Brisk estates: Jag XF 2.0 / Skoda Superb 2.0 / Audi A6 Quatt

[Joebristolgym]

I’ve had a company car the last 4.5 years but it goes back in July and the scheme has been ‘paused’ so no replacements. I’ve currently got a Jaguar XE 2 litre diesel r sport - but it’s a bit on the small side now with kids stuff etc. Love the way it drives and handles.

I’m thinking of going back to petrol next - mainly just with the view of avoiding city centre bans for a little bit longer hopefully. The car after this one will presumably be electric / hybrid plug in / something else to at May turn up in the next 4-5 years as an option.

I’ve come to a short list of the above 3 cars - max budget is £22-£23k Jag but if I can spend less then that would be nice.

Must haves: auto gearbox / massive boot and decent front passenger legroom even with a child seat behind it / roof bars. I’d ideally like leather but the Skoda Sportline has half leather and I can live with that.

The Audi is the most expensive it would seem - only borderline at budget. Don’t want the 190 version - I’m after the Quattro 2 litre turbo version with around 250 ish bhp.

The XF would be the r sport version (I dislike the wood in the portfolio) - also around 250 ish bhp - it must have metallic paint as the base black gloss paint which I have now marks just be looking at it funny.

The Skoda I’d prefer the 4x4 280bhp version but the 227bhp version could be my cheapest option of the 3 cars.

Has anyone driven any of these back to back? I think the A6 and XF are similar acceleration times - with the Superb 280bhp being a chunk quicker. I’m wondering if the XF is actually likely to be the ‘drivers car’ out of the 3?

Is DSG reliability an issue / do most after market warranties cover problems with these as they sound potentially thousands of pounds to repair some issues l?

In terms of running costs the Audi looks a chunk higher in terms of insurance groups. I assume underneath the A6 and Superb are pretty similar in terms of chassis / electronics but perhaps the Audi comes with stiffer suspension.

Any other general thought are much appreciated 🥰

[clockworks]

Superb is based on the MQB platform - same as the Golf and A3 - so different to an A6

[Joebristolgym]

Ah, ok, thanks. What’s the difference between the mqb platform and what’s under the A6? Is it size related or is one aluminium / one steel etc?

[clockworks]

Joebristolgym said:

Ah, ok, thanks. What’s the difference between the mqb platform and what’s under the A6? Is it size related or is one aluminium / one steel etc?

From what I can make out, the MQB platform was designed for small/medium cars, and was "stretched" to use it with the Superb and Octavia (Passat too, I think).

I don't know what platform the A6 uses, but I think it's basically the same as the A8, so designed from the outset to be a bigger car.

Does this actually make a difference to how the cars drive? I have no idea.

The Superb uses mostly proven components that have been used in a lot of other models, so it should be reasonably reliable, and relatively cheap and easy to fix.

There are always exceptions though. My Superb 280 went wrong at a relatively young age - turbo actuator seized. Not a cheap fix.

[dunc69]

Of your three choices, OP, I’d take the Superb 280 all day.

Huge inside, proven powertrain, AWD handling, reliable.
The L&K trim has a fantastic spec list.

DSG ‘boxes are fine if you look after them. The 7-speed wet clutch needs new oil and filters at 40k miles.

Happy hunting!

[Joebristolgym]

Thanks - I do quite like the Superb in Sportline spec - I don’t like the look of it from the outside in any of the other specs. It feels like a strong choice - aside from my wife hating that brand. But that doesn’t come into the decision making process for me - I’m not that bothered.

I’m hoping I might be able to sort a test drive in each car prior to buying but a lot of dealers seem to be leaning towards ‘click and collect’ rather than a traditional car buying experience with Covid etc. I’ve also got a local specialist in VAG cars who I’ve used on and off for quite a few years and trust they won’t try to rip me off. I’m less sure about the Jaguar main dealer.

[Summit_Detailing]

I'd also have the Superb out of your list, followed by the XF.

I've had both over the years, albeit in different spec's than what you are looking at. Both great cars in their own right.

Try Sovereign Motors in Westerleigh for maintenance if you decide to go down the XF route.

Cheers,

Chris

[Joebristolgym]

Thanks Chris - westerleigh garage came up in a Jaguar search and I’m only in Hanham so that’s pretty handy. Streetwise in Redfield are the VAG specialist I’ve used.

I’m slightly leaning towards the Jag right now - it sounds like it’s a bit more heavy than the Skoda so engine power for engine power its a bit slower - but it handles better / is more fun to drive (for a big estate). On the flip side it sounds like the Superb probably has better passenger leg room and might depreciate less quickly.

I think it might just come down to which comes up with the best spec / miles down within budget at the point I have the cash / need a car. Think if the superb I really want it to be the 280ps 4x4 version. If the Jag just r sport and needs metallic paint. I think the 300 r sport special edition will sadly be outside of budget.

[ollyh1988]

I think the Skoda is the best option - huge room and some good performance as well.

Another one to consider might be the Volvo V90? That is a massive car and I think it looks great.

[Joebristolgym]

I’m not a Volvo fan if I’m honest. I’ve had a look at the v60 and v90 and there’s just something that isn’t doing it for me. They’ve meant to be comfy on long journeys - particularly the seats - but with the company car scheme going my mileage is going to go down in all probability. Covid will probably halve customer meetings I go to and company policy is you can only use your car for journeys of a max of 100 miles round trip if you want to claim mileage (which is 45p on your own car with that max mileage restriction / max 10,000 miles per year). If that’s the way the company want to go then I’m going to get the train everywhere

Edited by Joebristolgym on Tuesday 13th April 06:17

[Joebristolgym]

I’ve just noticed today there are some r sport 300 XF models nearly in budget - so would put it on a par power wise (or just above) than the Skoda. Guess the quicker 0-60 of the Skoda is 4x4 traction off the line.

Such a difficult choice - I do love how the XF looks but head says Skoda!

[ZX10R NIN]

Why?

VAG products aren't exactly a paragon of reliability! I'd say get the XF they're better quality, with a better ride & overall drive.
Unless you really need AWD then I can't see a reson to choose the Skoda.

[ahenners]

Superb 280 out of that lot. I'm actually after one myself if one comes up with the right spec.

[Joebristolgym]

I don’t particularly need 4 wheel drive. Had one before and it was ok (Audi TT 225 Quattro) but didn’t stand above anything else. The XE has had a couple of recalls but other than that I haven’t had any issues with it in 4 and a bit years - other than the gloss paint being absolutely awful.

It’s interesting the polarised views on here to one side or the other. As I see it I think:

Jag XF

Pros - Rear wheel drive, meant to be a better drive, looks nicer on the outside, More prestige brand

Cons - less rear leg room, slower acceleration, servicing costs maybe higher, maybe will depreciate worse then the Skoda

Skoda Superb

Pros - Space, Acceleration, cheaper to buy, might depreciate less, decent local indi for servicing

Cons - less interesting drive, some people might say it’s got a poor image (they’d be wrong but hey ho), maybe the mqb chassis is at its limit stretched to this size and with this power, no leather seats on the Sportline model

Actually - I’ve assumed both have isofix top tether as well as the normal isofix points - need to check that as both our child seats need both fixing points

[ZX10R NIN]

The Skda won't depreciate less than the (it hasn't so far) XF.

[Joebristolgym]

Vs list price I’d think the Skoda hasn’t lost the same % of value to date that the Jaguars have that I’m looking at

[a311]

I went from a XF to a V90. The difference in the quality of the interiors, materials tech etc was night and day in the Volvo's favour IMO. Despite having more power the Volvo felt sluggish, the gear box had a lot to do with it. But for me it's a family wagon and massivley comfortable on longer trips.

Superb seems to a be a well regarded all rounder.

[Don Roque]

The Superb 280 4x4 is a great car. If I have one gripe, it's that it feels very lazy in 'D' but wakes itself up in manual select. It rides nicely and handles very well for a bigger car.

[Joebristolgym]

Don Roque said:

The Superb 280 4x4 is a great car. If I have one gripe, it's that it feels very lazy in 'D' but wakes itself up in manual select. It rides nicely and handles very well for a bigger car.

Thanks for this - I’m probably not too fussed about the performance in ‘d’ mode if it has a sport mode or paddles etc. The Jag XE I have with the 8 speed zf box is ok in ‘d’ but I wouldn’t says it’s hugely quick to react. Much better in ‘s’. It’s funny - I’ve had a quick go in a 3 series with the same box and it’s quicker to react - guess the software programming must be different.

[Joebristolgym]

a311 said:

I went from a XF to a V90. The difference in the quality of the interiors, materials tech etc was night and day in the Volvo's favour IMO. Despite having more power the Volvo felt sluggish, the gear box had a lot to do with it. But for me it's a family wagon and massivley comfortable on longer trips.

Superb seems to a be a well regarded all rounder.

Thanks for this - that confirms for me I’ll probably not look at the Volvo options. Whilst I want a family wagon I do also still really enjoy driving - and it’s only a matter of time before we lose purely ICE cars and get pushed further and further towards more sustainable transport. Although public transport in Bristol is pretty dire so they really need to go their game - if I’m not driving I prefer cycling to getting a bus. At least you can get somewhere reliably on time.

I did have a Citroen DS5 before the Jag and that was more on the relaxing side - it was fine but the XE is a step up in handling / driving. Although I’d love to transplant the lovely seats out of the DS5 into whatever I get - they were near perfect for me.