First comparison : Skoda Superb, VW Passat and Audi A4

September 10, 2008
Filed under Comparison Test

First comparison : Skoda Superb, VW Passat and Audi A4

It was to be expected that the big Skoda would stir up the value scale in the Volkswagen Group. And, it would not be the first time for Skoda; just like a Versace suit with a good and cheap label, the Superb packs in VW’s high quality and technology, but with a modest logo.

Maybe not so much for the showboating and beauty parlour regular types who read glamorous magazines, because, sorry to say, the Skoda doesn’t boast of pleasing aesthetics. A beauty, it certainly is not. It has short front and rear overhangs, while the cabin is unreservedly long; the proportions, in fact, remind one of a dachshund or the sausage dog as the breed ismore popularly known! However, some will see things a little differently; they will see it as what it really is a true beauty on the inside.

But the crucial question is – does the Superb offer more than its distinguished siblings at Audi and VW? It’s essentially the same company, and the cars have similar capacity engines as well (all 2.0-litre turbo charged diesels). Moreover, the pricing of the three cars is almost in the same ball park, give and take a lakh or so. Yes, the Skoda when it arrives in India will not be significantly cheaper than the other two, but will offer better equipment compared to base versions of both the Audi and VW which will compare on price with the Skoda. The list among other things will include an on board computer, heated seats, automatic climatic control, an MP3 player and power windows all round.

Inside, the best place to be in is at the rear, thanks to the enormous space: there’s enough space to celebrate parties in there! It is almost like a stretch limo. In addition, the passenger space is truly distinguished; there’s no trace of cheapness. Audi, of course, is more upmarket, but the VW in comparison is less exciting. Well done, Skoda, apart from the relatively modest front seat comfort.

The Superb’s second biggest attraction is its multi functional tailgate – one can open just the flap or the complete rear boot lid depending on whether the person wants to use it as a hatch or a sedan. It functions perfectly. However, it need not be used because the doors are more than enough. In combination with the giant boot (565 litres with seats up and 1670 litres with them folded), and double boot opening the Skoda sedan can easily be a Combi. This means, the Skoda is already up three to zero in points with the Audi A4 being a notch lower in matters related to space.

But, driving these cars will separate the wheat from the chaff. Can the Skoda match the Audi and VW on this front as well? Well, it does leave you with a good first impression. It isn’t as boyish but it still turns out to be an excellent all-rounder. Around large radii corners, it feels as if it’s shrinking in size, and the early set understeer is not an issue either. Most importantly, the passengers enjoy wholesome overall comfort.

It handles the rough with fi nesse. It’s only during slow speed and over short and sharp bumps that the ride feels a tad wooden – not optimal, but not too uncomfortable. And since we are criticising – the steering could have been more direct as well.

The Skoda though doesn’t excite with its performance. It doesn’t starve you of pace, of course, but the pumpe duse turbocharged four-cylinder needs some revs dialled in before it gets going. It is reasonably fuel efficient though. The Passat has the same engine, but it feels a tad peppier in comparison, while the A4 with common rail unit is smoother and quieter.

But, that would be the only area where the VW scores over its cheaper sibling. To be honest, on first impression the Superb feels like a better Passat! The latter feels a tad old in direct comparison, it’s the more lethargic handling car of the two as well – no surprise really here, it’s more than three years old. Also, its rear is not as spacious as the Skoda’s, but, that’s hardly a big disadvantage, with the Passat itself offering room which can be considered enough in a way.

As for the Audi, the prestige of the four rings and the pleasant looks apart there’s little that the A4 can beat the Superb at – in terms of space Superb is clearly the winner. And, of course, for boot space too. Also, the Audi is slower in acceleration and takes longer to stop than the Skoda.

But, at least it outscores the Superb in terms of better overall dynamics; being a premium brand does have its advantages. Audi, with its own platform and builtin engine and uniform weight distribution performs better. The Audi steers more directly and is more agile as well.

Also the understeer sets in later in the Audi, and at this point the comfortable Skoda is left behind. Still, the suspension of the Superb responds well – it’s smooth, but it does show its limit in rough patches. Nevertheless, this round belongs to Audi, especially for the comfort it offers, particularly for the ears too.

Our Verdict:
So is the Audi the best of the VolksWagen sisters? And does it do enough to stay ahead of its stable colleague from the Czech Republic? As first impressions go, maybe not. The Skoda Superb is cheaper to obtain, has practically the same equipment levels, if not more, and offers more space at the rear too. Its therefore a close call between the Skoda and the Audi but only when the cars are tested on Indian soil will the truth be revealed. But one thing is certain, the Passat certainly trails both the A4 and the Superb.

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