Buying a new family car - Mazda 6 or Skoda Superb? | Ask Honest John

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Buying a new family car - Mazda 6 or Skoda Superb?

I have a Mazda 6 Sport Nav (175 Manual) 2013 version which on the whole I am happy with especially the safety pack (Lane & rear view monitoring etc). I recently changed jobs and I am covering 20k miles per annum and find that the cabin noise is draining on my frequent long distance drives and that I would like an automatic gearbox.

I have read that Mazda have improved the cabin and the sound proofing, however the Skoda Superb L&K also has a good write up, although in terms of an automatic I note that the DSG gearbox has had its issues.

I have two children - five and three years old - so lots of space is required. My point is for my requirements and value for money which do I choose or can you suggest an alternative.

Asked on 14 February 2016 by David

Answered by Honest John

I ran the original Mazda 6 Skyactiv 2.2d 150 SEL-Nav auto for a year and on 17-inch wheels it was much better than the Sport on 19s. Road noise of the facelift is improved at the expense of some steering feel, though it still has a lot more than a Superb. But the main reason for going for the Mazda auto rather than the Skoda auto is that the Mazda has an excellent six-speed torque converter auto with no detent that forces you to brake to move the lever from N to D, whereas the Skoda only comes with one of two types of DSG and the annoying N to D brake detent.

Tags: automatics buying a new car family cars

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Related models

Mazda 6 (2013 - 2022)

Nimble and agile handling. Spacious cabin is very well made. Huge improvements to refinement and steering from October 2016.

Skoda Superb (2015 - 2024)

Offers limousine levels of comfort and space, but with a very affordable price tag. Efficient engine options include plug-in hybrid models. Boot capacity is truly huge.