7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary

Shifty · 13-05-2006, 10:52

It's alright.

Ok...

Well, may as well come clean as I have no warranty now.

My 2006 Octavia vRS has been tweaked.

Shock horror.

Stage 1 revo remap, Blueflame exhaust, turbo back with 200 cel motorsport cat, k and n panel filter, forge BOV, and a stage 2 revo remap on top. (Remap soon to be changed - details to come mid June

)

Estimated power figs are in the region of 270 - 280 bhp at the flywheel, with torque at an impressive 300+ft/lbs.

Looks - clearly this is my opinion, but initially, I didn't find the car to be overly visually attractive. Now, I love it. It's strange, but it seems to be a head turner too, not because of the exhaust and BOV, but even parked/stationary, people look and stare at it. So many people have come up to me, more than they did in the Fabia, asking me about it.

Driving.

Well, after a month and a half of ownership, I have finally found my ideal driving position. Takes me a while to get it just perfect, and now, it is indeed perfect.
Noise levels are a little high at motorway speed, but the radio sorts that.

Brakes. My car has 80bhp more than it should have, but even so, the brakes are more than adequate for a spirited drive along my favourite twisties. In fact, I did 100 miles the other night, testing the route for the Blackpool meet, and I wasn't hanging about. No problems with the brakes, only after a while, they start to lack bite. I will be upgrading them when the ones I have ordered arrive, purely for the occasions when a really brisk drive is in order.

Suspension.

One word - amazing.

I have driven many many FWD cars in my time, and by far, this is the best handling of the lot. I have Dunlop Race tyres fitted to the front wheels, so grip is fantastic, but the chassis copes so well with bumpy/undulating surfaces providing comfortable, yet controlled progress. It takes potholes in it's stride too, as well as dips and crests. It's not easy to bottom it out, but seeing as the underside is totally flat, thats no surprise. Even with passengers and luggage, there is obviously a perceptible difference, but nothing detrimental.

Economy.
When I have my daughter in the car, I average 35 mpg. When I am alone, on a brisk drive, it drops as low as 10mpg.

On the whole, my average mpg over the last 3000 miles was 21.6.

Performance as standard isn't mind blowing, but a few tweaks here and there soon change that. The only area of disappointment on delivery was the lack of mid range power. Not a problem anymore, with bags of power coming in from 2000 rpm. Prior to the mods, I had to keep it above 5k to make good progress. Now, I don't even bother changing down, it really is just like driving a powerful diesel lower down the rev range.

What else is there to say...

Is it the performance bargain the last one was deemed to be?

Damn right it is. What else is there to rival the handling/comfort/practicality and price?

Nothing I tell you.

The car now stands me at list price, with all the tweaks, and there is nothing this side of 30k to touch it.

P.S. - the boot never fails to amaze people too, its f***ing enormous.

p.p.s - comments/views welcome from Briskodians who hae experienced the car first hand.

***Neo_VR*** · 13-05-2006, 11:00

Good review

The thing that struck me about the car in its current state of tune is the torque.. now im used to the immense torque of my diesel but this pretty much matches it... indeed i did get shouted at for changing gear at 4500rpm

its a very very fast car... having seen a rather scary GPS speed with 5 people in the car

Handling is also awesome, if not a bit on the "safe" side.. trying to follow down some tasty roads, and it just wasnt happening LOL.

all in all its a great package std, with extra tuning potential that we come to expect from VAG cars

if the mpg wasnt so scary id have one myself! but alas a 70 mile trip a day means that ill have to favour 60mpg to 35mpg

Fabia 12v · 13-05-2006, 11:01

Glad to hear your enjoying it

Tom_vRS · 13-05-2006, 11:04

Shifty, your car is absolutely fantastic. Had me speechless for a bit tbh.

When you took myself and Mr Stainer for a wee lanes run, I've never been in a car that goes so pant-soilingly fast around corners. Its addictive.

For a front wheel drive on standard suspension, it really is remarkable. You are going to be hard pressed to improve on it tbh.

The noise the car makes with the BOV and exhaust is divine. Its not intrusive in the slightest, but sounds so throaty when giving it some, makes the diesel sound positively agricultural in comparison!

The interior is spot on, the seats are so much more supportive than the Fabia, the quality and look of the trimming, the dash, the dials... its all SO right. Skoda did a great job, and again its hard to improve on.

As for the exterior looks, its quite understated, but very good looking. I was unsure, but the silver really has grown on me, to the extent that if I ordered one it would be silver. I love the rear spoiler, and the alloys should be kept imho.

One thing worth adding is the quality of the stereo. I know you have a (modest) sub, but the standard speakers have no problem keeping up. They are the best OEM speakers I've heard.

Tom_vRS · 13-05-2006, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo_VR

Good review

So thanks for copying it ALL in your post...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo_VR

having seen a rather scary GPS speed with 5 people in the car

With more than one of them being classed as "fat *******".

Quinten · 13-05-2006, 11:12

I'm following your progress with great interest Shifty, so I'm glad for this update.

Smifffy 3 f's · 13-05-2006, 11:26

Good review Dave. Your Octy is an awesome piece of kit with the mods that you've done.

TBH though in the looks department I still prefer the old shape Octy vRS.

I may be a bit bias though.

bengie · 13-05-2006, 11:33

does anyone in the know why the new vRS gets much better figures from simple mods than the old one?

is it down to the FSI, a bigger turbo or just a better engine?

Tom_vRS · 13-05-2006, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by bengie

does anyone in the know why the new vRS gets much better figures from simple mods than the old one?

is it down to the FSI, a bigger turbo or just a better engine?

I think it is down to the FSI and how it works. The N/A 2.0 FSI produces 150bhp, the 1.8 needed a turbo to get that much power.

***Neo_VR*** · 13-05-2006, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_vRS

With more than one of them being classed as "fat *******".

Thats no way to talk about loz....

Shifty · 13-05-2006, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_vRS

I think it is down to the FSI and how it works. The N/A 2.0 FSI produces 150bhp, the 1.8 needed a turbo to get that much power.

Also in its favour, it has a standard fmic, which is quite large.

Makefish · 13-05-2006, 12:34

youv'e modified your car and no one told me!!.

Pretty much spot on with the review but I'm intrigued as to what the final outcome has been with Skoda UK as to your warranty issues and the remap you have planned for June.
Please divulge Mr Shifty.

mdk1 · 13-05-2006, 15:32

Can you not buy a warranty from an aftermarket source, Do they cover mod's

AwesomeSarah · 13-05-2006, 15:57

Well Dave
I think I had a good experience in the car on the Cat and Fiddle meet.
That is one Awesome car and sounds the dogs danglies.
It is an amazing car , one that I would be very proud of too.
It did handle well , and yes them brakes do work , but cant really remember if you used them much as I think I had my eyes closed for most of the time.
Yes Skoda do deserve a pat on the back for that.
Shame about the warranty , but I am sure if you had a problem with the door handles , they could be covered under warranty

Excellent read thank you
Sarah

orinj · 14-05-2006, 13:49

I've just come up to 2000 miles in mine and reading this report certainly gives me a few ideas. They may have to wait a while as funds and warranty are more important to me.

AwesomeSarah · 14-05-2006, 14:07

The blow off valve and the Carbonio on Dave`s car sound absoluetly fantastic!!!
It would be the first things I would do to mine.
I am in awe of this car.
Sarah

ric04vrs · 14-05-2006, 22:14

good report on your car shifty , looked awesomely quick on that C+F run , and i do like the silver lots , its certainly better in silver than a FOCUS ST , they look totally anonimous in that colour

lozgti · 15-05-2006, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty

Well, after a month and a half of ownership, I have finally found my ideal driving position. Takes me a while to get it just perfect, and now, it is indeed perfect.
.

Then the good lady borrows the car and pulls the seat up to the windscreen and you have to find it again.

Drives me nuts

Good review.Wondered from other pics about the two aerials? One more and it will look like the unmarked Mk I patrolling M6 Toll

Shifty · 15-05-2006, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by lozgti

Then the good lady borrows the car and pulls the seat up to the windscreen and you have to find it again.

Drives me nuts

Good review.Wondered from other pics about the two aerials? One more and it will look like the unmarked Mk I patrolling M6 Toll

Good lady will be getting the Fabia next week - thus no altering of my seat in the Octavia

Aerial is for the *cough

TV

Funny you should mention unmarked cop, as with the zenons combined with the aerial do have a "calming" effect on quicker traffic

andy2407 · 15-05-2006, 08:57

What an amazing car.
Having experienced a trip on Dave's favourite twisties, I can definately confirm that adrenaline is brown

13-05-2006, 10:52	#1
Shifty Cereal Killer Join Date: May 2005 Location: The home of witty banter™ Posts: 6,245 Thanks: 71 Thanked 146 Times in 84 Posts	7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary It's alright. Ok... Well, may as well come clean as I have no warranty now. My 2006 Octavia vRS has been tweaked. Shock horror. Stage 1 revo remap, Blueflame exhaust, turbo back with 200 cel motorsport cat, k and n panel filter, forge BOV, and a stage 2 revo remap on top. (Remap soon to be changed - details to come mid June ) Estimated power figs are in the region of 270 - 280 bhp at the flywheel, with torque at an impressive 300+ft/lbs. Looks - clearly this is my opinion, but initially, I didn't find the car to be overly visually attractive. Now, I love it. It's strange, but it seems to be a head turner too, not because of the exhaust and BOV, but even parked/stationary, people look and stare at it. So many people have come up to me, more than they did in the Fabia, asking me about it. Driving. Well, after a month and a half of ownership, I have finally found my ideal driving position. Takes me a while to get it just perfect, and now, it is indeed perfect. Noise levels are a little high at motorway speed, but the radio sorts that. Brakes. My car has 80bhp more than it should have, but even so, the brakes are more than adequate for a spirited drive along my favourite twisties. In fact, I did 100 miles the other night, testing the route for the Blackpool meet, and I wasn't hanging about. No problems with the brakes, only after a while, they start to lack bite. I will be upgrading them when the ones I have ordered arrive, purely for the occasions when a really brisk drive is in order. Suspension. One word - amazing. I have driven many many FWD cars in my time, and by far, this is the best handling of the lot. I have Dunlop Race tyres fitted to the front wheels, so grip is fantastic, but the chassis copes so well with bumpy/undulating surfaces providing comfortable, yet controlled progress. It takes potholes in it's stride too, as well as dips and crests. It's not easy to bottom it out, but seeing as the underside is totally flat, thats no surprise. Even with passengers and luggage, there is obviously a perceptible difference, but nothing detrimental. Economy. When I have my daughter in the car, I average 35 mpg. When I am alone, on a brisk drive, it drops as low as 10mpg. On the whole, my average mpg over the last 3000 miles was 21.6. Performance as standard isn't mind blowing, but a few tweaks here and there soon change that. The only area of disappointment on delivery was the lack of mid range power. Not a problem anymore, with bags of power coming in from 2000 rpm. Prior to the mods, I had to keep it above 5k to make good progress. Now, I don't even bother changing down, it really is just like driving a powerful diesel lower down the rev range. What else is there to say... Is it the performance bargain the last one was deemed to be? Damn right it is. What else is there to rival the handling/comfort/practicality and price? Nothing I tell you. The car now stands me at list price, with all the tweaks, and there is nothing this side of 30k to touch it. P.S. - the boot never fails to amaze people too, its f*ing enormous. p.p.s - comments/views welcome from Briskodians who hae experienced the car first hand. __________________ Official 0 to 60 mph - 5.85 seconds. Standing 1/4 mile - 14.3 seconds. 251.5 BHP and 400 lbs/ft of torque. Oh - and 55 mpg on a run Everyone knows someone called Dave. And here I am** Last edited by Shifty; 13-05-2006 at 10:55.

13-05-2006, 11:00	#2
*Neo_VR* UberMod™ Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Manchester Posts: 12,103 Thanks: 67 Thanked 164 Times in 114 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary Good review The thing that struck me about the car in its current state of tune is the torque.. now im used to the immense torque of my diesel but this pretty much matches it... indeed i did get shouted at for changing gear at 4500rpm its a very very fast car... having seen a rather scary GPS speed with 5 people in the car Handling is also awesome, if not a bit on the "safe" side.. trying to follow down some tasty roads, and it just wasnt happening LOL. all in all its a great package std, with extra tuning potential that we come to expect from VAG cars if the mpg wasnt so scary id have one myself! but alas a 70 mile trip a day means that ill have to favour 60mpg to 35mpg __________________ ColGod the UberMod VXR, Gti, ST, Type-R, vRS, Cupra, Shifty... An MPS fears not these things... Last edited by Neo_VR; 13-05-2006 at 11:49.

13-05-2006, 11:01	#3
Fabia 12v RICHARD Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Twickenham - Middlesex Posts: 4,942 Thanks: 9 Thanked 17 Times in 15 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary Glad to hear your enjoying it __________________ First Car: Skoda Fabia MK1 1.2 12v Comfort Replaced with: Volkswagen Golf MK4 GT 1.9TDI Replaced with: Seat Ibiza MK4 Sport 1.9TDI Replaced with: Volkswagen Polo MK5 Ltd. Edition Sport 1.4 16v

13-05-2006, 11:04	#4
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 11,122 Thanks: 626 Thanked 382 Times in 263 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary Shifty, your car is absolutely fantastic. Had me speechless for a bit tbh. When you took myself and Mr Stainer for a wee lanes run, I've never been in a car that goes so pant-soilingly fast around corners. Its addictive. For a front wheel drive on standard suspension, it really is remarkable. You are going to be hard pressed to improve on it tbh. The noise the car makes with the BOV and exhaust is divine. Its not intrusive in the slightest, but sounds so throaty when giving it some, makes the diesel sound positively agricultural in comparison! The interior is spot on, the seats are so much more supportive than the Fabia, the quality and look of the trimming, the dash, the dials... its all SO right. Skoda did a great job, and again its hard to improve on. As for the exterior looks, its quite understated, but very good looking. I was unsure, but the silver really has grown on me, to the extent that if I ordered one it would be silver. I love the rear spoiler, and the alloys should be kept imho. One thing worth adding is the quality of the stereo. I know you have a (modest) sub, but the standard speakers have no problem keeping up. They are the best OEM speakers I've heard. __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. Don't miss the new DR COLORCHIPS GROUP BUY!

13-05-2006, 11:12	#6
Quinten playing dadsie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: fast lane Posts: 10,007 Thanks: 20 Thanked 40 Times in 37 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary I'm following your progress with great interest Shifty, so I'm glad for this update. __________________ Awooga!!!

13-05-2006, 11:26	#7
Smifffy 3 f's Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lancashire Posts: 571 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary Good review Dave. Your Octy is an awesome piece of kit with the mods that you've done. TBH though in the looks department I still prefer the old shape Octy vRS. I may be a bit bias though. __________________ AL. I'm not bald, I've just got low-maintenance hair.

13-05-2006, 11:33	#8
bengie splash!!!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: planet earth Posts: 15,029 Thanks: 15 Thanked 135 Times in 117 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary does anyone in the know why the new vRS gets much better figures from simple mods than the old one? is it down to the FSI, a bigger turbo or just a better engine? __________________ owner of a skoda octavia 4xvrs3

13-05-2006, 12:34	#12
Makefish Ex-Moddy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hampshire Posts: 8,193 Thanks: 176 Thanked 239 Times in 178 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary youv'e modified your car and no one told me!!. Pretty much spot on with the review but I'm intrigued as to what the final outcome has been with Skoda UK as to your warranty issues and the remap you have planned for June. Please divulge Mr Shifty. __________________ FOR SALE REVO Select+ Switch - £140 delivered For DV for OctyII vRS TFSi - £70 delivered

13-05-2006, 15:32	#13
mdk1 go green Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rochester, Kent Posts: 3,968 Thanks: 137 Thanked 121 Times in 105 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary Can you not buy a warranty from an aftermarket source, Do they cover mod's __________________ Mike. Mine Skoda Roomster 3 TDI in matallic Anthracite Grey MKLJK Swmbo's Skoda Fabia 2.0I Elegance in Dark matallic Blue MKLJK

13-05-2006, 15:57	#14
AwesomeSarah Site Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,733 Thanks: 34 Thanked 168 Times in 149 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary Well Dave I think I had a good experience in the car on the Cat and Fiddle meet. That is one Awesome car and sounds the dogs danglies. It is an amazing car , one that I would be very proud of too. It did handle well , and yes them brakes do work , but cant really remember if you used them much as I think I had my eyes closed for most of the time. Yes Skoda do deserve a pat on the back for that. Shame about the warranty , but I am sure if you had a problem with the door handles , they could be covered under warranty Excellent read thank you Sarah

14-05-2006, 13:49	#15
orinj Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Berkshire Posts: 308 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary I've just come up to 2000 miles in mine and reading this report certainly gives me a few ideas. They may have to wait a while as funds and warranty are more important to me.

14-05-2006, 14:07	#16
AwesomeSarah Site Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,733 Thanks: 34 Thanked 168 Times in 149 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary The blow off valve and the Carbonio on Dave`s car sound absoluetly fantastic!!! It would be the first things I would do to mine. I am in awe of this car. Sarah

14-05-2006, 22:14	#17
ric04vrs I parked up 1st Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: not near enough to the Ring Posts: 6,104 Thanks: 29 Thanked 177 Times in 172 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary good report on your car shifty , looked awesomely quick on that C+F run , and i do like the silver lots , its certainly better in silver than a FOCUS ST , they look totally anonimous in that colour __________________ not so bored now

15-05-2006, 08:57	#20
andy2407 Marmite Burner Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Upper Ramsbottom Posts: 5,396 Thanks: 51 Thanked 184 Times in 153 Posts	Re: 7000 miles in the vRS - brief summary What an amazing car. Having experienced a trip on Dave's favourite twisties, I can definately confirm that adrenaline is brown __________________ The future's bright The future's mellow Now with a little zest of Washbrook added

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