103TDI 4x4 Vs 125TDI

[PassatB6]

I've been a passenger in a 4x4 Superb wagon 103TDI DSG overseas and I own a Scout so perhaps I can compare the two. The Superb seems smoother, quieter (CR V PD motor and more soundproofing) and just as quick. I didn't ever notice any sluggishness in the Superb and the DSG made the changes way more smooth and relaxed compared to the Scout. As good as it is in the Scout, the 103 TDI motor seemed to fit the Superb even better. It wont be a bullet off the line but its a limo and its overtaking and cruising ability should be fine.

[theduckster]

Accidentally pushed "post reply".

Anyway, the V6 is powerful so no performance is sacrificed for handling. You got the best in both world! But of course the much higher price and fuel consumption.

The 103TDI on the other hand, is slower than the 125TDI. 0-62mph (UK figure, which is about 100kph I think), 103 TDI takes 10.7 sec, compare with 125TDI's 8.8 sec. That suggests it might be a little underpowered and may struggle a bit on freeway overtakings.

Yet the fuel consumption is worse for the 103TDI 4x4. 6.2l/100km Vs 6.0l/100km (UK figure).

So I guess the difference is not just the $500, but gotta sacrifice performance and fuel consumption a bit for the handling. Hmm....the fuel consumption is not that bad, but the lack of power could be a killer in Oz market....(speaking from my experience with my Rover 75. The 2.5l V6, while adequate for the UK market, was a real slug here. It couldn't even catch up my sister's Honda Jazz 1.3)

The big attraction with the V6 for me was the 4X4. If the V6 didn't come with the 4X4, I would have probably stuck with a Subaru Liberty instead of the Superb. Driving Subaru's for the last 6 years the 4X4 or AWD drive means a lot to me as I don't feel entirely comfortable in a vehicle that doesn't have it, especially in the wet. The Falcon and Commodores have the grunt but for me they lack the driveability, that I have become accustomed too. Seeing that the V6 came with 4X4 made the Superb purchase a no brainer for me.

Even though the 103 TDI lacks the 0-100km/h time that the 125TDI I would personally still go with the 103 TDI because of the 4X4 option as there would be more times that I would be happier to have the 4X4 option over getting to 100km/h a few seconds quicker.

Have you placed a order yet?

[VAG newbie]

Yes. It was a tough choice, but I decided to stick with original choice, the 125TDI.

I thought of order the 103TDI 4x4, and put in the contract "subject to test drive", and if I don't like it, then I'll go back to the 125TDI. Unfortunately the dealer told me if I change my mind, they can't guarantee the car for Jan delivery....

They didn't have any Scout 4x4 with DSG, so I can't even try that out. Well, like you said, either one will be a winner, so I just felt more comfortable with a car that I've tested before.

Well, I'm leasing the car anyway, so once the 103 4x4 is released and I like it's handling, I can always get one 3 years later!

PS. If I test drive a 4x4 on a sunny day, would I even notice the difference? Should I purposely pick a wet day?

[Transporter]

PS. If I test drive a 4x4 on a sunny day, would I even notice the difference? Should I purposely pick a wet day?

That would depend how hard you would drive.


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[theduckster]

Yes. It was a tough choice, but I decided to stick with original choice, the 125TDI.

In the end you have gone with the choice that you have been able to try out. You were willing to go with with the Passat in the same configuration so it has to be one that you like. As you say in three years you can swap to a 103 TDI 4X4 if that is you want you want to do. In the end the 125TDI I'm sure will be a fine choice and how knows after three years you might just be happy to go a 125TDi again without even thinking to check out the others. So a Black 125TDi it is then! Come 2012 I hope that you are very happy with the choice you have made and it's a great three years of motoring.

In the wet the grips levels in the 4X4 would be noticeable, but as Transporter says in the dry if you where prepared to drive hard you would notice it as well. In the end the 125 TDI is a good package and well handle itself well. If you can get everything you want in it and its ready for you come January to drive in then it just becomes that much better. No guarantee that if you waited to test drive a 103 TDI 4X4, that you could get one come January anyway.

So come January 2012, VAG newbie will in a Black 125 TDI Wagon!

[hmoon101]

103TDI price is out and looks very competitive.

2011 Skoda Superb 103TDI manufacturer’s list prices (not including government or dealer charges):

Ambition sedan – $38,990
Ambition wagon – $40,990
Ambition 4×4 sedan – $41,990
Ambition 4×4 wagon – $43,990
Elegance 4×4 sedan – $48,490
Elegance 4×4 wagon – $50,490

Trim level of Ambition:
9 air bags, dual zone climate control, rear parking sensor (with park assist in the wagon), 16in allot, heated front and so on.

Trim level of Elegacne:
All above, plus bigger alloy (18 inch maybe?), leather, sat-nav with 30GB hard drive + voice control and bi-xenon headlights.

[aware]

103 TDI is fantastic value. We test drove a 125 TDI on the weekend, but will be after the 4X4 103 TDI, because we've had a few Subarus and like the benefits of 4X4. That being said, even if there was no 4X4 diesel, the Superb is still at the top of our list as there isn't much else that compares with the Superb, in all aspects of the car - value for money, quality, the way it drives, comfort etc.

The starting price for this should really be a winner for Skoda. There is a lot of competition in that segment, and for a lot of families, the size of the Superb is a real winner alone. I have not been in a car in this segment that isn't a Statesman with that much space! Now with a Diesel alternative that is the same price as the 118TSI, what's not to like?

[BlackSuperb]

There doesn't seem to be a green star rating yet on www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au yet for the 103TDI 4x4. Does anybody know how many stars it rates?

[Greg Roles]

I would go the 103 4x4 and visit any name brand tuner, they all offer an upgrade to 125+ kw and high 300 torx, and quite safely too.

[VAG newbie]

While my 125TDI is being repaired under warranty, I was provided by the dealer, a 103TDI 4x4 Yeti as a courtesy loan car. As the feeling of the 125TDI is still fresh, and I get to have the Yeti over the weekend, drivng along roads that are the same, this allows me to compare the 2 engines that most of us can't do during test drives. Of course, the 2 cars have different size and weight, so it is still not as good as having a 103TDI Superb 4x4.

Personally, I can still notice the difference in power and torque, although it's not that much. The 103TDI is still powerful, and it is definitely more than enough for most drivng condition. But it is a bit slower during acceleration and requires a bit more push on the peddle..

The significant difference is fuel consumption. My driving habit is the same in both cars, and I am always gentle with my accelerator. But I generally achieve a fuel consumption figure of high 5's to mid 6's/100km on the 125TDI, but mid 6's to 7L/100km on the 103TDI. Consider the Yeti is a much smaller and lighter Superb.

We haven't had many wet weather lately, so I can't really test the full advantage of the 4x4. On dry surface, I can't tell the difference. But that's probably because I'm a gentle driver. Hopefully we have some wet weather then I can really test it out.

In conclusion, at least for me, I think for gentle drivers, 125TDI is probably a better choice. As we can't really tell the difference of FWD and 4WD. So the extra power and better fuel economy maybe more relevant to us. Well, I might change my mind once I get to test the 4x4 in a wet day.