Test drive Skoda Superb Combi, Ford Mondeo Turnier, VW Passat Variant: Winter spaces

Winter sports on your own equipment is not a problem with the universal version of the new Skoda Excellent. With 170 diesel horsepower, it competes in tests with similar power and dimensions. Ford Tournament Mondeo and VW Passat Variant.

The smile on the grille of the new Superb looks devilish. No wonder - now the top model Skoda can finally show what it is capable of in the station wagon version, completely opposing the donor of its platform. Given the 80 percent share of Variant wagons in Passat sales, it's clear parent company VW has put a brake on the success of the previous Superb by offering it only as a sedan.

Proven recipe

The Czechs have stuck to the simple recipe that made them the most successful importer on the German market in 2009 – offering a bigger car for less money. Thus, the Superb Combi not only can accommodate the most luggage in its class, but its longer wheelbase compared to the Passat provides top-class comfort, especially in the back row - with more legroom and a rear seat from which you don't want to get up. Since they did not have to fight for every liter of volume, the designers allowed themselves to make the car easy to drive through the sloping rear window. Audi Avant.

The Audi look also suggests the look of the power rear lid (additional charge). Even the bottom sill with stainless steel strip shows resistance to metal slides of the sled, and ordinary sports equipment can be securely fastened using the rail attachment system or simply stowed away behind the additional luggage boxes. High-quality materials and many thoughtful details, such as large, neatly crafted fold-out hooks, an elevating floor that divides the luggage space, or a detachable LED flashlight, make a good impression. Perfect - this is how the station wagon body shape should be!

The bag is old but lacquered

The 2005 Passat, on sale since XNUMX, is still too far from the definition of "scrap metal". The model proves this by offering almost the same cargo space as the Superb, the most comfortable entry and exit, and the ability to stand directly under the open tailgate - even if you did not take off your ski boots. But while it's also blessed with plenty of small luggage space in the cabin, the Passat has to admit victory in terms of space offered in the back row and trunk layout. In addition, any operation to increase the cargo volume must begin with the painstaking removal of the head restraints, otherwise the rear seat will not fold.

The interior of a VW model can never unequivocally answer the question of what is the cheapest alternative within the group - but this is not due to lack of quality, but due to the painstaking workmanship of Superb, which uses many parts of its cousin, such as air conditioning controls. or navigation system.

Budgetary

Compared to the two cousins, the 2007 Mondeo will be a little cheaper. Unsteadily rotating air conditioning controls and cheap-looking trunk linings obscure the feeling of quality - the same effect is seen in the exposed weld points around the tailgate. To compensate, the Titanium sports seats offer excellent lateral support and backrests that support your back and upper shoulders. In addition, the cargo area with smooth walls and a flat floor is especially popular with refrigerators and bulky sofas. Mondeo Turnier can be your assistant not only in your free time and demonstrates this fact with the largest payload - 150 kg more than the Superb's payload.

And to not only work, but also to give pleasure, the drive is taken care of by a 2,2-liter common rail diesel engine with the highest torque in the tests. Although it can't pull away on its way to the lift station, at low revs it pulls significantly stronger than its competitors' 1,7-litre TDIs, which are more economical. The reasons why the Mondeo driver still does not fall into endless bliss are poor visibility to the front of the body and the uneven operation of the steering system. Efforts by the designers to improve the handling of the XNUMX-ton vehicle with comfortable suspension have resulted in jittery steering wheel responses that require frequent adjustments.

Optimal balance

The Passat demonstrates the best compromise between comfort and road dynamics. With his calm composure, he follows the commands of the smooth steering system precisely, while the responsive dampers easily absorb short bumps on bumps, preventing the body from swaying in long waves on the asphalt. Compared to it, the Superb's suspension is a bit rougher and the steering response is less direct. On the other hand, the slight lateral tilt creates a sense of safety when driving fast in corners.

This impression is produced by the behavior in winter conditions of all three participants in the test. Their control systems allow for quite a lot of slipping when needed – for example, when pulling away from a stop in the snow, and in corners they stabilize the car with the careful intervention of the ESP. So the dual-drive versions offered in the Passat and Superb seem like overkill to those who only go to the mountains on weekends.

Price matters

With prices well above € 30 in Germany, three station wagons with powerful diesel engines in the front-wheel drive version are not cheap. The reason Skoda folks want the highest base price is due to the equipment on the Elegance version that is being tested. With bi-xenon headlights and a CD changer, it initially offers a lot of luxury, while the nearly as expensive Passat Highline has cruise control and heated seats as standard, but doesn't even have a radio.

In fact, due to the cost, the Passat, the leader in the mid-term evaluation in terms of quality, ended up in second place in the final ranking. Due to a small gap in points, the cheapest (in Germany) of the three models - Mondeo - should not feel like a loser. Does VW no longer regret resurrecting competition under its own roof? Unlikely - after all, at the end of the year there will be a successor to the current Passat, which, with its numerous support systems and an improved impression of quality, is already aimed at half a class above.

text: Dirk Gulde

a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert

Evaluation

1. Skoda Superb Combi 2.0 TDI-CR Elegance – 501 points

Despite its close relationship with the Passat, the Superb Combi outpaces it in terms of space, original parts and superior workmanship. And because he has richer equipment, he wins in the end. However, there is a need to improve the payload.

2. VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI Highline – 496 points

Even after five years of production, the mature and balanced Passat remains the leader in road comfort and handling. However, its standard equipment doesn't match the salty prices.

3. Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Tournament Titanium - 483 points

With its large payload and sleek luggage compartment walls, the Mondeo can carry bulky and heavy items. In addition, its diesel engine pleases with a confident traction. However, the visibility, quality impression and steering system are not up to par.

technical details

1. Skoda Superb Combi 2.0 TDI-CR Elegance – 501 points	2. VW Passat Variant 2.0 TDI Highline – 496 points	3. Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Tournament Titanium - 483 points
Working volume	-	-	-
Power	170 k.s. at 4200 rpm	170 k.s. at 4200 rpm	175 k.s. at 3500 rpm
Maximum torque	-	-	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	9,4 with	9,1 with	9,2 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	39 m	38 m	38 m
full speed	220 km / h	220 km / h	218 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,2 l	7,1 l	7,8 l
Base Price	54 590 levov	58 701 levov	58 900 levov

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