I have been trying to spec a new Superb Sportline TDI 150,  it seems even though that the skoda configuraion tool on the website says it is a valid spec i have now had 2 dealers tell me i cannot factory order a manual 2.0 150TDI car only option is now Automatic which i really don't fancy.  Has anyone else that this experience of this a blip in Skoda build possibly as the facelift could be due shortly ?

This would eliminate the failing clutch destroying bell housing/gearbox that this combination has been prone to.

 

VAG execs have stated in the past that WLTP did help them decide to eliminate many engine/gearbox variations, with many manual options being dropped due to lack of demand.

WLTP ? 

2 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

WLTP ? 

 

Worldwide_harmonized_light_vehicles_test_procedure

 

Do keep up those of you at the back of the class! 

 

Thanks! Acronyms are not that obvious for non native English speakers...  

21 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

Thanks! Acronyms are not that obvious for non native English speakers...  

 

You can always try Google!

Maybe Sportline is the clue.

I honestly didn't want to take automatic either but after driving few cars while mine was on service (superb's automatic's) I'm really sorry I took a manual 190hp. In fact any next car I take will be 100% automatic. The gearbox is just too good and the shifting is so smooth no person can do the same. Even if you could, the acceleration curve on automatic is better due to dual clutch. So in the end, manual really has no more place in cars now in 2019. Specially with electrics and hybrids coming out where manual is simply absolite. Once you try it and drive it for a while I just don't see how you wouldn't love automatic. Fact is if u want to take over u can always manually downshift. Just my opinion. 

P.S.: I'm pretty sure they're updating configurator though, 150hp diesel will have manual at least till Superb 4... Would be silly to remove it middle of model lifetime. 

Edited 21 February, 20197 yr by JackySi

Try the DSG- it really is excellent.  I won't go back to manual now.

 

When I now drive my wife's car - a manual - I'm always stalling it and and seems so much like hard work!   Getting lazy in my old age.  

3 hours ago, IJWS15 said:

Maybe Sportline is the clue.

 

Exactly, making the lack of a proper gearbox all the more strange.

Hi There, I have just picked up my Superb Sportline in Moon White Auto, I have always had manual, I have a Westfield Sports Car and love manual boxes. I also had a choice and decided to make the jump and go for auto, WOW what a great choice that ended up being. Its so smooth, the power curve is to die for with smooth rapid pick up or sedate acceleration if that's the mood your in. I'm 54 so I have owed a lot of cars including Merc's, I'm not pulling your leg when I say this car is in the same playing field for quality and such smooth driving, as they say in some YouTube videos its SUPERB. I have steering wheel gear paddles and I cannot fault them when having fun apart from maybe being a bit small in size. Put the auto into manual sports the rev's increase on tick over and it will never revert back to auto until you give the car control again, not like some models that switch back to auto when you don't want it too. Well hope my experience helps? believe me you will not be disappointed    

The last two xDrive BMWs I have bought or leased have both been 8-sp full autos and there is no manual option offered at all.  I was told that for the latest one WLTP emissions are worse on a manual because the engine/transmission computers don’t have total control on fine tuning the performance.  They’re all ‘drive by wire’ now anyway so it would not surprise me to see the end of the conventional manual box.  

 

Personally I much prefer a manual but the modern full autos are so good now.  I do not class the DSG in that group as my 2015 S3 DSG 4x4 box was simply dreadful - probably due to the torque limits and firmware used that has hopefully now been made much better on the 7-sp version?  More members on here sing its praises so something must have been improved.

I considered going DSG when buying my 1.4SEL. I agree, in the ideal world, DSG suits the Superb far more than a manual but

 

Reasons I didn't (in order of importance/consideration)

 

1. It would be a DQ200 box, and as its my "last car" to keep for 20+ years I doubt I could avoid Mechatronics/clutch/complete failure costing up to £4000, maybe even more than once, knowing my luck.

 

2. It costs £1200 extra to buy and the dealer (very wrongly but was insistent) said the DQ200 "now" required servicing every 3 years, regardless of mileage at a cost of almost £300

 

3. I have to park in a tight garage and some tight spaces which requires careful slow manoeuvre control. I've seen people in autos (not all VAG)  also my experience in a Nissan Juke auto, lurching back and forward and having to brake sharply. The poor fine control, particularly on inclines would irritate me, completely different to the easy torque converter auto control of yesteryear.

 

4. The one time I drove a DSG, it was pregnant pause time pulling away at a roundabout, could be very scary.

 

5. DSG all have DMF,  gearchanges  according to the rev counter appear instantaneous, which is fine for the driver, but I wonder if the DMF and engine is highly stressed by instantaneous changes in revs (maybe just me over worrying). I associate DMF with inevitable failure at 100k and £££ to repair.

 

6. With a manual, I can block change, dip the clutch when I like and choose which gear to be in for the speed or in anticipation of what is ahead of me. And even control stop/start via the clutch. Reports of DSG cars stop/start stopping the engine before the car has stopped moving completely.

 

If the 1.4 DSG was a wet box, with a good reputation for reliability, I might have considered otherwise. The ACC and energy recovery work well with DSG.

 

Edited 21 February, 20197 yr by xman

21 hours ago, xman said:

 

You can always try Google!

Not very efficient especially for acronyms... 

5 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

Not very efficient especially for acronyms... 

Try Googling WLTP and see!

I meant in general, not this one in particular...

 

2 clutches in 10000 miles in a superb mk 3, next one will be auto.

mk 1 superb estate 140 000 no clutch.

 not a good clutch , even though replaced 10 000 ago, this is beginning to exhibit the same fault.

 

150 tdi se l spec.

I have a 2ltr diesel Karoq with the 7sp. DSG box. I am a very fussy “sporty” driver with a traditional distrust of auto boxes never being in the gear that I want when I want it. 

I am STAGGERED at how good the DSG box is. It is the way to go and hope that by now they’ve finally sorted the reliability problems of the past. 

5 hours ago, pms123 said:

2 clutches in 10000 miles in a superb mk 3, next one will be auto.

mk 1 superb estate 140 000 no clutch.

 not a good clutch , even though replaced 10 000 ago, this is beginning to exhibit the same fault.

 

150 tdi se l spec.

 

Possibly a clue as to why 150tdi have ditched the manual!

so ok went and test drove a DSG,

 

yes it is smooth and yes i did order the dam thing in auto DSG just hope i did the right thing so heres to superb no.2 ........

 

The test drive one had no paddles i hope the sportline dsg comes with them not sure tbh.

On 21/02/2019 at 09:45, JackySi said:

150hp diesel will have manual at least till Superb 4... Would be silly to remove it middle of model lifetime. 

 

Not silly, new emissions rules came in mid life of Superb 3

 

It is easier to meet emissions if also control the gearbox, so why continue with manual boxes, their time is coming to an end.

 

Doesnt make lot of sense to fit a car with auto wipers, auto lights, automatic climate control etc and then fit a gearbox that needs to be operated manually, whatever next, bringing back manual chokes, or wind up windows to give the driver something to do.

 

Just now, SurreyJohn said:

 

Not silly, new emissions rules came in mid life of Superb 3

 

It is easier to meet emissions if also control the gearbox, so why continue with manual boxes, their time is coming to an end.

 

Doesnt make lot of sense to fit a car with auto wipers, auto lights, automatic climate control etc and then fit a gearbox that needs to be operated manually, whatever next, bringing back manual chokes, or wind up windows to give the driver something to do.

 

True, but automatic wipers are optional. Most automatic things are optional because of the cost. Automatic transmission makes car 3000€ expensivier in Slovenia. That's a lot for me... Plus extra service 60.000km and more parts (oil coolant, electronic controller for the manual box (yes the DSG transmission is made out of manual)) so I don't really think that's comparable... 

Manual gearboxes are going the same way as internal combustion engines.

 

With the quality of mechatronics and software that we have these days, autos should be noticeably better than manuals. Tighter emissions regs are only going to accelerate this trend.

7 minutes ago, MorrisOx said:

 

With the quality of mechatronics and software that we have these days, .

 

Do I detect an oxymoron?

10 minutes ago, xman said:

 

Do I detect an oxymoron?

 

Possibly just a moron, if swmbo is to be believed...