2015 Mondeo 2.0 ecoboost or 2015 Superb 2.0 TSI?
- Thread starter Rainmaker
- Start date
Thanks so much everyone, especially Moeks for his extensive input (very helpful!). My wife drove our last Superb so no issues there. It was actually her first car after she passed her test. She was a bit daunted at first but after some 'drive a proper car or get the bus, woman!', she gave in and absolutely hates small cars now lol. 
I've spoken to a couple of dealers today. My local Skoda wasn't very helpful, even though we visited in person. That said I've found that every single time I've visited in the past (sales and service). I swear they don't earn commission, they're the most disinterested bunch of salesmen I've ever met. They act like you're an inconvenience and that they're doing you a favour by selling you one of their cars, and just sort of stand and stare at you with one word replies to complex questions, if they answer at all.
I asked about test driving a TSI, even a 1.8 or similar if needs must. I explained I'd owned a mk2 Superb and was thus more interested experiencing the TSI + DSG combo to see how they felt, rather than it needing to be a specific case of a 2.0 220 Superb + DSG per se. A TSI Octy would do, even. The reply was "I might be able to get you into a 1.6 diesel next week". Um... Yeah that's close enough amirite?!
I then called Simpsons in Preston and the experience couldn't be more different. The guy was genuinely friendly, and as soon as I told him what engine I was after he perked up. "Oh a proper engine! Don't get many requests for those to be honest. Always nice to hear, that! We don't have a Superb 220 sorry, but I can take you out for a long hoon in an Octy VRS with the same 220 2.0 and DSG on Monday if you fancy a trip out?".....
THAT is how you sell a car.
I'll be making similar enquiries around the local Fords for a 2.0 Ecoboost to make sure I make an informed decision, but it really is looking like the Superb is the better bet if I want to find any life at all in the car. Shame, as I bet that engine is a little peach in a manual (especially in a Focus chassis).
Thanks so much again for the replies thus far. I'll update when I have news.
I've spoken to a couple of dealers today. My local Skoda wasn't very helpful, even though we visited in person. That said I've found that every single time I've visited in the past (sales and service). I swear they don't earn commission, they're the most disinterested bunch of salesmen I've ever met. They act like you're an inconvenience and that they're doing you a favour by selling you one of their cars, and just sort of stand and stare at you with one word replies to complex questions, if they answer at all.
I asked about test driving a TSI, even a 1.8 or similar if needs must. I explained I'd owned a mk2 Superb and was thus more interested experiencing the TSI + DSG combo to see how they felt, rather than it needing to be a specific case of a 2.0 220 Superb + DSG per se. A TSI Octy would do, even. The reply was "I might be able to get you into a 1.6 diesel next week". Um... Yeah that's close enough amirite?!
I then called Simpsons in Preston and the experience couldn't be more different. The guy was genuinely friendly, and as soon as I told him what engine I was after he perked up. "Oh a proper engine! Don't get many requests for those to be honest. Always nice to hear, that! We don't have a Superb 220 sorry, but I can take you out for a long hoon in an Octy VRS with the same 220 2.0 and DSG on Monday if you fancy a trip out?".....
THAT is how you sell a car.
I'll be making similar enquiries around the local Fords for a 2.0 Ecoboost to make sure I make an informed decision, but it really is looking like the Superb is the better bet if I want to find any life at all in the car. Shame, as I bet that engine is a little peach in a manual (especially in a Focus chassis).
Thanks so much again for the replies thus far. I'll update when I have news.
Careful with the vRS ...you might end up wanting it more than the Superb 
..especially when you hear it ...and realise how much space they have in them, probably plenty enough. Having said that you could park a Fabia in the boot of a Superb, where as I reckon you'ed only get a Smart in the Octavia's ...the Octavia's boot is big, but the Superb's is cavernous.
I picked mine up today, first time I have driven it in the dark, good lord are those xenons amazing, I love the way they turn and adapt too, brilliant!
I bought my car from Startin Skoda in Worcester and they were really good, very helpful and knowledgeable and more than willing to entertain my 2nd request of an extended test drive including motorway, to help me make my mind up. The salesman I dealt with really likes cars himself, we had some good discussions about various cars not just Skoda's. Sounds more like your second experience rather than the first, which does sound very poor, if the sales team are that bad ...makes you wonder what after sales are like!
..especially when you hear it ...and realise how much space they have in them, probably plenty enough. Having said that you could park a Fabia in the boot of a Superb, where as I reckon you'ed only get a Smart in the Octavia's ...the Octavia's boot is big, but the Superb's is cavernous.I picked mine up today, first time I have driven it in the dark, good lord are those xenons amazing, I love the way they turn and adapt too, brilliant!
I bought my car from Startin Skoda in Worcester and they were really good, very helpful and knowledgeable and more than willing to entertain my 2nd request of an extended test drive including motorway, to help me make my mind up. The salesman I dealt with really likes cars himself, we had some good discussions about various cars not just Skoda's. Sounds more like your second experience rather than the first, which does sound very poor, if the sales team are that bad ...makes you wonder what after sales are like!
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Thanks so much everyone, especially Moeks for his extensive input (very helpful!). My wife drove our last Superb so no issues there. It was actually her first car after she passed her test. She was a bit daunted at first but after some 'drive a proper car or get the bus, woman!', she gave in and absolutely hates small cars now lol.
I've spoken to a couple of dealers today. My local Skoda wasn't very helpful, even though we visited in person. That said I've found that every single time I've visited in the past (sales and service). I swear they don't earn commission, they're the most disinterested bunch of salesmen I've ever met. They act like you're an inconvenience and that they're doing you a favour by selling you one of their cars, and just sort of stand and stare at you with one word replies to complex questions, if they answer at all.
I asked about test driving a TSI, even a 1.8 or similar if needs must. I explained I'd owned a mk2 Superb and was thus more interested experiencing the TSI + DSG combo to see how they felt, rather than it needing to be a specific case of a 2.0 220 Superb + DSG per se. A TSI Octy would do, even. The reply was "I might be able to get you into a 1.6 diesel next week". Um... Yeah that's close enough amirite?!
I then called Simpsons in Preston and the experience couldn't be more different. The guy was genuinely friendly, and as soon as I told him what engine I was after he perked up. "Oh a proper engine! Don't get many requests for those to be honest. Always nice to hear, that! We don't have a Superb 220 sorry, but I can take you out for a long hoon in an Octy VRS with the same 220 2.0 and DSG on Monday if you fancy a trip out?".....
THAT is how you sell a car.
I'll be making similar enquiries around the local Fords for a 2.0 Ecoboost to make sure I make an informed decision, but it really is looking like the Superb is the better bet if I want to find any life at all in the car. Shame, as I bet that engine is a little peach in a manual (especially in a Focus chassis).
Thanks so much again for the replies thus far. I'll update when I have news.
In my case, it's not a case of fear of driving a "big car" as she currently drives the Mondeo and has pretty much always driven big cars.
She just won't drive a Skoda, regardless of how good they are.
Associate
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I dont understand why Ford are not putting the powershift box in the petrols, just seems to to be the diesels that get the powershift.
Well, a little update. I've had my test drive in the Octy VRS 2.0 TSI and holy... 
So quiet and sedate rolling out of the road the dealership was on, just using creep then a little bit of gas. Then we drop left onto a d/c with a merge point 400 yards down the road and a tractor happily bumbling up lane 1 in front of us. I floored it and pointed at lane 2, and I've got to say I passed him far quicker (and louder) than I even expected. The DSG was like a mind reader and needed no coaxing at all to drop back to 2nd and go. You read online how smooth they are but to actually experience it was a bit of a shock; they're imperceptible. I had a big smile after that to say the least!
The thing that really shocked me (coming from a 145ps NA) was not just how quickly it accelerated, but how deceptively serene and stable it was floating along in top gear. I did what I alway do and just drove to the conditions of the road (NSL), and the salesman was smiling and relaxed so I didn't think twice... Then I looked down at the binnacle and suffice to say I shaved a digit off when I saw what I saw, and was more careful with the gas after that.
I'd buy one in race blue in a heartbeat, but I'm still on target for the Superb. I know it won't have the (slightly lower) stiffer suspension of the Octy VRS, nor will it be as sporty, but with only 100KG increase in kerbweight over the VRS and a 0-60 time in the order of 0.1s slower I doubt I'll be left disappointed.
As for the Mondeo, I didn't bother test driving one. My experience of local Ford dealers has always been poor, and with so many reviewers and owners saying the 6 speed slushbox paired to their 2.0 ecoboost makes it feel slow and clumsy I know I'd prefer the Superb anyway. The Superb adds 10mpg over the Mondeo but is still around 1.5s faster to 60, and although it has a few less gadgets than the Mondeo (flappy paddles are £90, and I'll be ordering them) I don't think I'll be disappointed.
One (silly) thing that did sadden me a bit is that you can't get the Octavia's Race Blue on a Superb. I really love that colour and would have picked it without a second thought. I'm sick of seeing silvers and whites, so I'll have to see what petrol blue looks like in the flesh, or perhaps end up with pearl black.
Order for an SE L Executive (the old Elegance spec) incoming... Can't wait! Thanks so much again for the positive, and very helpful, experiences and opinions shared.
So quiet and sedate rolling out of the road the dealership was on, just using creep then a little bit of gas. Then we drop left onto a d/c with a merge point 400 yards down the road and a tractor happily bumbling up lane 1 in front of us. I floored it and pointed at lane 2, and I've got to say I passed him far quicker (and louder) than I even expected. The DSG was like a mind reader and needed no coaxing at all to drop back to 2nd and go. You read online how smooth they are but to actually experience it was a bit of a shock; they're imperceptible. I had a big smile after that to say the least!The thing that really shocked me (coming from a 145ps NA) was not just how quickly it accelerated, but how deceptively serene and stable it was floating along in top gear. I did what I alway do and just drove to the conditions of the road (NSL), and the salesman was smiling and relaxed so I didn't think twice... Then I looked down at the binnacle and suffice to say I shaved a digit off when I saw what I saw, and was more careful with the gas after that.
I'd buy one in race blue in a heartbeat, but I'm still on target for the Superb. I know it won't have the (slightly lower) stiffer suspension of the Octy VRS, nor will it be as sporty, but with only 100KG increase in kerbweight over the VRS and a 0-60 time in the order of 0.1s slower I doubt I'll be left disappointed.
As for the Mondeo, I didn't bother test driving one. My experience of local Ford dealers has always been poor, and with so many reviewers and owners saying the 6 speed slushbox paired to their 2.0 ecoboost makes it feel slow and clumsy I know I'd prefer the Superb anyway. The Superb adds 10mpg over the Mondeo but is still around 1.5s faster to 60, and although it has a few less gadgets than the Mondeo (flappy paddles are £90, and I'll be ordering them) I don't think I'll be disappointed.
One (silly) thing that did sadden me a bit is that you can't get the Octavia's Race Blue on a Superb. I really love that colour and would have picked it without a second thought. I'm sick of seeing silvers and whites, so I'll have to see what petrol blue looks like in the flesh, or perhaps end up with pearl black.
Order for an SE L Executive (the old Elegance spec) incoming... Can't wait!
Thanks so much again for the positive, and very helpful, experiences and opinions shared.
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Soldato
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Congrats! Can't wait to see some pics
I use manual mode fairly often in my car. It's not a problem using the shifter but if I had the option of flappy paddles I'd definitely want them.
Glad to hear you had such a positive experience with the Octavia vRS. It was a surprise to me at how well it can be several different cars rolled into one. The engine is a bit deceptive too, it's got more punch than I expected at 220ps ...but it has a lot of torque. I'm actually not so fond of the blue myself, mine is Corrida red with the black pack, sunset glass and anthracite wheels.
I think the 280ps Superb with awd will be one he'll of a impressive car when it appears, could be tempting for the future.
I think the 280ps Superb with awd will be one he'll of a impressive car when it appears, could be tempting for the future.
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Thanks guys, I think I'm pretty set on petrol blue with beige leather now. I was debating leather colour because we have a baby (8 months), but on balance I know from experience black leather is a pain to clean and keep it that way so beige will be a nice change and suits the bodywork colour.
Moeks, it should be a bit of a monster for sure. A 300+hp Superb with 4x4 and a nice Vx engine would probably be my ideal car, especially with tweaked suspension. The 280 will probably come rather close, but I'll be sticking with the 220 for a few years now touch wood. Build time is 8 to 12 weeks at the moment I believe, especially with us specifying optional extras.
I know the paddles will probably be a novelty but when I do want manual mode (B roads, driving alone etc) I'd far rather change from paddles than by poking the stick forwards and back. I am also debating the colour maxidot but from reading Briskoda I don't think it's worth it tbh. It's 'cheap' (about £80 iirc) but doesn't really add much bar better resolution on the little boxy screen next to the speedo, and a dot of colour to traffic sign indicators. Meh.
Far more important is the 'free rear wash/wipe or no wash/wipe at all' dilemma. The wiper does spoil the lines of the car somewhat imho, but I know on my mk2 Superb I often lamented the lack of wiper as the rear view mirror could get pretty useless in dark/rainy winter weather.
Without:
With:
To be fair it does stand out more on the red, and less so on the darker colours (i.e. petrol blue). From a driver's perspective I'd much rather have it. From a 'looks of the car' perspective I'd gladly go without it haha.
Moeks, it should be a bit of a monster for sure. A 300+hp Superb with 4x4 and a nice Vx engine would probably be my ideal car, especially with tweaked suspension. The 280 will probably come rather close, but I'll be sticking with the 220 for a few years now touch wood. Build time is 8 to 12 weeks at the moment I believe, especially with us specifying optional extras.
I know the paddles will probably be a novelty but when I do want manual mode (B roads, driving alone etc) I'd far rather change from paddles than by poking the stick forwards and back. I am also debating the colour maxidot but from reading Briskoda I don't think it's worth it tbh. It's 'cheap' (about £80 iirc) but doesn't really add much bar better resolution on the little boxy screen next to the speedo, and a dot of colour to traffic sign indicators. Meh.
Far more important is the 'free rear wash/wipe or no wash/wipe at all' dilemma.
The wiper does spoil the lines of the car somewhat imho, but I know on my mk2 Superb I often lamented the lack of wiper as the rear view mirror could get pretty useless in dark/rainy winter weather.Without:
With:
To be fair it does stand out more on the red, and less so on the darker colours (i.e. petrol blue). From a driver's perspective I'd much rather have it. From a 'looks of the car' perspective I'd gladly go without it haha.
Associate
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Looks better without, but I would pick with, due to practical reasons. Just been looking at the superb, looks very good, not the most exciting colours to choose from though inside or out is it.
Caporegime
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It's annoying not having a rear wiper on a saloon IMHO.
Yeah the colours are rather conservative to say the least. Half of them are a shade of beige and most of the rest are pretty 'business' (read: elderly) too.
Yeah black shows up every crumb and bit of fluff (white coats/hats, blankets etc). Nothing mucky is allowed in the car (ooh er) but clothes lint and crumbs show up like crazy. I do take your point about beige being potentially worse though. Maybe I should sell the kids and just get a two seater instead?
Black leather is hard to keep clean? You smoking pot?
Yeah black shows up every crumb and bit of fluff (white coats/hats, blankets etc). Nothing mucky is allowed in the car (ooh er) but clothes lint and crumbs show up like crazy. I do take your point about beige being potentially worse though. Maybe I should sell the kids and just get a two seater instead?