VolvoXC40 v Skoda Superb v BMW320 v Merc CLA180

[Groat]

Hi

I've had a motability Skoda Superb for 4.5 years now and it's nearly time to hand it back.

Which of the title cars would you replace it with, including another Superb (the boring option although in fairness it has been absolutely, erm, superb to own which is why I've extended its lease).

[Jamescrs]

Depends on your requirements?

The Skoda is a class above the other options in terms of size and space so that may influence your decision?

If you don't need the space then I'd probably be looking at the Merc or BMW, not a fan of Volvo's having owned one.

[Groat]

Jamescrs said:

If you don't need the space then I'd probably be looking at the Merc or BMW, not a fan of Volvo's having owned one.

10 years ago it'd have been a no-brainer but I'm not so sure nowadays. Merc and BMW (I've owned and driven both - a 520d and a c250 ) are 'better badges', but are they all-round better cars than Skodas?

[Truckosaurus]

My parents have the 3-cyl petrol XC40.

I think it is pretty good for that sort of car, the big central screen on the dashboard makes it look nice and modern, and has plenty of room in the boot for a labrador.

[occasionalranter]

The BMW is the only one that is meaningfully better than the Superb in a particular way, and that is on handling/performance. If that's important to you, go for it. Otherwise I'd have another Superb. It's pretty much as good as the other 2 in all areas, better in some.

But before going for the BMW I'd recommend trying one for at least a day. Make sure you can get comfy in the driver's seat and make sure it's the same spec seat as you'd be ordering.

[Groat]

occasionalranter said:

The BMW is the only one that is meaningfully better than the Superb in a particular way, and that is on handling/performance. If that's important to you, go for it. Otherwise I'd have another Superb. It's pretty much as good as the other 2 in all areas, better in some.

But before going for the BMW I'd recommend trying one for at least a day. Make sure you can get comfy in the driver's seat and make sure it's the same spec seat as you'd be ordering.

This is pretty well what I've been thinking too. The car I had before the Superb was a 520D and was very surprised that my opinion of the Skoda was that it was a better car all round. I'd also agree with the comment on handling/performance, but this isn't a scenario where handling or performance qualities are of much if any value, ie it's an A-B low mileage 95% inner city chugger with the very occasional longer motorway run.


It's looking more and more as if the Superb's going to be the one. Boring or what?

[legless]

Groat said:

It's looking more and more as if the Superb's going to be the one. Boring or what?

Not so much boring as well-considered.

I've had 4 Superbs in the last 5 years (I get new VW Group cars regularly as part of my job), all estates in L&K spec - a TSI 280 that got killed my a HGV on the M6, a TDI 190 DSG and two more TSI 272s.

It's a thoroughly well-sorted car, and real thought has been put into living with them day-to-day by the designers. I only have two minor criticisms - I wish it had the right foot rest that the Golf and Passat have, and I wish it had the seats from the Arteon. It's not that the Superb's seats are bad, it's just that the Arteon's are better.

That's the worst criticism I can give it though, and it would be pretty much top of my list if I was spending my own money on a car.

[Groat]

That's reassuring!

Can't say I've any issue with the seats, and I don't actually have a right foot so the other issue you mentioned doesn't really apply either.