What is it?
The closest thing to an automatic version of Skoda’s new Mondeo rival, featuring VW Group’s familiar DSG transmission.
The 138bhp 2.0-litre version of the Superb is only available with the older six-speed DSG ‘box, with the latest seven-speeder only available with the less torquey 1.8-litre petrol engine.
What’s it like?
The Superb is a superbly comfortable cruiser, and its natural ability is enhanced by the DSG gearbox.
Any concerns that the gearbox might not suit the soft-riding Skoda vanish in the face of near-seamless gearchanges when left in the ‘auto’ mode that most drivers will spend most of their time in.
>> See more pictures of the Skoda Superb DSGRead our full roadt test of the Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 Elegance
Of course, DSG also brings a ‘manual’ function, with the gearshift lever moved to a separate channel to allow the driver to take control of ratio selection.
It continues to work well, although as with all DSG systems its possible to confuse the system slightly by requesting multiple gearchanges in quick succession.
The diesel engine suits the Superb’s laid-back dynamic nature well, and although its no road burner, it’s more than rapid enough to make quick, comfortable progress – indeed, its good enough to raise some questions as to whether the 168bhp version of the same motor is worthy of its sizeable supplement.
Our one gripe is that the 2.0 TDI Superb only delivers 41.9mpg on the combined cycle compared to the manual version’s official 47.9mpg: more of a deficit than we’d expect with DSG.
Should I buy one?
The DSG-equipped Superb is an excellent bet for those seeking smooth, effortless progress. The fuel economy penalty is a bit disappointing, but for those looking for a self-shifting Superb, this is the one to go for.
Ian Tonkin
Join the debate
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
Something might be awry here with stated fuel consumption/CO2 emission figures for the 2 litre TDI engines in the Superb. According to Skoda themselves the more powerful variant, the 170PS one, consumes LESS diesel on the combined cycle, by 0.1 litres per 100km, than the 140PS variant. And the extra consumption of the DSG-boxed spec'd version of the 170PS variant over the standard 6-speed manual box is only 0.3 litres/6g CO2, compared to the extra 0.9 litres/22g CO2 of the 140PS variant. Work that out!
See the full statistics here and try and make sense of them:
http://skoda.de/index.php?e=1-9
http://carconfig.skoda-auto.de/carconfig/HauptframeSetIE.asp?Modell=22&Ausstattungslinie=
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
Completely illogical
Unless they have them the wrong way round?
Nice car though. They are a very imposing looking car on the road , almost Bentley like.
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
They do look nice don't they?
I seem to remember hearing that VW (those crazy fools!) are more honest than most about mpg figures. It sounds vaguely likely...
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
According to general consensus the DSG gearbox is a double clutch robotized manual transmission.
Now somebody please explain why there is an economy penalty compared to regular manuals. Sure it weighs a bit more but not nearly enough so to justify 6 mpg.
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
Now somebody please explain why there is an economy penalty compared to regular manuals. Sure it weighs a bit more but not nearly enough so to justify 6 mpg.
Firstly, as has been said above previously there appears to be confusion possibly with Skoda themselves over the relative fuel consumption figures for the various TDI variants, 140/170 PS, 6spd manual/DSG box. Would suggest if you are a serious potential buyer of a diesel Superb then quizz the Skoda dealer people directly or get them to quizz the Skoda engineers at HQ for you.
Skoda's figures state that the DSG box 2.0TDI 140PS version is 22 klios heavier than the standard manual. However there will also be a fuel consumption penalty inherent with the DSG box due to the power needed to operate the electronics, servos and hydraulic pressure of this essentially mechatronic unit, compared to a driver-actuated manual box. I believe that VW have already taken steps to reduce this power drain with their latest 7 speed DSG unit that operates 'dry' rather than 'wet', and is, from memory, about twenty-odd kilos lighter than the comparable 'wet' box.
If you are really interested go to vw.de website - I think there's an english language option - and look up 'Company' then 'Innovation and Technology' and it will tell you all about DSG; an excellent site.
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
Nice car though. They are a very imposing looking car on the road , almost Bentley like.
They must have some strange looking Bentleys on Vulcan, Mr Spock - ones that look like a 1990s Laguna conjoined with a water retentive Fabia.
This is not a handsome car. Though as someone said in an earlier thread, an estate version could make it into something a lot more special.
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
Yes we do they are called the bentley continental gt and flying spur
I rather think the flying spur is not as good looking as this skoda especially in black.
I find it illogical that you find current Bentleys handsome in any way. Unless your talking about the Arnage but thats a british car not a glorified VW.
Re: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 140 DSG
Saw one in the metal yesterday, it looked really very smart but Skoda !!! ?
I`ve told myself VW but no good, Skoda !!! ?
Can`t help it, just too deep seated, pity
