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Well I've just clicked over 5000klms in the Superb, and would have to say it’s been a pleasure to do so. Over the summer months I usually do a lot of cycling events, kayaking, fishing, camping etc. But due to the ongoing horrid weather I have been limited to simply enjoying a drive and the scenery.
The Superb in the configuration I ordered in 05/10 and received in 11/10 has been an interesting experience to change to. But ill elaborate on that later.
Originally I ordered the full house, every option available. But after some viewing of certain options on other models, I dropped items not needed or annoying ones such as the panoramic roof, where i would always need to wear a cap/hat to block the glare driving during the day.
So what did I end up with?
Well it’s a wagon with more capabilities than pretty much any other car in its class on the road at the moment.
So in saying that I will break it down a little for those who are considering a Superb!
Interior:
This is one hell of a nice way to start any trip, from the moment you take a seat (doesnt matter which seat) you find that there is no cramped spots, in the back your feet dont get crushed by the driver/passenger moving either of the front seats as they are 1-2 feet away. The rear head rests are easily raised for taller people, who speaking of will have no troubles with leg room or head room.
Rear passenger comfort is simply amazing with masses of room, unless you’re really wide, where the seating width will prevent 3 burly blokes across the back. But ok I don't see this as an issue as the Superb is a luxury car and is set up for 2 full sized adults with their drinks etc being transported in tremendous safety and comfort.
Up front, well that’s where I can attest to the appointments level of the Superb. From the Multi Function Steering wheel through to the simple and elegant dash design, the driver is spoiled with simple and understandable dash buttons and switches. Unlike many modern cars that have 500 tiny buttons to do everything, the Superb has less buttons and switches, simple menu options to achieve access to more complicated settings etc.
The drivers position is centered perfectly with the wheel and pedals, the visibility for the driver is very good, due to the seemingly limitless adjustability of the seats/steering position.
Storage:
Each seat has a cup holder and bucket like area in the door for junk to collect in. The glovebox is a substantial one and there is centre console bucket as well. The only thing I can complain about is the annoying cup holders for the front, a standard water bottle wont fit, and well the area ended up being a wallet/phone holder. The 1Z vRS had great door holders for full size sports drinks bottles which I miss.
Ok, now down to the real storage capability, the boot is ENORMOUS!!! , with its tie down sliders, partitioning systems making smaller loads safe. If you lift the rear seat sqabs and roll them forward you can then lay the rear seats nearly 100% flat. In a previous post I have shown that a full 1.9 meter book case can fit in the back easily. The rear storage area is square with flat sides, easy to keep clean and then you find two large storage areas in behind flat doors. Now in the V6 the Left hand side has your Battery, so that’s pretty much a no go zone, but the Diesels have that space free for use and it’s a great spot for a picnic rug or stuff like that. On the right hand side there is another big storage area where you can fit a fire extinguisher/triangles/first aid kit etc.
Exterior:
From the day I saw the first pics of the Combi/Wagon, I decided to find out more, which eventually made me place and order. The exterior of the car is solid, like other Skoda’s the panels are thicker than Asian and Australian manufactures use, which means they hold up to a little bump in the car park exceedingly well. Added to this the overall design is functional and unique. Large wing mirrors with bi focal mirrors allow for a massive field of vision allowing you to see with ease into what is normally a blind spot.
Headlights, well the V6 comes standard with the Bi-xenon headlights with Adaptive Frontlight System (AFS) which I have to say means you don’t get left in the dark. The lighting for both low and high beams are wonderful. And the cornering lighting has made those early morning drives down the Clyde Mountain to the coast much safer.
The tailgate provides you access to such a cavern of space, adding to that is the fact that the tailgate is not heavy, has the auto close option and a low bumper line allowing easy lifts into the wagon space.
Road Presence:
My wagon with its colour/stance/wheels seems to attract a lot of gawks, people looking at it all the time trying to work out what it is. Those who have pulled me up in carparks and asked about the car have all been seriously impressed and it seems that the Superb’s name is growing.
Most VW drivers seem to look heavily at the car, and you get waves from a few of them too.
Driving and Performance:
This is an area where the Superb covers many areas, In the basic diesel models I tested the ride was compliant and direct, smooth but a little vague in the steering for my likings. Where the V6 seems to be more planted/surefooted and the rack seems a little faster.
The 4x4 Haldex system in the Superb V6 is super fast and not once has my car flashed the traction control light yet. “ I have pushed it to find out its boundaries” and well the combination of tyre/suspension/drive system and weight make the V6 a very solid and confidence inspiring drive.
Acceleration is something that the V6 has no lack of. I don’t believe the 191kw figure posted by Skoda, as the Superb in some tests done with 2 mates with R36’s has nearly line ball matched them in a straight line. ( only difference I can see is the DSG shift points and redline )
Brakes are phenomenal, on the V6 they fill the 18’ wheels on the front and the back are the size of the diesels front brakes. They are the same as the R36 and have the power to pull this wagon to a stop in a distance less than that of my previous vRS.
DSG, well this is the only area I’m not that impressed. It could simply be that the program used for the Superb V6 is designed more for Auto mode than the paddles, but it feels slow on the downshift and you need to plan a few fractions earlier than you may have with a manual. The only other bug is probably with the MFS wheel and the fact that if your going around an round a bout and want to kick down manually the downshifter is on the opposite side of the wheel and having the paddles follow the wheel is a DAFT idea for someone who likes to really drive a car.
In saying that though this vehicle was never designed to be a sports car, it’s a luxury wagon with some stonking performance and traction.
Economy:
Well I’ll keep this light as the figures aren’t flash compared with its diesel variants. Around town im averaging 480-520klms to my 60lts and 650-700 on the highway. But in saying that the V6 is much heavier due to its 4x4 driveline/brakes/suspension. Based on the fact it has the same driveline as the R36 its consumption is lower than a few mates who run them..
Towing:
I’ve recently had the pleasure of towing a skiboat to the coast and back as a mates XR6 Turbo (blew its turbo) and the Superb by all accounts of the XR6 turbo owner towed in a more stable fashion and with ease. It certainly didn’t have any issues at all and even of a wet slippery boat ramp which the XR would have been incapable.
Over all:
Well other than some minor frustration with DSG I find the Superb V6 Wagon to be the most impressive vehicle that I have owned.
I cannot praise it highly enough and think that anyone looking for a large family wagon or luxury wagon should consider it.
Originally Posted by theduckster
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