BMW 316d Sport Tourer v Skoda Superb 150bhp Tdi L&K

[jamiebae]

I didn't think the current model 3er drove as well as the E90 version - the electric PAS just doesn't have the same feel to it and it didn't feel involving to me coming from the older model. I'm sure a 316d will be adequate in performance terms, it's not like it's much less powerful than the 150bhp Skoda anyway.

I think I'd take the Skoda personally - it's a much bigger car inside and L&K spec is nice too but if the space isn't an issue I'd still look at the 316. I think I'd want Lux spec though rather than Sport which is fairly basic but with nicer seats. I'd be surprised if a BMW dealer actually has a 316d demo though, I bet you end up driving a 318 or 320 instead.

[Potatoes]

All very interesting reading. There really isn't much comparison between the two, it's just my concern around driving position/experience with a little badge snobbery thrown in no doubt.

Testing an actual 316d on Saturday and a Superb 150bhp 2.0tdi on Sunday. This is a one horse race but it's good to be thorough when testing a car I'm going to be doing 80,000 miles in over the next 3 years!

[Trabi601]

80k miles in 3 years will be so much better in the Superb than in a 3-series.

I wouldn't even bother testing the BMW if all I could have came with the x16d engine.

[Miner49er]

Another vote here for the Skoda... In fact I think I'd rather spend 80k miles in an L&K Superb than a 5 series, let alone a 3.

On the test-drive, ensure you're in sport-mode when the pace quickens - the steering and throttle feel so much nicer.

MQB platform cars are very good - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Big GT]

- I've just come from 4 series to Octavia VRS.

Steering - Same, as mentioned the new BMW's steering does not have feel compared to BMW's of the past. The Skoda is very planted no real difference in feel.

Chassis - BMW - At the limit you can tell the BMW chassis is better engineered. Day to day driving no difference in the 316d.

Looks - Skoda - Subjective and I like the 3 series but I love the looks of the Superb by far.

Engine - Same - I had the 430d monster engine. But VAG and BMW 4pots are both very good

Handling - RWD vs FWD will your choice. Noticeable with 200-300bhp not 150

Image - Skoda = Skoda's are now cool. BMW's less so especially 316d estate.

Interior - Skoda - Much nicer place to sit. Also the Tec, The Sat Nav - radio - everything is so much better to use than BMW's idrive. The BMW will frustrate.

Quality - BMW - Cant speak for Superb with I imagine is slightly better than the Oct, but you can tell the BMW was slightly better finished in certain area's

Feel good factor - Skoda - By a czech mile .....go for it!

[Trabi601]

Big GT said:

-
Interior - Skoda - Much nicer place to sit. Also the Tec, The Sat Nav - radio - everything is so much better to use than BMW's idrive. The BMW will frustrate.

I'll have to disagree with this - iDrive is by far the best in-car tech. system. Especially if you have Pro Nav.

[Casa1862]

Quite looking forward to picking up my Superb 2.0 tech dsg next week. I've not driven one and ordered it purely on price, £208 pm 6 months upfront, couldn't find anything that came close to it for the size and spec. Tech spec not as nice as L&K but still not too bad.

I've had a F30, some of materials used are quite poor, the steering was hard cheap leather, felt more like plastic. The SE really shouldn't be sold with a BMW badge.

[MorganP104]

Take the cash alternative and buy an MX-5.

Or the Superb.

Whatever.

[Teebs]

This is my last full tank on the Superb, worked out at 59mpg actual;

[Trabi601]

It's a VAG, so it's almost definitely completely made up!

[Mike335i]

Trabi601 said:

I'll have to disagree with this - iDrive is by far the best in-car tech. system. Especially if you have Pro Nav.

Second this, BMW still sensibly avoid the daft touch screen interface. My old 2009 version 2 is much better to use than many other systems for that reason alone. The original iDrive was pants though.

[halo34]

Trabi601 said:

It's a VAG, so it's almost definitely completely made up!

Nope - my mk3 vrs diesel does within 2% of the read out brim to brim calcs. Sorry to burst the VAG joke theme of the decade.

I looked at a 3 series but now I have the vrs don't regret my choice one bit. I think the superb looks great too, but couldn't stretch into the newer model.

[Fox-]

Trabi601 said:

I'll have to disagree with this - iDrive is by far the best in-car tech. system. Especially if you have Pro Nav.

Agree. Infact frankly the excellence of the Professional Media system is about the only thing that would keep the 316d in the running against the obviously far better specified Skoda. It's the standout part of an otherwise quite dull package. The 3 Series is alright, but you need a proper engine and a decent spec to enjoy it properly.

[matchmaker]

The standard kit on the L&K is incredible.

[Fox-]

matchmaker said:

The standard kit on the L&K is incredible.

And the standard kit on the 'Sport' (Remember, it isnt an M Sport) 3 Series isn't.

I'm a huge BMW fan (I don't buy anything else) but I really can't see the case for the 3 Series here. The Skoda seems like hands down the better buy.

[Uncle John]

Not a Superb, but I've a Yeti L&K & it's a great car.

Misses nothing from my previous Discovery HSE.

My vote is for the Skoda.

I've said it before, VW need to be careful because the L&K Skodas are more than stepping on their toes.

[Potatoes]

I test drove an SE 2.0TDI (150) yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised by the refined engine, the lack of sound from the engine and the poke. I'm now completely sold on the car, the engine & driving position were the final factors I needed to test and I'm very happy.

Now the long wait to order the car and take delivery

[alfie2244]

Potatoes said:

I test drove an SE 2.0TDI (150) yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised by the refined engine, the lack of sound from the engine and the poke. I'm now completely sold on the car, the engine & driving position were the final factors I needed to test and I'm very happy.

Now the long wait to order the car and take delivery

You won't regret it

[Casa1862]

Potatoes said:

I test drove an SE 2.0TDI (150) yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised by the refined engine, the lack of sound from the engine and the poke. I'm now completely sold on the car, the engine & driving position were the final factors I needed to test and I'm very happy.

Now the long wait to order the car and take delivery

I was told 14 weeks but actually turned up in about 9 weeks, in fact it was too early as my current car doesn't go back until this weekend, it's been at the dealers for over a month.

What did you think of the the BMW?

[Teebs]

Good result, you'll be happy with it I'm sure.