Another Hexus which car thread... 182 or vRS?

[Ant]

I have decided to change my little 1.4 Clio Dynamique for something with a bit more poke. I have narrowed down my choices to either another Clio, a 182, or go away from Renault all together and get a Skoda Octavia vRS.

I have taken a 182 Trophy for a spin as well as a vRS, and I loved both, but they are two different kinds of car. I'm just not sure what kind of car I want.

The Clio felt very aggressive, quick, and cornered well. It just wanted to go no matter what gear I was in. Power delivery was instant, and it was awesome to drive. It handled the corners very very well, which is a bit scary! Whats putting me off though, is the annoying dashboard rattles which I know most clios seem to develop, including my current one. The Trophy I drove had Recaros which were so comfy, but if I did get the Clio I wouldn't have that option. The Clio also looks great which is good, but I'm worried it may bring unwanted attention. (Loads of chavs in Tonbridge! )

Now the Skoda is quite different compared to the Clio. How should I say, more grown up? Power delivery was very smooth, and not as violent as the Clio. But still felt quick enough to put a big smile on my face. You could feel when the turbo kicked in! It drove a lot smoother too. Suspension is a lot softer but handled the bends quite nicely. The interior felt quite well put together too, and more robust than the Clio. The seats were very comfy too, and seemed to have a much better driving position than the clio. Obviously being a bigger car, its a lot more practicle with the extra doors and it has a huge boot! (Handy for lugging computers around! ) Looks wise, it looks very subtle and not as "in your face" as the Clio.

What are your opinions on these two cars? Would you have the supermini hot hatch that likes driving around on three wheels or the more mature larger Skoda? I know Doll has a vRS (or two!) and Cocopops had a 182? Any pointers guys? Anything I should be looking out for? A part of me wants the clio, but another part of me is telling me to get the Skoda.

Cheers

Ant

[Lowe]

I'm seeing Doll later, I'll point him to this thread.

In my own eyes it really does depend if you want performance at the expense of comfort or less performance but with a more comfort. The vRS is a very capable car, but it's no screamer, and as standard it sits a little high for my tastes. Doll has commented a number of times he's gone around corners which his old Valver took in its stride and he's not come out the other end feeling quite so confident, and almost lucky he got out the other end!

But, in the Valver he wasn't getting 55mpg, nor was he enjoying being able to hear what's going on around him Oh, and Skoda's develop rattles, but yes not like a Clio will, especially after it's a few years old and the plastic's aged a bit.

They really are as you say two different cars. They're both pokey and I think subtle hatches, very rewarding to drive, but utlimately the Clio is quicker and will leave you with the bigger grin - but at greater expense all round.

[Howard]

In my own eyes it really does depend if you want performance at the expense of comfort or less performance but with a more comfort.

My sentiments exactly.

I'd go for the Skoda probably. The main reasons being it's bigger and more comfortable (I like bigger cars) and it's VW/German, so it's reliable

[jon bda]

My sentiments exactly.

I'd go for the Skoda probably. The main reasons being it's bigger and more comfortable (I like bigger cars) and it's VW/German, so it's reliable

Seconded, i'd like something i could fit me, shelley and the kids in...plus the dog in the boot. Plus i keep seeing a yellow vRS around here and it makes me moist when i think about it chipped and lowered with anthracite OZ Super-T's...

[Howard]

I must be the only person who dislikes those wheels. I prefer less, bigger spokes

[jon bda]

I must be the only person who dislikes those wheels. I prefer less, bigger spokes

Do you prefer...



to...

[Howard]

Ye....No.

[5lab]

just out of interest, why these 2 cars? i'd have a look at a 'vic type r - probably better nailed together than either of them, or maybe a leon cupra r

[Howard]

'Cos he likes them?

[Ant]

^^^^^LOL!! (Eva Mendes btw!)

Come on guys back on track!

Cheers for your opinions so far!

I'm still trying to figure out if I want the raw performance or the comfort with a little less performance! The whole VW/German thing is also one of my main reasons for wanting the Skoda. Tis the same engine in the 180 bhp Audi TT, early Audi S3, and Golf 25th Anniversery edition apparently (or so the salesman says?), so must be a reasonably good engine. Though I have read that the Renaultsport engines are quite reliable too. Skoda would be change from my last two clios too.

I have thought of other cars like the CTR and Leon. I really like the Cupra R, but its a bit out my price range (for a newer one) and insurance is more than I'd like to spend. Same with the CTR, the insurance is sky high. There are also so many CTR's around here, its kind of off putting.

Any other cars similar to the clio and octavia you'd consider?

Cheers
Ant

[s29feb]

Whay not get the diesel Ibiza Cupra, fast and economical and come in at about 16k?

I have a Fabia vRS, and I'm a Diesel convert just sooooo much torque. I had a Mini Cooper before this and I thought that was fun but the fab is just mental

[Lowe]

I've just realised - you're on about an Octavia and not the Fabia. Sorry!!

Similar thing stands though, Octy's got a bit more room and also has a lot more scope for tuning. A simple remap and change to SUL fuel sees a tasty 215ish bhp...

[Neo_VR]

Depends..

A octy with uprated antiroll bars and a remap would destroy a clio in ALL departments.

I was in a Fabia RS today at anglesey (pretty much same spec as mine)... and we were pushing a clio trophy round the track, a stripped and prepped 205gti and a load of teggy type Rs... people were very interested in the car, and their jaws were dropping when they found out it was a diesel

Ultimately its up to you.. but ive come from a Clio to a Fabia vRS and never looked back.. the Clio was nothing but trouble for me and the dealers were horrific!.. its a different world is skoda ownership!

[hitman67]

I'd pick the Skoda anyday (but you should Know by now I'm a VAG fanboy)

I play pool with a guy who's got an Octavia 1.9 TDi 110bhp, it'll happily chip to 145bhp, and it's well glued together (W reg, done 300,000 Miles as a taxi without a single rattle) and it's not a bad drivers car, also it's good on the M-Way.

I'd say go for the Fabia vRS as it has the 130bhp 1.9TDi ,which will go to 145bhp AT LEAST.

[davidstone28]

Depends what sort of driving you do. The Skoda is the more rounded car in terms of abilities, more suited to longer journeys, better build quality etc. The Clio more of a 'hooligan' and probably more fun to drive, but not as suited for long journeys, load lugging etc.

Incidentally, that Eva Mendes photo has been airbrushed to death....

[Ant]

Thanks for the comments guys. Its always good to hear other people's opinions!

I don't do many long journeys, mainly short local journeys, so I'm thinking the Skoda may be more than I really need. Hmm...

I'm going to have to have a long hard think... At the moment I am really unsure.

Cheers

Ant