Initial observations and experience of Superb mk3 SE L Executive 1.5 tsi gsd Estate. 
This is the first automatic car I’ve had in 40+ years driving. I’ve driven many types of vehicle, cars, small vans to hi top long wheel base transits etc. 
In D or E (drive or economy) stop/start doesn’t bother me as there’s little delay in restarting and pulling away. I’ve also found that a very light touch on the accelerator will start the engine without releasing the electronic hand break, handy when you’re at a roundabout and want a quick getaway.
Specific to E, engine ‘coasts’ out of gear when you take the foot off the accelerator although on a downward hill it usually stays in gear, this can take a bit of getting used to if like me you’re used to engine breaking. In fairness you can always shift manually into gear if appropriate. A quick prod on the accelerator will also put the engine in gear although not necessarily the gear you want! Comparing ACT in D or E, it seems more aggressive in E. You can’t feel when the engine goes in and out of ACT. 
I’ve not tried S (sport) as still running in.
Rear visibility is OK when driving but poor for reverse manoeuvring. I had the rear camera option and very glad I did. Park assistant and automatic parking, once you get used to letting go of the steering wheel is also very good. 
For such a large car it’s very easy to drive and the auto box is soooo smooth. The mapping program is in my opinion rather good with clear announcements, only niggle is I can’t get the display to stay zoomed in, there’s far too much road detail. What I particularly like is the road display and lane indications that comes up between the rev counter and the speedo. Basic but good enough on the analogue display, I believe it’s clearer on the digital version. Comfort level is exceptionally good for driver and passengers and fully loaded with 3 adults and the boot full to bursting when moving my eldest there was no issue with power from the 1.5. Real mpg is 33 on first fill-up mainly short runs with one longer M27 / M3 run
With only 500 miles on the clock I’m a happy bunny at the moment. 

Nice review, always good to hear from a happy owner.

Initial mpg is not good but I'm sure that will improve as you get used to it. Does yours have the petrol particulate filter? If it does then it will be interesting to see what effect it has.

The lack of engine braking seems a common feature on VW group petrol engines (particularly obvious on my 1.4tsi) and even read a similar remark from a diesel owner which did surprise me.

 

Edited 5 January, 20197 yr by Gerrycan

@Rich2  I wouldn't be afraid to use the Sport setting during break in. You don't have to drive in a sporty fashion. The gearbox will hold the gears longer and lower, but you don't have to push it. Helps with varying the rev range. Or push it over to manual and control the gears yourself. Very useful for engine braking. Like you, this is my first automatic. After two years, I still find myself resting my hand on the "shifter". 

 

The map zoom takes some getting used to, which is a nuisance when you're on the move. Columbus? You can control the zoom with the control knob on the right and with settings in the Navigation menu. I agree that the lane position markers are particularly useful. But, sometimes, the voice commands (like please use second lane from the right – always very polite) can be pretty vague.

 

I'm averaging 36.8 mpg with the 2.0/220 motor over 14K miles. I'm sure you can expect better than that!

 

I predict that you're happy bunni-ness will continue.

Thanks for the info Freelunch, I'll have a play with the zoom and sport setting as you suggested.

Gerrycan, it does have the petrol particulate filter, I'll update the mpg after a few more hundred miles. Rich 

Your review mirrors my experience with the 1.4 I have.

I don't use the eco mode as I do like the way the auto box changes down as you slow down, making it easier to accelerate when you need to.

I do find that the box does hold a lower gear if you are going downhill and apply the brake to keep the speed down. It will then hold the gear until you accelerate.

I love the driving experience in this car and I'm very pleased with it.

I have a 1.5tsi on order, so it’s good to hear a positive review. 

Hi Facet, yes it's very relaxing to drive and I've noticed the same thing with the gears when in D and on a downward hill. I do tend to flick the stick and drop a cog or two for enhanced engine breaking and then put back to auto when I'm ready. I also like that it won't drop a cog if it means the engine would over rev. There seems to be a lot of care taken by Skoda to make the car as comfortable as possible to drive. Daveo138 I reckon you'll be well pleased when you get your tsi, it really is a dream to drive. Rich 

Edited 5 January, 20197 yr by Rich2
Added reply to Davio

9 hours ago, Rich2 said:

Hi Facet, yes it's very relaxing to drive and I've noticed the same thing with the gears when in D and on a downward hill. I do tend to flick the stick and drop a cog or two for enhanced engine breaking and then put back to auto when I'm ready.

 

In case you hadn’t realised, a brief touch of the brake pedal when the gearbox is in E will re-apply engine braking. Then a brief touch of the accelerator will re-apply coasting. So you can switch between engine braking and coasting on-the-fly by alternative dabs of the brake and accelerator 

Edited 6 January, 20197 yr by Ivan8192