Advice/help needed, Cupra or Octavia VRS?

[elliottcharles]

Hi guys and girls,

As some of you might be aware I did have a Mk5 Cupra before (although only briefly). What happened happened, and I now find myself back into an 85 bhp Polo. Nice car, but on a completely lower level.

What I'm wondering is if another Cupra is the way to go, or perhaps a different route is the better option. I'd be looking at a pre-facelift Cupra, probably an 11 plate with most of the extras. Obviously it's familiar territory to me having had one, an standard Ibiza and now a Polo.

The other option I'm considering is an Octavia VRS, in 2.0 TDi form (170 bhp) probably again a 10-11 plate. A friend recently got one and I was mightily impressed by the engine and the interior quality. Only slight downside to me was the exterior styling, it's not as exciting as the Cupra.

I can imagine the VRS will be a more expensive car to run/insure, but I'm looking for a car that's got a bit of power, that I can also keep for a while looking forward to the future (I won't have the option to change cars very much after this).

So basically I just want your guys opinions on the cars, I know a couple of you have a VRS, my heart still says Cupra because it's what I've always wanted, but my head is saying VRS as it's bigger, more practical for the future (girlfriend in mind here) and roughly got the same power.

Any opinions or other suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks guys .

 

[Asha]

I'm new here but I was in a similar boat, debated on a VRS or a Leon. I had my arm twisted by a mate so here I am

 

[elliottcharles]

Haha it's a nice choice to have to make though, either way it ended well for you!

 

[pugboy]

They are totally different cars your looking at there so it depends what mileage and driving you are doing. If you need the space and do lots of long journeys I would go for the Octavia. Its a big old car though. I'm not keen on the old Leon interior - far too much grey plastic. I think the late models got a slightly better interior - the Octavia will be much nicer inside though.
Maybe a Leon FR diesel or Golf GT TDi would be a better middle ground?
I've noticed you can get some very tempting finance deals on the new AUDI models as well so that might be worth a look.
Might be worth a look at a 120d as well? They go well and offer good fuel economy. Not very spacious, but if you are used to a Polo they should have plenty of room.

 

[Forthewin]

Depends what hat your wearing:

Sensible hat = Octavia - Big, big boot, nice interior, pretty refined
Have fun hat = Cupra - Firmer, more fun to drive, smaller etc.

That said those skodas can be fun, just a much larger car.

 

[m0rk]

I miss my Cupra, but then I remember how much more comfortable my Octy is.

I don't miss the 'sporty' suspension skipping about on bumps, the engine/gearbox combo was fun

And the boot is great.... It's a rare day when I think that I've run out of space

 

[elliottcharles]

Thanks for the replies guys.

What's making this decision hard for me I guess is whatever car I get next will have to be one that ill keep for a while, so has to be a bit flexible in what I need it to do. It's what's making me consider the Octavia over the Cupra, it's still a fast motor, but a practical one at that. I do a lot more driving for work than I ever expect to as well.

Saying that, a Cupra's a Cupra lol, fast little hot hatch with an engine and gear combo that really gets the most out if the car and puts a smile in your face whenever you need to.

Not too keen on audis, never really liked the styling (or price) when you can get basically the same car from somewhere else in VAG. Have been eyeing a 1 series, but think I'd prefer to stay in the VAG stable, familiar and I love the dsg.

I guess my problem is I'm trying to plan ahead and have my cake and eat it haha.

Was it a huge difference in outright performance m0rk? Can you still have that sort of fun? That's the main concern for me.

 

[m0rk]

Speed wise, not much different in real life.... Bit slower, but still faster than 90% of the stuff out & about.

Handling - way better in the Octy. Bigger rubber, better suspension - just grips

 

[lil3520]

Very long time, i.e house, children. --------- octavia

short term, no ties, fun, single ---------- cupra's

 

[lil3520]

Had saloon cars with child. Child left the nest, had a hot hatch !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[elliottcharles]

Speed wise, not much different in real life.... Bit slower, but still faster than 90% of the stuff out & about.

Handling - way better in the Octy. Bigger rubber, better suspension - just grips

Considering what happened to my Cupra, the better handling/bigger rubber might sway it for me haha. Glad to hear it's not a great difference though. I have to say by far I prefer the Octavia's insides too, much nicer place to be!

Very long time, i.e house, children. --------- octavia

short term, no ties, fun, single ---------- cupra's

Had saloon cars with child. Child left the nest, had a hot hatch !!!!!!!!!!!

Haha I guess I'm thinking along the lines of moving out, being prepared just in case. I must be doing it backwards lol!