Following on from my earlier thread discussing the choices of car available to replace my Superb 1.9Tdi 105, I have test driven both the Superb 1.6Tdi Greenline II Estate and the VW Passat 1.6Tdi BMT Estates and offer a summary of my my thoughts below:-

SKODA SUPERB

Pluses

1) Generously sized door mirrors

2) Clear instrument clocks (widely spaced mph increments and the white needles are easier on the eye at night)

3) More substantial feeling upholstery (again, comparing Superb & Passat 'S' specs against one another)

4) No-nonsense mechanical parking brake

5) More steering feedback

6) Less frequent gear changes required from 5 speed gearbox

7) Increased interior space

8) Less body roll (in Greenline spec)

Minuses

1) Harsher ride (in Greenline spec)

2) No spare wheel or warning triangle as standard

3) Step in loadbay when rear seat backs folded (unless optional Variable Boot Floor)

VW PASSAT

Pluses

1) Larger 70 litre tank gives increased range

2) Lower cruise RPM (due to 6 speed gearbox)

3) Flat loading area

4) Larger drivers armrest

5) Quick release fuel cap and less restrictive filler spout

6) Front door pockets accept 1-1.5 litre drinks bottles

7) MDI standard equipment

8) More compliant ride

9) Full size steel spare wheel and warning triangle as standard

10) Wider and softer front seat squabs

11) Lockable glovebox

Minuses

1) Poorly positioned cruise control stalk (assuming specified as an option on 'S' models)

2) Push start fob fussy and larger than a standard folding key

3) Poorly shaped door mirrors (not enough adjustment if you are tall and have seat set back on the runnners)

4) Red needles and backlit central console controls hard on the eyes at night

5) Electronic parking brake is tiresome

6) More frequent shifts required with the 6 speed gearbox (very light shift action though)

7) Less steering feedback

8) More body roll

9) Hard plastic sides to central console (may only be an issue for those with bony legs!)

So, if every plus point is cancelled by a minus point, the Superb wins by 5 points to the Passat's 2.

In reality, the Superb has issues which would detract from the overall driving experience. Both cars have great gearboxes, however, I prefer the Passat's round topped, more compact gear knob which is nicer to hold. It was more pleasureable to change cogs in the Passat; just as well as it needed far more frequent shifts. The Superb felt livelier and I think would be easier to live with, especially on mixed roads, rather than just motorways.A Passat 140 CR BMT might swing things back in the Passat's favour, however, this would demand a £1,000+ contribution out of my own pocket. I only wish the Superb was available with Stop Start etc as this would reduce the BIK taxation and inmprove the fuel economy.

The Superb Greenline Estate recorded 74.5mpg on my usual 45 mile motorway commute home (slightly more downhill bias and journey commenced with a warm engine). Curiously, the Passat Estate from cold recorded 70mpg and 68mpg for the same journey (there and back).

The Superb's Spectrum 16" wheels are starting to look a bit dated against the more attractive Passat's 16" Barcelona wheels (S models).

Another factor is that of monthly rental costs. I could choose a Passat S Estate with optional cruise, but would then have to pay for metallic paint and lumbar support. For the same rental as the standard S Estate (£425) I can choose a Superb 1.6Tdi SE Greenline II Estate with metallic paint, as well as optional heated washer nozzles, variable boot floor, rear manual side window blinds and retractable load cover. Or, if I ditch the VBF, I could choose heated front seats.

That said, I still have a fondness for the Twindoor, which in SE Greenline spec could have Xenon's, heated nozzles and side window blinds added within budget.

So, in summary, I am poised to choose either a Steel Grey SE Greenline Twindoor or Estate.

Edited 13 July, 201114 yr by veloplus

Did you have the auto hold function in the Passat? I use it all the time, so you never touch the hand break, you drive off the hand break goes off, you stop it goes on, easy.

For me the auto hold is a great thing, you never roll back, it's much better then the hill hold on the Skoda which only stays on foe 2 seconds as you drive off.

Did you have the auto hold function in the Passat? I use it all the time, so you never touch the hand break, you drive off the hand break goes off, you stop it goes on, easy.

For me the auto hold is a great thing, you never roll back, it's much better then the hill hold on the Skoda which only stays on foe 2 seconds as you drive off.

No, I think the S spec Passat has hill hold, but not auto hold.I played around on a few quiet hills, but didn't really like it. To release the electronic brake from stationary I had to first press the brake pedal.

Admittedly, not having a handbrake lever does free up some space immediately behind the gear lever.

Auto Hold is standard across the range on the Passat vii or at least that is what I thought.

I agree that the electronic parking brake without the auto hold is a total PITA, which is why that was fixed for the latest model.

The only time it can be awkward with it is if you forget to turn it off in close quarter manoeuvring when it can decide you've stopped just as you are easing the last bit into the final position.

Edited 13 July, 201114 yr by St?lmunk

Interesting comparison Simon - was only thinking yesterday how you were getting on.

I think the Passat is a very capable machine and coupled with the BMT makes them very attractive as company cars. However I do believe the spec levels of the Passat are poor, when compared to the Skoda. I know my current Octavia is better specced than a similr aged Passat S. In particular I think the seats are very spongy/soft.

So I think this, as you know already and have all along , leads you back to the Greenline in SE spec. I understand your reasons for the Greenline in terms of BIK and that you will probably go down the remap route, as opposed to opting for the 140 CR engine.

You'll just to decide on the options now, then the colour

Thanks for everyone who has offered advice. I've just ordered a Steel Grey Superb 1.6Tdi SE Greenline II Estate with optional heated washer nozzles, retractable parcel cover, variable boot floor and rear side window sunblinds. I wonder if I'll take delivery this side of Christmas?

Thanks for everyone who has offered advice. I've just ordered a Steel Grey Superb 1.6Tdi SE Greenline II Estate with optional heated washer nozzles, retractable parcel cover, variable boot floor and rear side window sunblinds. I wonder if I'll take delivery this side of Christmas?

There are some people who don't consider Superb at all, and therefore just buy Passat. However, all those whom I know and who have checked both - are all now the owners of a Superb). Its all about the spacious cabin and huge booth and luxury feeling inside out in general. Passat is definitely great too, but cannot win the comparison. Never seen any test where Passat was the winner).

Congratulations on the right choice!))

There are some people who don't consider Superb at all, and therefore just buy Passat. However, all those whom I know and who have checked both - are all now the owners of a Superb). Its all about the spacious cabin and huge booth and luxury feeling inside out in general. Passat is definitely great too, but cannot win the comparison. Never seen any test where Passat was the winner).

Congratulations on the right choice!))

I had to decide between the Passat mk7 vs Superb Combi (both 140PS). I went for the Superb as well. Got a nice deal on an ex-demonstration model.

The leasing company called me today to advise that a VBF cannot be specified on a Superb Greenline.

Never mind. I can use the monthly saving to add front rear mud flaps.