First impressions and testdrive: Skoda Superb

[ree]

So, first of all - we didn't take any photos - sorry!! And maybe the review isn't that great – it's my first one…


First impressions

exterior:

Compared to the old Superb this car is "tall". It definitely grow in any dimension - but only on the outside. The car has some nice details like a "Superb" writting on the headlamps. The sidemirrors are definitely to big and would better harmonise to a VW Touareg. The rear, well, there are design elements of the Phaeton - it is tidied up.
The two-piece tailgate is a nice idea. It is much easier to fill it up with bags etc.

interior:

First, we tested the space in the back. There is more then enough. But a friend (his parents own the old Superb) make out, that there is less space for the head then in the old one. He is 1,93 tall - so he definitely can compare this. Funny thing is, that this problem wasn't there anymore, when we tested a Superb with leather seats. It looks like the standard seats are plumped up.

The front seats are comfortable and the cockpit has a good build quality. It's great, that most of the instruments have an own style - and not taken over from the VW concern.

Sadly, Skoda still uses plastic for the trim…wood or alu style. But even Porsche does things like that - so, it's okay.


Overall first impression was very good. It looks much better, then you would thought after seeing pictures of the car. Great work Skoda.

Driving impressions

The car we tested was the 2.0 TDI with 140hp and DSG. It was fitted with 18' rims, black exterior colour, black leather seats. Looked great and much more elegant then the silver one inside the showroom.

Sadly, we only had about 20 minutes to testdrive it - but more then enough for a first and "crushing" impression.


The first thing you notice is the extremely smooth-running steering wheel. There is no real contact to the road and even at higher speeds, the whole thing feels a bit to hazy for my taste. This will make it easy to drive the car in the city, but for country-roads and autobahns…

Then the most important thing: engine and transmission.

The engine is definitely not underpowered but in combination - and I would never thought, that I would write this - with the DSG transmission, the whole package is not persuading.

Maybe I have no real possibility to compare. The only car with automatic transmission I drove before is the Jaguar XJ8 - but there are worlds between.

The DSG transmission was extremely disharmonious. The changes of the gear were considerably noticeable and even the passengers could feel the "harsh" switching operations (never had such a feeling when being a passenger in Mercedes models with automatic transmissions).
The S-mode made the whole thing even worse – very nervous gear changes.
My expectations of the DSG transmission are completely unfulfilled. I would definitely not recommend this car with this transmission.

The transmission also changed often the gears - even when it wasn't necessary. It didn't use the full potential of the TDI engine and often runs out of the perfect rpm.

Nevertheles the handling was good and the suspension guarantees a enough comfort even with 18' wheels.


verdict

In terms of design, quality etc the new Superb definitely has made a big improvement.

Sadly the drivetrain doesn't fulfil my expectations - especially because of the DSG transmission.

So, in the end I have to say, that this car is still a Super-B. Nevertheless Skoda is on the right way to produce a Super-A soon. Compared to the Passat, it doesn't have to hide away.

[Mr. M]

I really do think the DSG transmission has somewhat of a Jekyll & Hyde character. Tried it on the GTI, worked fantastically, but on the GT it jerked like nuts. Wonder what's wrong.

BTW, great review. Soon I'll populate this place with reviews once again... With my newly-minted driving license.

[ree]

Originally Posted by Mr. M

I really do think the DSG transmission has somewhat of a Jekyll & Hyde character. Tried it on the GTI, worked fantastically, but on the GT it jerked like nuts. Wonder what's wrong.

BTW, great review. Soon I'll populate this place with reviews once again... With my newly-minted driving license.

You have your driving-license?! Awesome!! Congratulations!! How was the test?!

[cawimmer430]

Excellent review.

This is a great car IMO especially for those seeking a car that is comfortable, spacious and great value.

[Yannis]

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

This is a great car IMO especially for those seeking a car that is comfortable, spacious and great value.

Plus the interior looks a lot like the previous gen A6 and that is another advantage of the car IMO.

[Mr. M]

Originally Posted by ree

You have your driving-license?! Awesome!! Congratulations!! How was the test?!

Scary. Read here: http://www.germancarzone.com/off-top...ng-test-2.html