Hi All

I have just joined today and I am sure I am not the first person to ask this question.  Any advice would be welcome. 

 

To give you some background I have 3 kids, my 14 year old is 6ft 3inch tall so I need a big car and ample rear seats.  We have an S Max which my wife and I shared for family duties, she has recently told me that she wants to be able to use it without me worrying about little scratches or the kids throwing food everywhere, so I have come to the conclusion I need a car which I can enjoy, look after and that I can also fit my family in and do 2 UK holidays a year.  I am a bit of a petrol head, I currently have 2015 Focus ST.  It is not very good at family duties, we can all squeeze in but it is tight and uncomfortable.  My main driving on my own is now in traffic to and from work so I want more comfort and easy driving, so definitely an auto.

 

My predicament is whether to go for a petrol 2 litre Superb (hatch or estate, 220 or 280PS) or go for an Octavia vRS 245 estate?  The sensible family man thinks I should go for a 220PS superb, the petrol head says go for the vRS.  The 280 Superb could be the perfect compromise although they are very hard to find and I would be looking at an older one in comparison to the other 2 cars.  My budget is around £20k.  The other thing to consider is the shorter length of the Octavia would make it easier to live it, considering parking at work and on the drive etc., not to say I couldn't live with the Superb's size.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions or sharing your own experience would be most welcome.

 

Many thanks

Jim

 

 

I was in this predicament a few months ago and in the end went for Octavia Estate . I drive a Octavia 4x4 Estate diesel daily in my job and just love them ,the main reason I choose the Octavia was the actual size . Going down narrow country lanes the Superb is just that much more wider and the length is more for parking around town environment. I am 65 years old and have great deal of driving experience and for me I feel more at home and comfortable driving my Octavia Estate. The Superb Estate was a 1.8 Tsi petrol . Peter 

The superb is a great car which ever engine is in it, but if it was me i'd choose the Octy VRS245, in either estate or hatch; you will be surprised how much room the Octy actually has in the cabin and again in the boot, my 15 year old nephew is 6.2 in height and does find it comfortable in the back of my Octy hatch (can't say that about his mum's car which is a fiat 500, he does not fit in the back at all.) The vrs245 does handle really well (i only own a 1.4tsi dsg but have driven a 245) and the DSG is much much much better then my dsg. The virtual cockpit is not my cup of tea, i like old school dials, but thats my only bug bear oh and the extreme wheels are love or loathe thing ( i don't like them)

Having had both a Superb (Mk1), and a vRS Estate (Mk3), and having a 6'3" son too (left home now - yiharr 😁), and being 6'4" myself, I'd say Superb all day long if it's got to do family stuff.  For short journeys the Octy would be fine.  The 2.0 TSI engine is a brahmer! 

 

Flog the Extreme's and go down to 18" rims.

 

Gaz

Quite simple really. Just need to figure out your top requirement. Both Octavia estate and Superb will offer enough space. Superb will have slightly bigger interior and slight increase in boot capacity. 

If you want ultimate volume, superb. 

 

If you want newest for your money, you can still get a new Vrs for 23k ish from sites like drive the deal I think. 

Or used vrs.

 

If you want ultimate power, get the 280. There are advantages to a 280 versus newer 272 anyway. Port injection (no GPF), real quad exhaust with flaps. I'd go for 220 if you want the size but not pay the price/age penalty over a 280. Although I don't know if they are actually that much different on the used market. 

 

As long as you decide on the most important, the choice is made. I hope... good luck. 

 

 

Thank you for all the replies.  Much appreciated.

In many ways I am after maximum space but really that is only for 2 weeks a year.  The other point if I went for the vRS I would be less likely to miss the ST as both have very similar power and performance.  My worry about a 220 Superb is that at some point I would wish I was back in the Focus ST.

 

I will get myself down to my local Skoda dealer and compare both cars directly for space and take it from there.  My budget would get me a nearly new vRS estate which is another thing to consider, I would also think a vRS would hold its value better.  It sounds as though I have made my mind up but I have not yet!

 

I will post how I get on.  As you can see I am moving from a Ford man to a Skoda man, perhaps in a couple of years I will change the S Max for a Kodiaq!

4 hours ago, Jim12345 said:

Thank you for all the replies.  Much appreciated.

In many ways I am after maximum space but really that is only for 2 weeks a year.  The other point if I went for the vRS I would be less likely to miss the ST as both have very similar power and performance.  My worry about a 220 Superb is that at some point I would wish I was back in the Focus ST.

 

I will get myself down to my local Skoda dealer and compare both cars directly for space and take it from there.  My budget would get me a nearly new vRS estate which is another thing to consider, I would also think a vRS would hold its value better.  It sounds as though I have made my mind up but I have not yet!

 

I will post how I get on.  As you can see I am moving from a Ford man to a Skoda man, perhaps in a couple of years I will change the S Max for a Kodiaq!

Was i big ford/mazda/rover fan, till i bought my first Octavia 4 and half years ago, a 2007 2.0 pd tdi elegance, now as you can see in my sig i'm on my 3rd octavia; never going back to a ford or a mazda (still miss my rover 45 1.8 auto though, would have another i could find a decent one)

7 hours ago, Jim12345 said:

Thank you for all the replies.  Much appreciated.

In many ways I am after maximum space but really that is only for 2 weeks a year.  The other point if I went for the vRS I would be less likely to miss the ST as both have very similar power and performance.  My worry about a 220 Superb is that at some point I would wish I was back in the Focus ST.

 

I will get myself down to my local Skoda dealer and compare both cars directly for space and take it from there.  My budget would get me a nearly new vRS estate which is another thing to consider, I would also think a vRS would hold its value better.  It sounds as though I have made my mind up but I have not yet!

 

I will post how I get on.  As you can see I am moving from a Ford man to a Skoda man, perhaps in a couple of years I will change the S Max for a Kodiaq!

I have a suspicion the 220 in the superb isn't really 220. Likely it's just whatever the GTI engine is, so slightly more. 

 

So if you really only need max space 2 weeks a year, I reckon it's OK to use a roof box during that time as a compromise. So  vrs would be alright. 

 

If you are going to a dealer, you might as well try them all. There are things you only find out when driving it. Things like ergonomics, subjective driving feeling etc. 

Am I missing something?

 

The Ford S-Max is to become the family bus, your wife doesn't want you to worry about it's cosmetic condition, so you're buying a car to have as your own and to look after?

 

Why don't you just keep the Focus and continue using the S-Max for any journey's that involve the family?

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm the worst person here for looking to find excuses to justify buying a new car, but just want to be sure I'm not missing something.

 

The Octavia is nice and very good at what it does, but refinement and comfort wise it is a good few leagues behind the Superb.

 

Life evolved around sports suspension, big wheels, low profile tyres and a desire to show the world I didn't have kids not so long ago. Not anymore, slightly softer suspension, slightly smaller alloys and pothole protecting tyres, decent sound insulation and more toys are my priority these days.

 

The only way to choose is to drive both, back-to-back.

23 minutes ago, silver1011 said:

Am I missing something?

 

The Ford S-Max is to become the family bus, your wife doesn't want you to worry about it's cosmetic condition, so you're buying a car to have as your own and to look after?

 

Why don't you just keep the Focus and continue using the S-Max for any journey's that involve the family?

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm the worst person here for looking to find excuses to justify buying a new car, but just want to be sure I'm not missing something.

 

The Octavia is nice and very good at what it does, but refinement and comfort wise it is a good few leagues behind the Superb.

 

Life evolved around sports suspension, big wheels, low profile tyres and a desire to show the world I didn't have kids not so long ago. Not anymore, slightly softer suspension, slightly smaller alloys and pothole protecting tyres, decent sound insulation and more toys are my priority these days.

 

The only way to choose is to drive both, back-to-back.

 

Hi silver1011

 

 

It is a good point however my journey to work has recently changed and I am stuck in traffic morning and evening and rarely get to enjoy the ST for what it is, so an auto is a now a priority.  Plus I already have another fun impractical car (early 987 Boxster), and I am getting older having just turned a certain milestone.  So I want something more comfortable than the ST, believe me it is not a comfortable relaxing car, the Boxster does that better than the ST does!

 

I think the Superb would work better for me, I am slightly put off by the size, not driving it, but parking at work and at home.  The problem with the S Max is that every time I get into it I want to hoover it, (which I do fairly regularly).  I have to say I would get a newer S Max tomorrow, brilliant car for what it is.  However the boss knows I would then start worrying about it more.  I was thinking of buying a 2nd one just to annoy her.

 

Off to my friendly Skoda dealer this week.

Cheers

Jim

 

How bad is the parking at home and work?

 

There aren't many spaces that front and rear sensors plus a rear camera can't get you into these days.

 

Either way, good luck and be sure to let us know how you get on!

1 minute ago, silver1011 said:

How bad is the parking at home and work?

 

There aren't many spaces that front and rear sensors plus a rear camera can't get you into these days.

 

Either way, good luck and be sure to let us know how you get on!

 

It is the length that is the issue, I can just about squeeze 3 cars on my drive with one parked across the other 2.  Length is the issue at work as well, very fortunate to have a space but the length could be an issue.  If it works perfectly as a family car for me I can make it work, it is just the Octavia would be slightly easier to live with.

 

Thank you for replies, I certainly will let you know how I get on.

 

Jim

 

 

6 hours ago, Jim12345 said:

 

It is the length that is the issue, I can just about squeeze 3 cars on my drive with one parked across the other 2.  Length is the issue at work as well, very fortunate to have a space but the length could be an issue.  If it works perfectly as a family car for me I can make it work, it is just the Octavia would be slightly easier to live with.

 

Thank you for replies, I certainly will let you know how I get on.

 

Jim

 

 

Am afraid space and length (shortness) are opposing traits. That said, the Octavia is a good compromise. I think with a vrs you won't be missing the focus ST. 

 

Do check out broker sites as there will be firesales of the current octavias since the new has just been launched. Good deals to be had. 

I have just been to my local friendly Skoda dealer.  Looked at a Superb and yes it is bigger internally as it is bigger externally when comparing to the Ocatavia.  I went out in a 245 vRS estate and I am very impressed.  The only issue is the width or the rear bench.  However comparing to my ST, it is much more grown up, puts it's power far more effectively and, particularly in normal mode, is much more comfortable.  I will go back next week and drive the Octavia and Superb back to back.  Very impressed though.

Hello, I am in the same position although have been looking at a golf r estate and superb 280 estate. We live on the West Coast of Scotland (although we are Londoners) and would like something with 4x4. Have been put of the golf r only due to when travelling down south don't want it to be nicked. I have just looked on Arnold Clark's and they have a 2019 245 estate in black with 13k miles for £19998. Thanks reminding me about those. Still think the Superb would be the car to have for two kids and 2 dogs but will have a butchers at the octavia now. 

Similar tough choice myself a few months back.

 

In the end I opted for the superb in a 272.  22 around town, extends to 30+ on the motorway and if I religiously keep active cruise on at indicated 70, I swear it was 35+ the other week. Still adjusting to an auto box, still happier it's changing gear for me, but I do not like the waiting for the kick down and it feeling a little unpredictable, quite when it will do it. I hear a throttle/pedal box will sort and that is the plan in the new year.

 

Of course ever since I wish I'd got the 280 in an estate, or a camper van, or the 245 in an estate. Shame I sold it to SWMBO on a 10year plan. It's all the car I need for that.

 

I don't have kids, so the space inside is a total waste, except when I pick up folk for a camping/climbing trip. Then the boot is very welcome and I prefer to have all kit in the boot, not floating in the cabin. I was also thinking about a dog at some point. All feasible and work in the hatch.

 

However the 272/280 superb is not a vRS in handling, already found limits and discomforting moments. However, press a button here and button there andI'm in comfort for the traffic jam I'm sat in, or the long motorway haul up to scotland...

 

And nobody gives it a second glance, it's just a superb. But it is big... I find myself wandering to the edges of the car parks.

 

I got mine for 27k, 6mths, canton, dcc, heated wheel, screen, and some other options I cared about but don't now. It is also too long for the drive, I knew this, and anything over a fabia is really. I did go down the rabbit hole of modelling the front of the house to fit it on. 

 

I should've got BoxerDogs...

 

Edited 17 November, 20196 yr by ColinD

6 hours ago, saber3811 said:

Hello, I am in the same position although have been looking at a golf r estate and superb 280 estate. We live on the West Coast of Scotland (although we are Londoners) and would like something with 4x4. Have been put of the golf r only due to when travelling down south don't want it to be nicked. I have just looked on Arnold Clark's and they have a 2019 245 estate in black with 13k miles for £19998. Thanks reminding me about those. Still think the Superb would be the car to have for two kids and 2 dogs but will have a butchers at the octavia now. 

If it must be 4x4 I think you can only get a diesel vRS as a 4x4 or it's a standard 190bhp petrol which is still quick off the line thanks to 4x4. Good luck with your search.

1 hour ago, ColinD said:

Similar tough choice myself a few months back.

 

In the end I opted for the superb in a 272.  22 around town, extends to 30+ on the motorway and if I religiously keep active cruise on at indicated 70, I swear it was 35+ the other week. Still adjusting to an auto box, still happier it's changing gear for me, but I do not like the waiting for the kick down and it feeling a little unpredictable, quite when it will do it. I hear a throttle/pedal box will sort and that is the plan in the new year.

 

Of course ever since I wish I'd got the 280 in an estate, or a camper van, or the 245 in an estate. Shame I sold it to SWMBO on a 10year plan. It's all the car I need for that.

 

I don't have kids, so the space inside is a total waste, except when I pick up folk for a camping/climbing trip. Then the boot is very welcome and I prefer to have all kit in the boot, not floating in the cabin. I was also thinking about a dog at some point. All feasible and work in the hatch.

 

However the 272/280 superb is not a vRS in handling, already found limits and discomforting moments. However, press a button here and button there andI'm in comfort for the traffic jam I'm sat in, or the long motorway haul up to scotland...

 

And nobody gives it a second glance, it's just a superb. But it is big... I find myself wandering to the edges of the car parks.

 

I got mine for 27k, 6mths, canton, dcc, heated wheel, screen, and some other options I cared about but don't now. It is also too long for the drive, I knew this, and anything over a fabia is really. I did go down the rabbit hole of modelling the front of the house to fit it on. 

 

I should've got BoxerDogs...

 

Thanks Colin for your honest feedback. I think I have similar considerations, 3 kids aside.  Some of the time I'll want the relaxed anonymity of the superb but then I will want something more engaging. Perhaps the vRS is a good compromise as it's not a hard core hot hatch but is a car that you can have fun in.

 

Hi All,

Well I was almost decided on an Octavia Estate vRS, with reservations about the size of the rear bench.  I then made the mistake of driving a 280 Superb.  Absolutely brilliant, very grown up and comfortable but wickedly quick when you want it to be, no fuss or drama just goes.  Just counting my pennies to see what I can afford but I think it has to be a Superb.  Working out the parking situation too but liked it so much I will make it work.

 

Jim

5 hours ago, Jim12345 said:

Hi All,

Well I was almost decided on an Octavia Estate vRS, with reservations about the size of the rear bench.  I then made the mistake of driving a 280 Superb.  Absolutely brilliant, very grown up and comfortable but wickedly quick when you want it to be, no fuss or drama just goes.  Just counting my pennies to see what I can afford but I think it has to be a Superb.  Working out the parking situation too but liked it so much I will make it work.

 

Jim

That's the advantage of AWD. It transfers all the power into forward motion effectively :). I think if you can, and you prefer, go for the 280. 

23 hours ago, KeteCantek said:

That's the advantage of AWD. It transfers all the power into forward motion effectively :). I think if you can, and you prefer, go for the 280. 

 

I am glad your advice is to go for a 280, as I have just put a deposit down on a 280 hatch.  It wasn't just how it got it's power down, it was also the refinement and feeling of a big solid car.  That is not to down play the Octavia which is also a great car and certainly ahead of my 2015 ST.  Christmas is coming early for me!

 

8 hours ago, Jim12345 said:

 

I am glad your advice is to go for a 280, as I have just put a deposit down on a 280 hatch.  It wasn't just how it got it's power down, it was also the refinement and feeling of a big solid car.  That is not to down play the Octavia which is also a great car and certainly ahead of my 2015 ST.  Christmas is coming early for me!

 

That is fantastic to hear. 

You'll certainly have fun and wish you many happy (and fast) miles. 

On 22/11/2019 at 22:16, KeteCantek said:

That is fantastic to hear. 

You'll certainly have fun and wish you many happy (and fast) miles. 

 

Cheers. 👍

 

Looks like I will be getting it this week.  Let the fun begin!

I am pleased to say I now feel as though I am a proper Briskoda member having picked up my Superb today.  Only driven it back to work but so far I am smitten with it.  Looking forward to the drive home tonight!

3 hours ago, Jim12345 said:

I am pleased to say I now feel as though I am a proper Briskoda member having picked up my Superb today.  Only driven it back to work but so far I am smitten with it.  Looking forward to the drive home tonight!

 

Pics, pics, we need pics!!

 

Gaz