Hello

I have been browsing this forum for a while and finally taken the plunge and posted!

I have narrowed my choice down to: Laguna estate 2.0 dci (150), Toyota Avensis estate 2.2d (150) or Superb SE 170.

Not driven the Avensis yet but had a test drive in the Laguna which I thought had a very nice interior, albeit lacking in rear legroom, and the 150 diesel is a very refined engine.

I had the pleasure of a 3 day demo in a Superb 170 elegance a few Months ago and was very impressed with the amount of space and build quality seemed very solid.

I used the car mostly on motorways and A roads and found the handling to be better than i expected given the size of the car.

Now to my question.Has anyone experienced any "downsides" owning the Superb? I'm thinking about difficulties in parking especially on confined multi storeys etc. My wife would occasionally use the car and has expressed her concerns!! I cover about 30k per year and so comfort ,as well as performance of course ,are important and feel the Superb has probably got a lot going for it in those departments.

Any feedbck greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Hello

I have been browsing this forum for a while and finally taken the plunge and posted!

I have narrowed my choice down to: Laguna estate 2.0 dci (150), Toyota Avensis estate 2.2d (150) or Superb SE 170.

Not driven the Avensis yet but had a test drive in the Laguna which I thought had a very nice interior, albeit lacking in rear legroom, and the 150 diesel is a very refined engine.

I had the pleasure of a 3 day demo in a Superb 170 elegance a few Months ago and was very impressed with the amount of space and build quality seemed very solid.

I used the car mostly on motorways and A roads and found the handling to be better than i expected given the size of the car.

Now to my question.Has anyone experienced any "downsides" owning the Superb? I'm thinking about difficulties in parking especially on confined multi storeys etc. My wife would occasionally use the car and has expressed her concerns!! I cover about 30k per year and so comfort ,as well as performance of course ,are important and feel the Superb has probably got a lot going for it in those departments.

Any feedbck greatly appreciated.

Cheers

May I asked what made you narrow down to those 3?

I would include the Honda Accord Tourer and the Volvo S60 because I like them

Good point about the parking in multi- storey car park and also supermarket car parks since they seem to allow only enough space for the average supermini. My wife is always having a go at me for parking my Octy a bit further from the supermarket door or on the higher levels in the multi's.

Don't let that put you off the Superb though, the test drive should have convinced you to buy one already!!.

May I asked what made you narrow down to those 3?

I would include the Honda Accord Tourer and the Volvo S60 because I like them

P13SST

I like the S60 but they no longer make it(new model next year) and also boot to small for family stuff!

The Honda would be over budget for the spec I would want.

Thanks

Two estates in your running, or are you looking for a Superb estate when they release it? Just seems a bit odd that you've narrowed it down to three cars that don't all share the same body style.

Steve

Two estates in your running, or are you looking for a Superb estate when they release it? Just seems a bit odd that you've narrowed it down to three cars that don't all share the same body style.

Steve

Looking for practicality and space-Laguna hatch to small-Avensis only offer saloon or estate body styles(In line with many other manufacturers i.e VW, Honda) As Im sure you know the Superb offers similar if not more space than most estates! I was really looking for feedback on any negative points (If any)current owners have with their Superbs as I have been researching my next car for the past few Months and have chosen these as they are within budget and tick most boxes.

Took a ride in a Laguna before getting my new Octavia. Wasn't very impressed with it as it seemed to not have much poke when pulling away. In truth, it was just a bit dull, and all my mates said DONT BUY FRENCH - you'll regret it. This was also seconded by a neighbour who owns a Citroen C4 diesel that died a week or so after the warranty ran out...

You really cant go wrong with the Superb - Every review I have seen has been really positive... The 170 is a very good engine with plenty of pull to put a smile on your face and the interior is excellent. The superb also won Autocar - best family car 2009 and is very convincing.....

Skoda Superb | New Car Awards 2009 | Car Reviews | Auto Express

So go with the Superb! or if you still have doubts also try the Mondeo, Insignia and Mazda 6 to get a full perspective

Good luck M8

Looking for practicality and space-Laguna hatch to small-Avensis only offer saloon or estate body styles(In line with many other manufacturers i.e VW, Honda) As Im sure you know the Superb offers similar if not more space than most estates! I was really looking for feedback on any negative points (If any)current owners have with their Superbs as I have been researching my next car for the past few Months and have chosen these as they are within budget and tick most boxes.

The boot is big on the Superb but its not the right shape , its not tall enough due to the "boot lid" shape and hence the Octavia is actually a more useful size so you can get a lot more stuff in it .

I was dissapointed the first time i put my suitcases in mine and will have to buy a roofbox for family trips and there are only three of us in our family.

Took a ride in a Laguna before getting my new Octavia. Wasn't very impressed with it as it seemed to not have much poke when pulling away. In truth, it was just a bit dull, and all my mates said DONT BUY FRENCH - you'll regret it. This was also seconded by a neighbour who owns a Citroen C4 diesel that died a week or so after the warranty ran out...

You really cant go wrong with the Superb - Every review I have seen has been really positive... The 170 is a very good engine with plenty of pull to put a smile on your face and the interior is excellent. The superb also won Autocar - best family car 2009 and is very convincing.....

Skoda Superb | New Car Awards 2009 | Car Reviews | Auto Express

So go with the Superb! or if you still have doubts also try the Mondeo, Insignia and Mazda 6 to get a full perspective

Good luck M8

I know what you mean about lack of pace in the Laguna. I had a demo Mazda 6 185 sport estate and thought the engine was prob the best diesel i've driven-only problem was I found seat to be quite uncomfortable and lacked enough legroom for me(I'm 6'3)

I think I will go for the Superb SE 170 with some extras(anthracite grey)

cheers

The only downside I have found to my Superb 170crd is that any journey takes longer than really required. It is such a driving pleasure that I always take the longest route.

Youve made my mind up then! As long as agreed by the company of course-the lease costs are higher even than the cheaper Laguna which suprised me.

Cheers

Had my 170 elegance DSG for just 5 months and done 19000 mile goes in for first service tomorrow morning not a thing has gone wrong not a bulb nor a squeek am delighted and looking forward to many more busy miles in it. I drive allover Scotland and the North of England and its a perfect business car the integrated phone and sat nav have also been perfect get one you will not regret it.

I have ordered a 170 SE with some extras-I'm guessing 3 month delivery so should get it in Jan hopefully. Thanks for your feedback, glad your getting on OK. I had a 3 day demo 170 elegance previously and agree about the bluetooth phone and also sat nav-I thought the maxidot display for the sat nav / phone was a neat touch. I would have had an elegance but over budget.:(

Cheers

Laguna - NO! 3 at work always breaking down, the card key shuts down everything, and it's French.

Toyboata - Thinking mans car, good quality, reliable and kinda stylish.

Skoda - VFM it can't be beat, if you need a bit of semi prestige get the Jap, if you want all you can ever want from a car the Superb is your only option.

My BIL has an Avensis the engine sounds like the diesel engines of 15 years ago , really tractor like

The boot is big on the Superb but its not the right shape , its not tall enough due to the "boot lid" shape and hence the Octavia is actually a more useful size so you can get a lot more stuff in it .

I was dissapointed the first time i put my suitcases in mine and will have to buy a roofbox for family trips and there are only three of us in our family.

I agree entirely; the twin boot mechanism cuts into the height of the boot restricting volume. You also need to be careful not to force the lid shut on an overful bootspace to avoiding damaging the lid/hatch locking mechanism.

If you feel the Superb II will be too big, have you considered an Octy II Vrs 170 CR in either hatchback or estate versions? The Superb II needs care when reversing due to it's length, whereas, when I had my Octy II hatch I could park it almost anywhere and with no concerns.

A Mazda 6 hatchback with the new 2.2 diesel engine would be worth considering, although, the interior quality in not a patch on the Superb. The bootspace is large, although, you would be stuck with a can of sealant, rather than a full size spare/ spacesaver available with the Octy/Superb.

The new Avensis has had mediocre reviews, while the Laguna is unlikely to be as relaible as the alternatives.

I think Honda have tried too hard with the styling of the new Accord, while the pricing is also a reflection as to where they wish to be in the market (ie. BMW, Audi).

So go with the Superb! or if you still have doubts also try the Mondeo, Insignia and Mazda 6 to get a full perspective

Good luck M8

Can't say anything about the Mazda, but the Mondeo 2L diesel I hired a month or two ago lacked poke on the motorway in 6th -resorted to changing down to get any acceleration ( Even Furby isn't that bad and it'sonly 1.4).The Insignia is rumoured to be pricy ,but for the BHP in 2L diesel mode I found very poky - (those who know Glencoe in June would appreciate it's get up and go ).And it's MORE economical than my little 1.4TDI.However the seats took a little getting used to .

I think Honda have tried too hard with the styling of the new Accord, while the pricing is also a reflection as to where they wish to be in the market (ie. BMW, Audi).

I agree. I've seen a few lately, including a couple today and I can't help but think WTF have done to make it look so ugly. The old one looked like a herse and this one looks like it's just rolled off the set of Space 1999!

Hi

I have had mine for 10 months now and done about 20k in it as a company car.

Great comfort and as others have said the hands free kit is great when it is intergreated. Sat Nav is accurate, if a little frustrating not having the full post code entry thing.

Colleagues who have driven it think its great as well.

Can get 50mpg easy on a run often nearer 55.

Wife drives it as well - it is often used to take the band to gigs all over the south of england so there is plenty of room for 4 adults and musical gear - they all think its great as well.

Good reliabiliy as well - no probs there.

It is slightly harder to turn than the old octavia, a pain if you miss a turn and want to 'throw a u turn' as it were but most times ok.

Overall, good car, comfortable and not common like a Mondeo or BMW - Superb drivers even talk to each other in car parks.

Hope that helps

Brian