We have an Octavia Vrs 220 at the minutes and I fancy a change. The car has been great but a few things I don't like are the lack of front end traction, especially during traffic light grand prix', the poor quality sound system and the cheapness of some of the plastics. It seems something like a superb 280 would solve those problems but cause another....size. 
 

My main concern is that it'll feel too big for my wife and she will refuse to drive it. She doesn't drive the Octavia much, but the option is there if she needs a bigger car.
 

There are occasions where I sometime find spaces too small for the Octavia and have to squeeze out of the car, and I'm concerned that a Superb will introduce a whole host of problems when it comes to parking and getting through a McDonalds drive-through.

 

im just wondering how people find the car day to day in terms of size?

Yes it is a larger car but doesn’t actually feel that much ‘worse’ to drive for want of a better term. You and your wife will soon find it to be no big deal to cope with but why not take a car for a test drive?

If your wife is reluctant to drive the Octavia due to its size, then going bigger is not going to make you popular.

 

The Superb is not that much bigger so won’t notice it on a main road, but is close to minimum parking space size so you will have trouble parking it where spaces are tight.  The Octavia 3 is about foot longer than the mk1 version.

 

Unless you need the space because you carry a whole family most of the time probably better getting your self a hot small family car, perhaps a Leon Cupra (Seat)

 

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by SurreyJohn

My wife doesn't have any issue with the Octavia, the size doesn't bother her. She has her own car so only really drives the Octavia when she needs the extra space. She drives a small rear engined Twingo, so she's more used to pottering around in a small car.

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by TheBinarySheep

17 minutes ago, SurreyJohn said:

If your wife is reluctant to drive the Octavia due to its size, then going bigger is not going to make you popular.

 

The Superb is not that much bigger so won’t notice it on a main road, but is close to minimum parking space size so you will have trouble parking it where spaces are tight.  The Octavia 3 is about foot longer than the mk1 version.

 

Unless you need the space because you carry a whole family most of the time probably better getting your self a hot small family car, perhaps a Leon Cupra (Seat)

 

the issue with the Cupra is the interior is horrible in comparison to even the Octavia.

 

we have two kids, and what we like about the Octavia is being able to chuck a pushchair and a bike in the boot. We like to go away as well, and the boot swallows up most of the stuff we need to take with us.

 

the superb has the added bonus of more features than the Leon, lower insurance group and it's less chavy and more of a sleeper. I'm probably sounding way older than I am.

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by TheBinarySheep

I recently made the same swap that you’re considering (Octavia VRs to Superb 272). 
 

it is a bigger car but not by as much as you might think, and it doesn’t feel that much bigger to drive. It is longer (about a foot) and a little wider but it’s not massively different to be honest. 
 

The biggest difference I’ve found is with rear legroom: it’s vast! I’m 6ft 7 and though I fitted into the Octavia perfectly well, there wasn’t much space behind me. It isn’t an issue in the Superb. It’s also a nicer place to be, especially with the Canton stereo (a must-have in my opinion). 
 

Don’t expect the Superb to feel massively quicker in everyday driving. It’s only when you really go for it that the extra power is noticeable. That may be down to the increased weight or refinement. But, the additional traction is great!

 

The Superb is a more mature car and is a definite sleeper. 

I went from a MY11 mk2 Octavia 147 RS to a MY17 mk3 Superb 162 (220).

Driving the Superb doesn't feel different, size wise.  It's not as agile/nimble as the RS, as expected, but when driving around town or on the highway, it feels the same.

Parking,  yes, u gotta b mindful of the longer n wider dimensions of the Superb.

The kids r enjoying the extra legroom.

The extra boot space is great.

The Octavia RS is "sporty".

The Superb is a "cruiser".

 

Really happy with switching from the Octavia to the Superb.

 

We are looking at the sport line trim, whilst I know it won't be as nimble as the VRS, it won't be like a barge will it?

 

i like firm suspension and direct steering, I dont like to feel like I'm floating. Although, I am 40 this year and I'm starting to appreciate a sporty but more comfortable ride.

I think the 15mm drop in suspension and ‘slightly’ firmer setup make the Sportline a much nicer ride. The standard setup is just to wallowey IME. My only gripe is the tyre size Škoda have chosen; easy enough to get tyres but it’s a size that is bloody expensive! 

 

The Sportline is not a B road blaster but it’s more than capable. You’d either have to be going far too quick for public roads or be unlucky (or just stupid) to get yourself in a pickle. It’s defo setup with a bias towards comfort/refinement over dynamics but I think that suits the character of the Superb. I personally don’t feel the vRS is much different TBH. Something like a Mondeo or Mazda 6 (in any trim) are still much better in terms of driver involvement. VW group cars always seem to have steering that is a bit too light and a bit wooolly IMO but the trade off is refinement and just generally a nicer car to live with. 

 

I’m 18 months in with my 280 and I’m still happy and not looking elsewhere; a first for me. It’s all the car I need and want (for now 😉) 

 

I know what you mean, we've kept the VRS for four years now, the longest we've kept a car. Choosing a replacement is just so difficult because the car had a lot of plus points, which I think the Superb builds upon.

 

 

3 hours ago, TheBinarySheep said:

We have an Octavia Vrs 220 at the minutes and I fancy a change. The car has been great but a few things I don't like are the lack of front end traction, especially during traffic light grand prix', the poor quality sound system and the cheapness of some of the plastics. It seems something like a superb 280 would solve those problems but cause another....size. 
 

My main concern is that it'll feel too big for my wife and she will refuse to drive it. She doesn't drive the Octavia much, but the option is there if she needs a bigger car.
 

There are occasions where I sometime find spaces too small for the Octavia and have to squeeze out of the car, and I'm concerned that a Superb will introduce a whole host of problems when it comes to parking and getting through a McDonalds drive-through.

 

im just wondering how people find the car day to day in terms of size?

Hi,

Just to sum up, you start feeling fed up with:

- Lack of front end traction (especially during 'traffic light grand prix')

- Poor quality sound system

- Cheapness of some plastics

with your O3, but you don't necessarily want a larger car... Or your wife indeed.

 

I would then look at an used Audi S4 Avant with Bose or B&O option.

This would match all your expectations.

Note, if you have a TDI VRS, then an Audi A4 Avant with 3.0l V6 (245HP) Quattro may be to look at instead of a S4.

 

The boot may be a bit smaller than your current O3, but using a roof box in the rare occasions you really need space should address this issue.

 

This Audi option may be more expensive in terms of buying budget, but the depreciation on Audis is really slower than on Skodas. You'll then lose less when you will resell it.

 

Just thinking 'out of the box'... 😉

 

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by Bap33

8 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

Hi,

Just to sum up, you start feeling fed up with:

- Lack of front end traction (especially during 'traffic light grand prix')

- Poor quality sound system

- Cheapness of some plastics

with your O3, but you don't necessarily want a larger car... Or your wife indeed.

 

I would then look at an used Audi S4 Avant with Bose or B&O option.

This would match all your expectations.

Note, if you have a TDI VRS, then an Audi A4 Avant with 3.0l V6 (245HP) Quattro may be to look at instead of a S4.

 

The boot may be a bit smaller than your current O3, but using a roof box in the rare occasions you really need space should address this issue.

 

This Audi option may be more expensive in terms of buying budget, but the depreciation on Audis is really slower than on Skodas. You'll then lose less when you will resell it.

 

Just thinking 'out of the box'... 😉

 

Ah but with Audi you’re buying in to the least reliable marque in the stable 😉 

 

Several colleagues have sneered at me over the years with my Skoda’s and SEAT’s but I’ve always enjoyed listening to their moans of Audi’s poor quality, reliability and awful dealership service. 

 

If coming from an Octavia then I think an A4/S4 would feel a little cramped. I regularly get in my mates A4 Avant and I think it’s ‘cosy’. I’m only 5”11

 

How times have changed though....we’re discussing S4’s as an alternative choice to the humble Škoda Superb 😃

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by penguin17

1 hour ago, Bap33 said:

Hi,

Just to sum up, you start feeling fed up with:

- Lack of front end traction (especially during 'traffic light grand prix')

- Poor quality sound system

- Cheapness of some plastics

with your O3, but you don't necessarily want a larger car... Or your wife indeed.

 

I would then look at an used Audi S4 Avant with Bose or B&O option.

This would match all your expectations.

Note, if you have a TDI VRS, then an Audi A4 Avant with 3.0l V6 (245HP) Quattro may be to look at instead of a S4.

 

The boot may be a bit smaller than your current O3, but using a roof box in the rare occasions you really need space should address this issue.

 

This Audi option may be more expensive in terms of buying budget, but the depreciation on Audis is really slower than on Skodas. You'll then lose less when you will resell it.

 

Just thinking 'out of the box'... 😉

 

a Superb is very much top end of our budget so I'm not sure we would find an Audi in budget.

 

Another point I didn't mention, we want something with reasonable warranty left on it. This year we have been stung with a number of issues with the VRS which have cost over £1500 to fix, including getting the boot lid repaired after the paint cracked around the spoiler, a new radiator, temp sensor, water pump and thermostat. Each of our last three cars have cost a significant amount in repairs once outside of warranty. Our plan is to get a car with some warranty remaining and then extend the warranty for a year or two.

 

also would prefer to stick with petrol as we've had DPF issues with diesels in the past. We only do around 10k mile a year.

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by TheBinarySheep

I made the same move from a Octavia vRS 220 to a Superb 272 mid last year. Admittedly, it did feel bigger for a few weeks (albeit likely also attributed to the "new car fear" of any damage). Once you've put some miles on it and negotiated familiar car parks, then it feels second nature to drive. Do bear in mind some older car parks with smaller spaces can be awkward to get into - especially if parked next to a larger vehicle. I had this issue at Gatwick Airport Short Stay when a BMW X5 parked so close whilst I was on holiday that I had to get back into the car through the passenger side!

 

I'd recommend getting a rear view camera in addition to the parking sensors as it does make life much easier.

 

One of the things I love the most is the 4x4, which ensures a smooth getaway from junctions and traffic lights in any conditions (particularly when you've got winter tyres on at this time of the year). This is in stark contrast to my old vRS, which spun-up the front wheels even when trying to feather the throttle in.

 

The Canton in the 272 is superior to the vRS, but take your time in getting the settings just how you like them as it does tend to be treble heavy on default.

 

You won't regret the move to the Superb  

2 hours ago, TheBinarySheep said:

a Superb is very much top end of our budget so I'm not sure we would find an Audi in budget.

 

Another point I didn't mention, we want something with reasonable warranty left on it. This year we have been stung with a number of issues with the VRS which have cost over £1500 to fix, including getting the boot lid repaired after the paint cracked around the spoiler, a new radiator, temp sensor, water pump and thermostat. Each of our last three cars have cost a significant amount in repairs once outside of warranty. Our plan is to get a car with some warranty remaining and then extend the warranty for a year or two.

 

also would prefer to stick with petrol as we've had PDF issues with diesels in the past. We only do around 10k mile a year.

We bought a Fabia 3 for my wife this year and I wasn’t initially looking at a finance package but the Škoda FS deal at the time allowed us to extend the 12 month used warranty to 24 months which included breakdown cover and MoT protection to the value of £1000. This cost an additional £199.  I thought it was worth it for a car with an unknown (to me) history. 

 

+1 to the comments regarding all round sensors and Canton. I’ve spec’d two Sportlines from the factory and those were on my ‘must have’ option list. The Canton system in the Superb was designed specifically for the model. I think it’s awesome. 

 

 

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by penguin17

4 hours ago, penguin17 said:

Ah but with Audi you’re buying in to the least reliable marque in the stable 😉 

 

Several colleagues have sneered at me over the years with my Skoda’s and SEAT’s but I’ve always enjoyed listening to their moans of Audi’s poor quality, reliability and awful dealership service. 

 

If coming from an Octavia then I think an A4/S4 would feel a little cramped. I regularly get in my mates A4 Avant and I think it’s ‘cosy’. I’m only 5”11

 

How times have changed though....we’re discussing S4’s as an alternative choice to the humble Škoda Superb 😃

 

Well, if one looks at the initial specs...  IMHO:

- 'Bigger may be an issue for his wife', excludes the Superb

- 'Better front end traction ability' naturaly leads to AWD or 4WD

- 'Traffic lights Grand Prix' lead to more powerful engine

- 'Better Quality plastics' leads to Premium brands...

This drastically reduces the choice... 🤔

Roughly, there are only Mercedes C-class 4-matic / BMW 3-Serie X-Drive / Audi A4 Quattro / Volvo S60 AWD...

 

Regarding Audi's reliability... Well all 'pros' have their 'cons' ... Even if there are very few manufacturers who can be proud of top reliability! All have their own issues...

 

Note: Skoda is meant to be the 'lower class' from VAG Group. Then complaining about quality plastics may look strange, doesn't it? 🤨

 

Regarding time changing... You're right ! The wheel of fortune keeps spinning 😁!

Before WW2, Skoda was a premium brand, became one of these old-fashioned/overtaken ex-soviet block brand. Now It's getting better and reaching such a point, that Skoda is playing VW / Audi (e.g.:. Some standard equipments on pre-FL MK3 are now optional on MK3 FL)...

In parallel I regurlarly read Audi forums and I can notice that many users of brand new Audi (especially Q3 MK2) are complaining about some downgrading plastic quality.

As you say... times have changed!  

 

3 hours ago, TheBinarySheep said:

a Superb is very much top end of our budget so I'm not sure we would find an Audi in budget.

 

Another point I didn't mention, we want something with reasonable warranty left on it. This year we have been stung with a number of issues with the VRS which have cost over £1500 to fix, including getting the boot lid repaired after the paint cracked around the spoiler, a new radiator, temp sensor, water pump and thermostat. Each of our last three cars have cost a significant amount in repairs once outside of warranty. Our plan is to get a car with some warranty remaining and then extend the warranty for a year or two.

 

also would prefer to stick with petrol as we've had DPF issues with diesels in the past. We only do around 10k mile a year.

@penguin17... Audi more reliable?... 😁 Sorry, just teasing...

As I've just written: IMHO all manufacturers have their own issues.

 

@TheBinarySheep You didn't tell us everything in your initial post! 😁 Unless being an Emir from Qatar, we all face sooner or later budgetary limits.

Thus the Superb TSI280 /272 should be a good choice. Of course, it will be a little bit tricky to park in tight spaces, but with parking assistant system / rear traffic assistant / reverse camera, it helps a lot!

Honestly the main 'trick' to me are tight curves in underground car parks, especially when these tight curves are before an uphill or downhill slope. You have to take care to turn large enough to avoid scratching the rear inner wheel on a curb or the inner back door on the wall; but in the mean time you have to turn tight enough to keep your front bumper scratch-free. And compared to my Superb MK2, I regret that the both sensors at each corner of the front bumper have a shorter range than the two-center ones. This doesn't help for maneuvers in tight spaces... 🙄 But, if you take your time and if SWMBO doesn't  communicates you her own stress😁, you can handle it! 

Then, Go for it!!! 😉 

Edited 4 January, 20206 yr by Bap33

11 hours ago, bigman1976 said:

I recently made the same swap that you’re considering (Octavia VRs to Superb 272). 
 

it is a bigger car but not by as much as you might think, and it doesn’t feel that much bigger to drive. It is longer (about a foot) and a little wider but it’s not massively different to be honest. 
 

The biggest difference I’ve found is with rear legroom: it’s vast! I’m 6ft 7 and though I fitted into the Octavia perfectly well, there wasn’t much space behind me. It isn’t an issue in the Superb. It’s also a nicer place to be, especially with the Canton stereo (a must-have in my opinion). 
 

Don’t expect the Superb to feel massively quicker in everyday driving. It’s only when you really go for it that the extra power is noticeable. That may be down to the increased weight or refinement. But, the additional traction is great!

 

The Superb is a more mature car and is a definite sleeper. 

The 280 superb has the same peak torque as the 220 petrol version that comes on at the same revs (or close enough) but sustains it for longer up the RPM range. 

 

So the extra power can only be felt if you use the revs. Traction is awesome as you said!

11 hours ago, TheBinarySheep said:

We are looking at the sport line trim, whilst I know it won't be as nimble as the VRS, it won't be like a barge will it?

 

i like firm suspension and direct steering, I dont like to feel like I'm floating. Although, I am 40 this year and I'm starting to appreciate a sporty but more comfortable ride.

I'm 55 and just switched from a Vrs245 to a Sportline Plus 272 Superb and although the steering on the Octavia was sharper the Superb will simply go where you point it and going round a roundabout  the Superb is quicker thanks to limpet like 4WD grip. Despite the extra weight and auto box my initial 37mpg is impressive (245 averaged 40mpg) and interestingly my average speed has increased from 39mph in the Octavia to 40mph in the Superb meaning you can carry more speed in corners reducing journey times slightly. Styling wise in Sportline trim with the 15mm lower suspension it is firm can be a little floaty at times but overall I prefer it to the over firm Octy set up. The Superb is the better looking car also with an understated coolness and build quality is higher even down to better quality hi-fi speakers when you turn up the volume on Planet Rock.

What are the brakes like? Are they sharp like the VRS or a bit spungy?

10 minutes ago, TheBinarySheep said:

What are the brakes like? Are they sharp like the VRS or a bit spungy?

Very good progressive not snatchy and you don't really feel the extra weight but I suppose pads will wear out quicker due to the extra effort to slow down. After 29,000 miles in my Vrs245 it was still on the original pads, only time will tell how long they last on the 272.

Edited 5 January, 20206 yr by shyVRS245
missing word

The pads on our VRS have been great too. On 52k and I believe the car is still on its original pads on the front. We got the car at 16k so I doubt they were changed before then. Due a service this month though so they'll need changing.

4 hours ago, TheBinarySheep said:

What are the brakes like? Are they sharp like the VRS or a bit spungy?

 

The 280/272 has the same brake setup as the Golf R and Audi S3.

The 220 has the same brake setup as the vRS and the Golf GTi.

Thanks everyone for the advice so far. I think we're set on getting a Sportline 280, it's just a case of waiting now as there is only 2 for sale on Autotrader within our budget.

 

We've looked at other cars like the Leon Cupra ST, which fits out needs as well, but I'm concerned that there's a new model being launched at the end of this month, and I'm not keen on buying a car for it to be replaced within a year.

 

Also looked at the Megan RS 280. Boot is a fair bit smaller than what we're used to, but is more youthful. The problem is, I'm 40 this year and I just feel I might look like I'm having a mid-life crisis or something.

 

Another alternative is a BM3 320i M Sport Shadow Edition, it's not a quick as I would like, but it's a premium brand, looks good and there's loads for sale. Downside is it's the old shape and only 181bhp. I really want something that's quick off the line so it kinds of rules this one out, and I can't find a 330i within our budget without going for something that's too old for us.

I've made an enquiry about a 280 this morning, just waiting for a response from the garage selling it. It's a 2018, 14,000 miles but has two owners, which is strange for a less than two year old car, but maybe it was a lease and bought at Auction? Hopefully I'll get more information when the garage get back to me.

 

Should I feel bad about asking my local dealer for a test drive of a Sportline when I know I won't be buying from them as they don't have any 280's for sale? We'll be using the dealer for servicing though and who knows, maybe a future car.

Edited 6 January, 20206 yr by TheBinarySheep

 

 

1 hour ago, TheBinarySheep said:

I've made an enquiry about a 280 this morning, just waiting for a response from the garage selling it. It's a 2018, 14,000 miles but has two owners, which is strange for a less than two year old car, but maybe it was a lease and bought at Auction? Hopefully I'll get more information when the garage get back to me.

 

Should I feel bad about asking my local dealer for a test drive of a Sportline when I know I won't be buying from them as they don't have any 280's for sale? We'll be using the dealer for servicing though and who knows, maybe a future car.

Nice.  Who are the owners though?; first one could have been Skoda UK or even a dealer pre-registering the car.  Then the second owner, perhaps private may have found it too expensive to run or had a change in circumstances.  It's always good to be suspicious and think the worst as it allows you to weed out the bad ones but sometimes there's 'legitimate' reasons too 😀 .   Have you asked about the cars background? 

 

You could always test drive one at your local dealership as it gives you an idea of the car, dimensions etc but always remember the 280 will feel very different when driving. I went from a 150 TDI to a 280 Sportline and couldn't believe how much lighter and refined it felt, despite the extra weight of a DSG and Haldex system.  It also builds a relationship with the dealer as they may be receptive to sourcing you one and securing your business.  Just be honest with them though and make it clear you want the 280 ideally.  If you can, I'd say try a 220 as it gives you some idea; in normal driving conditions they are very similar, nigh on identical.  Only the extra grunt at the top end and front wheel traction in the wet would separate them.  

Edited 6 January, 20206 yr by penguin17

Thanks. I spoke to the garage selling the 280 I'm interested in. They're a specialist sports dealer, selling things like Porches etc and they took the 280 in part exchange. They've said that the car was registered in May 2018, and the previous owner bought it towards the end of 2018 (paid £27k), so this leads me to believe it was a dealer car or pre-registered, the garage agrees but says that cannot confirm. Then the last owner part-exchanged the car with them, I'm assuming for something expensive.

 

They're only offering me around £7,700 for my car though, Ideally I want £8,000. With alloy damage declared we buy any car are offering close to £8,200. 

 

The garage is a good 2.5 hours drive away, so if I can get them to offer £8,000, then I would very much be interested in the 280 they're selling. Just waiting for them to send over a picture of a slight scuff on the rear bumper which they say then can get repaired as a smart repair.

 

The garage have also said that the car hasn't had its first service yet, apparently it is due at either 2 year old or 20,000 mile, whichever is first. Is this true? I'm guessing that's a flexible service? I'm used to getting a service done every year.

Edited 6 January, 20206 yr by TheBinarySheep