I've just discovered I can't order a petrol Superb due to new engines arriving towards the end of the year. The dealer has made me a good offer on a SportLine they have in the showroom, but I'm concerned about how hard the ride will be - I was hoping to get an SE-L, and was pondering adding the Dynamic Chassis Control.

 

I'm due to take a SportLine for a drive tomorrow, but I'm keen to hear your experiences.

 

I currently have a 2008 Volvo V50 D5 SE Lux, which has a very firm ride.

I’ve had no issues in 18k miles and I’ve never once thought “I wish this car was more comfortable”

 

The car rides very well; I was surprised on my first test drive as I was expecting it to be crashy and harsh given the wheel/tyre size. 

 

The Sportline, IMO is a good compromise as I found the 15mm lowered suspension reduces the walloyness and tendency to lean, over the standard (non DCC) car, without compromising the Superbs ability to soak up the miles. 

 

The steering could be a be a bit more weighted and direct but I’ve found this is a trait of VAG cars in general and not just the Sportline. 

 

It’s no track honed drivers car but it’s not pretending to be. It’s still the best handling/riding VAG car out of the 7 I’ve had to date.  (including an Octavia vRS) 

 

Also, seats are very subjective but I think the seats in the Sportline are very comfortable. Support in all the right places. 

 

Sportline trim is largely cosmetic but the changes to the suspension setup are just enough to make it involving and bordering ‘fun’ without ruining the day-to-day comfort of the car. 

 

Which engine are you looking at? 

 

 

Thanks @penguin17, that's good to hear.

 

I was looking for a 1.4, but of the two SportLines available from the dealer one is a 1.4 and one a 2.0.

Hop. Drive the 1.4 first. If it has enough oomph for you and it rides well e Pugh for you, buy it. If you try the 2 litre first, heart will win out over head. Also, if you drive the 2 litre, don't floor the throttle unless there is lots of space in front of you!

Thanks @100andthirty. I've driven a 1.4 already and it did have enough for me, it's more the ride comfort that concerns me about the SportLine.

Can’t compare to a SE or L&K etc, however 19’s and the stiffer suspension isn’t too bad really. It can be a bit harsh on the local roads around town and villages with the ridiculous amount of potholes after winter, but on a long journey absolutely fine on dual carriageway and motorways. 

I prefer a sportier setup i.e. firmer ride. If I had a complaint it would be that the Sportline is still a little soft, its a very comfortable ride, even on 19s, there is plenty of suspension travel left which you will notice empty versus fully laden, although probably doesn't soak the potholes as good as other versions. Haven't driven the standard suspension or the DCC equipped cars, having got used to the sportline, I have no complaints, it really suits the nature of the car (cruiser) and my taste at the same time.

Whilst I am still getting used to my Sportline I do find it very comfortable. Even though it’s on 19’s it still rides the bumps and pot holes well. I will drive a car with DCC before buying another one though. Whilst the ride is comfortable enough, when you put it in sport the steering and gearbox tighten up and push on, the chassis lets it down a bit. That said, if you’re not that kind of driver then you should find it soft enough. 

I have a 280 Sportline sans DCC. I find the ride too wallowy and soft on country roads. I really wish I’d got DCC. If I had, I’m sure I would leave it permanently set in ‘Sport’.  My previous car was a mark 3 petrol Octavia vRS estate. I found that car’s suspension to be just right for me. 

 

I still slightly prefer the 280 over the vRS because it’s noticeably quicker(in a straight line) and it gathers up its skirts so well from a standstill. It’s also roomier, rear passenger leg room being exceptional; my four year old twins are now unable to kick me in the back from their child seats, bliss! Boot space however in my hatch Superb is about the same as my vRS estate’s.

 

What I’d really like is a Superb Sportline ‘350’ DSG 4x4 hatchback with vRS suspension plus DCC but with no vRS blingy bits!

53 minutes ago, Howardd said:

What I’d really like is a Superb Sportline ‘350’ DSG 4x4 hatchback with vRS suspension plus DCC but with no vRS blingy bits!

It'll be a catchy name if they ever decide to release it