TimothyT

This again is a matter of perspective, you are creating positive relations with one brand (Skoda) while creating negative links with the other (Kia & some others). Think of it this way: When you buy the Stinger you are buying a car which had its' interior designed by the person behind the previous generation of Audi models, which were absolutely beautiful and the chassis and performance side developed by the man who was responsible for the best generation (argueably) of BMW M cars. In terms of pure driving performance it is head & shoulders above what Skoda offers in stock forms. I don't know what MY your Superb is, but I would say that the dash is on par with most versions of the Superb mk 3, unless you had the virtual cockpit + most up-to-date center screen. The virtual cockpit is obviously something that will be hard to beat in terms of functionality. Go drive the few cars you've been thinking of and don't rush into making a decision.

I think thats probably one of the best ideas that you can do, as any car purchase, especially as an enthusiast, is quite a decision. It could also get you over some of the biases that you have created yourself and take cars such as the Stinger out (aswell as the others you've been contemplating), as based on your explanation it does seem to be a car that ticks alot of the important boxes for you: rwd / awd, has an lsd, sedan / coupe bodylines but hatchback opening means that trunk is more usable than a 330i, loads more power etc.

I keep hearing the flap open & close during cold times when the car is started up so obviously I also want to know: when does it open under normal conditions? I will get the VCDS coding when my friend can come by whose done it.

Impossible to start a "brand fight" with me because I barely care about brands, but yes, I've driven a Polestar version, did not enjoy it, but maybe it is also a matter of getting used to it. I don't know about the "lower" specs of Superbs but I do agree that even the 2.0 280bhp version does have a fair bit of float, which makes sense due to its large boot but at the same time it is not that much more than a Leon Cupra estate has for example. So I do agree that the Superb chassis needs a bit of aftermarket work and as far as I understand a proper set of sway bars and perhaps even lowering springs should give it the extra stiffness it misses. Regarding the DSG jerkyness, I do understand what you mean but I think that the whole ZF vs DSG vs *smth else* is very much a case of preference and driving style.

Best bang for buck at its' price point by far as it was very slightly used but -30% below RSP while having more than 6 years of warranty when I bought it as well as all the performance. I was also strongly considering the Cupra Ateca (did not want to wait the 4-6 months for production) at that point while other options with similar performance and interior level were just so much more expensive. Now moving on to the Superb its' an absolutely wonderful car for its price point when used and the fact that it can fit my soon-to-arrive landseer puppy when she grows up.

Glad to join the forum as a new owner of a 280. Dark brown with light beige (or whatever the correct color is) interior. Had to get an estate coming from a Kia Stinger hatchback/sedan and getting something with the EA888 engine was a no brainer as I absolutely love the engine and the DSG gearbox, so I went with the Superb as it is the most spacious out of them, which at 198cm is a big plus. Can't wait for the spring to get it modded to stage 1, fitted with the H&R front & rear sway bars that are due to arrive soon and more beautiful 19" wheels. Maybe get it lowered aswell but not completely decided yet. The only picture I have of it, at a ice track event last weekend, moved like an absolute train on studded tires.

And another important factor of the Stinger: it is an absolutely gorgeous car when lowered and on 20's

Before I bought my Stinger I was looking at the C43, 440i, Leon Cupra and a few other cars from your list. I had actually ordered a Leon Cupra but it came with wrong extras from the factory so I ended up not taking it and got my downpayment back. The Stinger is a wonderful car and the only reason I ended up with a Superb 280 estate is that I am getting a large dog that the Stinger just wont fit. In terms of pure performance for sprited driving, out of the choice you have the Stinger is by far the best balance of value for money due to its very long warranty, the quality in general is nothing short of its competitors at a much more reasonable bang for your buck cost. The steering is very very responsive, it has amazing brakes on it which makes it a very fun car around the track also. I had the European spec AWD but as far as I understand the driving gets even more fun if you're driving a RWD Stinger. I don't have a huge bias towards brands so that is why it was a no brainer compared to the more expensive options such as the C43, 440i etc. After 3 weeks of driving my Superb the biggest noticeable difference is the DSG gearbox, that is much more responsive in the Superb compared to what the Stinger has, but it is still at a similar level to what the newer BMW's and Mercs have, but just the DSG is superior compared to them. The Volvo gearbox you wrote about is many levels below what the Stinger has and is absolutely garbage.