Test drive Skoda Superb Combi 2.0 and Volvo V90 D3: dimensions and luggage

Two diesel station wagons with dual transmission and large interior

The interior space, which seems to be limited only by the horizon, has plenty of room for passengers, guarded by the latest safety technology; to this are added the economical engines and, in any case, the dual transmission. Automotive excellence doesn't look like Skoda A superb combi? Or do you still like the Volvo V90?

It is possible that another time we reported on a phenomenon that science has never been able to study. This is even absolutely certain. But he surprises us over and over again, which is probably directly related to his ignorance. After all, no matter how big a car you buy, your family always, but in fact always manages to fill it with luggage to the last place.

Spend one night or five - the car is always full. In the case of the two test cars, this means 560 liters of luggage in the Volvo V90 and even 660 liters in the Skoda Superb Combi. The rear seat can accommodate up to three passengers - more comfortable in a Skoda model than in a Volvo dealership, where the seat is too short, but the rear passengers get a more comfortable suspension from the driver. and the passenger next to her (thanks to the air suspension on the rear axle). But we will talk about this later.

The back seat is still upright and the blinds are closed. Now let's fold the seats - in both cars it is convenient to do this with a remote descent, but only in the V90 the back really lies horizontally. The Superb lifts up the cargo floor, but it holds up to 1950 liters and can carry up to 561 kilograms. The Superb also maintains its vehicle character with a low loading threshold, a strong double roller blind fixed in the folded back, and a hard-wearing felt floor.

And what do the well-known Volvo station wagon experts offer? The roller blind and dividing net are in separate cassettes, the sloping roof limits the load, as well as a higher threshold - and finally a rather small payload - 464 kg.

And why not let the V90 carry more? Because with its own weight of 1916 kg, it is already quite heavy, without the extra pounds leading to noticeable positive effects. Okay, the plastic surfaces give the impression that the strict accountant here blinked one eye. Skoda supplies the Superb with more economical furnishings, but at the same time cleverly avoids the impression of something cheap.

Even the beautiful roller shutter cover on the Volvo center console can be called a work of art due to its quality workmanship. Additional seats win not only in style, but also in comfort (stiffness of the upholstery, dimensions and layout at the highest level), but here the supply of practical elements quickly dries up. In addition, the luxurious interior creaks slightly. Yes, the best brake performance needs to be emphasized here, there is no doubt about it - after all, at a speed of 130 km / h, the V90 stops 3,9 m earlier than the Superb, which is the length of a small car.

Skoda Superb offers comfort on the road

In general, the Volvo model fits well with the brand's safety philosophy and has many assistants in its series. Superb gives significantly less, but tries to balance this with other talents. Suspension comfort, for example – because with adaptive dampers (standard on the Laurin & Klement version) no hole in the road surface looks too deep, and no waves on the canvas look too high, too short or too long to maintain their disturbing effect. . away from passengers. And this is despite the 18-inch wheels. So, the new standard? Well, we don’t want to overdo it, because the Skoda chassis designers have already gone a little too far.

Especially in Comfort Mode, the Superb allows for crisp vertical body movements where some passengers will likely need room for plastic bags. However, the amplitudes are large and not sharp, but still alarming.

In standard mode, the station wagon again becomes a little quieter, even in the "Sport" position, the suspension works quite comfortably and coughs only in the transverse joints, reducing body movements to an acceptable level.

The Volvo model shakes less, but at the same time significantly reduces driving comfort. First of all, the driver and passenger next to him feel a strong disturbance of the front wheels - up to knocks. Yes, 19-inch tires with a 40 percent cross-sectional height may have contributed to this, but they are only part of the problem. Chassis settings spin in complete nirvana, like will-o'-the-wisp lights that rarely touch the suspension comfort star but don't illuminate planet Water.

Volvo lacks dynamism

No, this car doesn't really drive dynamically, but instead emphasizes safety unequivocally with early understeer and a conservative stability program. What does the steering system do? A driver who lacks the necessary feedback will be glad to know about it. Don't get us wrong: a car doesn't have to be dynamic, but it would be nice if it was explicitly focused on comfort. And yes, if Volvo accepts more requests for changes to the V90 upgrade, we'd like the noisy 150-litre engine to run a bit smoother and quieter, and the automatic transmission more relaxed. It has a suitable range of gears, but at times gets into unreasonable nervousness, which is carried over to the XNUMX hp four-cylinder diesel. How does this affect dynamic performance? Well, not really - because of the large weight, which limits not only the carrying capacity, but also the dynamics.

Despite the same engine power, the Skoda model accelerates faster from standstill and runs more evenly. Despite having the same long engine stroke as the V90, the TDI widens the rev range, responds more energetically and picks up more speed.

Skoda has better road dynamics

Although the technical data can lead to very different power figures, the Superb engine is over 4000 rpm at a significantly faster rate, while the Volvo engine loses its enthusiasm. The lighter weight helps the big Skoda not only achieve decent longitudinal dynamics, but it also handles better in corners, especially in sport mode - due to body movements, you remember.

Even so, the steering is low-effort and the feedback is good, but the possible cornering speeds exceed the seat lateral support. Even a simple gear change creates a good mood, the gear lever moves easily and precisely across six lanes. Don't want to do this? There is no automatic transmission or dual clutch transmission in this version. That's why you turn on six and the elasticity of the bike takes care of the rest. This also helps us achieve 7,0 l / 100 km in the test (V90: 7,7 l).

If you do decide to accelerate more vigorously, both wagons solve the traction problem with an electronically controlled plate clutch that transfers some of the maximum torque to the rear wheels in case the front wheels fail to cope.

The driver does not need to think about it, everything becomes imperceptible and quickly. Instead, he might think about how to pack all that luggage in the car. Or, finally, seek support from science and study the phenomenon of increasing the amount of luggage in direct proportion to the size of the car.

Text: Jens Drale

Photo: Ahim Hartmann

Evaluation

1. Skoda Superb Combi 2.0 TDI 4 × 4 L&K – 454 points

Spacious, more dynamic, more comfortable, more fuel efficient and also cheaper - when the Superb comes along, the V90 goes dark. Better to just stop him.

2. Inscription Volvo V90 D3 AWD - 418 points

Bright image, we agree - thanks to the design and sensations to the touch. And to this - countless security features. Due to the high price and its cost, the car moves somewhat without emotion and uncomfortable.

technical details

1. Skoda Superb Combi 2.0 TDI 4 × 4 L&K	2. Inscription Volvo V90 D3 AWD.
Working volume	1968 cc	1969 cc
Power	150 k.s. (110 kW) at 3500 rpm	150 k.s. (110 kW) at 4250 rpm
Maximum torque	340 Nm at 1750 rpm	350 Nm at 1500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	9,4 with	11,0 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	36,9 m	34,2 m
full speed	213 km / h	205 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,0 l / 100 km	7,7 l / 100 km
Base Price	41 350 EUR (in Germany)	59 050 EUR (in Germany)