Audi S4 Avant vs Skoda Superb Sportline 280 4*4

[smokey99]

This might not seem like a fair fight but if you could afford a lightly used S4 Avant albeit at £7-8K more than the Superb is it a no brainer?

I'm already slightly worried about buyers remorse before I've even gone for the Audi as I'm not naturally a big spender on cars but really fancied treating myself to something other than a watch.

Skoda is well specc'd with Pano Sunroof, Keyless entry, electric seats and power tailgate and new version has great infotainment screen. 280BHp is no slouch at 0 to 60 mph in sub 6 secs but presumably left in the dust by the S4 and its 354BHP Quattro system.

I've been out in Skoda 220 TSI and was impressed with that and assume 280 will be more of the same but more fun? Granted its biased towards comfort and refinement but still 'fun'.

I'm due to test the S4 on Friday and can always make a decision then but still curious if anyone has driven or owns either car?

Cheers.

[Complex]

Admittedly not driven either but re your buyer's remorse, do take into account that with you buying a lightly used S4 that you'll have clipped off the most steep point in its depreciation curve whereas you'd swallow that with the Skoda. Add whatever other man maths to that to make you go for the S4!

[Onelasttime]

Superb's more of an A6 so if you need enough room in the back to fit a whole kid's football team, plus their mums and dads, then get the Superb.

Otherwise, I can't help thinking the S4 will be so much more fun to drive.

I've owned a Superb, albeit not the 280, and on the motorways here and Europe, it's a dream, but once you start getting on more 'intimate' roads it becomes the barge that it really is. As I say, this wasn't the 280 4 x 4 but was a remapped 1.9 with 230 BHP and 300+ torque and lowered Eibach suspension. No slouch, but no S4 either.

[smokey99]

One of the reasons for the change is that we are likely to be doing more continental holidays and thinking that the Superb would be better for filling the car and driving for 8-10 hours to ski resorts and German campsites.

That said the Audi will hardly be a wrong choice. Just less roomy?

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[demonloop]

You can remap that Audi engine to over 400hp.

That alone should make your decision an easy one :-)

[langdalematt]

I have the S4 saloon and it is awesome, it holds the road like nothing else and is quicker than they say it is. The car is crazy quick in Dynamic with sports gearbox selected. I had an S8 before and this feels as quick.

[number2]

The roads in the UK seem to be getting worse, how firm is the S4 suspension, for long days driving (we've done Spain and Southern France) I'd want good seats, plenty of kit, enough oomph when required and a suspension set up that didn't rattle my teeth.

[Onelasttime]

The roads in the UK seem to be getting worse, how firm is the S4 suspension, for long days driving (we've done Spain and Southern France) I'd want good seats, plenty of kit, enough oomph when required and a suspension set up that didn't rattle my teeth.

Superb then

[smokey99]

The roads in the UK seem to be getting worse, how firm is the S4 suspension, for long days driving (we've done Spain and Southern France) I'd want good seats, plenty of kit, enough oomph when required and a suspension set up that didn't rattle my teeth.

I've heard it's surprisingly subtle considering the performance tag.

My slight concern is that I'll love the S4 for a few months and then wish I'd got something more balanced in terms of performance/comfort/space.

£450 a year VED is another kick in the teeth when buying a used car!

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[notenoughwrists]

I had a 2016 A4 avant and it wasn’t exactly massive as an estate car.
No comments on the power/fun etc. but I’d go for quick over comfort as I have never grown up ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dave+63]

I’d go for the Superb in your position but then I’m in my fifties now and prefer comfort/economy over performance that you can hardly ever use.

In fact I’ve just traded my old E220 estate for a newer E250 estate.

[Scepticalist]

I have an A4 Avant S-Line and wish I'd got the Superb. The A4 is ok, but simply never feels "roomy".

My only gripe with the Superb was that some of the trim feels a bit cheap which is not an accusation you can ever really level at a top spec Audi

[smokey99]

All very good points.

We've got two growing boys (12 and 14) as well as a dog who sometimes does the long journeys as well.

I'm coming from an Octavia VRS Estate and do like the space but sometimes feels we use because it's there.

I can myself getting a lot of pleasure from owning and driving the S4 but the nagging concern is that rear space will be only just OK.

At this rate I may as well just get the VRS remapped and stick a vinyl wrap on it and will be like a new car!

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[Saint-Just]

I had the chance to use a S-Line A5 for a week last month. The car was brand new. Many things were very good indeed. But the comfort on every road that was not completely smooth saw the car reacting quite harshly, to the point that I had to stop to check my tyres, too.

[Scepticalist]

Very good point, I find the A4 S-Line ok, but the A3 S-Line I had required a spine made of granite the ride was that harsh. Make sure you check out the S4 ride comfort first

[TaketheCannoli]

The Audi is very well finished but I was very surprised how little interior space it had. If your lads are tall and there’s ever three in the back then the two at the doors are going to be bending their necks inwards as it’s low in the roof line above the doors.

The Skoda isn’t as refined but it’s a bloody big car. My brother until recently had the A6 Avant and even that’s smaller inside than the Skoda.

The taxi company I use for work has a Superb in its fleet and the rear leg room is phenomenal, even bigger than a 7 series.

[SeePee]

Just for clarification on the 330d MSport XDrive Touring it doesn’t have the normal lowered sport suspension and is much softer than the A5 SLine but for me the handling isn’t much different so for day to day driving is much more comfortable and the seats are also more comfortable especially on long journeys.

[smokey99]

Just for clarification on the 330d MSport XDrive Touring it doesn’t have the normal lowered sport suspension and is much softer than the A5 SLine but for me the handling isn’t much different so for day to day driving is much more comfortable and the seats are also more comfortable especially on long journeys.

Ok thanks for that. Interesting.

Is that an X Drive thing or a Touring thing as I assumed they all came with the same M Sport lowered springs?


Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[bootneck]

Personally I’d buy the superb without hesitation the A4 is essentially the same size as your Octavia vrs (I’ve owned octavia and A4) when we had the Audi wished I’d bought the superb instead.

[SeePee]

Ok thanks for that. Interesting.

Is that an X Drive thing or a Touring thing as I assumed they all came with the same M Sport lowered springs?


Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

I’m not sure,the Touring is definately higher and softer but not sure about the saloon.

[smokey99]

My boys are not particularly tall so they'll not need the full room a Superb offers. I'm only an average 5'9 and so that keeps rear leg room behind me more reasonable.

Still slightly surprised that the majority of responses have been in favour of Superb. Though I guess that's a reflection of how good it is for the money.

Will be interesting to know the average age of respondees.

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[Irish boy]

Can I throw in a wild card if your into driving?


Check out the Volvo V60 polestar if you want something a bit special in an estate car. Sold in very limited numbers, polestar took the t6 3.0 base car and added a hybrid turbo, 370mm Brembos, Ohlins fully adjustable suspension, pilot super sports, very un-volvo like switchable exhaust etc etc etc. The raw numbers are good but the way the car goes down a road is fabulous, you can tell it has been designed and built by proper enthusiasts. Practical enough for a pram and all associated gubbins, yet not out of place at any track or cars and coffee meet. A 7m51s nurburgring time shows how serous this car is, up there with the latest m4.

Available lightly used a couple of years old for 30k or 2018 basically new for 40k.

Not a car for the badge snobs, but if you enjoy a good b road in the evening, take a test drive. Mpg is ok, late 20's. Tyres are the biggest expense at £250 per corner.

[WarrenVrs]

V8 S4? Walk away.

The chap that looks after my octavia vrs is an audi/vw specialist. I asked him about the various S4 generations, as I'm looking at the later 3l supercharged version.

He's had multiple V8 versions come through that have ended up being stripped and scrapped due to the timing chain system. If it starts to fail, it's basically jammed up against the bulkhead. Basically, remove the entire front end. Several thousand to fix.

https://jalopnik.com/here-s-why-the-...car-1676466510

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[WarrenVrs]

Just re read the first post, 7k more than the superb (not 7k total!), so I'm guessing it's the later car.

Bomb proof motor according to the specialist mentioned, even with a remap etc.

Brilliant cars, very underrated.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[smokey99]

Just re read the first post, 7k more than the superb (not 7k total!), so I'm guessing it's the later car.

Bomb proof motor according to the specialist mentioned, even with a remap etc.

Brilliant cars, very underrated.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Yes it's the B9 3.0 litre.

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[Phil Lee]

Of the two cars, I would go with the Superb. The cabin is a lot bigger which will be great for longer journeys. I would also consider the new Skoda Kodiak.

[vagabond]

I'd also go with the Superb.

With 280bhp it's not exactly going to be slow, though obviously not as potent as the S4. Your boys are getting to the age when they might grow 3-4 inches in height over the next couple of years and that extra rear legroom will be appreciated by everyone. Plus I believe that the Superb is the better "cruiser" and probably ideal for the usage profile you have described - I've been in both but not driven either. Whilst the Superb is really nice place to sit in, it doesn't quite match the Audi for feel-good factor. On the plus side the new model Superb does look really nice (imho) whilst keeping all the practical features of the previous model, which was very plain looking but a hugely practical car.

[smokey99]

Of the two cars, I would go with the Superb. The cabin is a lot bigger which will be great for longer journeys. I would also consider the new Skoda Kodiak.

I've been in the Kodiaq but as nice as it was it's really quite frumpy looking unless you get the Sportline trim and then it's too expensive at the moment being so new.

And on balance, I'm assuming that the Superb is probably a better car to drive at speed......

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[-Ally-]

S4 would be my choice, they are lovely and you’ll be less likely to be mistaken for a taxi driver.

[Gyp]

Meant to add, if looking at an earlier 280 used, they are a bit thin on the ground, but can be had with £190 a year VED (or £30 for the 150)

[smokey99]

Meant to add, if looking at an earlier 280 used, they are a bit thin on the ground, but can be had with £190 a year VED (or £30 for the 150)

It’s odd that when looking at a £37k car you’d be concerned about another £310 a year as if it’s some kind of deal breaker.

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m not ready for the extra running costs of an Audi and I should stick with Skoda leaving more money for overpriced watches.


Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

[number2]

I've been fortunate to have had the use of A4 Avant, A6 Avant, BMW 3 Touring, Volvo T5 and V70, with kids and long journeys I'd opt for the bigger choice,

[Gyp]

It’s odd that when looking at a £37k car you’d be concerned about another £310 a year as if it’s some kind of deal breaker.

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m not ready for the extra running costs of an Audi and I should stick with Skoda leaving more money for overpriced watches.

It wasn't just the extra £310 a year, it was £310 a year, plus the difference between 30mpg and 50mpg, and greater depreciation, all on top of the extra £5k purchase price. Any one of them would have been OK. All together it got a bit much.

[wombleh]

I like the idea of an s4 but with two kids and holidays planned I would get the skoda out of those two just for the space. S6 an option? Am quite tempted to get a big 4x4 and a fast saloon next time I change.

Would expect the repair and service costs to be higher in the s4 too

[smokey99]

At the moment I'm still not sure but plan to head out in the S4 on Friday for a proper test drive and then decide if it's really for me.

I'm thinking that if I don't do it know I'll probably never do it so seriously tempted even if just for a couple of years.

I guess we'll see.

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[smokey99]

So I've made my decision. Went up to Stafford to test drive and loved it. Couldn't resist.

Of course there will be times when I'd wish it had more space but it's not a car for life and there's plenty of time left to choose based on practicality.

And in the meantime there's always the roof box option.



IMG_20180421_094652_01.jpg

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[langdalematt]

Did you try it in Dynamic with the gearbox in sport? It is a very fast car and I love mine. It also sticks the road like glue.

So I've made my decision. Went up to Stafford to test drive and loved it. Couldn't resist.

Of course there will be times when I'd wish it had more space but it's not a car for life and there's plenty of time left to choose based on practicality.

And in the meantime there's always the roof box option.



IMG_20180421_094652_01.jpg

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[Saint-Just]

And in the meantime there's always the roof box option.

And why not a trailer. Man, have you no standards?

You’ve made a choice of fun over practicality, that’s fine but you need to live with the consequences rather than deface the car.

[smokey99]

Or just take less stuff. Its a good motto for life.

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

[Gyp]

Or just take less stuff. Its a good motto for life.

Sent from my [device_name] using TZ-UK mobile app

Everything I do to minimise what we pack simply leaves more room for the missus to take stuff we don't need.

I delighted in buying microfibre towels for a camping expedition so the boot of the car wasn't so crammed. She packed extra beach towels.

[Saint-Just]

Good motto but a dangerous one to live by if your wife is anything like mine