gogleddoffa

I have been running my 170 diesel 4x4 L&K with 18" Superb Luna alloys each winter for the past four years on Michelin Alpin A4s. These work well and as I bought the additional wheels and tyres with the new car, I don't have to swap tyres on the rims each year; I'd not be happy using the Sirius alloys over the winter. I drive from North to South Wales regularly and almost never have come across any traction issues with these Alpin tyres and the 4wd, even in -7 to -9 degree conditions. I'd see little reason to switch to 17" in the UK as the ride quality and grip is still more than adequate for Britsih winters and I'm still using the original tyres after 3-4 months each year on the winter tyres despite around 12-16,000 miles in total winter use so far in cold temperatures and with normal roads rather than snow or ice most of the time. Road noise is barely different from summer tyres. I've also run Michelin Alpin tyres on the Partner/Berlingo van for my wife's business and similarly the Agilis Alpin and Alpin A5s we've used have instilled confidence with the delivery drivers. I bought these after minor accident my then driver had had in the bad winter of 2010/2011. If you're running the powerful V6, don't stint on indifferent tyres. Costco will always give you a good price if you're nearby a branch and know someone with a Costco card and their fitting is excellent. They've supplied all mine. Cross Climates would be a good compromise if you don't want to have two sets of wheels.

I have used Group B for to look after my Scooby for a few years. Can recommend them highly and know they're popular with that fraternity and for similar meets. Mazda UK also use them to look after their Heritage collection so they must be doing something right. Enjoy your day there.

Agree with Optimist. I have a 4x4 L&K 170 Combi manual bought last autumn with spare set of alloys and fitted these with Michelin winter tyres for my country use. Well worth the investment. During this last winter with these tyres fitted and using throughout the snow and ice, went where I wanted whenever I wanted. This included several trips to South Wales down the A470 or the A49 in poor weather and I only saw the traction warning light on once all winter with this combination. I do press on but the confidence the Superb still gives in sub zero conditions knocks spots over my other vehicles even with either winter tyres (a Partner also with 'Ultragrip' traction control) or four wheel drive alone (an Impreza WRX). Will keep Superb for 4-5 years at least so winter tyres used mid-November to March will pay for themselves over this period and Luna alloys much easier to keep clean in the winter weather than the fiddly 20 spoke L&K alloys. Awesome, and still more than 50mpg average over 10k to boot as 4WD only kicks in when it needs to (use mine mainly on A-class roads and longer journeys). Don't listen to the naysayers; you'll appreciate it if you can afford it. The 140 4x4 with DSG was a little underpowered and a bit too much transmission noise when I've tested two of these previously; yet to check out either the latest 170 4x4 with DSG or the 140 4x4 with manual but these changes will presumably reduce the contrast between them. I'd really prefer a diesel 200 4x4 with DSG if they'd be persuaded to do one next time round; here's hoping!

Just acquired a well specified "Amethyst" L&K I had ordered with more than a dozen options back in July; discreet mid grey metallic with a purple hue that left my Jaguar in Vapour Grey looking a little bland ('faded' which it isn't) alongside. Vapour Grey is similar to Cappuccino (so I wanted to avoid) and Amethyst similar to paler version of Pearl Grey used on XFs until mid 2010. Either Amethyst or Cappuccino goes well with the brown interior and is just a little less predictable than the Magnetic Brown L&Ks that isn't now such an 'exclusive' colour, given how many L&Ks it is seen on. Having had ivory, tan and black leathers in previous vehicles, don't let naysayers put you off the brown interior. A tremendous vehicle I guarantee you will enjoy. Would post some pictures but already grubby and needs a wash when the opportunity arises. Generally agree with ukcruiser; take the wood option if it is now available - I couldn't; it will look better than the piano black I have had.

Note Amundsen+ is only listed version of Amundsen sat nav system; this comes with DAB and suggests some models (e.g. Superb SE Plus) may come with DAB as standard; I wonder how long before Columbus is upgraded in the UK? Keen to order Superb Elegance Combi with DAB.