With all the other ambient noises in the cabin of a car, particularly at motorway speeds; do you actually notice any difference between MP3 and FLAC format when played from an SD card?  I can understand that on a decent system at home, or with good headphones you'd appreciate the difference but do you in the car, on the move? 

 

I've always ripped files from iTunes and used the MP3-Converter app before transferring to a SD card. 

High-quality MP3s (e.g. 320k or 256k VBR) -- no, you won't be able to tell the difference, in the car or on studio monitors or headphones. Low-quality MP3s (e.g. 128k) -- yes, the difference is absolutely obvious, particularly on complex music with multiple instruments and percussion such as cymbals. It's easy to do a comparison, just take a couple of favourite tracks and rip them at 128k and 320k and compare the results.

Mine's not a Sportline but here is my 10p's worth about the extras:

Front Parking Sensors - Essential, it's a big old nose and the front air dam sits low for those high kerbs when you park nose in.

Rear Wiper - I deliberately didn't order it and don't regret it, having said that I have the rear view camera which does a better job than over your shoulder. Personally I think the rear wiper spoils the cars lines.

Heated Seats - If you have leather then very nice to have, if they are part leather/alcantara you don't them heated IMO.

Backrest - I didn't realise you had to order it separately and consequently don't have it - but then I've dropped my back seats about once in 8 months so speaks for itself

Sunroof - Granted the opening is smaller than I expected, but the look, operation and extra light is welcome. My deal included it at no charge so I like it, had I paid for it and I would feel differently.

Canton - Personally I feel it's worth it, it's a very open refined sound not what I was expecting but I like it. I use FLAC files and have no complaints.

I've just been for a testdrive in the the 150PS diesel manual estate (I'm interested in the hatch but dealer doesn't have one).  Really pleased with the car and glad the engine doesn't seem to suffer with such a big load to carry, very smooth and usable torque.  I went on a good 1 1/4 hour drive on mixed roads and the car felt great. Even the mass of the estate didn't seem to be an issue when reversing, as I was worried a camera may be 'essential' but the sensors alone should do the trick.   The ride is very nice and smooth, even with the 19" wheels and it doesn't feel like a barge in the corners either.  I couldn't detect any tyre or suspension noise at all.  Some wind noise on the motorway but still much better than my current car and it's quite windy today too.    It feels significantly better than the Leon in every respect.   I'd be happy spending 2-3 hours in it per day. 

 

I'm really glad it lived up to the reviews and reputation.  I had another good look at the business grey model in the dealership and I think it looks great from every angle; will defo go for that colour!

 

The salesperson I'm dealing with will be calling me back tomorrow so now just to get the right price and decide on the options/spec. 

Hi guys,

Just wondered if someone could confirm what model of SatNav you get in the Sportline?.

I have ordered one but just realised that I don't actually know what one you get.

Cheers,

Keith

I'm pretty much settled on my next car being a Superb Sportline hatch. I've cherry picked my options, made a colour choice and got a good price from a local dealer. It's a case of just making my mind up, trying to find every possible review on Google and putting some money down. Having owned two Octavia's (PD140 Elegance and TFSI vRS) and a Fabia vRS (PD130) previously I know what I'm getting and I trust the brand. TBH I quickly regretted going elsewhere. Lesson learned!

I'm interested to know how people have found theirs so far (I appreciate their may not be too many about just yet).

I currently have the Leon ST FR 184 diesel and whilst the engine is potent enough I found it an underwhelming step up from the 150 version; I had the Leon FR 150 diesel and actually preferred that engine, smoother, quieter and a more readily available band of torque. So I'd go for the 150ps diesel in the Superb. It seems to be the popular choice in car reviews and based on previous experience I think it will suit my needs better than the 190. I also don't want a DSG.

Any options that people have found to be a waste of money and others that they feel make owning the car that little bit better/easier? I'm thinking of getting - heated screen and washers, front parking sensor, rear wiper (no cost), LED rear light pack (no cost), heated front seats, backrest release in boot and the Canton sound system. I was tempted by the sunroof but it's not panoramic in the the hatch, the aperture seems pretty small and doesn't really allow enough light into the cabin to make it seem worthwhile, which would be my main reason for wanting one.

Any advice and input would be appreciated. Thanks!

I've had my 150 TDI Sportline Estate for three weeks now and am absolutely delighted with it. I took a car which had just been built so wasn't able to spec it, but it has full size spare, heated seats and auto retractable load cover (waste of money). There's a couple of options I really wanted but surrendered for a quick delivery, namely canton and front sensors. Whilst I think I'll miss the front sensors, I'm glad I didn't waste the money on canton. I've had a couple of BMWs before and always opted for the upgraded sound and can honestly say that the standard system on the superb is better! I was also nervous about the 150 having come from a 170 VRS Octy but needn't have worried as the Superb feels quicker.

Edited 30 November, 20169 yr by GrahamGM

Hi guys,

Just wondered if someone could confirm what model of SatNav you get in the Sportline?.

I have ordered one but just realised that I don't actually know what one you get.

Cheers,

Keith

It's the 8" Columbus Nav in the SportLine

It's the 8" Columbus Nav in the SportLine

brilliant, cheers for that.

I've had my 150 TDI Sportline Estate for three weeks now and am absolutely delighted with it. I took a car which had just been built so wasn't able to spec it, but it has full size spare, heated seats and auto retractable load cover (waste of money). There's a couple of options I really wanted but surrendered for a quick delivery, namely canton and front sensors. Whilst I think I'll miss the front sensors, I'm glad I didn't waste the money on canton. I've had a couple of BMWs before and always opted for the upgraded sound and can honestly say that the standard system on the superb is better! I was also nervous about the 150 having come from a 170 VRS Octy but needn't have worried as the Superb feels quicker.

That's great to hear.  I can't wait for mine and it's been less than 2 weeks since I ordered.  I have no idea how long it's going to take before I'm tagged to a car and allocated a build week.  Though I'm expecting to pick it up early March.  It's gonna be a long 14 weeks! 

Picked mine up from the dealers this morning. I haven't had chance to get it "set-up" to my preferences yet, but I'm impressed thus far.

 

150 TDI DSG - Corrida Red

 

I'm coming straight from a Golf R DSG, so a huge step-down in power and performance (i.e. half), but having our first child a few months ago means that priorities have changed! The engine is very smooth and the DSG feels well mated to the engine. I've only driven to the office and then a quick trip out at lunchtime, so I'm taking it very "softly softly" at the moment. I'm looking forward to trying out the Android Auto integration and taking it for a longer run soon! I'll report back with further impressions and findings.

Picked mine up from the dealers this morning. I haven't had chance to get it "set-up" to my preferences yet, but I'm impressed thus far.

 

150 TDI DSG - Corrida Red

 

I'm coming straight from a Golf R DSG, so a huge step-down in power and performance (i.e. half), but having our first child a few months ago means that priorities have changed! The engine is very smooth and the DSG feels well mated to the engine. I've only driven to the office and then a quick trip out at lunchtime, so I'm taking it very "softly softly" at the moment. I'm looking forward to trying out the Android Auto integration and taking it for a longer run soon! I'll report back with further impressions and findings.

OOh nice.  I'd be interested to know how you feel about the performance deficit. I'm going for a REVO'd 235ps/500Nm Leon FR to the 150 and whilst I find the engine in the Leon very gruff and almost agricultural I do love the way it goes from 30-70!   On saying that though, in standard guise I much prefer the 150ps diesel to the 184/190 variant and I cant actually detect any difference in performance.  

Edited 1 December, 20169 yr by penguin17

Picked mine up from the dealers this morning. I haven't had chance to get it "set-up" to my preferences yet, but I'm impressed thus far.

 

150 TDI DSG - Corrida Red

 

I'm coming straight from a Golf R DSG, so a huge step-down in power and performance (i.e. half), but having our first child a few months ago means that priorities have changed! The engine is very smooth and the DSG feels well mated to the engine. I've only driven to the office and then a quick trip out at lunchtime, so I'm taking it very "softly softly" at the moment. I'm looking forward to trying out the Android Auto integration and taking it for a longer run soon! I'll report back with further impressions and findings.

Performance aside, how does this compare to the Golf? My two current options for the next vehicle are a Golf R estate or Superb TSI 280 Sportline. Really struggling with the R estate looks, and think the extra space in the Superb probably more useful than the finer handling.

Edited 1 December, 20169 yr by bryans69

I've just asked a similar question in the 280 PS thread

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/363781-the-280ps-thread/?p=4764413

I've just asked a similar question in the 280 PS thread

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/363781-the-280ps-thread/?p=4764413

We shall wait with baited breath 

Blade Skoda Gloucester have 2 Sportlines in the showroom.

 

A red hatch DGG.

 

A black Estate DSG 4x4.

 

Sorry dont know if there petrol or diesel, wasnt there long enough...

Sat in one in the showroom today whilst my L&K was being serviced.

 

Some nice bits on it:

 

Seats (drivers seat was full electric)

door cards (alcantara) 

rear diffuser looked OK (got one already on order)

rear spoiler looked better than I thought it would, as did the black window surrounds (this was on a Quartz grey car)

Wheels, really suit the car

Steering wheel and DSG knob (already got a FBSW one on mine)

Stainless pedals (got these also)

 

What was not as good though (for me anyway):

 

Black grill

black mirrors

fake carbon trim, not even a very good attempt at being fake

Sat in one in the showroom today whilst my L&K was being serviced.

 

Some nice bits on it:

 

Seats (drivers seat was full electric)

door cards (alcantara) 

rear diffuser looked OK (got one already on order)

rear spoiler looked better than I thought it would, as did the black window surrounds (this was on a Quartz grey car)

Wheels, really suit the car

Steering wheel and DSG knob (already got a FBSW one on mine)

Stainless pedals (got these also)

 

What was not as good though (for me anyway):

 

Black grill

black mirrors

fake carbon trim, not even a very good attempt at being fake

The carbon trim (or 'carbon optic' according to brochure - FFS just say carbon look/effect!) does spoil the interior;  very cheap looking.  I asked if I could have the dark/brushed trim from the SE L Executive instead but was told it wasn't possible. 

Hi,

The Spec is based on SE plus other bits. TSR is a factory fit option which i find useful, if you can get a friend with VCDS i say get Him to enable it.

A slight correction good sir,

TSR is indeed a factory fit option, however if you do not spec it you will not be able to activate it later with VCDS.

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) @ £85 gets you the camera at the top of the windscreen. If you do not spec it (like me) no camera comes fited.

I now hate myself as that £85 would have brought the TSR function (not something I wanted), but more importantly the camera would have been fitted. I do not have one!

The camera allows a skilled VCDS owner to activate the £850 Lane Assist option! I had that in my previous Octy 3 VRS and thought highly of it. I'm now gutted I skimped on the TSR, but that's what you do when you have to stay within budget.

As for other options to pick, yes to:

Front sensors,

TSR (for above reasons),

Auto Hold (absolutely brilliant option),

Spare wheel,

Heated Windscreen & washer nozzles,

Heated front seats.

Xenons (if not standard).

No to;

Canton (standard system it very good as it is),

Backrest release (it's not a hardship).

Maybe to;

Rear camera (after 6mths I would appreciate the extra vision).

19" wheels (I have, and love them).

Smart light assist Xenons (£1100 expensive but well worth it if money no object. Plus you get lane assist and summat else with them).

Hope this helps you decide or prompts you to make changes while you still can. As a min, add TSR & Autohold, you I'll use those the most and with TSR you can activate up to £1150 worth of factory options with VCDS. Well worth £85, plus you won't hate yourself like I do now still!

^^ auto hold... Is there any requirement for this when the car comes with hill hold control. Ie. Put your foot on the brake and the auto handbrake comes on. Set off and it auto disables.

Edited 6 December, 20169 yr by RickTT

I think Sportline looks better than L&K, the exterior trim and all the details for start, also interior, I like the half alcantara / half leather seats, and alcantara on the middle of the doors panels is excellent!

I think Sportline looks better than L&K, the exterior trim and all the details for start, also interior, I like the half alcantara / half leather seats, and alcantara on the middle of the doors panels is excellent!

I agree, Sportline looks more modern atleast to my eye with the absence of all the chrome trims. Combi Sportline 280 with quite a few extras is on the way...;-)

Due to pick up my new Sportline tomorrow, so will be able to tell you all what I think about it then.

 

SportLine 2.0 TSI 280 PS 4x4 DSG in Dragon Green, with wheels changed to SuperNova Black 19" Alloys.

Will only have it two weeks then it is going away for a week to get a coat of GTechniq crystal serum

 

Can't wait till tomorrow, it's like Christmas come early!!!

Any pics ?

I've been driving my Sportline for almost a month now. I like it. I think many of the dealers were given the red car for a demo, and that's what I got. The sales manager's car with 1,700 miles on it. Already broken in for me. It came with a sunroof, which I probably wouldn't have specced. It's nice: slice open the shade for more light, open the roof for a cold blast of winter. Will come in useful later this year, I'm sure.

 

The Canton stereo has an equalizer to play with and a subwoofer. The subwoofer is a dull thump, if you use too much of it. The EQ is just a three band unit, 10 would have been better. Still, it sounds very good with a little tweaking. As far as file quality goes, go for lossless. This unit plays very loud and, as they say, garbage in, garbage out. A WAV file of Gary Moore's "Still Got the Blues" at volume is stunning.

 

The front sensors are a necessity IMHO, and they work well. I'm still trying to figure out the rear parking camera and the guide lines that show on the screen. But it is useful.

 

The only time I used the sat/nav, I wanted to go to a pub in Kent. The Columbus unit would not find it for me, but Google maps on my phone did. I'd use Android Auto and Google Maps if I had a data contract, but I don't. I tried to update to the latest maps download, but failed. So did the dealer. I've got a case file with Skoda, but haven't heard back from them yet.

 

You never know what my wife is going to like. She doesn't care about cars at all. She did like to be seen in the Brera, but she is unsure about the Skoda. She likes the red colour, because she can spot the car from a distance. But, she was absolutely ecstatic when she saw the blue mood lighting strip for the first time! Wierd. I have to have it on all the time now.

 

I've only used half a tank and I don't usually pay much attention to the fuel readouts. I like to measure mileage at the pump. My Brera 2.2 averaged 26.2 mpg over three years. I'm expecting 32 from the Skoda. I don't drive it too hard, but I have put it through its paces. Nice car. It goes faster than the Brera, yet the road tax is less.

9 hours ago, freelunch said:

I'd use Android Auto and Google Maps if I had a data contract, but I don't.

try Waze!!!

you can set destination at home under WiFi coverage area and save mobile data traffic.

but also with mobile data On it will be less than 200Mb/month for daily roads

7 minutes ago, MartiniB said:

try Waze!!!

you can set destination at home under WiFi coverage area and save mobile data traffic.

but also with mobile data On it will be less than 200Mb/month for daily roads

 

I thought Waze wasn't available for use with Android Auto yet?