So I am now deciding between a 2019 Superb SE with 17 wheels and 6 speed manual hatchback, and a 2019 Octavia SE estate with 16 inch wheels and DSG. Both have the 1.5 TSI engine.

I found the Octavia a bit firm over potholes and the like on my local Surrey roads. I was quite surprised. I think the Superb rides smoother and has slightly softer seats, but test drove it 39 miles away in a different location, so hard to tell how much smoother!

Would be great to hear your experiences of how these two compare. Ride quality and seat comfort matters as I will be using the car for transporting my mum with a bad back on poor roads! Thanks.

Edited 4 January4 Jan by nocarproblems
Added seats

Hi

I can't compare the Octavia with the superb as I've only had Octavia's but on my third Octavia I can recommend the DSG rather than the manual . 2 litre diesel for me . But the same would apply to any engine. In fact the mapping of DSG gearboxes is more suited to petrol engines than diesel.

Seats are comfy but the ride is at times harsh due to the agricultural rear suspension found on most Octavia's.

Octavia VRS & scouts have Independent Rear Suspension, far better for ride quality, I presume that the superb also has IRS, if that's the case then from your post I would say the superb .

As for gearbox it really can only be your choice.

Edit.

Another point to consider is the tyre profile, 16 inch is likely to be 55 whereas the 17 inch is more likely to be 45 profile.

That lower profile can make can make a big difference in handling/ride quality.

Edited 5 January5 Jan by daftbugga
Extra info

On 05/01/2026 at 00:39, daftbugga said:

Hi

I can't compare the Octavia with the superb as I've only had Octavia's but on my third Octavia I can recommend the DSG rather than the manual . 2 litre diesel for me . But the same would apply to any engine. In fact the mapping of DSG gearboxes is more suited to petrol engines than diesel.

Seats are comfy but the ride is at times harsh due to the agricultural rear suspension found on most Octavia's.

Octavia VRS & scouts have Independent Rear Suspension, far better for ride quality, I presume that the superb also has IRS, if that's the case then from your post I would say the superb .

As for gearbox it really can only be your choice.

Edit.

Another point to consider is the tyre profile, 16 inch is likely to be 55 whereas the 17 inch is more likely to be 45 profile.

That lower profile can make can make a big difference in handling/ride quality.

Thanks for this. I went for the Superb SE in the end. Drove it again today. Not as well cushioned on some pot holes as i'd expect or compared to 90's french cars, but good overall and the best I've experienced out of 2 Audi A4's, MK2 Superb, Hyundai Kona, and the Octavia SE.

With the Superb I actually like the floaty ride as it doesn't follow the contours of the road as much, which I can find a bit tiring after a while. A good well damped sporty ride can be a real pleasure but I always like good waft!

Edited 6 January6 Jan by nocarproblems

So I almost bought the Superb but test drove a local Audi A4. Just a bit smaller and nicer spec. Went with that in the end. Like the feel of the 1.4 engine. Did like the Superb though. Thanks for everyone's replies!