You don't get the same standard kit in a Skoda as you do with a VW so once you've ticked a couple of extras boxes the cheap Skoda isn't that cheap any more.
I agree to an extent, although that surely ought to be judged on the basis of the equipment that you actually want, rather than simply comparing standard car vs standard car.
For example an Octavia vRS 245 has alcantara and 19 inch alloys as standard, whereas the Golf GTi PP has neither despite being £2k more expensive at list price.
Pre FL Mk7 GTi's and GTD's had KESSY as standard at one point. That was something i'd rather not have at all rather than have it given to me for free. I simply didn't want it.
Standard equipment on the VW is better than on the Skoda so that's your starting point. You can't compare a golf GTi to Skoda Octavia vrs and then say you get 19s and alcantara. You get as standard more on the golf so the 2k argument is non existent.
With respect your starting point is your budget and the car that offers most of what you want, and least of what you don't want. Otherwise you're paying extra for no reason. If you just don't want the Skoda badge then there's probably not a lot I can say to convince you.
I understand the logic with PCP or cash purchases (as seems to be the norm on here), but there's more than one way to skin a cat. My Octy was leased for far less than I could get a GTD for, the only things I added would have cost just as much if not more to add to a GTD. Sure I missed out on front parking sensors and an electronic handbrake, but I did get half leather and lane assist instead.
I'm intrigued to know what additional equipment a GTi PP has that you don't get on a VRS 245. As far as I can tell it's front assist, active info display and an electronic handbrake, but by all means correct me if i've missed something.
