I have just done my first trip (200 miles, mostly motorway) in my replacement Superb, a 170bph Elegance DSG. The computer shows 43.9 mpg., by the way. .

It has confirmed my initial impression that it gives a smoother and more refined ride than the first one.. Why should this be so? Apart from the addition of the Hiil Hold (which works well) this car should be identical.

It is academic now as someone else is now driving my first car but I am curious. Could it be tyre pressure or even the delivery chocks that someone has mentioned.? Is there something else that could account for this pleasing improvement?

2 things

1) CR vs PD engine. The CR is almost petrol like in its smoothness (and if JCB comments, I'll ignore him :-) )

2) Supsension. The new superb has a far better suspension setup than the old one, so holds the road better, corners better and is an all round nicer ride.

I miss my old Mk I (preferred the more comfortable and wider seats), but the Mk II is a nicer car overall

Well said.

The Mk1 Elegance was in a different comfort league to the Mk2 Elegance. Maybe you only notice it if you've come from the Mk1 Elegance or are a bit bigger in size. Whatever the reason my view is that the seats are very disappointing from a comfort point of view, the car is great in every other respect. The new seats are no less than 90mm narrower (at the widest point) and 25mm shorter than the Mk1. The old seats were big enough to give you the opportunity to move around a little on a long journey. So It's hardly surprising that when you look at the latest 'Which Reports' for cars it only scores 3 stars out of 5 for 'Comfort and Space'. Nobody could fault the space so the low mark can only be down to the (relatively) uncomfortable seats (especially compared to the old model).

Despite the Superb being Skoda's 'flagship', the fact is that the seat squab is even physically smaller than the Octavia Elegance. The Octavia seats are 20mm longer and 20mm wider. They are also better and more firmly padded, which increases comfort. Overall they are more comfortable than the Superb seats. So why does the Superb cost so much more?

If you have a look at seats in other VAG Group cars (VW & Audi) you will see that they all appear to be very similar - and all appear to come out of the same factory. The front seats are all SMALL. Doesn't matter if it's an Audi Q7, Q5, A5, R8, A6 or A4; similarly for the Phaeton, Touareg & Passat. Some of the Audi seats are adjustable for length at the front to make them longer and give the thigh more support.

billhum had his Superb II replaced by another Superb II because dealer missed in the original order to include a Hill Hold function....

why the new one feels smoother? i have no clue! they both have the same tires?

Well said.

Doesn't matter if it's an Audi Q7, Q5, A5, R8, A6 or A4; similarly for the Phaeton, Touareg & Passat. Some of the Audi seats are adjustable for length at the front to make them longer and give the thigh more support.

Are you sure about this?. I've gone from 2 back to back Mk1s to a Phaeton and it's like settling into an armchair!

I haven't drven a Mk2 yet, but all I can say is that the MK1, even though it was the ******* son of a ******* son (A6/Passat), was a wonderful car to spend plenty of time in. Not quite as good as the Phaeton , but not bad even so.

To clarify my comment; both cars were the new model, Superb 11. The was first delivered in Nov and returned to the dealer in Dec. The second was picked up the 20th of Feb. and has now done about 500 miles.

A friend who had been out in my first car came out with me again yesterday. He thought it was a smoother ride too, I'm sure I'm not imagining it.

I am very happy with the car, just puzzled by the difference in ride quality.

The combination of the DSG and the Hill Hold required only the minimum of change in my driving technique. It is only a matter of resisting the occasional use of my left foot on the brake.

The HH is worth the money in my view, although I think it should be standard issue.

From reading Road Tests of the Mk11 in a lot of different magazines and papers, I have been confused from the start about the cars ride quality. Some praise it and others knock the car for being overly firm. Almost all the reports have been of the 170bph Elegance, so is there something going on with the suspension set up not being the same in every car?

I would suspect it is entirely down to the reviewers point of view. For example, I HATE Audi S-Line cars, as they drive like sitting on a bag of rocks, but they do hold the road like glue (it's the only time I've ever got out of a car, and thought "ouch, my back hurts"). So, if you like firm suspension with good road holding, they're great.

Conversely, I find a lot of Merc's wallow like anything (as do most Range Rovers), but other people praise their smooth and comfortable ride. The only car I've ever really liked the suspension on, regardless of road conditions, was the S-Class which had the adaptive air suspension, but I resent paying 60 grand for an overpriced piece of engineering.

When comparing the two Superbs (I've owned both), the Mk I was fabulously comfortable on long journeys, but wallowed a bit when pushed. The Mk II is "comparatively" less comfortable on a long drive, but handles far better overall. So, if you want refined long distance motorway driving, the MK I is "better". For day to day driving and blatting around the countryside, the MK II is "Superb" .

I would suspect it is entirely down to the reviewers point of view.

I tend to go along with this. One man's hard ride is good for someone else.

Personally now that I have a family I prefer a soft ride and I'm not too worried about wallowing around corners. Just wish I could find a new car that gave a good ride, didn't cost more than £20k, was reliable and not too expensive to run long term. I guess a Superb 1 fits the bill but I don't really want something that was introduced 7 years ago.

Are you sure about this?. I've gone from 2 back to back Mk1s to a Phaeton and it's like settling into an armchair!

I haven't drven a Mk2 yet, but all I can say is that the MK1, even though it was the ******* son of a ******* son (A6/Passat), was a wonderful car to spend plenty of time in. Not quite as good as the Phaeton , but not bad even so.

That's my opinion. Remember that I'm comparing the models 'currently' in the showroom - they may not be identical to 'older' versions of other car models (excluding the Superb). If your thinking of a Mk2 make sure your happy with the seating before you order; ideally take one for a spin for a two or three hour trip. Then take the time to go to Audi and VW dealers - try and find decent sized showrooms where they have all the models. The Audi and VW dealers I went to last weekend had every model in the showroom so you could compare them all side by side. How you feel comfortwise will depend upon your size as well as how you normally sit whilst driving.

Last time my Mk2 was in the garage to get the towbar installation finished I spoke to a cab driver with a Mk2 - he had driven it for 3/4 months. He said the two Octavia's he had before the Superb had more comfortable and better seats. I was given an Octavia Elegance for a couple of days as a courtesy car and had a 3 hour trip to make each way, so it was a good opportunity to make a comparison. I think he was right.

I'm sure about the dimensions of the car seats as I specifically went back to the dealer to measure the dimensions in my old Mk1 for a comparison. I wanted to find out where the differences were and why I thought the Mk2 was less comfortable than the Mk1. The side edges of the 'current' Phaeton seats are fairly parallel whereas the Mk1 seats splayed out towards the front to make it wider. The seat width of the Mk1, across the tops of the side wings at their widest, are a bit wider than the Phaeton, giving some side support to the legs. The top surface of the Phaeton seats are 'flatter' as the edges don't project above the seat surface to the same extent as the Mk1 seats.

When you've had a look at all the seats (Audi & VW) you can see a distinct similarity in style and manufacture. I'm fairly sure they all come from the same seat manufacturer - which is probably what you would expect if VAG set out to get the lowest supplier prices. It looks as if Skoda may have been forced by VW to use the same seat supplier as VAG group for the Mk2 rather than continue with the older style Mk1 seat.

Edited 8 March, 200917 yr by Chris Westy

I tend to go along with this. One man's hard ride is good for someone else.

Personally now that I have a family I prefer a soft ride and I'm not too worried about wallowing around corners. Just wish I could find a new car that gave a good ride, didn't cost more than £20k, was reliable and not too expensive to run long term. I guess a Superb 1 fits the bill but I don't really want something that was introduced 7 years ago.

you know what- you have just taken the words out of my mouth. There are many aspects of our new superb that I really like - the twin door is fantastic, the columbus is great, the rear leg room is great, there are many nice feature and touches but..

I still cant say 100% hand on heart that I like the ride on a long journey. The problem is its all about compromises. I agree with what some have said in this thread about seat dimension - luckily I am small and it doesnt affect me. I have a bad back and finding seats that are comfy is tricky. I have just driven the Superb for about 7 hrs this wekeend over 2 days. I have no backache. Up until now i havent driven the car for long periods as it is mainly used by my wife.

This weekend was the first trip out on 16" wheels and non-extra load tyres. They have improved the ride - especially over potholes and manholes. They dont make a huge difference to the fidgety ride I experience over less that perfect surfaces.

I find that the trend in cars has been handling over comfort. I was tempted to get a MK1 for its ride quality but then I had the same issues - its a very old design and felt like a backwards step. The other reason is that my other car is a passat B5 and the superb MK1 is the same interior. Also the elgance model has that hideous wood trim !!

The superb MK2 is a good alrounder but I would prefer it to excell more in the long distance comfort stakes. Its a big old car but sure doesnt feel that big when driving the country roads of derbyshire. However its sure not a long distance cruiser either.

2 things

1) CR vs PD engine. The CR is almost petrol like in its smoothness (and if JCB comments, I'll ignore him :-) )

2) Supsension. The new superb has a far better suspension setup than the old one, so holds the road better, corners better and is an all round nicer ride.

I miss my old Mk I (preferred the more comfortable and wider seats), but the Mk II is a nicer car overall

Ok - so i know you will ignore me but...

the CR is very smooth but its no petrol ! sit at the lights in a CR and you can feel the engine and chassis vibrating. Sit in my petrol and you have to check the rev counter to see if the engine is still running !! (I feel i can make this comment as I have driven both the CR and petrol wheras most people on here have only experienced the CR)

I do agree the CR is a cracking engine though if you prefer / must have diesel.

After coming out of my 54 passat, and having drove an 08 octavia for a weekend

I'm truly amazed at how quiet the 170CR is, i've done a few trips between home, Luton and Camberley and even drove with the music on a low volume and barely notice a murmor from the engine in comparison to the two vehicles I mentioned previously.

My only issues are

1) I wish it had a bigger HDD and could randomise all the songs on the disk

2) Could another system to enable reading of SIM cards be enabled, luckily I have two phones, but only one is fully compatible

3) Would love up to date maps, I laughed when driving on a new road and it showed offroad with an arrow spinning all over the place

Also thanks to all who have put some great info on this forum that has saved me hours

I tend to go along with this. One man's hard ride is good for someone else.

Personally now that I have a family I prefer a soft ride and I'm not too worried about wallowing around corners. Just wish I could find a new car that gave a good ride, didn't cost more than £20k, was reliable and not too expensive to run long term. I guess a Superb 1 fits the bill but I don't really want something that was introduced 7 years ago.

Try looking at a Volvo S60. Lovely 185bhp D5 engine, great 6-spd "Geartronic" 'box, leather, good toy list and arguably the best seats in the business. 1 year old examples from main dealers are well under £20k and you've still got 2 years of warranty, (extendable). I moved to mine from a Fabi vRS and simply love it as a big mile muncher. Still miss the "Jack Russell" attitude of the old vRS, though. You could also look at at an S80 for not much more money. Alternatively, if you press a Honda dealer he'll probably do you a sub-£20k deal on a delivery-miles Honda Legend with the beautiful 3.5 V6 and a squillion toys................they're £38k list but I've seen at least one at just under £20k with only 300 miles on. Hard times for big motors.

Try looking at a Volvo S60. Lovely 185bhp D5 engine, great 6-spd "Geartronic" 'box, leather, good toy list and arguably the best seats in the business. 1 year old examples from main dealers are well under £20k and you've still got 2 years of warranty, (extendable). I moved to mine from a Fabi vRS and simply love it as a big mile muncher. Still miss the "Jack Russell" attitude of the old vRS, though. You could also look at at an S80 for not much more money. Alternatively, if you press a Honda dealer he'll probably do you a sub-£20k deal on a delivery-miles Honda Legend with the beautiful 3.5 V6 and a squillion toys................they're £38k list but I've seen at least one at just under £20k with only 300 miles on. Hard times for big motors.

we looked at the volvo and hated the seats !!! you slide around all over the place on them if they are leather. they are very flat and have very little side bolster support. I agree they are comfy (as in soft) but as soon as you go round corners we were clenching our bums to stay on the seat !!

Also foudn the ride of the s60 a bit fidgety and the S80 just too big.