Posted on 12/27/2006 8:47:08 AM PST by Red Badger
The pace of a hot hatch, but more practical, cheaper and with fuel economy of nearly 50mpg – on paper, Skoda’s Octavia vRS TDI is a winner.
Take off for the first time and you’ll probably find yourself trying to rescue the Octavia from stalling.
Although the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol version is a well known performance bargain, only now has the Czech manufacturer decided to introduce a diesel option. Producing 170bhp, the vRS TDI isn’t short of power and, in estate form, it should make the Octavia an unbeatable all-rounder.
Fire the engine, though, and initial impressions are that refinement is in short supply. The VW Group’s proven 2.0-litre TDI powerplant has taken on a rougher edge in return for its stronger punch. Take off for the first time and you’ll probably find yourself trying to rescue the Octavia from stalling. Even though there’s 350Nm of torque available from only 1,800rpm, the way the unit is set up means the car feels reluctant to pull away, and so accurate use of the clutch and throttle is required.
Once on the move, however, the Octavia hurtles forward as if pulled by a towrope attached to a high-speed winch. The surge of acceleration is strong in all of the gears but first, which is unusually short. Yet each burst of pace is over in a flash, as the powerband is frustratingly narrow. Grip is another problem when pushing on, as the front tyres constantly trigger the traction control in the wet.
In dry conditions, the new vRS TDI is every bit as capable a driver’s car as its petrol brother. It’s not as polished as a VW Golf GTI, but it turns into corners sharply, and its accurate steering matches the strong brakes.
Keen not to deter petrol-biased customers, Skoda has ensured hardly anything distinguishes the oil-burner, apart from the fuel it uses. The only clue is the trip meter, which should display something similar to the claimed 48.7mpg – much better than the petrol model’s 36mpg figure. And, with emissions of 157g/km, this Octavia would make the perfect high-mileage company car. The hatchback is £18,370, while the load-lugger driven here costs £19,220. That includes climate control, a six-CD autochanger and vRS-trimmed sports seats.
So, the vRS TDI is a penny-pincher’s dream. But you’ll pay £845 more than for the excellent 2.0-litre turbo petrol, which offers smoother power delivery – and will be the keen driver’s choice.
Rest In Peace, old friend, your work is finished.......
If you want on or off the DIESEL "KNOCK" LIST just FReepmail me........
This is a fairly HIGH VOLUME ping list on some days......
"Why do Europeans get all the neat cars?.........."
Because they have many trained profesionals to keep them running.
19,220.00 Euro = 25,219.56 USD United States Dollars
Funny, I never associated SKODA with "neat cars". Sorta like saying the Caddy Diesel of the 1970's was a "neat car" because they replaced the engine for free every 25,ooo miles.
50 mpg is definitely "neat".........
I hate the term "Hot Hatches", they use across the pond there. I prefer "Pocket Rocket", rice burner, anything else really. "Hot Hatches" is so... ghey..
It sounds vaguely pornographic..........
50 mpg is definitely "neat".........
LOL--true... I wasn't knocking the diesel part but the SKODA part.
Gimme a winch launch in a glider any day....
Can a winch reel in that fast?........
It can't be as bad as, say, Renault or FIAT........
'19,220.00 Euro = 25,219.56 USD United States Dollars'
True, but the price quoted in the article is in pounds sterling, not euros, thus £19,220 = $37,647.20.
Bear in mind that the UK standard measure is the imperial gallon which is 1.25 US gallons.
'Why do Europeans get all the neat cars?..........'
I think it's because they are more willing to pay a premium for a smaller higher-tech car than Americans who prefer larger, lower-tech cars.
If you like that Skoda, you'll love the new BMW 335d - a 3 series with a 3.0 litre diesel producing 286hp and 428lb-ft at 1750 rpm. More than 95hp per litre from a diesel and 143lb-ft per litre plus an average mpg of 38!
'"Hot Hatches" is so... ghey..'
But not nearly as ghey as Hot Rod. . . . . :D
I rented a VW Golf diesel in Germany last summer. Fun to drive, but like the article said about this Skoda, with a narrow power band. Plenty of power and pickup in that band...but you have to shift quick, both up and down. If you let the revs get just a little low, the engine will stall.
Takes getting used to but not bad--just not the same as a good gasoline engine...like the old Beemer I drive here in the states.
Oh well, they're getting a lot better all the time, and can run on Canola oil!
Skodas these days are simply Czech-made VW's. A LOT nicer than the dinosauric Caddys of the Carter era...
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