So brief background is that I broke my neck playing rugby at 17, which means I'm a Motability customer.  Masses of choice on the scheme, but Skoda are far and away the best option with the range of models available.

 

Essentially, other than a difference to an up-front contribution, normal considerations like actual cost, depreciation, insurance and servicing are NOT something I have to consider - bit like a company lease but without any BIK tax implications really.

 

My choice comes down simply to which car I like, and running costs, as I do clock up 20k miles a year commuting.

 

I currently run a 2011 Superb Twin-door 140 CR DSG which has been great. I was all set to replace it with a new FL 2014 Estate:

 

 

 

But I have been wavering because of the space, newer tech and better economy of the new Octavia Estate.  I had sort of decided I was still going for the Superb until I spotted that there are now some new wheels and external options that make the Octavia look a lot less boring than it did before and now I'm stumped!

 

 

What to do?!  I know the Superb will be, well Superb, but the Octavia Elegance is also well kitted out, will have more space than my current Twin-door and looks pretty great with the new options. I was only going for the Superb estate because it looks better, so the Octavia Estate will definately have enough space.

 

It all come down to whether the driving experience of the Octavia vs the Superb, will have me thinking 'should have got the Superb' for the next three years.....

 

Worth mentioning that I'm someone who tends to take a relaxed approach to driving, rather than behave as if my pants are on fire. With 20k commuting miles a year, it's the only way I could remain sane!

Superb is old tech now.

Superb is old tech now.

 

Yes, you're right, it really is.  The FL has smartened up the looks but other than full leather, it would be like spending the next 3 years in the same car again.....

 

Apart form the internal tech, there's no getting away from the fact that the modern MQB based Octavia is over 200kg lighter, which has got to make a difference to both handling and fuel economy.

 

As far as I can see, the Superb has a bit more standard kit, but it's old tech and not stuff I'm desperate for - for example, only I drive, so electric seats wil be unused 99% of the time. The boot is bigger but I don't need the extra space.  Really it's just the rear passenger space and most of the time it's just me, or me and SWMBO anyway......

I also had week long test drives in both the Superb and new Octavia before choosing one late last year. Eventually I went for the Superb. I prefer the look of the front headlights and curved LED running lights as opposed to the straight lights design and LED's of the Octavia, plus I much prefer sitting behind the curved Superb dash compared to the straight dash in the Octavia.

My driving is spent mainly on motorways covering up to 45k/year so motorway cruising, refinement and comfort were high up my priority list. The Octavia with the same engine was revving about 300-400rpm higher at the same motorway speed, however the Octavia had DSG against the manual in the Superb. The Superb also has a bigger fuel tank so longer range, but not by much. I take a relaxed approach to driving and so far my Superb averages just over 60mpg brim to brim checked.

Both were Elegance spec cars, full leather was standard in the Superb, an option in the Octavia, the Columbus again standard in the Superb, optional in the Octavia although the previous generation version in the Superb - I didn't really find the newer Columbus any different to use but it does come with three years map updates.

Newer isn't always better and there are several queries coming up on the Octavia 3 forum with various issues such as cruise control, infotainment system plus a few other gremlins mainly software related. It will of course get sorted eventually but when that will be no one knows, whereas time has sorted Superb issues, so to me a bit like Windows XP vs Windows Vista - wait until it's had the bugs ironed out for me - newer isn't always better.

Having said all that the Octavia is a great car and I can see why for some people that would be the better choice., and I may well have one myself next time around.

If you do not require the extra space, the Octy will be the more logical choice. The Superb wins on spec, but overall prices will be very similar for both once you up the Octy kit to Superb levels. Having better resale values should make Octy repayments cheaper, and of course mpg should favour the Octy by 10-15%.

I think space is the biggest differentiator.if you consider looks to be equal. Do you really need the extra rear legroom and boot?

I came from the Superb II to the Octy III but I ordered before the Superb FL was available to order and I was therefore comparing the new tech of the Octy with a pre FL Berb so it was no contest as I definitely did not want to spend another 4 yrs in the exact same car and I enjoy having the latest tech.

However, and I know the Superb FL is basically the same car with a new dress on, so if tech is your thing, the Octy is the one to go for, but, if you favour comfort and build quality over toys, then having now done 20k in the Octy, I would have no hesitation recommending the Superb over the Octy, as it has softer springs and independent rear suspension as standard, whereas only Octy models with engines exceeding 150ps or with 4x4 get the higher spec rear susp.

Also bear in mind the Octy is in high demand so discounts will be smaller, whereas I have seen discounts on the Superb in excess of 6k so you could easily get an L&K Superb for vRS Octy money if you shop around.

I had an Octavia 2 for 3 years and loved it. Then It came to replace it, tried a superb for a few days and only problem found it a bit big for my needs. So went for Octavia 3, like you I do about 20k a year and drive with comfort and economy first. I so wish I had gone for the superb the Octavia feels almost as big and the ride is just to firm and noisey also don't think the build is a good, yes I have new tech but none of it is anything that special just looks nicer and most of it is very buggy. Oh and Bluetooth phone kit is better in the superb.

So I will spend the next 2.5 years wishing I had a superb.

My wife is eligible for the Motability Scheme, so we have some experience of it, so like you say deals are pretty much irrelevant, its all about the advance payment and what offers best bang for buck for the AP you are prepared to pay and the lack of mobility allowance you lose.

 

I have the vRS estate (not on the scheme) and its a cracking car, the handling etc is exactly how I would want it, I am not a boy racer, I don't want it souped up, I don't want big exhausts etc, I like it just as it is, I liked the way iy was specced, I am guessing the vRS is not available on the scheme and if it did it would have a stupid AP on it!  

 

I did however, have a Superb L&K a while back for a few days and all I can say is 'Wow'! I loved it, the drive was effortless, the comfort was unreal and whilst in many ways it was old tech, it beats the Octavia in all respects with regards to comfort, it just wafted along quite comfortably which in your situation would be quite important I should imagine.  If I was choosing one as a Motability customer the Superb would be my choice (obviously depending on what was important for my disability), what you need to do is get an extended test drive in the model of Octavia you are looking at, Motability specifically state these days that your dealer should offer you a long enough test drive for you to make sure the car is suitable for your needs, so a test drive of a weekend or a couple of weekdays to see how you would get on with it in your daily life is important, if your local dealer won't allow that, go to the next one etc etc

 

Also, when my wife took her last Motability care (12 months ago) the agreement form was a lot more detailed, it was far more like a proper finance arrangement and more fine print in not being able to swap midterm, you must account for your condition and any predicted changes in the next 3 years (it does state however that if things change that could not be seen at the time of initial rental then they might be able to do something), it was a lot stricter than it used to be.

 

Anyway, I know I haven't added much, but my only advice is get that extended test drive.

 

Good luck and enjoy your new car :-)

A simple question -  Do you want comfort & space over toys if = Yes then probably the Superb is your better option.

I too had the Superb v Octavia debate.  Given the choice again, I'd go with the superb every time.

 

Living with the Octavia for 5/6 months the difference in ride quality is massive over just about every surface. Sure, as others say, the Octavia has newer technology but in this case, the newer technology doesn't contribute to the ride quality, serenity or the general feeling of quality which is just way above the Octavia. I changed to a VRS as I wanted to try a different type of car to an ultra comfortable C5 but will be changing again soon... possibly to a Superb if the price is right. It's hard to see what more toys you could want if you get a nice elegance and the 170 diesel is almost as quick as the VRS in everyday driving.

 

I do like my Octavia, it handles well but for me, although it is mainly good, the quality of ride or of the interior is just not up there with the Superb. As I said, time again, I'd go Superb every time.

Interesting, I was pondering a Superb Outdoor next.

I can't wait for the Superb III

I can't wait for the Superb III

 

Me neither. I should put your name down now Matt. I think demand will be high and we know how efficient Skoda are at getting owners behind their wheels quickly