https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVG_PEAHrLs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Nice one - so the only thing they didn't like was the name

Have always thought the interior of the c class was a bit cheap and nasty. I saw a review comparing the superb to the e class on you tube. They came to the conclusion that the merc was slightly better in most ways, but the skoda came in a very close second (with a massive saving).

Have always thought the interior of the c class was a bit cheap and nasty. I saw a review comparing the superb to the e class on you tube. They came to the conclusion that the merc was slightly better in most ways, but the skoda came in a very close second (with a massive saving).

They had to be on some dope or something... E-class leather, dashborad finish, door cards are superior to Superb ones... You could only try to compare a budget E-class with well equiped Superb - this way it may work. Otherwise well equiped E-class and Superb can't compare

Owning a C class and also having owned an Octy II, I would say the build quality is similar. The current W204 C class had a massive face lift (although it looks incredibly similar to the pre face lift) in which over 2,000 components were changed. One of the big differences being the interior. Which not only looks a lot better, but also fits together much more cohesively and used a fair bit more parts from the 'nice squidgy stuff box'. The door also have a great feel when shutting, something that can't be said of the new 3 series imho, but there again the current C class is a little bit old school in it weighs in at about the 'who ate all the pies?' point

 

In terms of interior space the C Class can't really compete with an Octy let alone a Superb, but the quality of the engine in my car and it's solidity means I am happy to keep the car for it's full 3 years PCP, which is a first for me I think

They had to be on some dope or something... E-class leather, dashborad finish, door cards are superior to Superb ones... You could only try to compare a budget E-class with well equiped Superb - this way it may work. Otherwise well equiped E-class and Superb can't compare

Today I test drove a 2009 E220 CDI, a car with many qualities to be fair. I had a good poke and prod at all switchgear, knobs, buttons and all trim etc. 

 

Here's what I found:

 

Not only is the MKII Superb a match for the E Class  in build quality, it's far better in many areas. Mercedes bomb proof build quality circa.1990's is a long time gone.

 

It's just my opinion, so don't start bashing me..!

 

Rob 

Having swopped my C Class Estate for a Superb Combi Elegance, there is very little difference in quality and I think the Suberb shades it. I had to have a seat replaced in the Merc as the fake leather split (one year in) and my alloys were refurbed 3 times in three years before Merc relented and gave me a new set, happily  just before I sold the car. It was my second Merc Estate. Build quality went down rather than up between cars. 

 

The whopping difference is in the low running cost of the Superb over the Merc. Merc servicing is just crazy money.

 

The other difference was in the standard spec in the Elegance. It would have cost me thousands more to get that in a Merc.

 

And finally...after the 2010 winter when even with sand and breeze blocks in the boot of the Merc it was a white knuckle ride to stay on the road. In last year's snow in the Superb 4 x 4 I didn't have a moment's worry.

 

Its not all build quality....

Although I can't compare the C Class with the Superb I can compare it to my precious Octy and a colleagues new Octy and I still think the Merc build quality shades the Octy at least. Nicer materials to the touch (I do have the latest facelift C Class though) and the polished alloy buttons for many of the features is very nice. The motorway performance is definitely better and the handling is much more fun.

 

But to show balance, I have to say it is not twice as good as the Octy even though the full price of the vehicle is almost twice that of my Octy!  Interestingly enough, the monthly repayments when comparing deposit and monthly payments on the PCP are only about £70 a month more, Now that does represent fantastic value for the Merc 

 

I would be happy to go back to a Skoda after this PCP runs out and indeed am keeping an eye on prices and deals on the Skoda website

I recently got rid of a 2013 Mercedes B class 200CDI sport with quite a few Extras(£29500) with it being not fit for purpose.

They actually lent me a C Class 220CDI sport auto saloon. Which I had for a while while they where trying to sort mine.

After now buying the latest Superb Combi Elegance CR170 manual. The Superb is a better ride, Handles Better, Seats are more supportive and better over long distances and more economical on the motorway than both the B and C class.

If I had added the extras that came in my Superb on either of the Mercs you would be looking at around £6000 in extras.

Oh and last of all the people at my local Skoda dealer actually take time with you when you pick up the vehicle.

I know I have only had the car a couple of weeks, but I am really pleased with the car overall. Also every one who has seen the car is really suprised how good the "Skoda " is.  

 

Pete

I have never driven a large fwd car that handles a well as a decent rwd car - yet.

The C class's sport suspension is great for flat roads. You do however feel everything including thick white lines. However if pushed on corners with any sort of bumps the car I drove's back end was very unstable. Especially in the wet. With the large amount of rain we have had over the last couple days, I have been surprised how good the Superb is for such a large FWD car. Using the throttle as control on the corners.

The C class is great for hanging the tail out thou. After years of racing at different levels, that part was fun. But for getting around quickly on our English roads the suspension is too HARD on both the B and C Class. Both cars I drove had run Flats. perhaps it may be better on standard tyres. Something I will never find out. I next time I change my car it will be another Superb or a Volvo V70.

 

Pete

I have never driven a large fwd car that handles a well as a decent rwd car - yet.

Amanda,

Before moving to the Superb (entirely by personal choice) I drove BMWs and Mercs. Brilliant when its a dry road, 'interesting' when wet and downright dangerous in snow and ice, assuming you can get it out of the drive. Before that fwds. I had forgotten how good they were. But the absolute gem is the 4x4 Skoda with auto haldex clutch. When the going get gets  rough and that kicks in the confidence it brings is amazing. 

Perhaps it's the adjustable damper suspension that makes the difference on my car, It certainly seems to help on bumpy roads as the car rides on very silly low profile tyres. I love the car in the wet, it is enormous fun

 

I think what I was trying to get at was that the car has genuinely enjoyable handling (CAR magazine reckoned the facelift C class was a better car than the previous 3 series BMW ) but of course roadholding isn't the same as handling, just look at the Toyobaru Coupe  that's doing the rounds at the moment. My previous 3.0tdi Quattro (proper full time 4x4 with rear bias, full drive select package and Sports diff) had astonishing grip and it's cross country ability was stunning for a big car, but it wasn't anywhere near as much fun or satisfying as my current C Class to drive. Mind you I look like a Russian drugs dealer now (or high class prostitute as my colleagues say - I added the 'High class' bit )

Yes, in terms of handling they are very different cars for sure. Good to know the C Class has come on in the current refresh. Also glad to hear you have livened up the staid image of Merc drivers too !! The mind boggles...

Yes, in terms of handling they are very different cars for sure. Good to know the C Class has come on in the current refresh. Also glad to hear you have livened up the staid image of Merc drivers too !! The mind boggles...

 

 

it helps to pay for all the tyres