RE: Skoda Superb Estate 280: PH Fleet

[jterrier]

Utterly lovely.

[Markytop]

I collected a Superb 280 last week, albeit the hatchback rather than the estate. I went for the L&K model to get all the toys basically as standard, rather than have the sportline, which I like for the looks, but its based upon a model further down the range so doesn't have anywhere near as much standard kit.

I'm in Luxembourg, so the European specs are a little different to UK models, but with everything other than the TV Tuner and towbar ticked, price paid, with some discount, was a smidge under 44k Euros, so about 38k in GBP. I looked at all similar rivals (and lots of other non-obvious rivals for around the same money) and came to the conclusion it was the best combination of value for money against spec, performance etc.

The only initial downside, which is why I was looking around, was there was a 12 month waiting list for them for a factory order - this is down to around 4 months though as I believe more 280's were scheduled for the 2017 factory year.

Talking about comparing spec's with similarly priced Audi etc, to get a A4/S4 here in Luxembourg to the same complete spec as my Superb would have added another 20k plus, which from driving one, really isn't justified spending a third more. Plus size wise, it is more comparable with a A6 or even A8 for interior space. It really is massive inside. I swapped from an Octavia VRS that I had for the last 3 years from new, and the step up in quality and solidity is really noticeable. Plus the extra 60bhp makes itself felt.

So far, and I know I am only a week into ownership, I love it and its hard to find fault - can very much recommend at least a drive in one if you are considering something of this size and pace.

[Dynamic Turtle]

Great cars - basically a Passat with 15% off list and 30% off the options.

Huge load luggers
Enormous passenger space
Good value, if not quite Octavia amazing
Sunroof really makes the car
Economy is pretty good - 48-50mpg average

Downsides

Maybe I should have bought a seven-seater given how annoyingly fertile the missus is :-/
The 150ps diesel gets quite rough over 75mph / 2200rpm
It has depreciated like an absolute mofo
Waiting lists were very long

I don't regret the purchase but try not to look at used prices, or the Kodiaq. Gulp.

[BeirutTaxi]

I spent a good amount of time doing 4+ hour trips in one of these (lower spec admittedly) on Polish roads a few months ago. Very comfortable and an astonishing price tag. Much more classy than an SUV too.

Not particularly exciting in normal spec (not at all thrilling if I'm honest) however for families on a normal wage who need an everyday workhorse it's hard to beat.

[BeirutTaxi]

Dynamic Turtle said:

Great cars - basically a Passat with 15% off list and 30% off the options.

Huge load luggers
Enormous passenger space
Good value, if not quite Octavia amazing
Sunroof really makes the car
Economy is pretty good - 48-50mpg average

Downsides

Maybe I should have bought a seven-seater given how annoyingly fertile the missus is :-/
The 150ps diesel gets quite rough over 75mph / 2200rpm
It has depreciated like an absolute mofo
Waiting lists were very long

I don't regret the purchase but try not to look at used prices, or the Kodiaq. Gulp.

I'm looking at one year old examples with low miles (to replace our Quashqai). The first year depreciation looks painful on these!

[kambites]

BeirutTaxi said:

I'm looking at one year old examples with low miles (to replace our Quashqai). The first year depreciation looks painful on these!

I guess that rather depends on what people are paying for them. There's a 2016 saloon on PH for £24k which is pretty shocking if someone paid £35k for it new... but if they only paid £30k for it, it doesn't look so bad.

[BeirutTaxi]

kambites said:

I guess that rather depends on what people are paying for them. There's a 2016 saloon on PH for £24k which is pretty shocking if someone paid £35k for it new... but if they only paid £30k for it, it doesn't look so bad.

Fair point although these aren't special enough workhorses to order new. Let someone else take the initial depreciation hit and buy approved used.

[kambites]

I wouldn't buy any car new, so I wont disagree with you there.

[SimonTheSailor]

Had a ride in one of these as a local taxi company had one. Can't remember if a dwarf or midget was driving but I had a good foot of space between my knees and the back of his seat. Very plush too I seem to remember.

[superb280]

James Drake said:

superb280 said:

You could follow my example and take it to stage 3 for a nice 540ps (soon to be closer to 600ps)

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/416122-repor...

Edited by superb280 on Thursday 23 March 13:53

You absolutely HAVE to bring that to our upcoming PH Sunday Service at Santa Pod, where we're hosting a "Run what you Brung" morning!!!!!!

Well played Sir, well played...

I will likely do that, which date is that?

[herebebeasties]

Went for a "petrol blue" 280 with a cream interior, which I picked up in January. First brand new car I've ever bought. It's quite different from my Elise. :-)

Skoda Superb 280

Also went for the L&K, which basically has all the toys except a sunroof, a reversing camera and ventilated seats. All of which I added because I was saving so much over a BMW I thought why not? :-)
Things I like:

• The understated lack of shouty anything.
• Space, obviously. I'm 6'3" and other >six footers are very comfy indeed back there.
• The ride (despite what a bunch of magazines say, I think the Dynamic Chassis Control is good to have if you're a vaguely keen driver - it's seriously wafty in 'comfort' setting, but is a lot more tied down on lumpy B roads in 'sport' - I never really run it in 'normal').
• Full length sun roof (especially combined with the cream interior and the sense of space, it's such a nice light and airy place to be).
• Seats (full electric two-way lumbar adjustability is great).
• Adaptive beam assist xenon headlights. It's kinda freaky driving with full beam on and having it shutter off a dark patch around oncoming / leading traffic. Works surprisingly well.
• The ventilated seats, even in winter (I think they're going to be ace in summer).
• It's basically much, much quicker than everyone expects it to be, which brings its own kind of small joy to the world. Accelerating out of a roundabout on a dual carriageway the other week, a Subaru Imprezza WRX STi that was doing similar made a lot of noise, but failed to even vaguely stay with me. His friend in the passenger seat was practically wetting himself with laughter when they caught up. Childish? Yes. Makes me smile wryly around the edges? Yes. Why else would you buy one of these:-)

Things I don't:

• The 280PS comes with a shorter-ratio gearbox compared to the 220PS. It's a bit less relaxed in top on the motorway as a result and the fuel economy suffers markedly because of it. Maybe there's a good reason for it other than acceleration figures, but I feel it could use a longer sixth - it's spinning at around 2,300rpm or so at 70mph, which feels rather unnecessary given the amount of torque and power on tap. I imagine they'll fit the seven speed DSG to it at some point, which would probably help with that.
• The rear parking sensors cut in way too early - camera is a must given the length of the thing, but that lets you get within an inch fairly easily
• Brakes can be slightly grabby with the DSG and auto stop/start system when coming to a halt, and the stop/start can kick in before you come to a complete stop, occasionally just before you roll back onto the accelerator in traffic. It's not *that* annoying, but it doesn't quite feel calibrated right.

Things I'm ambivalent towards:

• Adaptive lane assist. It doesn't get in the way, but it's also far from a Tesla autopilot type system. It's a bit meh.
• Virtual pedal. It can be useful if you have your hands very full of heavy things, but on the other hand, standing on one leg and waving the other around when your hands are full of heavy things tends you make you bang them into the tailgate or make you fall over entertainingly. Feels like a gimmick.
• Auto-parking. It won't really fit itself into spaces that are short enough to make it worth having - seems to need at least 1.5m longer than the car, maybe more. Get the camera instead; it's much more useful.
• L&K badges on the wings. They look tacky and I've taken them off.
• Launch control (yes, really). Whatever.
• LED DRLs. A bit shouty angry Audi for me.

I'm intending to run it into the ground. I paid £35k cash (but bear in mind the sunroof is about a grand, rear camera is £350, ventilated seats £450). For the amazing amount of kit, lack of image, pace, performance and space, I really don't see how you can beat them. An equivalently-specced/paced Audi 6 or BMW 5 estate is massively more expensive and not as capacious (and the Audi arguably has a worse ride), and the smaller offerings are more expensive and, well, smaller. They're also much more expensive to service, etc. (although possibly lower depreciation, but not really if you spec them up). It's a much better-packaged car than the Mondeo and the inside is just a nicer place to be, IMO. If you don't care about the badge or the first 18 months of depreciation, I can't really see the downside.

Edited by herebebeasties on Friday 24th March 12:19

[Lukas239]

What on earth is a virtual pedal and why is it £600?

[McAndy]

kambites said:

Ah yeah, the early chains were appalling. I'm pretty sure that's been fixed in later cars.

I believe they're on revision 3 of the design, which should be going into my car with the new engine. I made sure to check!

Dynamic Turtle said:

Maybe I should have bought a seven-seater given how annoyingly fertile the missus is :-/

Chuckle.

[Bladedancer]

hornetrider said:

harry020 said:

40k for a Skoda! Really!

No. Mid thirties... 30k achievable with discount.

Still, "price as tested" is 40k. We all know you can get discounts but since those can vary, IMO its best to compare RRP and 40k is a hefty bill for a Skoda. Even a top spec one.

[Fastdruid]

kambites said:

epom said:

Looks like the A6 estate. I'm guessing that's the market its aimed at ?

I'd say the obvious competition for the Superb in general is the Mondeo. I don't think the Mondeo range really has a direct competitor for this variant though?

Nope. The 240ps 2.0T is the fastest they have, that's auto only and slower than the older 2.5T.

I have a Mondeo 2.5T now, there is nothing in the current Ford range to replace it.

[daveco]

Has anyone tried the 190hp diesel with the DSG box in these?

[codenamecueball]

The 280ps 4x4 saloon is already available at a year old with <5000 miles for £25k.

Edited by codenamecueball on Friday 24th March 11:25

[Wild Rumpus]

codenamecueball said:

The 280ps 4x4 saloon is already available at a year old with <5000 miles for £25k.

Edited by codenamecueball on Friday 24th March 11:25

You can get the base model new for £27,875.

[BeirutTaxi]

codenamecueball said:

The 280ps 4x4 saloon is already available at a year old with <5000 miles for £25k.

Edited by codenamecueball on Friday 24th March 11:25

Exactly. If you're ordering a new Lotus or something else special then there is huge appeal in buying new. However for an expensive, every day Skoda? Let some other sucker pay for you to have it at a discount.

[hornetrider]

daveco said:

Has anyone tried the 190hp diesel with the DSG box in these?

I have that combination in my 2016 Alltrack. It's fking terrible, sadly. Not sure if Skoda s/w and/or engine management and/or throttle response will be the same in each application, but based on my VW it's a no from me.