Has anyone gone from e60 to Octavia VRS?
Discussion
Hi all,
I posted this thread back in July looking for some advice but my thinking has moved on! https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I drive a 2007 BMW 530i LCI with manual box. It's a great car, 270bhp straight 6 that has a decent turn of speed, decent refinement and always returns over 30mpg. It has however, started to take up considerable amounts of my time and money recently. My current car costs €1500/year in road tax and insurance is loaded as it's over 10 years old. Previous cars I've owned and enjoyed as dailes include: '01 530i, '03 530d, '06 335i, '07 e320cdi wagon, '07 A8 3.0 tdi - I've never bought a car newer than 2007 (although had some as company cars)!
I'm based in Ireland and the way Brexit is going, it looks like sourcing a car from the UK will be a pain going forward. This isn't a huge issue but for the fact that there is a distinct shortage of petrol options here as the country went diesel mad for 10 years post 2008.
I need an all-rounder for day to day duties (have a few other cars for fun, nothing remarkable), main requirements:
- 5 seats & reasonably practical
- Reasonably reliable with good aftermarket support (I generally like to maintain my own cars)
- Decent on motorway but also decent to drive on a back road
- Good seats
- Something with an ounce of desirability!
- Ideally petrol (but door is open for good 6+ cylinder diesels), ULEZ and sub 155g/km Co2
Currently considering the following shortlist:
2014-15 Octavia VRS TSI DSG estate: Cost on road: ~ €14-16k / Annual tax: €390
Pros: Generally appear highly praised, very practical, reliable engine and box, remaps to over 300bhp, decent economy
Cons: FWD, interior is a little dull.
2017 BMW 530e M Sport: Cost on road: €25k / Annual tax: €170
Pros: A known quantity, higher tech, decent driving dynamics (although heavy), hybrid a bonus
Cons: Very complicated so likely need to keep warranty @ €1000+/year, boot space is a big concern
To preempt, the way the registration taxes are designed here, at the moment, a 530e is cheaper than a 520d/520i/530d/530i by some margin. Outlier is a 13/14 Jaguar XF 3.0d which is available locally for about €15k (with €750 annual tax)
Does anyone have any feedback on moving from an e60 to a Mk3 Octavia VRS?
I posted this thread back in July looking for some advice but my thinking has moved on! https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I drive a 2007 BMW 530i LCI with manual box. It's a great car, 270bhp straight 6 that has a decent turn of speed, decent refinement and always returns over 30mpg. It has however, started to take up considerable amounts of my time and money recently. My current car costs €1500/year in road tax and insurance is loaded as it's over 10 years old. Previous cars I've owned and enjoyed as dailes include: '01 530i, '03 530d, '06 335i, '07 e320cdi wagon, '07 A8 3.0 tdi - I've never bought a car newer than 2007 (although had some as company cars)!
I'm based in Ireland and the way Brexit is going, it looks like sourcing a car from the UK will be a pain going forward. This isn't a huge issue but for the fact that there is a distinct shortage of petrol options here as the country went diesel mad for 10 years post 2008.
I need an all-rounder for day to day duties (have a few other cars for fun, nothing remarkable), main requirements:
- 5 seats & reasonably practical
- Reasonably reliable with good aftermarket support (I generally like to maintain my own cars)
- Decent on motorway but also decent to drive on a back road
- Good seats
- Something with an ounce of desirability!
- Ideally petrol (but door is open for good 6+ cylinder diesels), ULEZ and sub 155g/km Co2
Currently considering the following shortlist:
2014-15 Octavia VRS TSI DSG estate: Cost on road: ~ €14-16k / Annual tax: €390
Pros: Generally appear highly praised, very practical, reliable engine and box, remaps to over 300bhp, decent economy
Cons: FWD, interior is a little dull.
2017 BMW 530e M Sport: Cost on road: €25k / Annual tax: €170
Pros: A known quantity, higher tech, decent driving dynamics (although heavy), hybrid a bonus
Cons: Very complicated so likely need to keep warranty @ €1000+/year, boot space is a big concern
To preempt, the way the registration taxes are designed here, at the moment, a 530e is cheaper than a 520d/520i/530d/530i by some margin. Outlier is a 13/14 Jaguar XF 3.0d which is available locally for about €15k (with €750 annual tax)
Does anyone have any feedback on moving from an e60 to a Mk3 Octavia VRS?
I'd say if you're considering an Octavia/Superb I'd say test drive a 2.0T Mondeo in either Vignale/Titanium Spec, sapce wise the Superb/Mondeo are closer to the 5 series.
Vignale
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007101...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007030...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008293...
Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009173...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009173...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009043...
Superb Sportline
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009143...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009183...
Vignale
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007101...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007030...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008293...
Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009173...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009173...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009043...
Superb Sportline
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009143...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009183...
I've had a e60 in the past but it was I while back. However in recent years I've gone from a 430d to a VRS estate to a 530e.
The Octavia was easy to live with. More space, better thought out as a family car. The infotainment in the Skoda is better than iDrive.
5 minutes in the skoda I had setup the SatNav, download phone contacts, hooked up music, download music, set all DAB channels etc. In 2 years of the 5 series I still haven't managed half of this.
Also BMW DAB reception is crap.
So the Skoda infotainment isn't as stupid. It more logical than the idrive you crazy. Just is easier to live with.
To drive the VRS was similar in refinement to the 4 series, but the existing 530e is superior to both and more than what I can remember on the E60. The 530e is very refined, comfortable and a great luxury cruiser, I'm very impressed. Buts its dull, very dull unlike the E60.
The 530e seems very well damped and soaks up the bumps (even with M sport suspension and 19") near Jag level of refinement.
The VRS was slightly more noisy than the 4 and 5 series, both tyre and wind noise but nothing terrible.
The steering on the VRS is better than the both the 530e and 4 series, its very direct and the turn in is accurate and never really had a problem with grip unless floored when damp. The VRS is a better drivers car and the steering is more connected and direct. The front diff similar to the GTI works well when turning in, you feel the inside wheel grip and pull the car through.
The VRS chassis was neutral but because its less well damped its was very hard to judge, it skipped around on rougher surfaces whereas the 4 and 5 series are better balanced and float through corners. But the BMW pitch and roll more ( especially the hybrid as you can feel the weight when switching direction) but the grip and balance is always there.
The VRS is flat, grippy but doesn't quite have the finesse or balance of the BMW. This isn't massive negative as other aspects are better.
AS far as quality is concerned , the VRS felt much better screwed together than any of the BMW's (apart from the E60). However the materials used in the VRS were slightly less 'premium' and didn't wear as well as expected. The seat bolsters faded, the back seats (after kids) marked ealier whereas the BMW interiors seemed more kid proof.
In many ways the VRS is a better car to live with, more of a drivers car. But the 5 series are just the next level up in refinement especially if you have 6 cylinders.
The Octavia was easy to live with. More space, better thought out as a family car. The infotainment in the Skoda is better than iDrive.
5 minutes in the skoda I had setup the SatNav, download phone contacts, hooked up music, download music, set all DAB channels etc. In 2 years of the 5 series I still haven't managed half of this.
Also BMW DAB reception is crap.
So the Skoda infotainment isn't as stupid. It more logical than the idrive you crazy. Just is easier to live with.
To drive the VRS was similar in refinement to the 4 series, but the existing 530e is superior to both and more than what I can remember on the E60. The 530e is very refined, comfortable and a great luxury cruiser, I'm very impressed. Buts its dull, very dull unlike the E60.
The 530e seems very well damped and soaks up the bumps (even with M sport suspension and 19") near Jag level of refinement.
The VRS was slightly more noisy than the 4 and 5 series, both tyre and wind noise but nothing terrible.
The steering on the VRS is better than the both the 530e and 4 series, its very direct and the turn in is accurate and never really had a problem with grip unless floored when damp. The VRS is a better drivers car and the steering is more connected and direct. The front diff similar to the GTI works well when turning in, you feel the inside wheel grip and pull the car through.
The VRS chassis was neutral but because its less well damped its was very hard to judge, it skipped around on rougher surfaces whereas the 4 and 5 series are better balanced and float through corners. But the BMW pitch and roll more ( especially the hybrid as you can feel the weight when switching direction) but the grip and balance is always there.
The VRS is flat, grippy but doesn't quite have the finesse or balance of the BMW. This isn't massive negative as other aspects are better.
AS far as quality is concerned , the VRS felt much better screwed together than any of the BMW's (apart from the E60). However the materials used in the VRS were slightly less 'premium' and didn't wear as well as expected. The seat bolsters faded, the back seats (after kids) marked ealier whereas the BMW interiors seemed more kid proof.
In many ways the VRS is a better car to live with, more of a drivers car. But the 5 series are just the next level up in refinement especially if you have 6 cylinders.
clockworks said:
I had a 2007 E61 525d LCI until 3 years ago, and now have a 2016 Skoda Superb 280 L&K estate.
Very similar levels of comfort, refinement and space, but more rear legroom in the Skoda.
The Superb is a fair bit quicker.
I used to average 39mpg with the BMW, the Skoda gets 35mpg.
I went from an e61 535d to a Superb 280 and would agree with much of this, except the speed gap wasn't there with the 535 Very similar levels of comfort, refinement and space, but more rear legroom in the Skoda.
The Superb is a fair bit quicker.
I used to average 39mpg with the BMW, the Skoda gets 35mpg.
and you obviously have a lighter right foot than I as I only averaged about 25 mpg over about 20,000 miles 
Even though it is bigger in most dimensions the Superb drives like a smaller car though, perhaps betraying its fwd hatchback roots. This is both a positive and a negative. The ride in particular was always a little disappointing, regardless of the DCC setting employed.
The Octavias I've driven were much cruder affairs in terms of ride than even the Superb though, I wouldn't thank you for one after coming out of a 5/E/A6 etc.
loudlashadjuster said:
I went from an e61 535d to a Superb 280 and would agree with much of this, except the speed gap wasn't there with the 535 and you obviously have a lighter right foot than I as I only averaged about 25 mpg over about 20,000 miles
Even though it is bigger in most dimensions the Superb drives like a smaller car though, perhaps betraying its fwd hatchback roots. This is both a positive and a negative. The ride in particular was always a little disappointing, regardless of the DCC setting employed.
The Octavias I've driven were much cruder affairs in terms of ride than even the Superb though, I wouldn't thank you for one after coming out of a 5/E/A6 etc.
I live in a semi-rural area, and use my other car (Kia Picanto GT-Line S turbo) for most local journeys. I know that the fuel consumption of the 280 increases dramatically on short town trips. I spent a few days in Plymouth last year, and was getting around 20mpg taking my niece to primary school. and you obviously have a lighter right foot than I as I only averaged about 25 mpg over about 20,000 miles Even though it is bigger in most dimensions the Superb drives like a smaller car though, perhaps betraying its fwd hatchback roots. This is both a positive and a negative. The ride in particular was always a little disappointing, regardless of the DCC setting employed.
The Octavias I've driven were much cruder affairs in terms of ride than even the Superb though, I wouldn't thank you for one after coming out of a 5/E/A6 etc.
My E61 had 94k on the clock when I bought it, so the suspension may have been a little past its best, while the Superb is still under 30k - maybe not a totally fair comparison in my case. I leave the DCC in "normal" (gearbox in Eco, steering in sport), and I find it rides well for a big and relatively cheap car.
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