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We had a 2013 Leon SE hatch 1.4 TSi 140 for almost 4 years and it was excellent. But circumstances changed and we needed something bigger thus the first port of call was the Seat dealer to look at the Leon Estate. We had already noted that the engine choice (1.4 TSi 150) was only available with FR trim and from experience with its sport suspension and 45 profile tyres the ride was a big step back form the SE we owned, but that is personal preference of course, it may be fine for you. But what turned us away was the packaging, it had a huge boot but the rer space was no different to the hatch, the leg room was acceptable but we wanted something that allowed adults to sit more comfortably so we left it at that.
I should also add that the 1.8 TSi was not a popular model. It was an older engine design and because the DSG models had the weaker dry clutch gearbox the torque was limited to 184 lbs, the limit of that box, it was limited on the manuals as well. So although it had more ultimate power, in the rev range where most of us drive for most of the time (idle to about 4000 rpm) it had exactly the same power but drank far more fuel. You can see why Seat sold so few. It was eventually replaced by the much better 2.0 TSi with a wet clutch box but very few of those sold and it was withdrawn from the range.
We have driven 3 Skoda Octavia estates and have really wanted to like the car. Excellent luggage space, good rear space, good spec, good price etc but each one has failed for the same reason, horrendous booming form the back of the car making motorway travel almost painful. One was a manual 1.4 TSi (beam rear suspension), one a DSG 1.4 TSI (beam again) and the third a DSG 2 litre diesel (independent back end), this confirmed it was not the rear suspension etc. Its a complaint that frequently surfaces on the Skoda forum so not just us. Didn't care for the 1.4 TSi - DSG combo but cared for the 2 litre diesel -DSG combo less. It was glacially slow away form the lights and slow to react to the right pedal. If you plan to take this further make sure you get a good long test drive before parting with even a deposit. The one good aspect of the Octavia is the availability of sensible tyres/suspension with a variety of engines making the ride more comfortable. But your preferred VRS will have 40 profile tyres, sport suspension and a rock hard ride. Is that a good idea living out in the sticks.
With regards to the interior both are a bit bland but still good quality, its down to personal preferences.
One estate we tested this time round that we really liked was the Volvo V60. Lots of space, a really nice place to sit, very refined and the 8 speed TC gearbox was a cracker. Not the most economical car (in either petrol or diesel) but way better than the Octavia - but it will cost more. With sensible tyres on most models it had a comfortable ride. Do not confuse it with the earlier V60 which was pretty poor for a Volvo estate.
Now for the wild card, the Skoda Superb. We are on our 2nd and they are great. Space is huge even in the hatch. We originally planned to buy the estate but no need unless you carry big square loads. The 1.4 TSi 150 PS (up to about 2019) is a great engine but I suspect having driven the more recent 1.5 TSi DSG estate it would not make a good pairing, definitely not for us. The diesel may be better but unless the Octavia we drove was a bad one it could still be slow to react etc. Its available with the 2 litre petrol and DSG and we wanted to drive one this time around but its rare, could not find one, if you can it may be the best choice. You can get a 4 x 4 Superb, not sure what engines but again it will be rare. The interior of the Superb is several steps above the Octavia and Leon, I (and many others) would say its comparable to an Audi or VW but that would upset another poster who still thinks those brands are far superior. Since its sold in a different market area all trim levels get a much better spec with many Octavia and Leon options as standard.
Get looking and get driving. But please, do not buy any car on the internet without seeing it, its could end up as a big disappointment and a load of hassle.
Edited by skidpan on 07/04/2021 at 09:19
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