Just to chuck in my 2d.

 

I find my 1.4 Sportline a bit of a conundrum. Engine is refined and competent for sensible motoring but all gets a bit frenetic at higher revs in lower gears (i.e. away from the lights in Sport mode) so best if driven in a relaxed, limo-like manner. I also get a fair amount of wheelspin which detracts from fast getaways. I wonder what the 2.0 2WD is like in that regard?

 

Sportline suspension and low profile tyres don't give a limo-like ride, but it doesn't have a sporty feel on the road either. My Yeti, Octavias, Fabia and Citigo all felt more in control through the bends. So again it needs driving like a limo but doesn't give the luxury ride.

 

And of course, one of the main reasons we bought it was that, with the monster rear seat space and huge glass roof it was so spacious and light, but as the lad's now gone to uni there's just the 2 of us so we don't benefit from the space.

 

With hindsight, I should probably have gone for an SEL or L&K. Or Golf R Estate...

1 minute ago, MorrisOx said:

took a conscious decision not to go for an SEL, partly because it has lower profile tyres (and a smoother ride was a big thing for me after the noisy, jiggly Octavia)

I went for an SEL and choose the 17" ECO tyres as, like you I wanted a soft ride. Funnily enough, rather than the Super Rowi seal tyres, I ended up with Continental eco contact which seem fine.

I’ve got the standard Pirellis on my SE. Be interested to hear if there are tyres which are definitely, noticeably quieter.

 

Ride & refinement is such a big thing now with the abysmal state UK roads are in.

I think the OE fit pirellis are very noisy and tyre labels back it up. If labels are to be trusted, then Dunlop sportmaxx rt tyres are 68db versus 71db of the pirellis. Quietest tyre on the 19inch sportline size. 

 

Everything else are around 71db  anyways. 

 

I think that sportline spec on anything other than the 2.0tsi or high powered TDI isn't ideal since there isn't much power to play with. At least I find I my 280 , the sportline does a decent job of being sporty. When not pushing on, I do lose all the time not having a nicer ride. Plus I am sure the 19inch size tyres are noisier which doesn't help things.