Perhaps a daft question again but I'm still in the Superb II newbie mode. When I'd got mine delivered, there was a smooth motion between 1'st and 2nd gear. It has now become slightly jarring effort exactly halfway through the 1-2 gear change. Is this to be expected as part of metal getting conditioned with miles?

The 5 speed 'box on my Octy II 1.9Tdi was slightly hesitant from new, however, it loosened up nicely after a few thousand miles. My Octy has now covered 114,000 miles and the 'box is buttery smooth.

I don't know whether the 'box in the Superb II 1.9Tdi is the same, although, I'd expect it to be the case.

If the quality of the shift does not improve with miles I suggest you get your local dealer to take a look/test drive.