What to replace by Octavia RS TDI with?
Hi, I'm doing approx. 30,000km per year. I have a 2016 Octavia RS 2.0-litre TDI 184hp at the moment and am going to change over the next few months - pandemic allowing etc! What would you recommend? Are hybrids worth looking at for example?
Mark McNally (Galway)May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
If you’re prepared to wait a bit, there is an all-new Octavia RS coming, which will be available as a plug-in hybrid with 245hp. Now, it will depend on how you rack up those 30,000km as to whether a plug-in hybrid would suit you — if it’s all motorway miles then probably not, but if you do a lot of short-hauls around town, and can charge at home, then it could be ideal.
There’s also the diesel version of the new Ford Focus ST to consider, the new Golf GTI and SEAT Leon Cupra (all sharing their bits and pieces with the Octavia, of course), or what about a Hyundai i30 N — one of our favourite hot hatches? A few reviews to help you decide:
How much VRT and NOx tax on 2016 Octavia?
Hi,
What amount would I expect to pay on the NOx tax if I was to import an early 2016 Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel 110hp, and roughly how much VRT would I have to pay also, if I didn’t get one with more than 50k miles?
Thanks
Kevin, Kilkenny.
Kieran Hoolahan (Galway)Feb 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
Luckily, the 2016 Octavia 110hp 1.6 TDI has an exceptionally efficient engine in terms of NOx, and will only cost you an additional €480 or thereabouts. The rest of the VRT bill should be in the region of €2,000 or so, depending on what options are fitted to the car.
NOx levy on a 2017 Skoda Octavia TDI?
What is the NOx tax on a 2017 Skoda Octavia 2.0 diesel - SEL model, CO2 is 113g/km.
Michael Garde (Midleton)Jan 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The NOx emissions of that model are 70mg/km, so you’ll have to pay an additional €450 on top of the normal VRT charge if you’re importing one.
Does my 2014 Skoda Octavia need a new belt?
My 2014 Skoda Octavia 2.0-litre has 94,000 on the clock. Do I need to have the timing belt done?
Patrick O'sullivan (Cork City)Jan 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
The 2.0-litre TDI engine's belt should be changed at least every 210,000km, regardless of time.
What's the 1.0 TSI Octavia in 'old money'?
The 2017 Octavia is described as a 1.0 TSI. But what is that equal to 'in old money'. I just don't get the newer classification. Can you help me to understand?
Peter Lumsden (Dun Laoghaire)Jan 2020 Filed under: performance
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
Very roughly speaking, its performance is equivalent to an old 1.4 or even 1.6-litre petrol engine with no turbocharger.
You might find our review (with video) of the Octavia 1.0 TSI interesting.
Petrol or diesel Skoda Octavia?
Would a 2018 1.0-litre petrol Octavia cost much more in petrol costs than a 1.6 diesel to run in a year, when I will be doing 16,000 miles approx?
Donal Carroll (Tralee)Jan 2020 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Donal,
Well, fuel consumption depends very much on your own driving style and where (and to an extent when) you do most of your driving. That said, in general, we wouldn’t expect that 1.0 TSI engine to be much thirstier overall than the 1.6 diesel. In our tests, both engines are in and around as economical as each other and you should expect to get around 50mpg from either with a light foot. The diesel may be a little better than the petrol option at a sustained high-speed cruise. However, with such low annual mileage, we suspect that the petrol engine will cost less to maintain in the long run. It's probably the best option for you.
Is motor tax going up in 2020?
Is motor tax going up in 2020 before the budget? I have a 1.4 Skoda Octavia.
Gerry O Reilly (Limerick)Jan 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
No, motor tax hasn’t been changed for 2020, so you’ll pay the same as last year. The only change to the tax system is the introduction of the new NOx emissions tax, but that only applies if you’re buying a new car or importing a used car from abroad.
My Skoda has too-light steering...
My 2014 Skoda Octavia Estate has very light steering; it feels like driving on ice and the tyre pressure is OK.
Andy Wallis (Bedford)Dec 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
That's a tricky one to analyse from afar, but we do know that an issue can arise from the electric power steering motor that may lead to strange sensations through the wheel. Best to have it checked by a good mechanic as soon as possible.
Which Skoda Octavia parts carry over?
What parts from a 2006 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI Sport will fit a 2002 Skoda Octavia 1.4 petrol?
Tony Halpin (Abbeyfeale)Nov 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
The second-generation Octavia launched in 2004, which means you're most likely looking at two completely different generations of the model. There will be some small number of parts potentially shared across both, but not a lot at all, especially as the engines are also different.
Which 2017 estate to go for?
Hi,
I want to upgrade my old Ford Focus Estate (2005) as it's not very economical. Would like another estate but don't know if I should go for diesel or petrol or a different make of estate. Hoping to purchase a 2017.
Thanks a mill
Margot
Margot O'Leary (KINSALE)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Margot,
Well, you could go for the alternative option to both — the Toyota Auris Hybrid estate. Lots of space and excellent economy. I’ve put my reputation on the line recommending these to a couple of friends recently and so far, I’ve not been told off for sticking them with a bad car...
Other good alternatives are the Peugeot 308 SW, the Kia Ceed SportWagon, the VW Golf Estate and the Skoda Octavia Combi. The only issue, really, is finding any of these — estate sales in Ireland are so small that you may have to consider an import.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide: