Another road test Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 Elegance | Road Tests, Auto Features .

I'm quite intrigued by reviewers comment while comparing it with 2.0 TDI 170CR:

" The 168bhp car also has slightly different suspension settings, and they make a world of difference. "

Really?

The suspension issue was discussed at length on another thread, and we've established that there is no difference between the 140 and the 170. All of the suspension part numbers are the same, so I'm at a loss to explain why at least two reviewers have now commented on this.

Bagpuss.

The old Superb pd 130 was an altogether different car with 170bhp pulling it about so maybe thats what they were on about

i have emailed the editor at carkeys and pointed out this fact to them. they might listen ?!!

well - i am very impressed. The editor of carkeys (who was actually the reviewer as well) has got back to me with a very lengthy response. here is is......

Thanks for your e-mail. The first thing to say is that I drove 140 and 170 versions of the Superb TDI on the same roads on the same day and there was a very marked difference in their ride and handling. I asked Skoda's UK PR boss if they had different suspensions, which was rather a clumsy way of putting it, and she said that they didn't, so I then asked (as I should have done in the first place) if the suspension settings were different, to which she replied that they might well be, though she was unable to give details.

As you know, the two cars are very similar, even down to the fact that the weight difference between them is just 8kg. It is within the bounds of reason that this could be the critical factor, since the heavier 170 car would therefore be effectively softer-sprung at the front and stiffer at the rear (assuming that the engine is responsible for the entire weight gain) which would in turn improve the ride quality and make the back end more willing to follow the front through a corner. I wouldn't bet the house on this theory, but I wouldn't dismiss it either because the two cars do feel as though a very marginal difference between them is having a significant effect on their road behaviour.

I would go with the weight-difference theory if I could find no other explanation whatever, but I don't think we're at that stage yet, because we don't yet know that every single relevant component and setting - and I literally mean every single one, perhaps even including recommended tyre pressures - is exactly the same between the two cars. It is quite possible that there is some difference (no less marginal than the 8kg discrepancy) which is known in the Czech Republic but has escaped the attention of two dealers and Skoda UK's PR and Technical departments (no criticism intended to anyone concerned), and which could give rise to the very obviously different driving characteristics.

I will see if I can get a further response from Skoda about this. In the meantime it would be interesting to hear your own views if you managed to get test drives in both the 140 and 170 cars.

So, besides the philosophical discussion, is there anyone who has actually test driven both 140PD and 170CR?

Yep. I've driven both, and subjectively, could see no difference between them.

Having said that, road testers tend to try more extreme conditions than I did on my test drives (given that the salesman was sitting next to me).

I've got to go down to my local dealer in the next few days, as they are currently replacing the DSG gearbox in my Octy. I'll go for another test drive in their 140, and see if I can replicate what some testers are finding.

Bagpuss.

what's wrong with the gearbox ? hardly seems worth it when you are getting your new superb soon !

what's wrong with the gearbox ? hardly seems worth it when you are getting your new superb soon !

Looks like a bearing problem. All a bit of a c*ck up, really. When the car went for it's second variable service, it was due to have the DSG oil and filter changed. Only problem is, the dealer didn't do the work. This was before I got the car.

Now the box sounds like a bag of spanners, is slow selecting gears and has now started refusing to change gear. Being stuck in first isn't much fun.

Skoda have authorised warranty replacement, so I figured I may as well get it done. It also ensures that my local dealer gets the work. Given how quiet things are for them, I think they were glad to get the job.

I've also just heard that my Superb is sitting at the docks in Sheerness, so I should get it Wednesday or Thursday next week

Bagpuss

Yep. I've driven both, and subjectively, could see no difference between them.

Having said that, road testers tend to try more extreme conditions than I did on my test drives (given that the salesman was sitting next to me).

I've got to go down to my local dealer in the next few days, as they are currently replacing the DSG gearbox in my Octy. I'll go for another test drive in their 140, and see if I can replicate what some testers are finding.

Bagpuss.

Great - find out the crappiest road and see how the suspension and steering respond.

i bet you are a tiny bit tempted to drive to sheerness to go look at it arent you !!! go admit it. i know the thought crossed you mind for a second or two didnt it !!! LOL

i bet you are a tiny bit tempted to drive to sheerness to go look at it arent you !!! go admit it. i know the thought crossed you mind for a second or two didnt it !!! LOL

Only 30mins from me Might not be able to pick it out of the line up

Only 30mins from me Might not be able to pick it out of the line up

Just looked at the docks on Google Maps, and I see what you mean!

Needle in a haystack, springs to mind.

Only 30mins from me Might not be able to pick it out of the line up

shame you couldnt order it in tangerine then it would have stood out a bit