for work and I don't fancy a raft of DPF issues.
Am thinking might try the Fabia, and then if our family expands we can chuck in the Mazda for a bigger car, we got that on a no-vat deal anyways so some depreciation has gone anyways.
Appreciate the hands-on experience you have passed on, really helpful!
carparkno1 said:
Baldy881 said:
Currently work for a Skoda dealership and have driven both. Extensive long term use of Octavia VRS (both diesel and petrol) as company cars.
When I first drove the petrol Octavia i found it one of the easiest cars to get in and go quickly in. I've worked in Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, Renault, Kia and Seat dealerships in the past (oh, and MG/Rover) and found the Octavia as fun and quick as any of the offerings they let me use as company cars (most fun admittedly was the 350Z i ran for a few months in my Nissan days! ).
To be honest most of the time i had the petrol VRS i had a fuel card covering business and personal mileage so did hoon it a fair bit These however, were taken away when my original company was taken over by a group, at this point i couldn't wait to get rid of the car as an everyday travel to work bus and weekend car. The MPG wasn't good at all when pushed and it cost me a furtune in fuel.
With the Fabia VRS, like the Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4TSi, i find in sport mode the gears just hang on too long and i was always changing up before it did it itself. The stated MPG is miles off unless you drive like a vicar, even then doubtful and what's the point in pootling. They work best when driven properly. The boot's very small and the feeling of sitting high takes some getting used to for me. Still, nippy and nimble.
Think for your argument it will come down to size. Octavia feels really well planted (better than its Seat counterpart) and is great to chuck around, Fabia is much more flighty. If fuel money is no object the petrols will certainly appeal for the fun factor, saying that, if i was buying my own car with my own money it'd be the predictable, reliable, roomy, sensible, economical and 'can provide enough smiles' diesel Octavia VRS which you have ruled out.
Pricing you'll struggle to get further significant discount with all the offers on. If you go for paint protection, GAP and other bits you'll probably get them with decent discounts but if you just buy car as is there really isn't a lot of money across them to play around with.
Good luck with the test drives
(Sorry for all the i's which i can't be arsed to change to I's!!)
This is brill thank you. A mate put an order in for a Fabia VRS two nights ago and they chucked in extra warranty and a decent trade--in price on his car - I guess that's better for them than knocking money off the list price.When I first drove the petrol Octavia i found it one of the easiest cars to get in and go quickly in. I've worked in Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, Renault, Kia and Seat dealerships in the past (oh, and MG/Rover
) and found the Octavia as fun and quick as any of the offerings they let me use as company cars (most fun admittedly was the 350Z i ran for a few months in my Nissan days! ).To be honest most of the time i had the petrol VRS i had a fuel card covering business and personal mileage so did hoon it a fair bit
These however, were taken away when my original company was taken over by a group, at this point i couldn't wait to get rid of the car as an everyday travel to work bus and weekend car. The MPG wasn't good at all when pushed and it cost me a furtune in fuel. With the Fabia VRS, like the Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.4TSi, i find in sport mode the gears just hang on too long and i was always changing up before it did it itself. The stated MPG is miles off unless you drive like a vicar, even then doubtful and what's the point in pootling. They work best when driven properly. The boot's very small and the feeling of sitting high takes some getting used to for me. Still, nippy and nimble.
Think for your argument it will come down to size. Octavia feels really well planted (better than its Seat counterpart) and is great to chuck around, Fabia is much more flighty. If fuel money is no object the petrols will certainly appeal for the fun factor, saying that, if i was buying my own car with my own money it'd be the predictable, reliable, roomy, sensible, economical and 'can provide enough smiles' diesel Octavia VRS which you have ruled out.
Pricing you'll struggle to get further significant discount with all the offers on. If you go for paint protection, GAP and other bits you'll probably get them with decent discounts but if you just buy car as is there really isn't a lot of money across them to play around with.
Good luck with the test drives
(Sorry for all the i's which i can't be arsed to change to I's!!)
Unfortunately he also was told there is a 12-14week build time on any DSG car :-(
I need one sooner than that really. I will talk to the dealership tomorrow. My heart is set on either a petrol Fab or Oct. Sensible head should say diesel, but I am only doing short drives to the station for work and I don't fancy a raft of DPF issues.
Am thinking might try the Fabia, and then if our family expands we can chuck in the Mazda for a bigger car, we got that on a no-vat deal anyways so some depreciation has gone anyways.
Appreciate the hands-on experience you have passed on, really helpful!
I've never felt any great fondndess for the mk2 Octavia or the vRS Fabia, but when I had my Octavia even the 1.4 Turbo Diesel Fabias I was loaned during servicing were nippy enough to get around in.
M
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff