Hi,

 

I currently own a 2008 Skoda Octavia Estate 1.9 TDI and I am toying with the idea of selling it and going for a SKODA Superb 1.4 TSI S Estate (2014) that I have seen at a local dealer.  I am tempted cos I like the idea of a bigger boot and a newer car but I am wondering about the engine size of that Superb given the size of the vehicle.  I no longer do the mileage to warrant a diesel so a petrol engine is tempting me and I am not the world's fastest driver so top end performance is less of an issue for me hence the consideration of this model.  Usage would be commute to work 30miles (average 3 times a week) and longer motor way runs every other week (distnace varies).  Any opinions or reviews (please point some place if I am asking something obvious)

 

thanks

 

Adam

Hi Adam,

 

I had, for a few weeks, an Octavia estate hire car with the 1.4 engine. It went so well I thought it was a 2.0ltr. I could have happily have lived with that car.

 

In the Superb it would do the job well around town and once you are up to speed - quiet and decently economical once the little turbo spins up to speed.

 

Don't expect a sports car getting there though, especially when loaded up. It won't be 'slow' but not a spirited drive. However, value for money, running costs (tax, insurance etc.) comfort, daily commute suitability and utility you can't go wrong I reckon.

 

Arguably the best value Superb estate in the range.

 

Dave

Hi,

 

I currently own a 2008 Skoda Octavia Estate 1.9 TDI and I am toying with the idea of selling it and going for a SKODA Superb 1.4 TSI S Estate (2014) that I have seen at a local dealer.  I am tempted cos I like the idea of a bigger boot and a newer car but I am wondering about the engine size of that Superb given the size of the vehicle.  I no longer do the mileage to warrant a diesel so a petrol engine is tempting me and I am not the world's fastest driver so top end performance is less of an issue for me hence the consideration of this model.  Usage would be commute to work 30miles (average 3 times a week) and longer motor way runs every other week (distnace varies).  Any opinions or reviews (please point some place if I am asking something obvious)

 

thanks

 

Adam

I have recently bought a 1.4 tsi hatch and was worried about the performance and economy of the 1.4 until I did an extended test drive.

 

Fast forward a couple of months and I have no regrets:-

1) Performance is actually pretty good - pulls reasonably from 1300rpm , picks up a bit more at 3.5k and kicks again at 4.5k pulling through to 6k.

Seems great on the motorway, not a sportscar, but you don't need to change down in 6th gear when pulling out at 60/70 to overtake(does about 2000 rpm at 60 in 6th).

2) I knew economy wasn't so bad as I'd tested this as part of my extended test drive, however the reallity has been better than expected. On my day to day driving (64 mile round trip commute on A & city roads + weekend city driving) I seem to be averaging 46/47 mpg measured tank to tank. My Superb MKI 1.9 pd100 did 50mpg on the same journey types

3) This car is sooo quiet , at tickover (obviously if the stop start hasn't kicked the engine out) - total silence. On the move cruising at 60 you can't hear the difference between 4th and 6th - infact I've found myself going many miles on the open road in 4th witout realising

4) Pleased the car has 205 55 r16 tyres, better ride and tyre life shouold be great. Mine has 14k on the originals and is still showing 6.5mm on centre treads

5) The 1.4 does not have a Dual Mass Flywheel (the 1.8tsi does)

6) The water pump is fed by auxillary belt 

7) Engine is cam chain (much earlier versions did have problems but the 2014 has all the latest revisions of chain, sprockets, tensioner and casing)

8) Turbo is water cooled

9) Headlight easyish to convert to continental driving using a lever(x2) -  Well easy once you know how

10) Much simpler emissions controls - no DPF, AD blue etc - Just a catalyst ! 

11) The only thing I miss compared to my old Superb I is climate control - The air con is VERY effective but it's a bit wierd turning the heat up when its 26 deg outside!

 

Would I recommend it - oh yes

Edited 16 August, 201510 yr by bigjohn

Sorry just said 1.4tsi - to clarify I now have a 2014 (facelift) 1.4tsi S Superb II hatch - with optional parking sensors - get them added as part of a deal if you go ahead

Edited 17 August, 201510 yr by bigjohn

Thanks for your advice guys. Time to go and get a test drive methinks