I have read quite a number of tests of the Superb in different magazines and what strikes me is that there seem to be quite a difference in opinions about the Superbs ride comfort. Some say that it is very harsh, while others find that it soaks up all the bumps of the road. For instance one Swedish magazine when testing the Superb Combi against some competitors gave it highest marks for ride comfort in one test. And the tested car had 18 inch wheels! . Also the Superb faired very well in the "ride comfort" category in the Driver Power survey conducted by Auto Express. However in other tests I have read the Superb is critisized for its harsh ride. Why is this so? The car cannot be both hard and soft at the same time? For me I find the ride of the Superb to be pretty good. Especially over speed humps. But my previous car was a BMW 1-series with runflat tires.....

I was told by my dealer that the 4X4 version has the suspension tweeked to be a little firmer than normal. This could be the reason for different test results.

I was told by my dealer that the 4X4 version has the suspension tweeked to be a little firmer than normal. This could be the reason for different test results.

Nope, Same suspension on the 4x4... what i mean by this, is my 4x4 feels exactly the same as a 2wd.

the GreenLine however, is lower and harder.

the "Rough Road Package" (not available in the Uk) is higher.

Al.

Perhaps that's where the difference lies in tests - Greenlines and Non-GLs?

Mine is alot smoother than my old Audi A4 but doesn't corner as well.

My Octavia Mk II was on 15" wheels and I find that the Superb with 18" is much smoother on the pot-hold wasteland that is South Yorkshire's roads. There's no way I'd call it a harsh ride.

I do find it a little squirmy at low speed on crappy surfaces (SY's roads again) but put that down to fat tyres witha lowish profile - less flex in the rubber.

See specs in sig below. Really good on dodgy country Victoria roads. And very competent around the twisty bits. And relatively comfy too.

The Superb on 18'' wheels rides very well which a fine balance between ride comfort and handling. Both the awd and the fwd feel exactly the same in terms of ride comfort. Don't be put off by 18'' wheels, they suit the car and the ride is just fine.

Here's my take:-

The 18" wheels do make the ride a bit "jiggly" but not harsh, they sort of let you know a bit about the road surface.

I feel the actual suspension is a pretty good compromise for this type of car. It is firmer than what I imagined, but like the tyres its not harsh and body roll is nicely composed.. If you start pushing it some, it will get wallowing all over the place and the car will certainly let you know that you should not be driving such a big car in this manner.

To sum up, it's on the firmer side of comfortable, but comfortable none the less.

Edited 31 March, 201214 yr by Tankdave

The Greenline ride is noticeably harsher than that of my previous Superb S, although, the tradeoff is less body roll.

I had a three-day test-drive in the Greenline version which has the lowered suspension for improved fuel economy. Personally, I found the ride quite firm. But it's not crashy or unrefined, just a bit taughter. And has been said, it reduces body roll and there's no wallow.

The ride is firmer than my current 2003 plate Audi A4. As you mention though, anything has got to be better than a 1 Series on run-flats!

For another comparison, I car share in a 59 plate A4 SE with 17" wheels and it's a softer, somewhat smoother ride than my 18" shod Elegance.

My car share chap had a 1-series beemer with run flats before the A4 and I totally agree with the above comment.

Here's my take:-

The 18" wheels do make the ride a bit "jiggly" but not harsh, they sort of let you know a bit about the road surface.

I feel the actual suspension is a pretty good compromise for this type of car. It is firmer than what I imagined, but like the tyres its not harsh and body roll is nicely composed.. If you start pushing it some, it will get wallowing all over the place and the car will certainly let you know that you should not be driving such a big car in this manner.

To sum up, it's on the firmer side of comfortable, but comfortable none the less.

Having come from an Octavia vRS to a Superb Elegance I'd agree with most of that. If anyone knows the road over Mousehold Heath in Norwich I'm definitely getting the "you should not be driving such a big car in this manner" message when I forget I'm not still in the Octavia!

I have a '60 plate estate on 17" wheels, and find the ride to be excellent. It's a bit goldilocks - not too hard or too soft. It won't handle like an A3, or feel stodgy like a big Merc.