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.
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.
What do you think of the Merc A-Class Saloon?
Hi,
have you some views of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon? What models are available? Is it value for money? Thinking of buying one for the 201 registration.
Regards,
Pat Conway
Patrick Conway (Fountainstown)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model.
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.
Difference between the Skoda Fabia trims?
What is the difference between the Skoda Fabia Style and the Skoda Fabia Ambition?
Ben Jackson (LIMERICK)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ben,
Ambition is the Skoda Fabia’s mid-level trim, one up from a basic Active. Prices for the cheapest Fabia Ambition start at €17,000 and standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather multi-function steering wheel, front and rear electric windows, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear reading lights and an umbrella stashed under the front passenger seat.
A €19,900 Style upgrades all that with extra toys such as 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, automatic headlights, a front centre armrest and height adjustable seats.
What will we replace our Passat with?
Hi there I have a query please.
I have a 181 Passat Comfortline with 78,000km on the clock. We are looking to change as we do every two years. We have got varying prices of €15,000 for the Passat and €16,000 for a Tiguan. We are thinking of the SUV route and have also priced the Skoda Karoq, where we were quoted €11,000. We don't think we are willing to pay as dear to stay Volkswagen, but the garage has a 192 demo Tiguan for €11,000 and wondering if that is worth it. Because of high mileage, resale value is a consideration.
Any advice appreciated.
Eleanor McGrath (Co.Clare)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eleanor,
I think, in general, you’re being given a decent trade-in against your Passat, assuming that the cars you’re looking at have a new price tag of around €35,000. I think of the cars you’ve mentioned, the Skoda looks like the best deal (surprise, surprise) as it’s basically identical to the Tiguan underneath, and just as good to drive. Just as well-made, too. Obviously, going for a demo Tiguan makes a lot of sense too, but just remember that it’ll technically be a two-owner car once it comes to resale time. One final wrinkle is that the new Passat (not entirely new but with some significant updates) is just arriving in dealerships now, so would be worth checking out to see if you prefer that to an SUV.
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:
Timing belts or chains?!
Hi!
I was a bit concerned to read in an online article that the timing chain on a three-year-old Volvo V60 (just outside warranty) broke and destroyed the engine (and until the newspaper got involved Volvo was going to make the owner pay for the new engine). The article also said that they were noticing an increase in timing chains breaking. Surely the whole point of a chain vs belt was that it would last. Better off with a belt and changing it at 150,000km. Costly, but, perhaps unthinkable, more secure??
Having been very taken with your recent review of the V60, I'm reconsidering going back to a Skoda, but unfortunately, the same article said that the Volkswagen Group were suffering particularly from broken chains. Does the Superb diesel have a chain or belt? Do all cars now have timing chains?
Cheers
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Oct 2019 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
First up, it's worth mentioning that there is not a massive worldwide problem with timing chains. They fail in some cars some of the time, but that does not mean they are inherently less reliable than timing belts. Every car is different in that regard so we'd urge you not to choose a car based on that.
There is no 'norm' - each car maker chooses which to use for a given engine and there doesn't seem to be any trend one way or the other as far as we can seen.
The 2.0 TDI diesel engine in the pre-facelift Superb definitely used a timing belt, but there's a new engine in the facelifted model ('2.0 TDI evo') and we've not had a lot of information on the timing system. The one photograph of the image I've found shows a plastic cover to the front of the engine, suggesting that it does still have a timing belt.
A Toyota a replace my Skoda Superb with?
Hi,
I currently have a Skoda Superb estate, which I find handy for the occasional bulky load. I was thinking of probably changing it for a similar model (having daydreamed of more exotic cars like a Ford Raptor - I'm just not willing to pay the annual road tax). However, there is a view out there that the most reliable cars are Toyotas. Is there a Toyota that would come close to to the Superb estate in terms of load capacity?
Thanks
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Aug 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, you’re right about Toyotas being reliable. In fact, if reliability is your ultimate goal, then Toyota, Honda and Subaru are usually your safest bets. That said, Skoda is rarely that far behind the big Japanese names in reliability terms, and often is the best-performing European marque in that regard. In terms of load capacity, the answer is almost, but not quite. The roomiest boot in the in the Toyota range right now belongs to the Corolla Touring Sports estate. Now, this is one of our favourite cars right now — good looking, good to drive and with a seriously frugal and future-proofed hybrid engine, but with a 598-litre boot, it’s some 62 litres short of the Superb Combi. Still worth considering though, as, if you can live without the extra litres in the back, then it’s a more cost-effective purchase than the Skoda.
Another alternative is the new RAV4 Hybrid. Again, this is smaller than the Superb in the back — 580 litres when loaded up to the windows — but the boot is big and square, and again the hybrid engine is frugal and it’s got reliability on its side.
Worth remembering though that Skoda is refreshing the Superb this year (order books are open now for delivery later in the year) and there will be a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid in fact, this time around, so it might be worth waiting for that before making a final decision.
Relevant reviews:
Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Touring Sports estate (2019) review