Winter Wolves - 3 car test

[ssc]

The latest number of “Motor” (a magazine by the Swedish Motor Association) has a 3 car comparison test which includes the Superb Combi 2.0 (190) TDI 4x4.

 

This is my own simple translation and has no affiliation with the authors or the magazine. Please excuse any mistakes.

 

This is a long article so a cup of tea and biscuits or a cup of coffee if you prefer before starting is my recommendation J.

 

 

Winter Wolves
Test: THREE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE COMBI´s - FOR REALY HARSE WINTERS

 

Triplets in all-wheel drive

Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6 and Skoda Superb. Three medium sized combi´s with all-wheel drive, powerful diesel engines and strong shaped bodies stand ready to meet the Swedish “wolf winter” in this year’s first test.

(Test drivers: Anders Helgesson, Christina Wallin, Mattias Backman and Thomas Klang.)

 

FORD MONDEO COMBI 2.0 AWD

Fifth generation Ford Mondeo delayed by two years from first appearance to premiere in 2015. Old already as new?

 

MAZDA 6 WAGON 2.2 DE AWD

Third generation Mazda 6 facelifted in 2015 and endowed with all-wheel drive.

 

SKODA SUPERB COMBI 2.0 TDI 4X4

Superb Combi is larger than ever. Is it still the rear seat passenger’s favourite?

 

 

FORD MONDEO – AT LAST

The idea was that the Mondeo would go on the 2015 "Low mileage fight" (“Motor” No. 2, 2015), but technical problems put a spanner in the works. Now, the Mondeo gives a more reliable impression.

 

MAZDA 6, SLIM FIGURE

In 2015, supplemented by sound insulation, now the Mazda 6 is quite tolerable, even on damaged frozen roads in Upland. Low kerb weight promotes driving pleasure.

 

SKODA SUPERB, LARGE AND HANDSOME

Previous generations of Superb have had rather strange lines. With the Combi body and sharp-cut lines the shape falls into place.

 

 

1.    ECONOMY

FAVOURABLY PRICED

When a car manufacturer wants to gain market share in the Swedish new car market the golden rule for a medium sized estate is to be close to 7.5 times the national price base amount. It is the norm limit for what a company car may cost for many businesses. 2016 corresponding to 332 250 SEK.

 

In the wake of the economic crisis the fourth generation Ford Mondeo lived on overtime, with lost sales as a result. Looking at the price tag, Ford has made every effort to regain market share. The tested Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCI AWD Titanium costs 332 900 SEK. Simplest Mondeo with three-cylinder (!) petrol engine starts at 247 200 SEK.

 

Joining the Mazda 6-club costs 239 900 SEK, with four-cylinder petrol engine. Tested Mazda 6 DE AWD Optimum is the top version with a diesel engine and costs from 337 300 SEK.

Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 4x4 tested "Style" version costs 325 400 SEK. Entry level Superb costs 46 400 SEK less.

 

FORD MONDEO

Five-year/150 000 km new car warranty. Service every 30 000 km or every 12 months. Three years/60 000 km, about 17 100 SEK, costly and gives one M deduction in points.

RATING: MMM

 

MAZDA 6

Three-year new car warranty is supplemented by a seven-year component warranty - generous! Service every 20 000 km or every 12 months. Three years/60 000 km, about 9600 SEK.

RATING: MMMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

Three-year new car warranty can be extended at extra cost. First service at 30 000 km/24 months, then annual service. Three years/60 000 km, about 11 700 SEK.

RATING: MMM

 

 

2.    MOTOR

THREE DIESELS

“I have never heard a two-litre diesel with 190 horsepower sound like this in the past.”

 

Mattias alternates standing in front of the Superb´s bonnet and tailgate.

 

"Engine knocking as a diesel while sitting in the car and standing next to the engine. But a few feet away, I cannot decide if it is a petrol or diesel. Anyway: I write "well insulated engine" in the test protocol. Nice double clutch transmission, that is also much faster than Ford's counterpart. But the transmission slips a lot when starting."

 

Ford's 180-horsepower engine runs hard before it reaches operating temperature. At highway speed, Ford has managed to insulate the engine's noise and vibration better than the competition.

 

The trio uses similar four-wheel drive systems, electronically controlled hydraulic clutch at the rear axle forces to drive the rear wheels if the front wheels begin to spin. From start all four wheels are driven to avoid losing traction.

 

FORD MONDEO

Strong low torque but shiftless engine character. In normal driving engine shifts before 1800 r/min. 180 horsepower should feel more alert. Clumsy gear selector.

RATING: MMM

 

MAZDA 6

Like Ford and Skoda, a six-speed automatic gearbox is the only option. Manual transmission is available with a weaker engine. Nice engine.

RATING: MMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

Powerful engine, efficient transmission. Superb is fast out of the starting blocks, close to two seconds faster than the Mondeo to 100 km/h. It is clearly noticeable.

RATING: MMMM

 

 

3.    DRIVING

A STEADY TRIO

"It feels wide, heavy and clumsy. The drivetrain is dull. The Mondeo has become a bit of a couch potato," says test driver Thomas after a long drive along Upland´s winding roads.

 

Previous generation Mondeo´s were renowned for being fun to drive whereas the new Mondeo has difficulty filling its predecessor’s tyres. The balanced but far from impressive steering tries its best to engage its driver but the Mondeo is more harmonious when the road is straight.

 

Although the Superb is not ashamed of itself, drivers who want to put a smile on their face should do well in turning to the Mazda 6. Here there is a "Yes, let’s go for it!" attitude the other lacks.

 

The Mondeo and Mazda 6 rear visibility is mediocre. Skoda's large rear windscreen provides better visibility to the rear and the best all-around visibility despite the small side mirrors.

 

Four-wheel drive for increased traction, and stability during acceleration. The feeling, driving through mud and slush, is much more stable and secure compared to a two-wheel drive car.

 

FORD MONDEO

Physical buttons for climate settings combined with touch screen for car settings and radio/navigation. The touch screen "froze" on some occasions.

RATING: MMM

 

MAZDA 6

The media screen is sensitive to bright lights. Smart detail: The touch screen works only when the car is stationary. When moving the knobs and shortcut buttons between the seats are used.

RATING: MMMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

The touch screen shortcut buttons for example, the radio provides easy operation. But why so tedious adjustment of the instrument lighting?

RATING: MMMM

 

 

4.    COMFORT

FORD STICKS OUT

On the E4 northbound towards Uppsala Mondeo impresses. This stretch of road is notorious for its rough and noisy asphalt, yet only a mild noise from the 17-inch tyres are heard. The suspension is comfortably tuned and the tyres, comfort-oriented high profile, filters out minor irregularities. Skoda and Mazda have chosen slightly firmer suspensions. Mazda manages its 19-inch rims surprisingly well. Superb can be equipped with electronically controlled shock absorbers for 8900 SEK.

 

The driving environment in the Mondeo is airy with plenty of room to vary seating position; great for long day trips. The competitors seating is lower and is slightly narrower.

 

Mondeo´s air conditioning had at times difficulty controlling the temperature. On a few occasions, the effect was like sitting in a sauna where the door opens at irregular intervals.

 

The test cars ''Soft, indoor lighting" provides some sense of flamboyance. Skoda's brilliant decor panels provide an exclusive look and is also available in the rear door panels.

 

FORD MONDEO

Comfortable seats with massage function allows the km to pass by quickly. Exemplary low noise. Efficient air conditioning system, but with too big contrasts.

RATING: MMMMM

 

MAZDA 6

The noise level in the cabin is now on par with average for the class. The tests least bucket formed seats. Good adjustment range of the steering wheel. The passenger does not have adjustable lumbar support.

RATING: MMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

The front doors have drained umbrella compartments. Front seat passengers adjust the lumbar support manually. 18-inch wheels hit slightly during sharp turns.

RATING: MMMM

 

 

5.    EQUIPMENT

WELL EQUIPED

In the tested "Style" version the Superb is well equipped to deal with everyday life. Three-zone climate control system, zenon headlights, parking sensors front and rear and electrically adjusted driver’s seat. "Tow bar Package" for 7900 SEK gives tow bar and reversing camera. The equipment level "Laurin & Klement" may be worth considering when, among other things, electronically controlled chassis, remotely operated engine heater, 18-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery are included. All for reasonable 20 700 SEK.

 

Mazda's Optimum is equal to their highest level of equipment, including navigation, leather upholstery, parking sensors, reversing camera, electrical adjustable seats, heads-up display, electrically heated rear seats. No wonder the test car's "Soul Red Metallic" (7500 SEK) and the lighter shade on the leather upholstery (1600 SEK) are the only possible factory-fitted options.

 

Ford Mondeo Titanium is just less. Heated steering wheel and auto-dimming rear view mirror however, feels luxurious.

 

FORD MONDEO

Relatively restrained equipped. Affordable optional luxury items as cooled seats, electrically adjustable steering wheel and leather upholstery. That helps raise the grade.

RATING: MMMM

 

MAZDA 6

Looking at the price it is extremely well equipped. Head-up-display is too close to the usual instruments to fill any real function; it is fun though.

RATING: MMMMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

Laurin & Klement? In 1925 Skoda Works bought the Czech manufacturer that became today's Skoda Auto. Affordable option, Metallic 6500 SEK.

RATING: MMMM

 

 

6.    SPACE

SPACIOUS BIG LOADER

With it 487 centimetres Mondeo has an advantage compared to its test competitors. Superb measures 486, Mazda 6 measuring 481 centimetres. Skoda and Mazda also have a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Mondeo, which in theory should influence the cabin negatively. This does not apply to the Superb.

 

Skoda's rear seat has leg and foot space in the limousine class, despite our nearly two meters’ tall photographer Erik Hagman behind the wheel, legroom is “wasteful”.

 

Ford and Mazda have good sized rear seats; the Mondeo is slightly more spacious than the Mazda 6. Our test team feel that the Ford cushion gives the best thigh support of the three. Heated cushions on the outer seats in all three.

 

The test trio have spacious and well-planned luggage space with hooks for bags, lashing eyes, storage space under the cargo floor and standing height under the open tailgate. The Skoda passenger compartment has by far the largest number of storage compartments for small things. Test Team's favourites are the seat side pockets for cell phones and the ice scraper holder in the fuel flap.

 

FORD MONDEO

Swallows 525 litres of luggage without folding the rear seats, three litres more than the Mazda 6, 100 litres less than the Superb. Deep bumpers give a long "load threshold".

RATING: MMMM

 

MAZDA 6

Like Skoda the rear seats can be folded from the passenger compartment or the luggage compartment. Lighting in the tailgate and not in luggage compartment. The cargo net cannot be secured when the seat is folded.

RATING: MMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

Separate temperature control for rear seat feels luxurious. Phenomenal space. Six lashing eyes against competitors four providing better flexibility

RATING: MMMMM

 

 

7.    SAFETY

STARS IN THE NIGHT

As two small suns the Superb´s adaptive xenon headlamps break through the winter darkness. Adaptive lighting means that the main beam is used to a much greater extent than conventional automatic lighting. To avoid dazzling the light image width and length are adjusted continuous while the beam can be partially screened off for the desired effect.

 

Mazda's light intense LED headlamps have a similar function, but does not work equally well. The main beam is turned on and off seemingly irrationally, sometimes the test team wondered if the function really worked. No drivers of oncoming vehicles protested against the glare. The test team feels that the indicator lamp showing that the main beam is activated is too intense.

 

With Ford´s "Driver Assistance Package 2" (6500 SEK) you get air bags in the rear seat belt. The effect, to mitigate impact forces, similar to force limiters. Another smart detail is that the front door "Soft, indoor lighting" switches from blue to red if the doors are opened with the ignition on.

 

FORD MONDEO

LED lighting (12 000 SEK) follows the steering wheel. By curve combinations, the effect is the light "disappears" in its eagerness to follow the steering wheel as it turns into the next curve.

RATING: MMMM

 

MAZDA 6

Optimum Package gives Lane Assist warning, rear blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking (even in reverse), driver alert and alarm. Good job, Mazda.

RATING: MMMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

Winner of the airbag wars by implementing knee airbag for the driver and side airbags in the rear. Driver Support package with Lane Assist warning and blind spot warning (8500 SEK).

RATING: MMMM

 

 

8.    ENVIROMENT

LESS THAN PROMISED

Skoda has the test trios more powerful engine, yet on paper the lowest consumption of 5.11 l/100 km. Mazda and Ford can present identical figures, 5.4 l/100 km. Good numbers, but is the Ford engine in reality so effective? Ford considering after all is 226 kilograms more than the Mazda 6. After about 1000 test km the old truth is once again confirmed, the official consumption figures are on the low side.

 

Mazda got a test consumption figure of 6.5 l/100 km, Skoda 6.8 l/100 km, while Ford embarrassed itself with 7.8 l/100 km. It must be added that the Mondeo and Superb had rolled just under 3000 respective 1000 km when we started the test.

 

EMISSIONS (g/km)

131 Skoda Superb Combi 2.0 TDI (190) 4x4

141 Ford Mondeo Kombi 2.0 CDTI (180) AWD

143 Mazda 6 Wagon 2.2 DE (175) AWD

131 Swedish average 2014

  95 EU´s goal 2021

 

FORD MONDEO

The car's heavy weight affects consumption negatively. Aerodynamic ingenuity as auto radiator blinds will help, but the Mondeo is thirsty.

RATING: MM

 

MAZDA 6

A capacitor stores energy during braking. According to Mazda this reduces consumption by up to 10 percent in city driving. The lowest test consumption.

RATING: MMMM

 

SKODA SUPERB

With a run-in engine consumption figures should decline slightly. “Freewheel” is not available in the other test cars, properly used, it saves fuel. Lowest engine rpm at 110 km/h.

RATING: MMM

 

 

BEST IN TEST – MOTOR

WINNER: SKODA SUPERB COMBI

The test winner Skoda Superb stands and enjoys the Swedish winter. Phenomenal space, four-wheel drive, fine handling and a series of ingenious design solutions in the luggage compartment allows Superb to be well suited as an SUV when the family´s puzzle of life has to be cut, trimmed and built.

 

BEST IN TEST: SKODA SUPERB

FINE TRIO – ONE WINNER

The smell of coffee spreads through the Superb´s cabin as the thermos fills the test team's cups. Engine heater growls quietly in the background and Mattias begins to speak:

 

"I do not understand today's SUV hype. Why do so many sit one floor up when the test cars are more or less equally flexible, fun to drive and have lower running costs? To motivate the SUV´s high ground clearance, the road to your mountain cabin must really be seriously uneven and rough."

 

Mattias philosophising meets with nods of agreement from the rest of the test team.

 

When we compared and summarize the ratings the Mondeo comes in third. The car's strengths are its high level of comfort, fine cabin and - properly equipped - a sense of flair the others do not match. A clear choice for comfort.

 

The test runner up Mazda 6 tempts with agile handling, fuel-efficient power-train and generous equipment.

 

Superb bears the test victory thanks to its fine interior space, high safety features and the many clever detailed solutions. Quite simply a superb combi.

 

FORD MONDEO COMBI 2.0 AWD

PRICE: 330 400 SEK

Road Tax: 2 771 SEK

TOTAL POINTS: 28 (40)

TEST RATING: MMMM

Despite the delay, the Mondeo is fully modern. Comfort king in its class and very well insulated. Diesel engines leisurely character suits the car well.

 

MAZDA 6 WAGON 2.2 DE AWD

PRICE: 337 300 SEK

Road Tax: 2 917 SEK

TOTAL POINTS: 30 (40)

TEST RATING: MMMM

The Mazda 6 is nice to drive and, according to the test team arguably, even to look at. In Optimum version it gets a lot of finesse for a reasonable amount of money

 

SKODA SUPERB COMBI 2.0 TDI 4X4

PRICE: 325 400 SEK

Road Tax: 2 354 SEK

TOTAL POINTS: 31 (40)

TEST RATING: MMMM

The back seat is closest limousine class, the smart boot impresses. Fine handling and reasonable cost of ownership.

[AlarP]

I was intrested of Mazda 6 estate, but when I realized that You cant get an electric tailgate, I gave up on it. Havent tried the Mondeo, but did tried S-Max. S-Max is much quaiter then Superb on motorways, the high sitting position is great and its very spacious, but at the end of the day, its an MPV. And I really hated the sat-nav, which is jerky. 

My missus likes the S-Max, I like the Superb - so the compromise would be the S-Max? Im not that in to 4wd eventhough I live in Sweden, close to Stockholm. This winter I have seen 2 days, where I would appreciate the 4wd, so Im looking for 2wd car. 

We have an 2011 Accord Touring which is a great reliable car, that wont go wrong, but when we bought a baby seat for a baby who is due any minute now, we realized that the seat with isofix base unit in place on back seat, you have to move the front seat so much forward, that even my missus is not very comfortable in there. Waiting for an anserw from sales guy, if they have a slot, where they can squeeze my cars builddate so I dont have to wait for it for 6 months

Edited 6 February, 2016 by AlarP