All a bit delayed due to lockdowns, etc, but I'd be interested if anyone's got any comment/thoughts...

 

Basically, I'm considering changing cars and a Superb sounds as if it's something I should be looking at although I've not yet been in a position to see one in person/take a test drive... 

 

My day-to-day usage is basic rural to town commuting, i.e. 25ml/45mins each way with occasional longer day trips required (typically 3-400 mile round trips).  Normally it's just me but the longer trips would more likely be 2 to 4 adults, occasionally with luggage, e.g. student to university.  Driving style is staid - used to have a bike which I'd use if I wanted to make progress but these days, it's convenience/comfort - enough power to overtake if really needed is nice, but there aren't many places it's possible on my usual route.

 

Current car is a Ford S-Max (63) but as kids grown up, we don't need the number of seats anymore, on the other hand, while traffic's currently low, the commute used to be congested so adaptive cruise-control might be a nice upgrade from the basic CC in the Ford (and I'll be sticking with an auto box).

 

Anyway, I seem to be looking at the Superb, and primarily at the L_K specced ones (wanting for ACC, SatNav, Heated windscreen & AirCon) and finding myself in mid-high teens prices.  The length shouldn't be an issue, as it's only 6cm longer than the S-Max.  No preference regarding estate vs hatchback - will depend what appears.  Was originally looking at 2017 models around 15-17K, e.g. 2.0 TDI (150PS) models, but did have my attention caught by a 19K 2016 2.0 TSI 4x4 (280PS) - the attraction's the 4x4 though, as I'd not use the extra power and would probably prefer a 190PS version but haven't seen many 4x4s within my price bracket.  (Roads are normally OK, but there are a handful of days a year when AWD would help.)

 

Anyway, any comments?

Hi, welcome to the forum, with your normal mileage runs I'd seriously consider the TSI - predominant short runs aren't great for DPF regens, although your longer runs should take care of that. Definitely hold out for the ACC, it will be much more useful in normal UK traffic. Consider the Octavia too, size should be fine for your normal loads, especially the Combi. I can't comment on the 1.5 TSI engine, but I'm a real fan of my 1.4 - although I'd take someone's arm off if they offered me a long-term loan of a VRS!   

I should certainly look at a petrol, although the majority coming up in the searches seem to be TDI's at the moment so maybe subconsciously ignored them so far... 

 

ACC is the basic requirement, and as for models, while I'm sure the Octavia would be fine, the draw to the Superb is the impression of it being a little more comfortable for the commute!  The need for much luggage is a very occasional thing, while the commute's a regular thing where I'm willing to pay a little more for the comfort in spite of not needing the capacity, particularly as there's no regular city-centre mileage where the size might be an issue...

Please be very wary of the 1.5 TSI with manual box. I think there might be a design fault...just watch and listen! I'm being told it's normal. If you ever drive with the window down it will drive you CRAZY!

 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3icfy9Zzs-KyRt02N02s5GZazpPllS6Q

 

 

On 15/01/2021 at 22:25, GwynE said:

I should certainly look at a petrol, although the majority coming up in the searches seem to be TDI's at the moment so maybe subconsciously ignored them so far... 

 

ACC is the basic requirement, and as for models, while I'm sure the Octavia would be fine, the draw to the Superb is the impression of it being a little more comfortable for the commute!  The need for much luggage is a very occasional thing, while the commute's a regular thing where I'm willing to pay a little more for the comfort in spite of not needing the capacity, particularly as there's no regular city-centre mileage where the size might be an issue...

If you don't mind to spend a bit more on fuel and have a car to keep, a 280 is definitely the one to have, or 220 since power isn't important. 

 

I think SEL and above trims will have ACC as standard so no need for L&K unless you want the other toys that come with it (not many, and the lower trims can be specced up quite similarly). Lower trims like SEL has advantage of smaller wheels at 18 which gives you a wider, cheaper choice of tyres. Better ride too and probably lower road noise.

 

Be wary of 1.4tsi DSG gearbox as they are not the most robust. 

 

Hatch or estate gives you plenty boot space either way. 

Ive got a 2.0TDI (150ps).

 

If you are looking at 2016 onwards, anything from a SE will have ACC,  Climate Control and  Android Auto (so you dont need satnat - as you can use google maps / waze powered by you phone). It works well and you get traffic / updated maps etc. You need to go to L&K for the other bits (heated seats, windscreen etc). Before 2018 - you will only get front parking sensors on the SE Business  or L&K - later on SE and above. Also bear in mind that maintenance costs are a little higehr with 4x4 . My superb was fine in the snow (with cross climate tyres). Using decent all seasons is probably a better idea, than a 4x4 on summers??

 

The 150ps goes well - sedate when it wants to be, but a bit more power, it changes down and overtakes with ease

 

I have rear parking camera as well, and parking is easier that the car I has before. SUV style vehicles seem to be more of an issue to park that the superb. 

 

For your mileage (45 min run time) you will be fine with diesel. What they dont like are very short trips where they dont get the time to regen - the 2.0 tdi is regenerating even in town traffic.

 

My shortlist was SMAX, Mondeo, 3008, Passat, Superb - ended up with Superb SE (with a fews extras) and very happy.

 

 

I was looking for a Superb mainly for the fact it was a bit more luxurious than the Octavia then I seen a 3500 mile 8 month old SEL octavia estate for 16500 (1.6 D) I decided that it was significantly cheaper than the superb with quite a high spec and probably ticked more boxes than the superb did so just went for the Octavia. 1.6 D easily sits a motorway speeds loaded up plus the diesel engine is working a bit and the Octavia is a bit smaller (regularly stay in lakes so sometimes limited parking at cottages)