Yesterday (Good Friday) my boss called into the Skoda dealership near Leeds to try & track down a new company car for me!

I'm currently driving a Passat Estate 2.0 Diesel and doing 35 000 miles per year.

I've been wanting a Superb for a while but the lead times (and the fact that nearly new ones are rare) have been prohibitive.

Anyway, having had a good long chat with the corporate sales guys there, he decided that we could come to a reasonable deal, more than he wants to pay, longer than I'd like to wait but a brand new luxurious car & a good deal for it!

I'll be placing the order on Tue 26th April and they say the wait is now 14 weeks on my chosen version ... a little better than 30+ weeks on some variants!

So I'm now trying to decide on a spec (Superb Estate S GreenLine II 1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF, probably in Pacific Blue) and the extras are confusing me!

I will definitely get Cruise Control - it's my one "have to have" item.

The others I'm looking at are in the poll attached.

But just as superbfan below, I'm confused as to the difference between the standard Removable Parcel Shelf and the Retractable extra:

Also notice in new brochure that "retractable parcel shelf" is listed as £50+VAT option for all models- in what way is this different to "removable parcel shelf"? :S

Can anyone shed light on this please?

I'm tempted by the Maxi-Dot but wonder whether I'll use it much and if the standard trip computer would be enough ...

The variable boot floor, sounds useful but how essential & practical is it? Would I perhaps be better with a rubber boot tray?

I can probably get the boot nets later if I decide I need them instead ...

The other items are really just to spoil me a little.

For example allowing slightly easier windscreen clearing in the winter & for more relaxing hill-bound traffic jams.

If some of these items are seen by those that have them as less than necessary, then perhaps I can really spoil myself and go for:

Acoustic rear parking sensors

Sadly though, as we're on a tight budget, I'm trying to keep the list to an affordable minimum, so any advice on what is worthwhile and what is a waste is gratefully received!

Cheers,

Paul

Edited 23 April, 201115 yr by jkpaul

Paul- my Superb was delivered yasterday spec as below. Reversing sensors include a display on radio so very useful. Cruise control is simple and effective. Reckon you will use these two regularly, others are nice to have but you will never miss them if they arnt there. Boot floor gives level access but takes space away

Whatever you decide on you won't regret it

Thanks Superbfan for your reply, and others for your vote in the poll.

Heated screen & seats currently most popular ... interesting!

You can't have heated the front screen on the Greenline.

For such a big car I'd have said the rear parking sensors would be useful+++.

Having a removable parcel shelf in my current car I'd say one which retracts would be good (Saw one on a demonstrator - it sort of rolls away on itself)

Go for the computer too if you can chip in an extra £100 or so.

I'm in the process of ordering a Superb Greenline Elegance with a few extras but I hope it lasts longer than my current car as I'll be paying for it for 4 years (ouch)!

Mines via autoebid - about £4000 less than list price. I wonder what the lead time is on my version?

ah, now there's an interesting response ... and something I've obviously missed!

To be honest the heated screen & seats isn't one of my likeliest choices and having checked again, a few of the others are off too, here's the list of possibilities, with the least likely in grey:

Comfort

Park distance control (rear sensors) £330

Cruise control £220

Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning £500

Integrated retractable headlight washers £150

Maxi-dot trip computer £140

Rain sensor £170

Sunset glass from B pillar back £225

Functionality

Roof rails, eloxed £165

Electrically-operated tailgate £525

Textile floor mats £75

Boot floor with integrated aluminium strips and fastening elements £390

Retractable parcel shelf (retracts automatically when boot opens) £60

Mechanical roller sun blinds for rear side windows £145

Smoking package £45

Preparation for tow bar £150

Net programme £90

Radio/navigation/telephone

"Bolero" 2-DIN radio with integrated CD changer £320

6CD autochanger £345

MDI (Mobile Device Interface) £185

Telephone preparation with Bluetooth GSM III (UHV + rSAP) and Maxi-dot £325

Safety

Rear side airbags £270

Tyre pressure monitoring £115

Steering wheel/interior/seats

4-spoke leather steering wheel, small leather package £270

4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with radio and phone controls, small leather package £590

4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with radio controls, small leather package £395

Heated front and rear seats £345

Heated front seats £190

Vehicle locking

KESSY - Keyless entry and start system £365

So I am starting to think that along with Cruise Control, Parking Distance (rear sensors) would be sensible, perhaps with Maxi-Dot if I can get away with it.

Thanks again for any & all advice,

Paul

Difficult for me as I specced an Elegance with over £2k of options on it (but it was my money - so why not? )

are you likely to need the load area with the rear seats down, or a level load area? (no drop into the boot) if so then the variable boot floor is a must IMO.

Heated windscreen is superb - but looks like it's an option you cant have.

Parking sensors are very good (especially when they have radio integration )

Don't waste the money on the mats they are a rip of and quite poor quality - although better than quality of the 'carpet', this is the only option I regret having!

My full spec was:

Superb Combi Elegance CR170, manual, Aqua Blue, 'Luna's', Onyx leather, Sunset glass, Heated screen & washers, Auto dimming rear view mirror, Electrically operated boot, Park Assist, Floor mats, Spare wheel, Variable boot floor, Wood decor, Mud flaps.

ah, now there's an interesting response ... and something I've obviously missed!

To be honest the heated screen & seats isn't one of my likeliest choices and having checked again, a few of the others are off too, here's the list of possibilities, with the least likely in grey:

Comfort

Park distance control (rear sensors) £330 Very good

Cruise control £220 Essential

Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning £500

Integrated retractable headlight washers £150

Maxi-dot trip computer £140 Nice to have

Rain sensor £170

Sunset glass from B pillar back £225 Nice to have but when you have a limited budget then the money can be better spent elsewhere.

Functionality

Roof rails, eloxed £165

Electrically-operated tailgate £525 Nice to have if you are in the boot a lot

Textile floor mats £75 Save your money the OE ones are worth about £7.50 - certainly not £75 (get some good aftermarket ones for around half the price for better quality

Boot floor with integrated aluminium strips and fastening elements £390

Retractable parcel shelf (retracts automatically when boot opens) £60 Wouldn't pay extra for it

Mechanical roller sun blinds for rear side windows £145

Smoking package £45

Preparation for tow bar £150

Net programme £90 Lot of money for a few nets IMO

Radio/navigation/telephone

"Bolero" 2-DIN radio with integrated CD changer £320

6CD autochanger £345 Pointless if the std radio has an SD card slot

MDI (Mobile Device Interface) £185 Again pointless if the std radio has an SD card slot

Telephone preparation with Bluetooth GSM III (UHV + rSAP) and Maxi-dot £325 Essential if you are going to use the phone a lot

Safety

Rear side airbags £270 How often will you carry rear passengers?

Tyre pressure monitoring £115 Nice to have - but I wouldn't pay extra for it

Steering wheel/interior/seats

4-spoke leather steering wheel, small leather package £270

4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with radio and phone controls, small leather package £590 Nice to have - but I wouldn't pay £590 for it (it comes as std on the Elegance)

4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with radio controls, small leather package £395

Heated front and rear seats £345

Heated front seats £190 Nice to have - especially if you have back problems

Vehicle locking

KESSY - Keyless entry and start system £365

So I am starting to think that along with Cruise Control, Parking Distance (rear sensors) would be sensible, perhaps with Maxi-Dot if I can get away with it.

Thanks again for any & all advice,

Paul

thanks Gizmo68 for the detailed good advice, especially where you have advised against the cheaper (but overpriced) bits & pieces.

I totally agree - when it's your money, why not enjoy it & invest in the extras you'd like?!

Incidentally, I would have had the Bluetooth telephone prep in a minute if £325 was the total cost but when it has to have the £590 steering wheel to operate it, I will just have to find a 3rd party option which isn't too clunky.

Thanks again,

Paul

Edited 24 April, 201115 yr by jkpaul

Now I understand how pleased should I be with my employer as I have very hard times deciding between a Škoda Superb 2.0TDI 4x4 DSG and a Saab 9-5 TiD aut with options...

A lot depends how You're used to drive - I'd take PDC as it helps a lot to reverse more precisely. Esp. in tight spots and congested conditions. Can be spoiled with this like with cruise control (I even use it in city)

A net programme might be handy if you have bits and pieces that would otherwise roll around in the boot, pricey though.

Maxi dot is a nice toy to have to check figures, but if thight with money maybe could be something more of value.

I'd also consider a rain sensor - if narrower B roads (or bad city streets) an opposing vehicle hits a large puddle of water that ends up on your windscreen it can be very secure to have the wipers automatically on. Also with light or intermittent rain playing with the lever can be a nuisance...

Hope this was of help.

Yesterday (Good Friday) my boss called into the Skoda dealership near Leeds to try & track down a new company car for me!

I'm currently driving a Passat Estate 2.0 Diesel and doing 35 000 miles per year.

I've been wanting a Superb for a while but the lead times (and the fact that nearly new ones are rare) have been prohibitive.

Anyway, having had a good long chat with the corporate sales guys there, he decided that we could come to a reasonable deal, more than he wants to pay, longer than I'd like to wait but a brand new luxurious car & a good deal for it!

I'll be placing the order on Tue 26th April and they say the wait is now 14 weeks on my chosen version ... a little better than 30+ weeks on some variants!

So I'm now trying to decide on a spec (Superb Estate S GreenLine II 1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF, probably in Pacific Blue) and the extras are confusing me!

I will definitely get Cruise Control - it's my one "have to have" item.

The others I'm looking at are in the poll attached.

But just as superbfan below, I'm confused as to the difference between the standard Removable Parcel Shelf and the Retractable extra:

Can anyone shed light on this please?

I'm tempted by the Maxi-Dot but wonder whether I'll use it much and if the standard trip computer would be enough ...

The variable boot floor, sounds useful but how essential & practical is it? Would I perhaps be better with a rubber boot tray?

I can probably get the boot nets later if I decide I need them instead ...

The other items are really just to spoil me a little.

For example allowing slightly easier windscreen clearing in the winter & for more relaxing hill-bound traffic jams.

If some of these items are seen by those that have them as less than necessary, then perhaps I can really spoil myself and go for:

Acoustic rear parking sensors

Sadly though, as we're on a tight budget, I'm trying to keep the list to an affordable minimum, so any advice on what is worthwhile and what is a waste is gratefully received!

Cheers,

Paul

With the kind of mileage you're doing, the cruise control sounds like a good idea.

I have the maxidot and think it's pretty good - I don't know how much info the non maxidot gives you though to compare.

I always scoffed the people who needed reversing sensors. However it is a really big car and I would be lost without them and they are essential for being able to tuck into tiny carparks. I find that with the twindoor, it's very hard to judge where it ends... the estate may not be so bad, but nonetheless I would recommend them.

My dad got a variable boot floor in his (company) Octavia. He's a service engineer and found it completely useless as it ate the space and nothing he had fitted in it - so he chucked it out!! It all depends what you're planning to put in the back I guess as if you have a selection of small things that you want to stop sliding around and keep safe, or if a level boot is more important than space then it could be useful. On the other hand if you need such a big car, I imagine you have plans for the boot!!

If the fabric mats you are thinking of are the same as I got (chucked in by the dealer luckily) then save your money... absolute ****... my heal has almost worn through on the clutch side after 4k miles and I've put a cheap rubber one over the top!!

Whatever you chose, I'm sure you'll like the car

ah, now there's an interesting response ... and something I've obviously missed!

To be honest the heated screen & seats isn't one of my likeliest choices and having checked again, a few of the others are off too, here's the list of possibilities, with the least likely in grey:

Comfort

Park distance control (rear sensors) £330

Cruise control £220

Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning £500

Integrated retractable headlight washers £150

Maxi-dot trip computer £140

Rain sensor £170

Sunset glass from B pillar back £225

Functionality

Roof rails, eloxed £165

Electrically-operated tailgate £525

Textile floor mats £75

Boot floor with integrated aluminium strips and fastening elements £390

Retractable parcel shelf (retracts automatically when boot opens) £60

Mechanical roller sun blinds for rear side windows £145

Smoking package £45

Preparation for tow bar £150

Net programme £90

Radio/navigation/telephone

"Bolero" 2-DIN radio with integrated CD changer £320

6CD autochanger £345

MDI (Mobile Device Interface) £185

Telephone preparation with Bluetooth GSM III (UHV + rSAP) and Maxi-dot £325

Safety

Rear side airbags £270

Tyre pressure monitoring £115

Steering wheel/interior/seats

4-spoke leather steering wheel, small leather package £270

4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with radio and phone controls, small leather package £590

4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with radio controls, small leather package £395

Heated front and rear seats £345

Heated front seats £190

Vehicle locking

KESSY - Keyless entry and start system £365

So I am starting to think that along with Cruise Control, Parking Distance (rear sensors) would be sensible, perhaps with Maxi-Dot if I can get away with it.

Thanks again for any & all advice,

Paul

Cruise is an absolute must, especially for long distances, while Maxi Dot gives more features than the standard computerand is easier on the eye. Rear parking sensors are not essential (you'll get to judge the cars length), but could be useful.

I currently drive a Superb S hatchback and specified the following options:-

Cruise

Maxidot

Headlight washers

Manual rear side window blinds

Bolero radio/multi CD

Floor mats

Small leather pack

Three spoke steering wheel (no longer available on the 'S')

At my own expense, I also bought a flexible boot liner and front and rear mudflaps.

I drive a similiar mileage (currently almost 79,000 miles) and like you, am considering a Greenline hatchback or estate next time round.