Hi guys, 

 

It's been a couple of years since I got rid of my mk2 Superb. I grabbed an Astra Elite but hated it, then switched into a Mazda 6 2.0 NA petrol tourer last year. I love it (though it could do with a bit more power), but I need to switch to an auto for health reasons. I've 99% decided on another Superb and am looking at the SE L Executive 2.0 TSI (220hp) DSG in petrol blue, but I have a couple of questions for those in the know. 

 

Yes I could ask the dealer, but they tend to tell you what they want you to hear rather than necessarily giving you a straight answer. If anyone could give me a heads up that'd be great!

 

1) What are the current approximate build times? I'll be adding flappy paddles but nothing too out of the ordinary. Dealer says 8 weeks as this is a quiet time of year, but 12 weeks at the outside. However, they also said that 18 months ago when I placed an order for a bog standard SE Octavia estate 1.4 TSI which, after 8 whole months, still hadn't materialised. That's why I ended up cancelling the order and grabbing the Mazda (which was delivered in less than 2 weeks). 

 

2) I'm debating on whether colour maxi dot is worth it. I'm swaying towards yes for the price, but keep reading posts on here (mostly in the Octavia section) saying it comes standard with Columbus. Since the SE L Executive S3 comes with Columbus, doesn't this mean it also comes with colour maxi dot as standard? Or did this change recently? Skoda's website does list it as a paid option for the SE L Executive trim so I'm guessing it has indeed changed, but wanted to check.

 

3) Leather! I think the beige looks lovely against petrol blue, but we have two kids (9 years old and 9 months old respectively). As such I'm worried about how easy it would be to keep clean. We don't allow food in the car but just generally, how much of a git is it to keep clean? Additionally I'm seriously tempted by the half alcantara (extra grip on corners, no extreme hot/cold in summer/winter). Having never experienced it first hand, I'd also be interested in how easy/hard it is to clean and keep clean in comparison to full leather. 

 

Many thanks in advance for any insights. I'm really looking forward to getting back into a decent family wagon with some oomph. I am still going to test drive the new 2.0 ecoboost Mondeo estate (240hp), just to make sure I'm sure. However all reviews say they feel deathly slow because of their lazy American slush box auto, and don't feel half as powerful as the figures make out. They're also 1.5 seconds slower to 60 than the Superb and 10mpg worse on fuel (combined), so it's pretty safe to say I'll be ordering a Superb this week.  

 

Thanks in advance!

Hi there

1) By the time I see my SE-L TDI 150, it will be around 4 months from ordering.

2) Colour maxi-dot is definitely an option and one I have ordered

3) Beige leather is more likely to get grubby from dye transfer from jeans than anything your kids will do to it, baby wipes can be effective at removing this. I would say alcantara is a more challenging option if you have kids and is not something I would choose.

Cheers

Rory

Can't say on the first two but on:-

3) Leather can be sealed very easily with several leather treatments such as Gtechniq L1AB, this is a leather sealant of sorts that prevents dye transfer from the likes of jeans, etc... It's simple to apply by using a cloth to wipe in the product and then a minute or two later, buffing with another cloth. To aid cleaning should any dirt or greasy marks get on, get on simply vacuum taking care to properly vacuum down by the stitches where trapped dirt can act as an abbrassive tearing into the stitching. Then spray some Gtechniq I2AB (in both cases 'AB' stands for anti-bacterial and will kill any germs) onto the surface and wipe. The I2AB will also do interior fabrics and plastics so not simply just for leather cleaning.

To offer feedback from the "dark side" my wife has a 2.0T 240PS Mondeo and deathly slow is about as far from the truth as possible. The D ECU program seems to be set up to make it drive lazily with about 50% of the engine power spread across 80% of the throttle travel. The gearbox sticks to high gears too. It's done like that largely to ensure the best outcome on European consumption testing - the petrol Jag XE is similar and has the same "complaint" levelled at it - but also to give it a relaxed drive in normal circumstances. Rest assured is it in no way "slow" but would leave someone with experience of more powerful cars wondering if someone had let 80 horses out the paddock unless you've had your foot buried in the carpet.

However knock it in to S or simply drop it temporarily into manual by knocking it down a gear or two on the paddles and it is something else. It is blindingly fast though like any FWD high powered car needs a good surface to grip on to.

It's a fabulous car and the first Ford she's had that's made me go "wow" in a long time.

For info it averages about 27mpg normally and will do 32 on longer journeys. If that sounds bad I doubt the larger engined Skodas will hit their supposed and published figures - and frankly we couldn't care less.

If you're wondering why I'm on a Skoda forum telling you this I get very bored with the Fords (good though some are) and have pretty much decided when my old SAAB 9-5 goes my money's going on a new S3!

Thanks very much for the tips chaps, much appreciated! I was especially interested in the Mondeo info, and thankful for the heads up about Gtechniq L1AB (which I'd never heard of before). I think the Superb is the best place for me overall. I did ring five Ford dealerships today but none have any petrols to drive, and I'm certainly not going to order one blind lol. One did offer me a drive in a diesel, but since they don't even share the same auto box (let alone engine) it's pretty pointless. 

 

I have been wavering over engine size a little, as although the 220 will be much nicer to drive the reality is we're mostly town/city based. I would not notice the drop to 150ps in the 1.4 TSI 99% of the time and would get hugely more economy. But then I realised over 10k a year economy isn't much of a big deal and the enjoyment of the extra power was worth it. I would never regret having a car that was too powerful, but I could definitely come to regret compromising to save a fiver a week in fuel lol. 

 

I'll be hitting the dealership this week to place the order. Hopefully the wait isn't too long.

No problem on the Mondeo. We have one on the driveway so any questions just shout! I understand on the test drive front but I've found no different with Skoda. Same from two Essex dealers; outside chance they might be able to get a 1.4 for a test drive but a 220 or 280 - no chance. I think it's daft and told them so - the "but we sell mostly diesels" becomes self- fulfilling when that's all they ever have for people to look at! Daft sods :-)

No problem on the Mondeo. We have one on the driveway so any questions just shout! I understand on the test drive front but I've found no different with Skoda. Same from two Essex dealers; outside chance they might be able to get a 1.4 for a test drive but a 220 or 280 - no chance. I think it's daft and told them so - the "but we sell mostly diesels" becomes self- fulfilling when that's all they ever have for people to look at! Daft sods :-)

 

Transcity in Walthamstow, London, E17 4SA have a 2.0 TSI 220PS Hatch that I had a test drive in recently.

Edited 30 November, 201510 yr by Prykey

To offer feedback from the "dark side" my wife has a 2.0T 240PS Mondeo and deathly slow is about as far from the truth as possible. The D ECU program seems to be set up to make it drive lazily with about 50% of the engine power spread across 80% of the throttle travel. The gearbox sticks to high gears too. It's done like that largely to ensure the best outcome on European consumption testing - the petrol Jag XE is similar and has the same "complaint" levelled at it - but also to give it a relaxed drive in normal circumstances. Rest assured is it in no way "slow" but would leave someone with experience of more powerful cars wondering if someone had let 80 horses out the paddock unless you've had your foot buried in the carpet.especially

However knock it in to S or simply drop it temporarily into manual b y knocking it down a gear or two on the paddles and it is something else. It is blindingly fast though like any FWD high powered car needs a good surface to grip on to.

,wow" in a long time.

For info it averages about 27mpg normally and will do 32 on longer journeys. If that sounds bad I doubt the larger engined Skodas will hit their supposed and published figures - and frankly we couldn't care less.

If you're wondering why I'm on a Skoda forum telling you this I get very bored with the Fords (good though some are) and have pretty much decided when my old SAAB 9-5 goes my money's going on a new S3!

I have to agree with you, both the the Mondy Estate & the XE that I've driven felt sluggish using "normal" throttle openings.

All of our 3 2.0 TSi's are more responsive, with the Superb feeling the slowest, but I've been using the Superb as my daily driver for the last 2-3 weeks & it seems that the "fuzzy logic" 

in the ECU & the DSG, has decided that I need less throttle to go faster......

 

Or, it could just be that I'm adapting to the car......

 

As for fuel consumption, the long-term average is still 37 mpg, but than can drop to the 32 mpg if it's pushed beyond than my normal OAP driving mode.... 

 

 

FWIW, I did have a longish test drive in a 220 PS Superb 3 & although the car was nice to drive, it didn't feel quick at all, especially with it's wide ratio DSG.

 

I'm having real difficulty in justifying £31+K for a new Superb, it doesn't seem to be worth £20K more than my current (remapped to 249 BHP) 19K mile car!

 

DC

No problem on the Mondeo. We have one on the driveway so any questions just shout! I understand on the test drive front but I've found no different with Skoda. Same from two Essex dealers; outside chance they might be able to get a 1.4 for a test drive but a 220 or 280 - no chance. I think it's daft and told them so - the "but we sell mostly diesels" becomes self- fulfilling when that's all they ever have for people to look at! Daft sods :-)

You've been window shopping in Rayleigh perhaps?

Transcity in Walthamstow, London, E17 4SA have a 2.0 TSI 220PS Hatch that I had a test drive in recently.

Good to know, what did you think of the car after your drive?

 

DC

Good to know, what did you think of the car after your drive?

 

DC

 

It was a DSG which is what I have actually ordered, my initial impression was that it was sluggish not realizing that it was in economy mode (  ), however after that was sorted out it was fine . 

 

The morale of that is to make sure what the settings are lol.

You've been window shopping in Rayleigh perhaps?

In my case Spire Harlow and Underwoods Colchester.  Both friendly and helpful but diesel Superbs only.  Probably the best for me as had I test driven a 280 I'd have probably been throwing my bank details/American Express/children at them

 

Thanks Prykey as well for the point on the 220PS at Walthamstow - noted.  Might see if I can get over there soon though with the above risk ever present.

 

Cheers, Dan

In my case Spire Harlow and Underwoods Colchester.  Both friendly and helpful but diesel Superbs only.  Probably the best for me as had I test driven a 280 I'd have probably been throwing my bank details/American Express/children at them

 

Thanks Prykey as well for the point on the 220PS at Walthamstow - noted.  Might see if I can get over there soon though with the above risk ever present.

 

Cheers, Dan

 

Underwoods are good, Spirit reasonable too, but as for the 280, as long as the children remain unharmed you should / could reconsider.

The AWD is the saving grace, it will get the power down without the annoying scrabbling I get from the front tyres on my Super B.

 

DC

 

PS, You know you want to..........................

Good to see this topic thriving. Thanks guys!

 

Old newbie2, you seem to know what you're talking about in a driver's car (you referenced the gear ratios). Would you kindly give more detail on how you found the 220 drove please? As I said I can't get to a S3 220 so the dealer offered the Octy VRS, but it sounds like they are rather different to say the least. When you say it didn't feel quick, do you mean it felt composed and was fast without transmitting it to the driver, or rather that it's actually cumbersome? How did the gearing affect the feel of the drive? I'll take as much detail as you can be bothered sharing, don't be scared of telling me too much lol. 

 

Mbbx6drj, thanks again for the Mondeo info. I'm tempted to go and sit in one after all, just to be safe (especially if newbie2 tells us the 220 is bland and sluggish with poor gearing after all). It (the new Mondeo) is a slush box auto, right? A few reviews say the manual (i.e. paddle) shift feels slow and clunky compared to DSG, but is it that bad really? Also they talk about it whining loudly when you're pressing on. Again any details you can provide about the drive and real world economy would be very gratefully received!

 

I'm also wondering how well the two compare with, for example, two rear facing child seats with room for a third in the middle. Not a problem with the huge size of them I imagine (I manage it in a Mazda 6) but something else on my list of things to check out lol. Thanks again folks.

Edited 1 December, 201510 yr by Derv

Good to see this topic thriving. Thanks guys!

 

Old newbie2, you seem to know what you're talking about in a driver's car (you referenced the gear ratios). Would you kindly give more detail on how you found the 220 drove please? As I said I can't get to a S3 220 so the dealer offered the Octy VRS, but it sounds like they are rather different to say the least. When you say it didn't feel quick, do you mean it felt composed and was fast without transmitting it to the driver, or rather that it's actually cumbersome? How did the gearing affect the feel of the drive? I'll take as much detail as you can be bothered sharing, don't be scared of telling me too much lol. 

 

Mbbx6drj, thanks again for the Mondeo info. I'm tempted to go and sit in one after all, just to be safe (especially if newbie2 tells us the 220 is bland and sluggish with poor gearing after all). It (the new Mondeo) is a slush box auto, right? A few reviews say the manual (i.e. paddle) shift feels slow and clunky compared to DSG, but is it that bad really? Also they talk about it whining loudly when you're pressing on. Again any details you can provide about the drive and real world economy would be very gratefully received!

 

I'm also wondering how well the two compare with, for example, two rear facing child seats with room for a third in the middle. Not a problem with the huge size of them I imagine (I manage it in a Mazda 6) but something else on my list of things to check out lol. Thanks again folks.

 

My Brother has an Octavia 3 VRS 220PS DSG Hatch and I've ordered a Superb 3 L&K 220PS DSG Hatch and was surprised to see that the top speed and 0-62 times of the Superb are only 2mph and .1 sec different according to the brochure as it didn't really "feel" like that. 

 

I really like the shape of the Octavia 3 Estate (not that I don't like the shape of the Superb 3 in either form) and looked at configuring both the VRS and L&K up to Superb L&K specification (or as near to it as I could) and it worked out more money underlining what "superb" value the Superb actually is!

Edited 1 December, 201510 yr by Prykey

Well I went and sat in the Mondeo, but the dealer was as far from interested in selling us one as you could imagine. He unlocked the car (which was outside), told us to find him if we had questions, and went back in to his cup of tea. The car auto-locked after a minute and that was that. We went to find him at his desk, and after me starting to ask questions he put his hand up, said 'Give me a minute' and rang his mate. Five minutes of standing there, and he's laughing away chatting on the phone about what cars are due in next week.... We walked out and didn't go back. Just why are so many car dealers so rude and ignorant these days? I'm struggling to find a showroom who actually want to sell any cars regardless of marque! It's a Motability sale too, so guaranteed money.

 

At any rate the Mondeo's front seats are absolutely sumptuous. Far more padded and supportive, and with far better side support than the Skoda's seats (sorry to say). They feel like they'd hold you for a full day's driving without issue. On the Superb I couldn't help feel the seats were oddly shaped somewhat, and lacking in thigh and side support. Not enough to put me off buying one, but the Mondeo wins that one for sure. Much less rear legroom though in the Mondeo, even if it was a bit wider than the S3. That said I am after all 6'5" and anyone even a bit shorter than me would sit behind me comfortably so it's not a real world issue.

 

I've given up trying to find one to test drive so it looks like the S3 will get the order. That said I'd still appreciate if Old Newbie2 and Mbbx6drj could answer the questions from my last post about the driving experience of both cars if you'd be so kind? Many thanks again.

Sorry Derv I'm not been funny..... But.... That's exactly what I want a sales man to do. Not try to sell me a car. Give me the keys and bugger off to leave me to it !

If I'm possibly spending thousands on a car that's on my shortlist I will have researched it to death.

The salesman will not need to 'sell' me the car I will either like it or move onto the next prospect.

If I do decide on the car I approach a sales man and tell him exactly what I want.

The bit about the phone however. Yes I would have done the same.

Hi Derv. Am currently regretting choosing a random set of characters for my logon here and trying to get it changed!

Sorry, I'd missed your questions:

Real world economy is as further above. Seems to be about 27 normally and 32 on long journeys. I imagine if you were racing off traffic lights round down that would go down badly but you're not going to do that are you? :-)

Strangely it's the DSG that worries me about the Skoda though that's probably from reading too many horror stories from the early days (I hope). Yes, the petrol Mondeos use a torque converter auto that seems to be well regarded globally - it's used in the US too (the diesel does use a twin clutch similar to the DSG). Wife's car runs almost silently most of the time but has a pleasant roar when you really welly it. I've never heard any whining other than from the kids. We do a European driving holiday most years and we never thought we'd find anything would beat an old Volvo 740's seats for comfort. The Mondeo was the first that's done that and it was a pleasure to drive. I don't know how the Skoda's paddles work but on the Mondeo you can have it in D and they'll let you knock it down a gear or two for an overtake. It'll take back over at the redline and switch back to full auto a few seconds after. I love that. On my SAAB it's either all manual or all auto.

Cards on the table it's been the first Ford I've thought I'd go out and spend my own money on. As the wife gets them as company cars though I just want something different and love the look of the Skoda.

As for the dealer. I had a similar experience at a Vauxhall dealer when looking at an Insignia. Walked next door to their same owner Chrysler dealer and couldn't get anyone to help me with a few questions on the 300C - some salesman bragging to the young reception girl. I walked out, wrote a rude letter to the principal (no reply) and cheerfully tell anyone who says they're after either of those two brands to go elsewhere. While I agree with Nick and like to be left alone, if you've asked them for info and that's the response they can do one! You'd think people on commission would be keener...

Anyway, good luck with the car choice. Hard to think you'll go far wrong with either :-)

At any rate the Mondeo's front seats are absolutely sumptuous. Far more padded and supportive, and with far better side support than the Skoda's seats (sorry to say). They feel like they'd hold you for a full day's driving without issue. On the Superb I couldn't help feel the seats were oddly shaped somewhat, and lacking in thigh and side support.

We had a Mk4 Mondeo before the Superb, and I agree on the seats.

Prior to the Mondeo we've had a couple of Focuses (Foci?) and in all of them, the seats offered far more side support than in either the Superb or my Yeti.

 

The Mondeo was much more of a "driver's car" too, a much sharper drive than our more comfort-orientated SIII, don't know if the current Mondeo is the same ?

The Mondeo was much more of a "driver's car" too, a much sharper drive than our more comfort-orientated SIII, don't know if the current Mondeo is the same ?

We had a 2.5T (5 pot) and 2.0T versions of the 07-14 car and have a 2.0T version of the current. The latter doesn't sound as good as the 2.5T but that struggled to do over 22mpg on a good day! I'd say the newer Mondeo is definitely more comfort orientated though fast with it. It was lent to a friend of mine recently who is looking at his next lease car and he reckons it's better than his 13 plate E class (though thanks to residuals/lease costs is more expensive!). It's a whole different game inside though. Beautiful seats (we have electric with memory I should add) and the dash is lovely.

What it doesn't have that the Skoda does is the Apple CarPlay thing (so you can access some phone apps) so if that's a deal breaker just be warned.

Dan

Hi Derv. Am currently regretting choosing a random set of characters for my logon here and trying to get it changed!

Sorry, I'd missed your questions:

Real world economy is as further above. Seems to be about 27 normally and 32 on long journeys. I imagine if you were racing off traffic lights round down that would go down badly but you're not going to do that are you? :-)

Strangely it's the DSG that worries me about the Skoda though that's probably from reading too many horror stories from the early days (I hope). Yes, the petrol Mondeos use a torque converter auto that seems to be well regarded globally - it's used in the US too (the diesel does use a twin clutch similar to the DSG). Wife's car runs almost silently most of the time but has a pleasant roar when you really welly it. I've never heard any whining other than from the kids. We do a European driving holiday most years and we never thought we'd find anything would beat an old Volvo 740's seats for comfort. The Mondeo was the first that's done that and it was a pleasure to drive. I don't know how the Skoda's paddles work but on the Mondeo you can have it in D and they'll let you knock it down a gear or two for an overtake. It'll take back over at the redline and switch back to full auto a few seconds after. I love that. On my SAAB it's either all manual or all auto.

Cards on the table it's been the first Ford I've thought I'd go out and spend my own money on. As the wife gets them as company cars though I just want something different and love the look of the Skoda.

As for the dealer. I had a similar experience at a Vauxhall dealer when looking at an Insignia. Walked next door to their same owner Chrysler dealer and couldn't get anyone to help me with a few questions on the 300C - some salesman bragging to the young reception girl. I walked out, wrote a rude letter to the principal (no reply) and cheerfully tell anyone who says they're after either of those two brands to go elsewhere. While I agree with Nick and like to be left alone, if you've asked them for info and that's the response they can do one! You'd think people on commission would be keener...

Anyway, good luck with the car choice. Hard to think you'll go far wrong with either :-)

The DSG paddles work in a similar manner, use them in drive & it will shift unless you are asking the impossible re. too low or too high rpm's.

When you cease using them the DSG will return to "D" mode in 15/20 seconds, or by squeezing the "+" paddle for a few seconds if it's already in top gear. 

In "M" they are just easier to use than the shifter, & in "S" they can be used to moderate the exuberant shifting programme!

 

IMVHO the DSG is better than Ford's Powershift, crisper shifts when called for & as laid-back as most slush-boxes in normal driving.

 

You know far more about the current Mondeo than I, but the Superb 3 is just a little smaller on the outside & better looking, at least in the Estate version.

 

We aren't that close to moving up to a Superb 3 though, we've spent the money on the house instead.

 

DC

Well I went and sat in the Mondeo, but the dealer was as far from interested in selling us one as you could imagine. He unlocked the car (which was outside), told us to find him if we had questions, and went back in to his cup of tea. The car auto-locked after a minute and that was that. We went to find him at his desk, and after me starting to ask questions he put his hand up, said 'Give me a minute' and rang his mate. Five minutes of standing there, and he's laughing away chatting on the phone about what cars are due in next week.... We walked out and didn't go back. Just why are so many car dealers so rude and ignorant these days? I'm struggling to find a showroom who actually want to sell any cars regardless of marque! It's a Motability sale too, so guaranteed money.

 

At any rate the Mondeo's front seats are absolutely sumptuous. Far more padded and supportive, and with far better side support than the Skoda's seats (sorry to say). They feel like they'd hold you for a full day's driving without issue. On the Superb I couldn't help feel the seats were oddly shaped somewhat, and lacking in thigh and side support. Not enough to put me off buying one, but the Mondeo wins that one for sure. Much less rear legroom though in the Mondeo, even if it was a bit wider than the S3. That said I am after all 6'5" and anyone even a bit shorter than me would sit behind me comfortably so it's not a real world issue.

 

I've given up trying to find one to test drive so it looks like the S3 will get the order. That said I'd still appreciate if Old Newbie2 and Mbbx6drj could answer the questions from my last post about the driving experience of both cars if you'd be so kind? Many thanks again.

 

It's been a while since we drove the 220, a very long test-drive in & around the Moor Park area on a dealer-sponsored driving day with a salesman from a non-local branch of the chain.

 

He was lost, the sat-nav worked but it had been given the wrong post-code, as had all the potential customers!

 

So, we had a nice drive around the Watford area suburbs, managed to get to 70 mph the M1 for a few miles & then back to the Moor Park Golf Club via 4 miles of muddy single-track lanes.

 

Conclusions, it's a nice car, not as quick as I'd expected, easy to drive, especially on very, very narrow roads, & the DSG coped well with both normal driving & crawling through the mud.

 

But, not nice enough, when compared with my current old banger, to buy a brand-new car. Maybe we'll think again when the 1st ex-Skoda management cars become available. 

 

 

HTH, DC.

Thanks lads, that's smashing! Not made my decision much easier mind haha but to be fair I think the dealership quality has edged that. I too dislike being pestered or pushed when buying a car, that's not what I was referring to. I always start along the lines of 'I'd just like to look around XYZ first if that's OK', then after a look I find them again for questions. It's the total disinterest at that stage that annoys me.

 

Alex Lawrie Skoda are always the same too. Ask any questions and you get blank disinterested stares and one word answers. "What's the power output on this one? How big is the fuel tank? Does it have x feature?"... the answer is invariably "I don't know." and they just carry on staring. No help whatsoever. I tried to get a test drive from AL and they just said "We might get you into a diesel in a week or so", and never rang back. Same happened three years ago when I wanted to order my last car. Trust Ford in St Helens were the same when we looked at the Mondeo. No interest at all.

 

Simpsons Skoda in Preston and Lookers in Eccles have been the exact opposite though, very helpful and friendly without being pushy. Just need to find a petrol Mondeo or S-Max (same engine and box) within reason now and then an order for the 'winner' is going in. As was said we shan't go far wrong with either but it'd be foolish to order the S3 blind without at least testing alternatives to make sure we get the most suitable car for us. The quest continues.

Derv, if you happen to be in or around Essex over the next month or so drop me a note. You're welcome to look over our Mondeo.

P.s. Note the forum name change (thanks to Gizmo for helping sort that!)