Finally I got the chance to write up my experience on the Octavia. Hope it helps the community.
How it all began, a sad story:
I was very happy with my 2012 White Skoda Laura TDI Ambition DSG, which had clocked about 43000 kms and was soon due for its third service. Immaculately maintained car, fresh tyres, new Bolero music system, etc. etc. add-ons. I was planning to get Stanley leather seats for it soon.
I am a regular highway commuter since my present home and work place are 120 kms apart. I usually drive about 500 km a week, including 4x120 km highway runs. There was some construction work going on at the usual highway, so I took a diversion suggested by my cousin, and went ahead at my regular speeds (80/90 km/h for efficient driving) and loud music. Suddenly, I see a white Honda Activa entering the middle of the road from the RHS of me, about 100 m away. I start honking and flashing the high beam, while lifting my foot off the gas. The bugger just didn't stop, and after 5 seconds of heavy screeching and severing, a big "bang" and a "jump" later, my Laura came to a halt.
What I saw first, a shattered windscreen, MID flashing "P/N" for the gearbox damage, and when I tried to open my door, it would not open, I had to kick it open. I rushed to the person who hit my car, put him in my car, it was driving in "limp-home mode" . Dropped him at the nearby hospital, he just had minor bruises from the windscreen glass, and was fully conscious, thank God for that.
![Love Hate Relationship | My Magic Black Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI Elegance | EDIT: 180,000 km update-laura-crashes.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/long-term-ownership-reviews/1238652d1690757562t-love-hate-relationship-my-magic-black-skoda-octavia-1-8-tsi-elegance-edit-180-000-km-update-laura-crashes.jpg)
I started towards home when I noticed the car wont go past 1st gear, and also would not engage in reverse. The mechatronics had been shredded, leaking out all of the ATF as well via a cracked gearbox body. I left the car at a known person's office parking, and called for a towing service, who then took the car to the Skoda body shop. Two days later they informed me that the gearbox had completely been destroyed, and other body damages, wheel damage, etc. will cost me about 10 Lacs with labour and will be payable upfront even before they ordered a new gearbox. By the way, the new DQ250 gearbox alone costs 6.5 Lacs
![Shockked](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/Shockked.png)
The car was given up to claim Total Loss. I got a claim after 2 months of struggle, of approximately 10.75 lacs only. I originally paid 17 lacs for the car.
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The search begins: My attention was caught by the outgoing Superb, the minor refreshed Laura Elegance TDI DSG which came with a Bolero audio system, electric seats, Maxidot, and Steering with audio and Maxidot controls. But soon I heard, the Octavia is just about to be launched and I could wait for another month or so.
On the 9th of October, the dealer had received a car for pre-launch event. It was a Silver TDI Elegance. I went and saw the car, and I was in complete awe.
![Stupid](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/Sign stupid.gif)
I sat in the car, first thing I was already crazy about was the sunroof and immediately tried my hand at it, looked at the finish and fit lines, steering felt good, started the engine with just a slight twist of the key, it was much more silent than my Laura TDI CR engine and we were in an enclosed room! Tried the headlights as I wanted to see them in the flesh, and sold!
Went out and booked the car and gave the cheque for the token amount.
Originally I booked a Race Blue 1.8 TSI Elegance. After a week I was informed that the color has not launched yet, and I had to choose from Black, Silver, Beige and White. I asked for Black of course. Delivery was promised in 10 days, and I was hopeful, as at the time I bought my Laura, they told me 15 days to delivery, but delivered in a week!
Happily punting around in my "bouncy" Vento TDI. (no offence to Vento owners, but I hate the ride of the car, its too bouncy for my habit of the Laura and Octavia, even Innova) It was almost F1 time. I left for Delhi and had not heard from the dealer about the car till then. It was over a month now, with constant delays and excuses. I finally called to cancel my booking and I asked for a refund. After two hours of that call, I got a call from the SA, that they had two options, Silver or Black. I chose Black, and got the delivery on 1st November 2013. Its till date to my knowledge, the only 1.8 TSI Elegance in Gujarat.
![Love Hate Relationship | My Magic Black Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI Elegance | EDIT: 180,000 km update-octy-front-34.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/long-term-ownership-reviews/1238655d1690757609t-love-hate-relationship-my-magic-black-skoda-octavia-1-8-tsi-elegance-edit-180-000-km-update-octy-front-34.jpg)