Skoda Superb Estate, VW Passat Estate, - Diesel or Petrol Estate/MPV

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Fri 14 Dec 2012 12:51
Skoda Superb Estate, VW Passat Estate, - Diesel or Petrol Estate/MPV - jrlittle24

I am looking for a (one to two year old) large estate/MPV which is good on fuel economy and capable of carrying a variety of loads (not at once) camping gear, logs for stove, gardening equipment for allotment, labrador. Daily commute is 26 miles round trip most of which is dual carriageway/motorway. Plus, annual holiday invovles trips to sourthern france, so round trip of 3000 miles. Not sure about diesel or petrol. Have 2010 Fabia 1.2 TSi to trade in, very disapointed with fuel economy. Also , have a 1999 Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi, which regularly achives 45mpg in town on short trips and 60mpg+ on motorway and still going well at 162K+ miles and so will be keeping this.

I am looking at Skoda Superb estate, VW Passat estate, Renault grand scenic and Citroen Belingo.

I am wary of modern diesels because of known problems, but will a 26 mile daily commute solve these potential problems? I am looking to part ex the Fabia plus add up to £15k. Any advice welcome.

Edited by jrlittle24 on 14/12/2012 at 12:54

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Fri 14 Dec 2012 14:10
Skoda Superb Estate, VW Passat Estate, - Diesel or Petrol Estate/MPV - 72 dudes

Without doubt I would be heading in the direction of the Skoda or VW garages in preference to anything MPV.

While the diesel engines in both the Superb and the Passat are smooth, efficient and powerful, I'd be inclined to consider petrol versions of both. Your 26 mile commute is just about enough to avoid the DPF problems associated with shorter journeys, but with an annual mileage of under 10k including your French trip, the petrol engines may be better.

The pick would be the 1.8 litre TSi versions. Essentially it's the same engine in both the Passat and the Superb, but for some reason Skoda fit a slightly de-tuned version to "SE Plus" models.

This engine should be capable of around 40 MPG on your regular commute. I would expect the 140/170 diesels to obtain high 40's.

If it were my money, I'd go for the Superb, for it's space and better kit, and I'd be looking at SE or Elegance trim

Hope this helps.

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Fri 14 Dec 2012 17:05
Skoda Superb Estate, VW Passat Estate, - Diesel or Petrol Estate/MPV - oldtoffee

>>>If it were my money, I'd go for the Superb, for it's space and better kit, and I'd be looking at SE or Elegance trim

Agreed, the more space the better. The only thing in its favour I think the Passat looks better proportioned. Assuming you'll have some exposure to the dealers for the remainder of the warranty period I'd choose the friendly Skoda network as IMO VW major on arrogance and wallet lightening over customer satisfaction and service.

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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?