Superb test drive.

**wombatoutofhell** · 04-04-2009, 10:07 PM

Out of the blue on Friday I got a call from Bayford Skoda where I bought my car. "We have the Superb from the motor show for the next few days and were wondering if you feel like taking it for a drive?" Well that's a bloody silly question-of course I would!
So today I went in and had a drive. The Superb was the Ambition model with the 1.8 TFSI and 7 speed DSG. There was a little chat about some of the features and a demonstration of the 2 piece tailgate/boot, but then it was mine for a while. Oddly, the dealer didn't come with me.
The first thing that hit me was how roomy it was-with the seat all the way back I could barely reach the pedals (i'm a shade over 6 foot tall) and there was still room in the back for an adult. The space would compare well to a Commodore or Falcon.I was impressed by how solid and how well put together the car was-but it's a Skoda and we expect that.
The engine was a surprise. I know the 1.8 TFSI is a gem but this is a big heavy car. The engine didn't seem to know about power to weight ratios and performed well. It's not going to win many drag races but it does the job. The engine does rev a bit through the gears which makes it feel like you're going faster than you actually are. It did seem to labour a little uphill but not enough to worry about.
The DSG was also very good-I've never driven a better automatic. Shifts were clean and smooth both in Auto or Manual mode. It seemed to match the engine very well. Only complaint was if you floor the go pedal the engine revs but the DSG hesitates before dropping a gear or 2. Annoying but fairly normal in most auto's I've driven.
Ride was good, very little road noise, steering was very similar to the Octavia. Handling seemed pretty good and it stuck to the wet roads well.
Inside was a nice place to be. Full leather interior, front and back seats heated, god knows how many speakers (we found 10) and touchscreen radio. A nice touch was the lumbar support in both front seats. Not only could you adjust the pressure (electronically of course) but you could also adjust the height and put pressure in a different spot. Instruments were easy to read and the steering wheel was comfortable to use. Main complaint here is the drink holders in the centre console. They are close to the driver with the handbrake lever on the passenger side of the console. This means in manual mode you reach accross the drinks to change gear-and if there happens to be a bottle in there (like the water bottle my daughter put in) your forearm hits it every time.
So no real complaints although I wouldn't go for the 1.8 myself. This is a fairly luxurious car and the engine just sounds too revvy and small for it. I'd go for the V6. I mentioned to the dealer that if it came as a wagon this would be a winner as a family car. He said to wait until next year-it could be happening.
Would I buy one? Well-no as it's no longer the sort of car I need or want. But if I was where I was 4 or 5 years ago with 3 kids and the need for a large car-then yes I would. On price, size and standard equipment it compares well with the Holden Berlina (as long as you settle for the 1.8 ) and as a wagon I would have found it hard to resist. But where I am now I'll keep the RS. I told the salesman I had no intention of buying one when he rang, but they weren't selling-they were evaluating which is why they were ringing existing customers. Anyone else get a call? All I had do do after was answer 5 simple questions and was on my way. Not a bad way to kill a Saturday arvo!

**woofy** · 05-04-2009, 10:38 AM

I've had the Richmond guys say they'll get me in for a drive....probably won't have time at the moment though.

**code618** · 05-04-2009, 11:42 AM

Good initial review. I reckon they are a smart choice as a large car.

Without wishing to infer negative conotations associated with 'Fleet' cars, something like a 1.8 Superb would be a far better choice (as a comparable sized car) than a Commodore or Falcon in terms of fuel costs. The company I work for has a large fleet of either Falcons or Commodores - the fuel bill must be massive. I realise fleet discounts are a big factor but environmentally its a no brainer. Thoughts anyone....?

**wombatoutofhell** · 05-04-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by code618

Good initial review. I reckon they are a smart choice as a large car.

Without wishing to infer negative conotations associated with 'Fleet' cars, something like a 1.8 Superb would be a far better choice (as a comparable sized car) than a Commodore or Falcon in terms of fuel costs. The company I work for has a large fleet of either Falcons or Commodores - the fuel bill must be massive. I realise fleet discounts are a big factor but environmentally its a no brainer. Thoughts anyone....?

The 1.8 Superb would be good-but chances are the diesel would be better environmentally and for fuel costs. I thought the Camry was the fleet buyers car of choice these days?

**Ssom** · 15-05-2009, 05:30 PM

I took some time to check out a 2.0 TDI 125 model a few weeks back. Very nice car inside, but I noticed that although there is a lot of legroom in the back, the hip room for 3 adult sized passengers in the back is not nearly as good as an Aussie six. Took the shine off an otherwise very practical car.

**zjm** · 21-06-2009, 08:50 PM

when you do the math you can buy a lot of fuel with the money you save buying a ford or holden especially with the deals you can get these days

**Jake02** · 21-06-2009, 09:06 PM

For me, I think the Superb (and forthcoming Superb Estate) would be the ideal family car for Australia. Think about it, the Ambition 1.8TSI is only around $3,000 more than the base Commodore Omega. Imagine all the extra stuff you get for that little amount (7-speed DSG, half the fuel costs, the extra equipment - dual climate, 3 extra airbags, split-folding rear-seats, bigger boot, the Twindoor etc -, Euro quality/finish and abit of a difference to the 'norm'.

Skoda deserve to sell every one they bring in, the quality cannot be beaten!

**jacob_1987** · 22-06-2009, 03:39 AM

Not sure $47,000 (base model superb) seems rather expensive... but then again versus a Passat ($70,000+) seems relatively cheap.

For around $33,000 you can get a falcadore, drive away. Thats $14,000 difference and I doubt you will save that in fuel costs over 4 years. I wouldn't think it's a threat for the falcon or commodore. And the Octavia isn't the biggest car or exactly the most ideal car for a family with 2/3 kids. Don't get me wrong the Superb seems like a great car, very good looking. But for the pricing I don't think it will be a hit for families, fleets or those looking for a luxury car with a prestigous name.

I think Skoda really should define who their target audience is? Octavia too small, Superb too expensive and adjust their pricing.

**brad** · 22-06-2009, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by zjm

when you do the math you can buy a lot of fuel with the money you save buying a ford or holden especially with the deals you can get these days

But a falcadore is only a 40,000km ownership proposition. After that the shocks are buggered, the brakes need major work, rattles & squeaks everywhere. My wife has had 15 falcodores in 20 years & each one is starting to show its age after 40,000km.