Re: Review: Skoda Octavia (3rd-gen) Been thinking about writing down my ownership experience but did not get time earlier.
So I am in the 6th year of the ownership of 2016 Octavia 2 TDI Manual and what a journey it has been. Love this car to every bit of it. As most here was confused between Jetta and Octavia and finally settled for Octavia as it was faster than Jetta in stock form and I could connect this car better than Jetta. Though even now when I see a Jetta, I keep starting at that.
Now coming to the car it has been serving me really well and is super reliable (touchwood). The car has run 63k kms. Not even once the car left me stranded, other than the regular repairs (battery, clutch replacement). Definitely had few niggles like ac vent and steering controls breaking, other than that absolutely no issues. Otherwise the car has aged really well and interiors still look great
With the desire of owning a new car, last year around this time I had almost booked a 320d, but was not convinced to pay 50+ big ones considering the depreciation. Also the practicality was taking a hit with that small usable boot (being used to Octavia's) and the fact that its a 2 litre engine still. And being in Bangalore the used cars did not make sense.
That's when thought of rejuvenating my car (thanks to Team Bhp thread) and since then series of modification as below - Pete's ECU Stage 1 Remap: : Claimed power figures of 190 BHP and 400 torque though haven't dyno'd. But the way the car behaves now, I do not have much to suspect the claim numbers. Octavia TDI MT in stock itself was a faster car with 0 to 100 in 8.6 seconds. Have not checked the 0 to 100 post remap but can say the car picks speed very well. The 4th gear cleanly pulls to insane speeds. Also changed to K&N air filter Bilstein B6 : This is the best ever mod done on my car. The slow speed ride is slightly bumpy on uneven roads and stiff, but it shines on highways. The expansion joints or broken patches doesn't effect at all. I should not have waited for 5 years to get this done 17 inch Alloys: : Upgraded to MSW by OZ 17 8J alloys coupled with 225/45 Conti SC5. Though stiffer ride, the high speed stability and cornering is amazing. The car ride like from a segment above. This along with the B6 gives the feel of car being glued to the road at any speeds. I would have still preferred for PS4, but Michelin was not in stock. Brakes : Upgraded to Brembo dotted rotors and Brembo Xtra pads in the front. For rear only changed the pads to Brembo in stock rotors. This is still bedding in, need to see how it performs post few kms. Sports Pedal : Installed Razo GT Spec aluminum pedals, this is a drilled one Lights upgrade: Bi-xenon with projector for headlights, HID for fogs, LED DRL and all interior lights to LED. The ambition variant came with dual barrel halogen lamps. Now the issue is the high beam unit in stock is H15 which is a rare model with both high beam and halogen DRL in single bulb. This set up is good as I rarely drive in high beam, and in conditions where it is required I have both bi-xenon and halogen high beams. But whenever the headlights are on, halogen DRL glows too in yellow and its an eye shore. Need to find an alternative as H15 lights are difficult to procure. Android Headunit : Now the stock headunit was looking outdated in otherwise a very well laid out cabin. Upgraded to 10 inch android head unit (4/64) with wireless apple car play and also integrated reverse camera. The cabin is now very modern and matches the new cars. Works seamlessly.
Thanks to Team BHP for the valuable contents, advises and ownership posts based on which I had done most of the mods. The good thing about aftermarket mods is you research things and learn quite a lot - before I got in to it I did not know most of the aspects on suspension brands or components, wheel brands and cost / other technical things but you started learning things and that journey is very exciting. Only thing is you burn a lot of money, but you save a lot by not buying a new car too.
Now with all these upgrades, I am planning to keep the car for another 3 to 4 years (hopefully). The car is fast, high speed stability and handling is amazing, very practical, has quality interiors and for me very reliable too. Challenge is finding a right replacement for this - neither 320d, or C class or A4 feels like a right upgrade now. Being a die hard fan of BMW only car I can think of is 330i, but still don't feel worth spending that money yet |