Hi Folks,

I need help choosing my new company car. It's either going to be a 5Series Touring or the Superb Elegance.

What I can't decide is whether to go for the hatchback or the estate. Can anyone tell me how they made the choice?

As a side note, what options are worth it and which aren't. e.g. my local dealer said sunblinds aren't worth having with the sunset glass. He also said that the estate electric boot opening was "rubbish" (his words not mine)

So any and all help greatly received.

Thanks in advance.

TimsterC ;o)

Can anyone tell me how they made the choice?

Hi and welcome .

The choice was easy for me ... IMO the saloon has a fussy and ugly rear end, the combi therefore was a clear winner (I would not of bought a saloon if it was the only body choice)

The reasons for my options are as follows:

Metallic paint - Not a lover of white or the other solid colours.

Onxy leather - ivory is not a practical colour for me as I wear jeans most of the time (had light leather twice before - never again)

Sunset glass - I'm not a fan of tinted windows (aka 'drug dealer' style) but the sunset glass is very subtle and looks nice IMO.

Luna alloys - much easier to clean

Electrically operated tailgate - The electric boot as the 2 cars I saw it working on it performed faultlessly (and not as slow as some make out)

Park assist - Why not, it will certainly help SWMBO, as she will only drive the car every now and then so therefore will not be used to it's size.

Auto dimming mirror - Had one for the last 10+ years and love them most of the time.

Variable boot floor - A must if you want a flat loading area, why would anyone buy an estate that has a big lip into the boot?

Heated windscreen - I originally didn't order this as i was concerned about how visible the elements were with polarized glasses, I have since been assured it will be fine so I added it so there will be no more scraping ice of the screen.

Heated washer nozzles - At just £35 it seemed silly not to.

Spare wheel - If I get a puncture then I am more than capable of changing it myself, so I am not keen on relying on some 'gunk in a can'.

Wood decor - Looks classy IMO, 'aluminium' may look fine in a sporty car, the Superb however is not a sporty car!

Floor mats - Should be std anyway!

Edited 2 November, 201015 yr by Gizmo68

I have to say, I think the saloon looks awkward and unattractive at the rear, but the estate looks great.

Hi and welcome .

The choice was easy for me ... IMO the saloon has a fussy and ugly rear end, the combi therefore was a clear winner (I would not of bought a saloon if it was the only body choice)

Thanks for the reply.

I had not considered the Wood decor before, as I thought that cars with that looked 'old'. But you may be right that it would look classy in that style of car.

So the options I have on my potential list are as follows;

3 spoke steering wheel, with flappy paddles for the DSG (because I'm still a child) ;o)

MDI

Metalic Paint

Sunset glass

Towbar prep

Auto dimming rear view mirror

Heated front windscreen ( I had the <cough>pleasure</cough> of driving a Mondeo with it earlier in the year and it's OK)

Hill Hold

Park Assist (I'm crap at parallel parking)

Upgraded Sound

TimsterC ;o)

Edited 2 November, 201015 yr by TimsterC

What I can't decide is whether to go for the hatchback or the estate. Can anyone tell me how they made the choice?

Couldn't cope with a saloon style boot as just isn't practical enough. The Superb 'twindoor' is a brave attempt to meet the demands of people that want a hatch and people that want a saloon. However IMHO the looks of the rear of the car are compromised as a result and the complex boot mechanism to me seems to be a potential source of problems, especially if it is used as a hatch frequently.

As a side note, what options are worth it and which aren't. e.g. my local dealer said sunblinds aren't worth having with the sunset glass. He also said that the estate electric boot opening was "rubbish" (his words not mine)

With regards to the electric boot opening, I currently have an Accord Tourer that has it as a standard feature and overall I find it to be a useful. However I had a demonstrator with the Skoda electric boot option and in comparison to the Honda two things stick in my mind.

Firstly it is slow, certainly relative to the Honda. With the Honda I can 'blip' the boot with the remote key fob while approaching the car and by the time I have reached it the boot is fully open. I can't see that happening with the Superb, unless the key fob radio has some massive range. Secondly the Honda lifting mechanism is a completely different design to the Superb that allows the boot to operate in a normal manner under manual operation. In contrast with the Superb you feel as if you are working against the resistance of electric mechanism, both opening and closing. I guess it has been designed in such a way that if you have the electric option, that is the way you are supposed to open and close the boot. On that basis I didn't order the option on the Superb becasuse I could see it being a constant source of frustration rather than a benefit.

For me the other useful options in no particular order are:

• Heated front screen & washer jets as the car is not garaged overnight.
  
• MDI as I tend to listen to podcasts on my daily commute.
  
• Spare Wheel as I have been caught out by not having one with the Honda (never again!!). Be aware that a standard Superb doesn't even have a jack and wheel brace.
  
• Metallic paint
  
• Black leather interior - did consider ivory as a change, but the ivory demonstrator I drove was already a bit marked inside. Not practical.
  

I considered but decided against:

• Variable boot floor - the underfloor recess it provides is quite shallow and having the floor level seemed to most beneficial when the rear seats are down which isn't that often.
  
• Sunset glass - our boys didn't like it in the demonstrator because they couldn't see out of the windows so well.
  
• Park assist - don't do that much parallel parking and this car has the benefit of rear parking sensors that I haven't had before.
  

Best regards

David

The hatch version was the only option when i ordered my Superb. previously I had two Octy estates because i disliked the shape of the hatchback. Looking at the Superb estate in the flesh I agree that it looks a little better but I have grown to admire the style of the hatch and I certainly find that there is more than enough luggage space . The flaw in the styling in my opinion is that both versions of the Superb appear to look too narrow in relation to their length. If the body width and track were similar to that of an Audi A6 or even a Passat CC then there would be no issues with the appearance whatsoever.

I specced virtually all the gadgets and toys in my car and love every feature. i still maintain that is is the best car I have ever owned by a long shot. The first year has passed in a flash.

This is my estate I have been driving for a week now. It's fantastic! http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/philpix/JustSuperb#

Black leather for me was a must. A friend went for Ivory and it looked shabby and showed up dirt and scuffs.

Sound upgrade - well worth it IMO.

Heater washer nozzles. A cheap option. Why not.

Electric tailgate. Wouldn't be without it. It is quicker than some reviews suggest.

4x4 ask me after the February snow!

Themisto. Harder to keep clean yes but some question marks over the strength of Lunas.

MDI yes if you need your music. Be aware only 5th. Generation and above iPods work!

Sunset looks really good and classy.

Mats should be standard especially on the Elegance spec.

Options I wished I had gone for would be the raised floor and wood trim. The silver reflects in the driver-side mirror.

Don't go for dealer persuasion on the AG LifeTime. Waste of money. Dealers get a good drink out of flogging the option. Spend 70 quid and do it yourself.

It is without doubt the best car I have ever owned and that includes my Audi.

It's an Audi Avant for Mondeo money. No contest.

Cheers, Phil.

Hi!

I will copy Gizmo68:s line up:

The reasons for my options are as follows:

The estate: Much better looking in my eyes. For me, the saloon haven't got the look.

Diesel/DSG-combo: This combination is of course for the comfort junkie like me, all the power at low revs. The drawback is the smell of the fuel...

Metallic paint: After having a steel gray Mondeo it was time for a more powerful color: Amethyst. Me brave!

Felicity Ivory: Have had black/gray interior in all my cars, time for a bold (some will say stupid..) change. And the re-conditioner firms has to live as well...

Sunset glass: Followed with my business package, OK by me...

Spectrum alloys: As mention earlier, I'm a comfort junkie and will not trade it away on some 17-18 rims. It's a Skoda, not an Audi...

Electrically operated tailgate: Works fine for me. During closing time, I'll get into to the car and put my safety belt on. By that time it's closed...

Park assist: Again, followed with my business package. OK, thats a brag-factor involved here...

Auto dimming mirror: Standard equipment (Elegance), very useful though, especially with all these Xenon-hooligans out there...

Xenon lights: Oups! I'm a hooligan my self! Standard with the Elegance. The more, the merrier... And then the dancing lights.

Variable boot floor: Standard equipment, how could it be anything else when going to IKEA?

Webasto: Have gone for this since we have harsh winters and Diesels normally isn't to fast to warm up. No risk of forgetting that power cable (electric motor heater) when driving a way. Saves a lot of money...

Heated washer nozzles: Standard equipment (Eleg.).

Spare wheel: Without a question. Murphy's lay come in to play here...

Wood decor: No, but maybe I should have, considering earlier posts. It does NOT looks classy IMO, I had it before. Time for a change..,

Floor mats: Is standard in my version. But I ordered rubber variants as well.

Ski bag: Should be useful for me, if I can get those skis inside the car sometimes...

Touch Bolero with Sound system: I'm over the hill listening to too much heavy base material. For classic music its useful for me.

Did NOT order:

Leather interior: Cold in the winter, hot and sticky in the summer. Prejudiced? Oh yes...

Columbus navigation system: My own cheap Navigon do the job better, cheaper and with the speed cameras nailed. And with no fuzz.. :p

Panorama roof: Nice... but no thanks! Not worth it IMHO. A bit risky option, but thats me...

4WD: With my driving, not needed. Hopefully I will not have any reason to regret this... Autosocks may be my solution to driving in deep snow, if that will be necessary.

3 spoke wheel with paddles: Nice wheel but I had to stop somewhere. And the paddles is no use to me since my DSG will take care of it.

Manual sun blades in the rear doors: This is also an option I may regret not to order. My kids may object to this.. :(

Well, thats my 2 cents.

/Superbjoser

Are heated nozzles, auto dimming mirror and variable floor standard on elegance? I thought they were options!?

No they are all options on UK spec cars.

Superbjoser is however in Europe, where the spec's are different (for example the Columbus is an option over there, but std here)

Edited 3 November, 201015 yr by Gizmo68

Some parts of Europe they are, but not in the UK spec.

Damn :S

Estate over hatchback every time. Same applies to the Octy and the Fab.

Thanks for all the replies. I've decided that I like the estate (I can hear the cheers and whoops from here!).

Here is the options list I've settled on.

1. 10 loudspeakers - 9VJ

2. 3-spoke multifunctional leather steering wheel with radio, phone and DSG transmission controls, small leather package - PLD

3. Auto dimming rear view mirror - PZZ

4. Electrically-operated tailgate - PK6

5. Heated windscreen - PKV

6. Hill hold control (HHC) and tyre pressure monitoring (TPM) - PAR

7. KESSY - Keyless entry and start system - PK7

8. MDI (Mobile Device Interface) - UF6

9. Park assist, with front and rear sensors and Maxi-dot - PPA

10. Preparation for tow bar - 1D7

11. Rear side airbags - PE3

12. Space-saver spare steel wheel - PJA

13. Sunset glass from B pillar back - 4KF

14. Variable boot floor - PK5

Can anyone please explain to me why Skoda make the tow bar stuff SO BLOODY DIFFICULT? One part as a factory fit option and then 4 parts as a dealer fit option. Why can't I just have the factory fit it all. And why as a customer do I need to know there are four parts to the electrics. It's truly bonkers.

Anyway I'm pretty much sold on the Superb. I drove it over 100 miles today and I have to drive from Camberley to Birmingham and back tomorrow so that will be another 240 miles. ;o) At least I'm giving it a fair test.

Thanks again for all your answers to a not so easy to answer question.

TimsterC ;o)

All delaers and the Superb owners I contacted said the factory fit tow bar was a waste of time due to electric compatibility with respect to the electrics and they eitehr didn't use the tow bar of got one fitted by the dealer when the car was deliverd. That is what I am having done and it is cheaper than the Skoda system. It still gets loomed through the car into the main fuse box rather than hacking into the rear light cluster due to a change in legislation. I think there may be specific legislation in the UK regarding towbars and electrics and different standard in the rest of Europe, but a standard approach I agree would be better.

Heated windscreen I have always found a waste of time, the air con defogs the screen effectively and with a scraper I can clear the window quicker than the heated screen. Two people in our village have had cars stolen while they left the car running and the the heated screen on. With one the insurance refused to pay out because the owner had left the car running unattended so an open invite to a thief.

You might want to thibnk twice about rear side airbags, for me they are a must have, if they are a nice to have, then drop the option as this seems to be why I am still waiting for my car which was orderd on 5th June 2010, built week 40 and still yet to arrive at the dealer, it has at least been confirmed as being in the Uk now. By the time I get the car, it will be a few weeks shy of a six month wait. So be prepared to wait.

The factory fit options on my Superb Combi Elagance 140CR Manual are Storm Blue Metalic, Space Saver Spare and Rear Side Airbags.

Dealer fit is the tow bar, dog guard and the floor mats.

All delaers and the Superb owners I contacted said the factory fit tow bar was a waste of time due to electric compatibility with respect to the electrics and they eitehr didn't use the tow bar of got one fitted by the dealer when the car was deliverd. That is what I am having done and it is cheaper than the Skoda system. It still gets loomed through the car into the main fuse box rather than hacking into the rear light cluster due to a change in legislation. I think there may be specific legislation in the UK regarding towbars and electrics and different standard in the rest of Europe, but a standard approach I agree would be better.

That could be a huge problem for me, as mine is a company lease and I'm not allowed to pay for any options on the car, I have to get them in with the lease. If it's a dealer fit option then

Heated windscreen I have always found a waste of time, the air con defogs the screen effectively and with a scraper I can clear the window quicker than the heated screen. Two people in our village have had cars stolen while they left the car running and the the heated screen on. With one the insurance refused to pay out because the owner had left the car running unattended so an open invite to a thief.

I had one on a Mondeo I drove at the beginning of the year and it was great.

You might want to think twice about rear side airbags, for me they are a must have, if they are a nice to have, then drop the option as this seems to be why I am still waiting for my car which was orderd on 5th June 2010, built week 40 and still yet to arrive at the dealer, it has at least been confirmed as being in the Uk now. By the time I get the car, it will be a few weeks shy of a six month wait. So be prepared to wait.

This was a nice to have, but it's becoming a 'should I bother' option.

Thanks for your comments.

All delaers and the Superb owners I contacted said the factory fit tow bar was a waste of time due to electric compatibility with respect to the electrics and they eitehr didn't use the tow bar of got one fitted by the dealer when the car was deliverd. That is what I am having done and it is cheaper than the Skoda system. It still gets loomed through the car into the main fuse box rather than hacking into the rear light cluster due to a change in legislation. I think there may be specific legislation in the UK regarding towbars and electrics and different standard in the rest of Europe, but a standard approach I agree would be better.

Heated windscreen I have always found a waste of time, the air con defogs the screen effectively and with a scraper I can clear the window quicker than the heated screen. Two people in our village have had cars stolen while they left the car running and the the heated screen on. With one the insurance refused to pay out because the owner had left the car running unattended so an open invite to a thief.

You might want to thibnk twice about rear side airbags, for me they are a must have, if they are a nice to have, then drop the option as this seems to be why I am still waiting for my car which was orderd on 5th June 2010, built week 40 and still yet to arrive at the dealer, it has at least been confirmed as being in the Uk now. By the time I get the car, it will be a few weeks shy of a six month wait. So be prepared to wait.

The factory fit options on my Superb Combi Elagance 140CR Manual are Storm Blue Metalic, Space Saver Spare and Rear Side Airbags.

Dealer fit is the tow bar, dog guard and the floor mats.

Could I ask how much your dealer is charging for the tow bar?

I have to agree with G.K.

(but then I have the saloon).

The hatchback is better looking but the saloon does grow on you. It really is the width that makes it look odd. A few extra inches would have helped (but then it wouldn't fit in my garage).

I'm pretty sure I don't miss the estate (having had one before) and am more than satisfied with the saloon (other than people trying to flag me down in town!)