Should I change my Skoda Octavia for better economy?

Hi, I've a 2010 Skoda Octavia RS 2.0-litre diesel and thinking of changing to a 2011/2012 1.6 diesel Octavia. Just wondering is there much difference in terms of mpg or would I just be better off keeping the RS? I do about 45,000km per year mostly on motorway so reason for thinking of changing are the high fuel costs.

James, Whitehall

James McCartney (Whitehall)

Apr 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

---

Expert answer

Hi James,

There would be quite a significant difference in consumption. According to the official figures, your car should be getting a 49mpg average economy figure, while a 2011 Octavia 1.6 TDI would get 62mpg. That's the kind of difference that would really add up over the course of 45,000km. Mind you, you're talking about the difference between a 1.6 with 105hp and a 2.0-litre with 170hp and huge torque, so expect to have to adjust your driving style accordingly. As a potential half-way house, the new 180hp Octavia RS TDI should manage 55mpg…

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe