Skoda Kodiaq vs Skoda Superb: Better option under Rs 55 lakh

I am not keen on used ones unless it is something special like a BMW 530d or an X5.

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I need help with choosing my next car. It would be a long post but please bear with me.

My brief history with cars:

My first car was a brand new Corolla back in Dec'2004. By the end of 2007, realized that I bought the wrong car. So sold it off in early 2008 and bought a Mondeo, drove it for about 4 years and about 70k KMs. Then replaced it with a facelift Mondeo and used it for about 40k KMs. By early 2014, replaced it with a Gen2 Superb and got it remapped a year later with an aggressive Stage1 remap. Also got Bilstein B6's fitted and upsized tires to 225/50/R17 with OE alloys from Superb V6. The car drives pretty good and stays stable on good roads with steering that weighs up nicely but a dead one when it comes to road feel. Have driven it for about 105k KMs till now. It is still running good but half the engine bay and suspension are new. I intend to run it till either the engine or gearbox gives up.

But I don't have the confidence to take it on long drives with the family. So desperately in need of a new car.

My requirements:

• A good reliable automatic gearbox
• Should come loaded with all sorts of safety features. As many airbags and electronic safety nannies as possible.
• Good handling combined with a decently powerful engine (0 to 100 under 8 sec with a good mid-range punch would be preferable)
• Spacious, comfortable and upmarket interiors
• Petrol-powered, with the exception of a used 530d
• First preference for a brand new car
• Strictly No to Squishy suspension, Spongy brakes and light steering.

Things that I am not so worried about:

• Reliability like Toyota. I am used to Gen2 Superb's stellar record of being unreliable. So anything that doesn't break down on every other drive is ok.
• Mileage. Anything that doesn't drop below 6kmpl in City limits is ok. Happily lived with three cars that averaged between 5 to 7kmpl on Bangalore City roads.
• Connected car features, ADAS etc. Nice to have but not deal breakers.
• Electric cars - I think they are expensive and won't suit my need for a long-distance cruiser.

Hunt for my next car:

I truly believe my best driving years were the ones when I owned the Mondeos. I could shortlist only two brands for my next car - Skoda and BMW. Test drove the Gen3 Superb and a few cars from BMW in the past few months.

Superb didn't impress me, be it the way it drove or the interiors. Gen3 Superb feels like a downgrade from Gen2. Maybe I am too old for change and too used to my Gen2 Superb. I instantly fell in love with the Gen2 Superb though.

The BMWs that I drove were fast and premium and drove better than the Superb but I didn't feel connected to the road as much as I did on Mondeo's. The 530i felt like a boat on less than perfect straight roads, it corned well though. I was surprised at first as it was the first time I drove a 5 series. Maybe my expectations were too high. I couldn't convince myself to spend big bucks on it, whether I could afford it is a different matter. The 330Li M Sport impressed me but I think it is a size smaller for being a primary long-distance cruiser for the family. So looked at some used 530i but soon realized Bangalore isn't the right place to buy luxury used cars. So gave up on that option.

My Shortlist:

Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq

After months of hunting, I began to realize that there is nothing that I could buy under Rs 50 lakhs that would truly thrill me and at the same time keep the family happy with space and comfort.

Finally, there was only one choice and that is Gen 3 Superb. And then came the Kodiaq. I have even booked one.

I have always been loyal to petrol sedans. But for the first time, I am thinking I would go with an SUV, the Kodiaq, provided its handling isn't too compromised compared to the Superb.

The primary reason - I intend to drive through the width and breadth of the country over the next few years. My drives so far have been limited to Southern states, Goa and parts of Maharashtra. I think an SUV would serve the purpose better, I would be using it as a 5 seater only.

But opting for an SUV is a big decision for me after having used reasonably good handling sedans for a long time. My next purchase would likely be my last buy for self-driving. So I am afraid of repeating the mistake I did some 17 years ago.

I need the collective wisdom of this forum to make the right choice.

I don't intend to go off-roading. All I need is a car that can be reasonably reliable during its first 5 years of life, be able to handle our typical broken highways apart from being a reasonably good handler on good roads. I don't know how bad the roads could be if I go to the northeast, for example. Could Superb fulfil that role or is Kodiaq the right choice for my purpose.

Or is there another car that is worth buying under the Rs 50-55 lakhs budget that I overlooked? Big burly SUVs aren't my type. I thought XUV700 is an interesting car but year-long waiting periods won't work. I am not keen on used ones unless it is something special like a 530d or an X5. But I know I won't find any good ones in Bangalore.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

For most people, it's a simple choice between the Superb & Kodiaq.

Kodiaq if you need the additional ground clearance, AWD & 3rd-row of seats (for kids). If these 3 points aren't must-haves, then the Superb is the better / cheaper buy. I also like the Superb's luxury sedan-like styling & presence compared to the Kodiaq which has a bit of an MPV-SUV stance.

However, in your case, I will recommend the Kodiaq because you already have a Superb + you are against soft suspensions (the Superb is comfort-oriented & soft). The Kodiaq's adjustable suspension which can be firmed up or softened based on your mood / driving conditions will definitely keep you happier.

Go for the Kodiaq also because there's no point having two of the same car in the house, for the same driver. A limousine & a competent crossover will make a superior team.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

If I were you, I would be patient and spend more time to explore the BMW camp. Moving from Skoda to BMW is a time-tested tradition. I am sure you will find a decent used BMW in Bangalore that fits your needs within your budget.

Look out for individual listing on OLX and Team-Bhp classifieds. BMW official preowned portal (www.bmwusedcars.in) is another good source. Accept the premium expected by KA registered cars - that's just life. Don't rule out buying an out of station car if it checks all the boxes. For example, there is a Chennai 530i on team-bhp classifieds - I am guessing it will cost Rs 10 Lakh extra for KA transfer. Not unreasonable.

It is not very complicated to buy a used car if you are willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained car directly from an individual. Just take the car to the BMW workshop and verify the complete service history thoroughly - it should have just routine oil+brake type of service with regular intervals. Get the vehicle thoroughly inspected by the BMW workshop and get a service estimate (what it would cost to service this vehicle today). Be willing to pay a win-win price.

Mondeo days are not coming back in general touring cars. Character is in short supply. Temper your expectations and pick the best from whatever is still remaining (that would be BMW IMO).

Nothing beats a Skoda for maximum bang for the buck but I suppose "yeh dil mange more" applies to all of us. You can check out the usual suspects from other brands but I really dig BMW drivetrains (their transmission is super slick and reliable), especially they make a lot of sense if buying used due to their reliability and fair amount supply in the market.

Sedan vs Crossover etc will not be an objective discussion - if you are spending big bucks, emotions should count.

Here's what BHPian Ojas had to say on the matter:

Since you plan to tour the country, I think a more practical car like the Kodiaq will serve you better. You never know where you'll need that extra ground clearance and AWD, and generally, you and your family will travel long distances more comfortably in a car with higher seating.

Having said that, if I find a used 5 series in top condition, I'll go with it eyes closed over the Kodiaq. The driving and luxury experience will be a few notches higher, and I'd be willing to take the trade-offs with practicality.

That boat-like ride observation is surprising. I test drove the 5 and I found the ride and handling to be pretty good.

Here's what BHPian sunikkat had to say on the matter:

If you are okay with fewer features, why don't you give New Tiguan a try? The same engine as Kodiaq, but might be more fun to drive. Not sure whether you already drove that and ticked it off from your list.

Or the new Skoda Octavia, personally I found that to be more fun-to-drive than the Skoda Superb and I also loved the interiors. But if I get it will first upsize the tyres and upgrade to B6, even if I lose the warranty.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.