Hi, Does anyone have one of these please? Are they any good off road or in snow/ice etc? And which is best Manual or Auto?

Thanks.

4x4 doesn’t make any car better off road or on snow and ice, it’s all down to tyres. You may find a 2WD car with the proper tyres will meet all your requirements.

Yes, what you've said is well known and every Winter I change both my vehicles to Winter tyres including my AWD Honda CRV.

I'm simply curious to know if the 4x4 version of the Mark 3 adds any noticeable worthwhile advantage over the 2 wheel version because there aren't too many on line reviews and not many used ones for sale.

However the emergency services use them where I live so I'm thinking there must be a worthwhile reason why because I'm sure they do their homework too before they buy.

As @Kenny Rsays it's down to tyres. 

 

There isn't that much ground clearance to take it off-road, but going onto a field at a car/horse show the 4x4 drive-train has it's advantages. Certainly got out of field at Gatcombe easily when other were really struggling.  I away change to winter tyres in October, so with 4x4 and 'winter's i would have to be pretty unlucky to get stuck, unless really deep snow when the car would belly out and lose traction anyway.

 

Auto the way to go IMO, for off-road Land Rover development drivers always preferred auto as it's one less thing to think about.

Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience.

I 've noted the 4x4 version is only very slightly raised higher than the standard model (1cm I think) and that alone makes tackling the bumpy narrow lanes and  rutted tracks where I live a bit of a worry. 

And the other problem for me is when I hit the tarmac and need to journey up the motorway SUV's just don't cut it for me. so maybe an AWD XC70 or a VW Alltrack might be the answer?

....... But deep down I just want a Superb Mark 3..... ;-)  !

Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience.

I 've noted the 4x4 version is only very slightly raised higher than the standard model (1cm I think) and that alone makes tackling the bumpy narrow lanes and  rutted tracks where I live a bit of a worry. 

And the other problem for me is when I hit the tarmac and need to journey up the motorway SUV's just don't cut it for me. so maybe an AWD XC70 or a VW Alltrack might be the answer?

....... But deep down I just want a Superb Mark 3..... ;-)  !

Do they do a scout version of the superb?

30 minutes ago, MarkyG82 said:

Do they do a scout version of the superb?

Yes, they do!

The 4x4 does handle a lot better and of course it is better on snow than a 2wd.. yes the 2wd with winters is ok and gets through most British winters but the 4x4 is another level. Also helps with getting out of muddy festival fields.. I’ve had both 2wd and 4wd. Also depends on how you drive but 4x4 does work very well in the wet when pulling out of junctions and in standing water situations.. I do 2k miles a month in mine and notice the subtle differences the 4x4 makes over the 2wd. Fuel economy is compromised slightly though and servicing costs are higher because of haldex oil changes and filter cleans every 30k. Mine isn’t the raised option though. I have the sportline and it’s lowered. My reason for buying 4x4 was handling, surefootedness and because were go snowboarding and skiing in Europe regularly 

Edited 29 May, 20215 yr by Esseesse200

Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply, it was just the sort of information I was hoping for and so helpful. Thanks again. 

I fully agree with @Esseesse200.

4x4 + winter tyres, you’ll really improve your safety. It will be really hard to go « off-road » unexpectedly... 😉

Additionally, if you go to winter sports, needing to put snow chains will become really rare. 😉

The 280 petrol is only 4x4, how useful it is depends on where / how you like to drive. Im city driving roundabouts and small gaps. 4x4 and DSG makes any gap 'doable'. Damp autumn roads - no issue with wheel spin.  But I've never tried launch control.

2 hours ago, Chazzy said:

The 280 petrol is only 4x4, how useful it is depends on where / how you like to drive. Im city driving roundabouts and small gaps. 4x4 and DSG makes any gap 'doable'. Damp autumn roads - no issue with wheel spin.  But I've never tried launch control.

Oh you need to try launch control then! It’s a complete riot, release brake with throttle planted and it takes off like a scalded cat no fuss no wheelspin just brutal acceleration that puts a huge smile on your face.

Sadly, I understand the Scout version will not be available for the UK market.?

Btw … recently bought the estate in 4x4 190 tdi dsg SEL EXEC version. Apparently if thinking of towing, they’re only available with a factory fitted tow bar, various things have to be changed, including uprating the engine cooling! So Insuspect getting an aftermarket tow around fitted may be a risk if thinking of “heavy towing” & consequential damage would nit be covered by Skoda’s initial 3 year warranty, or the subsequent purchasable extension warranty after that.

 

on traction … tyre categories are all. 2x0 traction & 4x0 traction both are useless.

Yes on the tyre side I would trust a fwd on winter tyres over a 4wd on summers. Obviously only relevant for 3-4months of the year.

This year we had a storm never seen in Spain with 60 centimeters of snow in the city of Madrid, where it is rare for it to snow and it usually happens every 6 or 7 years.  With my 4x4 combi 190 tdi I was able to go out and move where all the 4x2s left, all with summer wheels.  In Spain it is not mandatory and it is rare to use winter tires.

On 28/05/2021 at 13:41, SteveCornwall said:

Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience.

I 've noted the 4x4 version is only very slightly raised higher than the standard model (1cm I think) and that alone makes tackling the bumpy narrow lanes and  rutted tracks where I live a bit of a worry. 

And the other problem for me is when I hit the tarmac and need to journey up the motorway SUV's just don't cut it for me. so maybe an AWD XC70 or a VW Alltrack might be the answer?

....... But deep down I just want a Superb Mark 3..... ;-)  !

Thanks for the advice and for sharing your experience.

I 've noted the 4x4 version is only very slightly raised higher than the standard model (1cm I think) and that alone makes tackling the bumpy narrow lanes and  rutted tracks where I live a bit of a worry. 

And the other problem for me is when I hit the tarmac and need to journey up the motorway SUV's just don't cut it for me. so maybe an AWD XC70 or a VW Alltrack might be the answer?

....... But deep down I just want a Superb Mark 3..... ;-)  !

Just noticed your post string, I had a manual Volvo xc 70 D5, that car has just been traded in for a Superb 190 td 4x4.

The Volvo was amazing in snow, loads of low down torque, quite heavy is a benefit and as mentioned good tyres, in fact it had so much tourque it would squeel all driven wheels under aceleration if I was on my own on a quiet back road.

Fitted Michelin cross climate tyres which were a revelation for being quieter, grippier in the wet/snow than the original Pirelli fitment.

Still miss the beast 13 and a half years of exceptional reliability.

Hope the Superb is as good.

Martin

On 31/07/2021 at 17:51, Gabrielem said:

This year we had a storm never seen in Spain with 60 centimeters of snow in the city of Madrid, where it is rare for it to snow and it usually happens every 6 or 7 years.  With my 4x4 combi 190 tdi I was able to go out and move where all the 4x2s left, all with summer wheels.  In Spain it is not mandatory and it is rare to use winter tires.

Interesting. And what was the braking efficiency in such conditions? 

El 8/1/2021 a las 22:10, Bap33 dijo:

Interesante. ¿Y cuál fue la eficacia de frenado en tales condiciones? 

Both to accelerate and to stop the sensations and the results were spectacular, being aware of the extreme situation.  

 

If I had winter tires fitted, I wouldn't have noticed anything "strange".

 

 For that alone I am glad to have a 4x4.

 

 I encourage you to look for "filomena Madrid" on Youtube and see what I'm talking about.

On 28/05/2021 at 14:36, bubib5 said:

Yes, they do!

But not in the U.K. 😤😤😤

 

On 28/05/2021 at 14:36, bubib5 said:

Yes, they do!