Hi everyone

I'm new to this site and don't yet own a Skoda but I'm looking closely at the Superb Greenline II as a possible replacement for my current company car. I really like the car in the showroom and have done quite a bit of research online. There seems nothing to dislike but I do have one concern. I do about 20,000 miles a year and the vast majority of this is on the motorway where I use top gear and cruise control. I'm worried that the Greenline's five speed gearbox will cause the engine to feel strained and over revving, making it not a relaxed drive which is a priority for me.

I don't know anybody with a Skoda and I will be the first in the company to run one should I decide. In due course I will have an extended test drive but can I ask any readers of this who have first hand experience of a Superb Greenline II for comment? What's it like at 70 for three hours?

Many thanks.

Michael

My greenline shows about 2050 revs at 70 mph in 5th. I am on my 7th diesel car and they all pretty much have shown that regardless of whether they are 5 or 6 speed. The superb is very refined and the 1.6 diesel engine is one of the best I have used (up there with the 6 cylinder BMW units) so refinement is not something that will trouble you. I can do 500 miles a day in mine with no issue.

You definitely must get that long test drive to make sure the other things about the Greenline are okay for you, namely the firmish ride, the 'adequate' acceleration and in particular the seating position. Those are the main things that people here tend to have minor issues with on the Greenline rather than the gearing.

Edited 6 January, 201313 yr by Pesmog

The ratio's on the five speed box are different on the GL so 5th gear is closely matched to the 6 speed boxes.

You'll find that it's a very refined, quiet and comfortable car in fifth. I'm just under 30k a year and find it to be wonderful, even coming from older A4 and 5-Series.

It wont be a problem on the motorways. I do aounrd 1000 mile a week and its no problem at all.

It will cruise very happy at 70+ on the motorway .

Thanks to everyone who has commented here. The Superb is likely to be the first test drive I have so it can be an important point of reference for anything else I try. It's combination of space, economy, equipment and hopefully comfort have placed it well up my list of cars to check out. If anyone else has anything to offer re the merits (or not) of a GL2 pleaser let me know. Cheers.

^{Economy is the best bit. 62.5 mpgaverage (from the computer) on mine. I rarely do journeys of less than an hour though, and that is mainly on the M25 where even averaging 65 mph is a struggle. Often when leaving the motorway after my 70 minute commute the computer is showing 72 mpg for that trip which is amazing for such a large car.}

Edited 8 January, 201313 yr by Pesmog

Thanks to everyone who has commented here. The Superb is likely to be the first test drive I have so it can be an important point of reference for anything else I try. It's combination of space, economy, equipment and hopefully comfort have placed it well up my list of cars to check out. If anyone else has anything to offer re the merits (or not) of a GL2 pleaser let me know. Cheers.

Well mine is a company car and the budget limited me to a Greenline SE and its very well speced IMO.

Some have had issues with seat comfort on the higher spec models due to the switches in the electric seats but as mine are manual I have had no issues at all.

^{Economy is the best bit. 62.5 mpgaverage (from the computer) on mine. I rarely do journeys of less than an hour though, and that is mainly on the M25 where even averaging 65 mph is a struggle. Often when leaving the motorway after my 70 minute commute the computer is showing 72 mpg for that trip which is amazing for such a large car.}

Well mine is a company car and the budget limited me to a Greenline SE and its very well speced IMO.

Some have had issues with seat comfort on the higher spec models due to the switches in the electric seats but as mine are manual I have had no issues at all.

72mpg is amazing and will do nicely! I'd heard there was a seat issue but I didn't know what the problem was. I really am quite keen on this car but my wife remembers Skodas of old and had an Estelle (did I spell that right?) in the early 80s. It's not badge snobbery, but I'm educating her on what's underneath it!

72mpg is amazing and will do nicely! I'd heard there was a seat issue but I didn't know what the problem was. I really am quite keen on this car but my wife remembers Skodas of old and had an Estelle (did I spell that right?) in the early 80s. It's not badge snobbery, but I'm educating her on what's underneath it!

I drive mine with a but of a lead foot but its still showing mid 50s.

As for the older Skodas yes they were the butt of old jokes but they were actually good a damn good car for the money.

I remember in the late 80s when they were under 3k brand new and if I remeber correctly the cheapest fiesta was around 3.5k.

But they were not to everyones taste.

I can't wait to test one after the feedback here. The current 0% VAT may help me get into an Elegance (perhaps). I keep spotting them on the road and thinking they look good. I'm after, comfort, economy, toys, low company car tax and a relaxing drive. No preference on saloon or estate. Watch this space!

I'm after, comfort, economy, toys, low company car tax and a relaxing drive. No preference on saloon or estate. Watch this space!

Same things I was after, along with a spacious boot, so I've just collected an estate. My previous lease car was a BMW 118d. The thing I've noticed most is the slower pull away in first gear. Moving into second it pulls quite happily and I've got no concerns when it comes to performance.

Edited 9 January, 201313 yr by twotter

Same things I was after, along with a spacious boot, so I've just collected an estate. My previous lease car was a BMW 118d. The thing I've noticed most is the slower pull away in first gear. Moving into second it pulls quite happily and I've got no concerns when it comes to performance.

Well the 118 has a lot more power and is a much lighter car.

Edited 9 January, 201313 yr by ruffday

My previous lease car was a BMW 118d. The thing I've noticed most is the slower pull away in first gear. Moving into second it pulls quite happily and I've got no concerns when it comes to performance.

Wow. A 118 to a Superb, all that space to play with! There's some good YouTube road tests on line. All excellent comments. I need 1000 more miles on the clock of my current car and it can go (probably two weeks worth of use). Time for that test drive I think.

Well the 118 has a lot more power and is a much lighter car.

Quite. The pull away in first is the only thing that is really that noticeable to me, and it's not a big deal. The gearbox is better on the Superb and I'm much smoother with my gear changes, which makes for a relaxed driving experience.

The space is great! We go camping for family holidays using a Soul Pad tent http://soulpad.co.uk/products/soulpad-5000-lite and we'll be able to get all of our kit into the boot rather than with the BMW having kit in the boot, back seats with the kids, front seat with my wife, and in a roof box too. We're looking forward to summer now we've got the Superb!

You'll all no doubt be please to know that the test drive, although delayed due to snow, went very well. I loved the drive of it and thought it was relaxed on the motorway. Your figures were spot on. The order for a '13' plate Elegance Greenline II saloon was made yesterday. I had a choice of five colours that could be delivered before the end of March, silver, grey, black, rosso and strong blue (forget the name). I went for black. I'd have liked the cream interior but all were in black. Very pleased and I look forward to collecting it.

Thanks again to all those who offered comment. Cheers. Michael

Cool