NRMA Open Road March/April 2010 - World Beating Wheels

**Bayford Skoda** · 20-03-2010, 08:05 AM

Next to none of our customers seriously compare an RS TDI to a Golf GTI... Different animals all together. The TSI maybe...

**gregozedobe** · 20-03-2010, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Bayford Skoda

Next to none of our customers seriously compare an RS TDI to a Golf GTI... Different animals all together.

I must be an exception, because I seriously compared the two, and chose the one I preferred to drive (the extra space of a vRS wagon was only a bonus, not a deciding factor).

I found the GTI was too "busy", while the Skoda was much more relaxing when in cruise mode (which is how I drive 95% of the time). Once I tried both out on a rough country road the vRS was way ahead.

Nearly 2 years on I am still very happy with my choice.

**bobski** · 20-03-2010, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by gregozedobe

I must be an exception, because I seriously compared the two, and chose the one I preferred to drive (the extra space of a vRS wagon was only a bonus, not a deciding factor).

Me too, I was serious until I walked into the dealership and saw that the new GTI looked a bit boring, opened the boot and thought, yeah thats not going to work.

It seems odd to me that they'd compare the TDI RS to the Petrol GTI when a TDI GTI is on the way. Maybe it was a case of what press cars were available at the time. But we've all done the value assessments and the Skoda is ahead by $4-5k (and the dealers are doing deals which they wouldn't do on a GTI).

I doubt Skoda would care too much though, they seem to be selling their allocation of cars? And unless you are Toyota battling technical problems that have caused deaths and a lot of suspiciously litigious activity, getting your name out there is great publicity. Being able to go head to head with the GTI hero car is a good result.

I'd definitely like to see an RS/Golf/mondeo/Mazda 6/Honda Accord comparo.

**mrgolf** · 20-03-2010, 11:52 AM

I love how you fan-boyz get all hot under the collar when Skoda doesnt get great press coverage. Even the RS, while being a very capable car, is just not world beating. While all else in its class might not boast the power figures, they better the skoda for equipment etc in the current market cos the Octy is out of date, even with the facelift. The other cars are simply newer. Comparing it with the GTI will always see it come off second best as the Octy just isnt as composed as the GTI. And, yes, 1.5K less than a GTI is pretty exxy when Skoda is meant to be the badge engineered junior brand of VW.

While I dont agree 100% with everything I just said, I do think I have expressed the other side of the coin most rose coloured glasses simply wont see. The Octy is a well built car which is also well engineered and equipped. But, while it is certainly amongst the top, it isnt the best car money can buy, even in its segment.

**RSwag** · 20-03-2010, 12:02 PM

Anyone with a smidge of common sense would see that the Golf is not an Octavia competitor or is in anyway a logical choice for a comparison. Jetta Vs Octavia, it's not that hard to get it right and yet these journo's reckon they are guru's, absolute morons more like it.

Jetta 2.0 TSi with the sports pack, thats the comparison flat out.

**RSwag** · 20-03-2010, 12:19 PM

The other huge problem they have is they allow journo's to forge the image that people then take with them when doing homework on a new car. Every single write up done by Drive has been absolute bi-polar, it's a good car but its not big inside, its a good car but it's dramatic to drive, its a good car but the gearbox is jerky.

They should to start promoting themselves and the qualities they have over other brands. They need to start creating their own image and push in peoples minds what they have to offer and how they see thmesleves in the market. This reliance on print media is a dangerous tightrope act, if journo';s think the brand is failing they will just rubbish it, it's not to far off that now sales numbers are low and the write ups have stopped or are negative.

Relying on them to save you is a bit dangerous for a brands progress in any market.

**bobski** · 20-03-2010, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by RSwag

Jetta 2.0 TSi with the sports pack, thats the comparison flat out.

I don't think so for the RS. You're comparing hero cars of similar spec (sure they are different shapes and this particular review makes the TDI booboo), which the Jetta does not have.

But the golf wagon is a competitor as well. But like the Jetta would not make my list to look at. Which makes Bayford Skoda's comment interesting, because the GTI was on my list before I actually looked at it.

**woofy** · 20-03-2010, 12:54 PM

I get some idea of why, reviews keep comparing it to something its not.

I don't know why they keep comparing it to the Gti, I haven't seen any reviews with it compared to the 147 Jetta which is what it should be compared against. It's not a hot hatch, its a family car with some GTi goodies inside it. Where are all the volvos, and the camrys etc it should be against.

They may as well thrown in an Audi TT and compare it against that.

There are mainly two choices for people looking in this area;

A-I have a family or need to carry stuff>>>Skoda
B-I can put up with a smaller/harsher sprung car to get the extra ooh factor>>>GTi

**Bayford Skoda** · 20-03-2010, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by woofy

I get some idea of why, reviews keep comparing it to something its not.

I don't know why they keep comparing it to the Gti, I haven't seen any reviews with it compared to the 147 Jetta which is what it should be compared against. It's not a hot hatch, its a family car with some GTi goodies inside it. Where are all the volvos, and the camrys etc it should be against.

They may as well thrown in an Audi TT and compare it against that.

There are mainly two choices for people looking in this area;

A-I have a family or need to carry stuff>>>Skoda
B-I can put up with a smaller/harsher sprung car to get the extra ooh factor>>>GTi

Exactly right...

The customers who do look at the RS against the GTI look at the GTI because its a great benchmark in the price range. Whilst the GTI is a great car it doesnt give you the bang for your buck the RS does.

For example, a GTI 5 Door DSG in similar spec to an RS with leather and 18" wheels equates to $47,190 + Dealer Delivery and ORC... An RS TSI DSG Wagon with the full leather upgrade equates to $43,280... Close to $4000 difference and the RS still offers more room... Sorry I get a little passionate about my Skoda's...