Decision Time looming

flamegrill

I've been mulling over a new Car for 2010. We've looked at and priced the following cars.

New A4 Sport + S-line package 140BHP TDI. 43k
New Superb Elegance 170BHP TDI with all the trimmings. 33k
New Open Insignia Elite 160BHP CDTI. 35.5k

I've test driven the Superb and Insignia but none of the dealers appear to have the newer spec A4s in stock as of yet and I've only driven the 120PS old sport which doesn't have servotronic steering. The resulting driving experience isn't fantastic as the steering is very heavy. I can't imagine my missus liking it at all.

My question to you all, which would you choose? Value for money being the primary factor, i.e. how much bang you get for your buck.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Paul

teednab-el

flamegrill wrote: »

I've been mulling over a new Car for 2010. We've looked at and priced the following cars.

New A4 Sport + S-line package 140BHP TDI. 43k
New Superb Elegance 170BHP TDI with all the trimmings. 33k
New Open Insignia Elite 160BHP CDTI. 35.5k

I've test driven the Superb and Insignia but none of the dealers appear to have the newer spec A4s in stock as of yet and I've only driven the 120PS old sport which doesn't have servotronic steering. The resulting driving experience isn't fantastic as the steering is very heavy. I can't imagine my missus liking it at all.

My question to you all, which would you choose? Value for money being the primary factor, i.e. how much bang you get for your buck.


Thanks for your thoughts.

Paul

If given these choices I would go with the Superb, it is so underrated for such a good car. Good value as well for what your getting under the bonnet!

frank gooding

A4 is much smaller than the other 2 cars, you should be comparing the A6

The Superb is huge if you can over the badge snobbery the 170 bhp engine should pull like a train.

flamegrill

LIGHTNING wrote: »

The insignia will depricate more than the Audi and wont be worth too much in a few years time. But 43k on a A4 seems like lunacy money to me and its only a diesel too with only 140bhp on tap. That diesel engine in the Opel isnt supposed to be the best either I think a new one is on the way.Would you not have a look a Subaru Legacy Diesel while your out looking?

There's no Subaru dealer close by so I've not even bothered looking online.

The insignia would be the 2010 model. There's a lot of faff going on about blue tooth and Sat Nav in it and the dealers are moaning about it.

flamegrill

teednab-el wrote: »

If given these choices I would go with the Superb, it is so underrated for such a good car. Good value as well for what your getting under the bonnet!

I'm edging that way alright. Got a good few photos of the superb yesterday before and after I test drove it.

flamegrill

frank gooding wrote: »

A4 is much smaller than the other 2 cars, you should be comparing the A6

The Superb is huge if you can over the badge snobbery the 170 bhp engine should pull like a train.

Inside the cabin of the insignia is roughly around the same size as the A4 leg room wise.

I'm not really comparing the cars on that basis. I'm comparing them based on features and looks first and then value for money second.

I reckon I'm over the badge snobbery. It's a VAG car through and through.

Padraig Mor

Had a look at a Superb in the showroom the other day and was very impressed. It may have had a few belts of the ugly stick (although I'm actually getting used to that front) but up close it is seriously imposing. Interior is sumptious, although I'm not too sure about the wood trim. Elegance is packed to the rafters too - heated elec seats with memory and full leather, sat nav, hard drive, sensors all round and bags of other kit. It'll even - literally - park itself FFS! You sure as hell won't get that kind of spec in the Audi for 43k! As noted in every review too, it is massive inside (and out!). If you can wait till Feb, the estate will be out then which will be a serious load lugger and loses that droopy backside!

edit: I would check out the Legacy too, and maybe the Octavia VRS?

flamegrill

The main reason I'm considering the Superb is the boot. It's a saloon car or is it? That dual opening boot is very cool, i'm just a little worried at how we'll it wear. We've a big dog who currently just flops about on the back seats of my Passat. She'll fit nicely into the boot of the 5 door insignia or the superb.

Heh I even took a squiz at the A5 sportback yesterday, has nice boot space. But again silly money and the spec doesn't compare to the Superb Elegance.

EPM

I'd pick the superb. Have you seen the estate? A lot better looking than the saloon imo

flamegrill

EPM wrote: »

I'd pick the superb. Have you seen the estate? A lot better looking than the saloon imo

Not in the flesh. I've seen pictures online and that. It's out though unfortunately as herself despises Estate cars. She may come round some day, we'll wait and see.

-Corkie-

id defo get the superb 170bhp diesel in the top of the range model. the a4 is crazy money for such a basic car for big money. i have a 07 passat was thinkin about changing but not next year i will be buying the superb id say the passat is very bland like the audi..

flamegrill

The touch screen radio in the elegance is very cool. The radio in the Audi looks horrible but the screen placement is higher and means it's easier to look at.

I've attached pictures of the Radio, Interior and the Front of the Car that I test drove yesterday. Beige leather interior in this was very nice.

Berty

Have you seen the SD lost in the Bolero radio. Im hoping to have a VRs in the new year so looking forward to being able to put my SD loaded with songs into it.

Much better than my IPOD with radio transmitter and charging leads all over the place.

flamegrill

I didn't notice an SD card slot on it. But looking at the picture again I see it there at the bottom. nice!

Berty

EPM wrote: »

I'd pick the superb. Have you seen the estate? A lot better looking than the saloon imo

Is there such thing? I have not seen one, cannot find prices and the brochure does not even mention it.

flamegrill

Yep. See the attached image.

Padraig Mor

Full catalogue for the estate:
http://new.skoda-auto.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Catalogue/SuperbCombi/SuperbCombi_Catalogue_ENG.pdf

Out here around Feb. I believe the dealers are meeting this week to set prices, expected to be approx €1200 more than the h/b. I reckon this could actually be a big hit for Skoda.

Henry Ford III

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Full catalogue for the estate:
http://new.skoda-auto.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Catalogue/SuperbCombi/SuperbCombi_Catalogue_ENG.pdf

Out here around Feb. I believe the dealers are meeting this week to set prices, expected to be approx €1200 more than the h/b. I reckon this could actually be a big hit for Skoda.

5 or more sales?

Berty

That Combi has some list of goodies available. Electrically open taillift, lights in the taillift and lots more.

Padraig Mor

Henry Ford III wrote: »

5 or more sales?

Being a bit of a pessimist there Henry! Massive estate, high quality, loads of goodies, way better looking than the h/b yet at a bargain price? I'd buy one if I was in the market for one....

R.O.R

flamegrill wrote: »

I've been mulling over a new Car for 2010. We've looked at and priced the following cars.

New A4 Sport + S-line package 140BHP TDI. 43k
New Superb Elegance 170BHP TDI with all the trimmings. 33k
New Open Insignia Elite 160BHP CDTI. 35.5k

Superb gives you by far the most bang for your buck. 2nd would be the Insignia (presume ECOFlex version for 2010) with the A4 lagging well, well behind. Earlier in the year had a Superb 170 Elegance and an A6 170 SE come off the same truck for 2 customers. Drove them back to back (for refuelling) and despite a €9,000 price difference (or thereabouts at the time) the Superb kicked the ass off the A6 in all areas except performance (same).

Insignia isn't bad, but if you don't mind the looks of the Superb then it's the best value out there at the moment.

P.S - first time I drove an A4 with Servotronic I thought there was something wrong with it. Don't like that system at all.

Biro

I'd go with the Insignia. A4 is grossly over-priced. The Superb is excellent value, but just uninspiring and ugly. The Insignia is the best handling and a much nicer interior to the Skoda. Elite is a great spec too. There's a twin-turbo version of that 2 litre coming out if that's of any interest.

Henry Ford III

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Being a bit of a pessimist there Henry! Massive estate, high quality, loads of goodies, way better looking than the h/b yet at a bargain price? I'd buy one if I was in the market for one....

More a realist perhaps? The market is dead, no credit is available.

Zonda999

Henry Ford III wrote: »

More a realist perhaps? The market is dead, no credit is available.

+1 IMO

I cant really see any incentive to buy in 2010 rather than holding out 'till 2011 or 12, prices should at least as low then

Back on topic, iId go for the Superb too, massive spec for the money and blows the A6 out of the water, not a mind the A4. Put 18" alloys on it, rather the standard 17" ones, OP, and no one can say it aint an imposing and good looking car!:)

Actually on the subjest of the skoda, are volkswagen bank any better for lending?

R.O.R

Henry Ford III wrote: »

More a realist perhaps? The market is dead, no credit is available.

On that note (apologies for going OT), anyone know if Lombard are still lending direct to the public? I don't think GE Money are doing much at the moment (if any) so if Lombard aren't then there could be even more issues than 2009.

RedorDead

flamegrill wrote: »

I've been mulling over a new Car for 2010. We've looked at and priced the following cars.

New A4 Sport + S-line package 140BHP TDI. 43k
New Superb Elegance 170BHP TDI with all the trimmings. 33k
New Open Insignia Elite 160BHP CDTI. 35.5k

I've test driven the Superb and Insignia but none of the dealers appear to have the newer spec A4s in stock as of yet and I've only driven the 120PS old sport which doesn't have servotronic steering. The resulting driving experience isn't fantastic as the steering is very heavy. I can't imagine my missus liking it at all.

My question to you all, which would you choose? Value for money being the primary factor, i.e. how much bang you get for your buck.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Paul

Dont go Sport + S Line route on A4. Add the S Line to the price which works out as follows:

A4 TDI 143 - €36,200
Add S Line - €3150
Add Xenons - €1400

=

€40,750

The only thing you really want in the Sport is Xenons. Everything else is contained within S Line.

SomeDude

RedorDead wrote: »

The only thing you really want in the Sport is Xenons.

You’re right; the really desirable part of the a4 sport line is the xenons. Not much else to get too excited over. Although the day time driving lights have a love them or hate them element. A mate of mine who drives an a5 actually has them turned off. I personally like them, but they are becoming a bit common on the roads now.

Of the three I’d go with the superb. It's a bit different and you get a lot of bang for your buck. And as you said, just like the audi it’s a VAG car :-)

mickdw

Very wise of the OP to only consider the A4 with servo steer option. After much annoyance with A5 and dealer & Audi saying its fine, they are finally agreeing that standard steer system is crap. Says alot for the steering geometry really when you have to introduce electronic control to make it useable

Biro

Zonda999 wrote: »

Back on topic, iId go for the Superb too, massive spec for the money and blows the A6 out of the water, not a mind the A4. Put 18" alloys on it, rather the standard 17" ones, OP, and no one can say it aint an imposing and good looking car!:)

Ah come on - blows the A6 out of the water? Talk about getting carried away!

Zonda999

Biro wrote: »

Ah come on - blows the A6 out of the water? Talk about getting carried away!

Given the price difference, that is:)

I wouldnt actually take the Superb over the A6!

flamegrill

The general consensus appears to be that the Superb is the best value for money. It's also probably the most practical for our needs.

it looks like this will be the way we're going. Roll on January 7th 2010 when I pick her up!

SomeDude

Sweet! Enjoy! That's something to really look forward to. Are you going to spec one up yourself or does the dealer have something in stock? Although, I guess the Superb has pretty much everything on it as standard already.

flamegrill

Dealer got a Superb Elegance in stock this day last week. It's black with beige leather interior and all the trimmings. I reckon we'll go with that, so no crazy wait times. Other than that it'd be 12 weeks wait.

Looking forward to a late xmas present for myself hehe

Berty

flamegrill wrote: »

Dealer got a Superb Elegance in stock this day last week. It's black with beige leather interior and all the trimmings. I reckon we'll go with that, so no crazy wait times. Other than that it'd be 12 weeks wait.

Looking forward to a late xmas present for myself hehe

Sounds good.

My dealer told me that there is NO wait if you order off the shelf. There is only a 12 week wait if you add anything other than standard spec.

I was asking about 18" Alloys for only €357(Octavia) but the 12 week wait was too much to consider.

Black with beige leather. *Drools!

flamegrill

I was told that Skoda Ireland has bought in some stock, so if what you want is in the country you'll have no wait. outside of that you'll have to wait.

At the end of the day the only ones who really know are the distributors. :-)

teednab-el

Biro wrote: »

Ah come on - blows the A6 out of the water? Talk about getting carried away!

not a superb fan i guess?

teednab-el

flamegrill wrote: »

Dealer got a Superb Elegance in stock this day last week. It's black with beige leather interior and all the trimmings. I reckon we'll go with that, so no crazy wait times. Other than that it'd be 12 weeks wait.

Looking forward to a late xmas present for myself hehe

congrats, and well wear. Hope you get the best from your new superb.

congo_90

That estate version actually looks nice! one little pet peeve on it is the 'passenger air bag' written under the radio. Not enough to put one off but still a nice car.
Is it the same engine as the saloon model?

roosterman71

flamegrill wrote: »

Dealer got a Superb Elegance in stock this day last week. It's black with beige leather interior and all the trimmings. I reckon we'll go with that, so no crazy wait times. Other than that it'd be 12 weeks wait.

Looking forward to a late xmas present for myself hehe

Your dog is gonna love that beige leather

Well wear and all that jazz too though. Savage beast of a car that

EPM

Well wear. Was in a Skoda dealer in Waterford yesterday and they had a black Elegance with beige leather. Gorgeous car. I even like the looks:pac:

Biro

teednab-el wrote: »

not a superb fan i guess?

It doesn't matter whether I am or not, incorrect statements need to be pulled!

SomeDude

Biro wrote: »

It doesn't matter whether I am or not, incorrect statements need to be pulled!

Well it was not an incorrect statement per se, more an opinion being expressed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether you agree with it or not.

R.O.R

Biro wrote: »

It doesn't matter whether I am or not, incorrect statements need to be pulled!

And what would you consider to be incorrect about the statement that the Superb blows the A6 out of the water?

There is no way in which the A6 is superior to the Superb, unless you are talking about re-sale value (offset by greater initial cost) or looks (purely subjective). If they don't perform the same as each other in various areas then the Superb out performs the A6.

Berty

Superb

WOW - Thats helpful.

The “tourist light” function is used by drivers traveling to the continent. Under normal circumstances vehicle lighting requires modification to cope with driving on the opposite side of the road. This is now controlled by the driver form the vehicle so physical modifications are now a thing of the past.

R.O.R

Berty wrote: »

Superb

WOW - Thats helpful.

The “tourist light” function is used by drivers traveling to the continent. Under normal circumstances vehicle lighting requires modification to cope with driving on the opposite side of the road. This is now controlled by the driver form the vehicle so physical modifications are now a thing of the past.

Huh? Not quite sure what the above relates to, but if the above is a function that is required frequently - check that it's working before you take the car out of the dealers.

We are having some issues with an 09 Octavia L&K where this function isn't on the car, or can't be enabled. Xenon lights are standard on the L&K, can't remember if they are on the Superb Elegance.

groupb

Biro wrote: »

Ah come on - blows the A6 out of the water? Talk about getting carried away!

The suberb is getting great reviews. Some mags are rating it up there with the mondeo. Autocar rated the mondeo well above the A4 and A6 so its not inconcievable that a suberb is a better car than an Audi A6. In fact I'm surprised that the OP has'nt considered the mondeo.

Geoff845

flamegrill wrote: »

I've been mulling over a new Car for 2010. We've looked at and priced the following cars.

New A4 Sport + S-line package 140BHP TDI. 43k
New Superb Elegance 170BHP TDI with all the trimmings. 33k
New Open Insignia Elite 160BHP CDTI. 35.5k

I've test driven the Superb and Insignia but none of the dealers appear to have the newer spec A4s in stock as of yet and I've only driven the 120PS old sport which doesn't have servotronic steering. The resulting driving experience isn't fantastic as the steering is very heavy. I can't imagine my missus liking it at all.

My question to you all, which would you choose? Value for money being the primary factor, i.e. how much bang you get for your buck.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Paul

You can get an Full S Line 2.0 TDI A6 with Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Bose Stereo etc for about €43, your mad going for the Skoda.

R.O.R

Geoff845 wrote: »

You can get an Full S Line 2.0 TDI A6 with Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Bose Stereo etc for about €43, your mad going for the Skoda.

You knockin them out at that price Geoff?

Still €10k cheaper for a Superb with full leather and more space.

Geoff845

R.O.R wrote: »

You knockin them out at that price Geoff?

Still €10k cheaper for a Superb with full leather and more space.

In Fairness he asked about the A4 at €42K, the A6 is a good option and to be honest you just cant compare either to the Audi. The Audi is a far better car than the Skoda, no matter what way you look at it, it looks like it was designed by some revolutionary communists child.

Plus he'll loose a fortune in 3 years.

R.O.R

Geoff845 wrote: »

In Fairness he asked about the A4 at €42K, the A6 is a good option and to be honest you just cant compare either to the Audi. The Audi is a far better car than the Skoda, no matter what way you look at it, it looks like it was designed by some revolutionary communists child.

Plus he'll loose a fortune in 3 years.

Just remind us what it is you do again Geoff?

The Audi is a far better looking car than the Skoda, I'll give you that. As I've stated earlier in the thread, except for resale value, the Superb is the same or better than the A6 in all other areas.

In 3 years / 60,000km I predict the A6 would lose €4,717.96 more than the Superb, because the Superb is €10k cheaper to begin with.

Geoff845

R.O.R wrote: »

Just remind us what it is you do again Geoff?

The Audi is a far better looking car than the Skoda, I'll give you that. As I've stated earlier in the thread, except for resale value, the Superb is the same or better than the A6 in all other areas.

In 3 years / 60,000km I predict the A6 would lose €4,717.96 more than the Superb, because the Superb is €10k cheaper to begin with.

So your saying the Skoda drives the same and has the same finish and as the S Line A6? Give me a break. You can predict all you want, but in this climate I find it amazing you can work out to the cent what a car will stand in 3 years. Thats a very impressive ability and yes I would still pay the €5k premium for a better looking & better built car in 3 years.

I don't know why we are even comparing the 2, their in completely different leagues.