Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI Vs BMW 320i

ivar1951 · 13th March 2010, 09:09

A few days ago, the Chandigarh BMW dealership offered me a "good deal" on the 320i hinting that it may be less than Rs 27 lakh ex-showroom. They may even give a better deal as they have called me several times. The 320i has all the "goodies" that the 320d highline has though to me the latter is the better car of one has the money for it.The 1.8 TSI costs under Rs 21 lakh on road in Chandigarh.

I was wondering what members have to say about the 1.8 TSI Vs the 320i?

FlyingSpur · 13th March 2010, 09:18

Often, the mistake people make which causes the upgrade more atractive is comparing OTR to ex-showroom. On one hand you have the Superb at about 21 lac OTR. OTOH you have the 320i which (I'm not familiar with the road tax structure in CH) should be a good bit more than the 27L ex-showroom you've indicated. The difference, then, is about 7+ lacs, and you have to decide what more you're getting in the BMW over the Superb.

If you're chauffeur driven, both will be fine although the balance tilts in favour of the Superb because of the better ride quality and better rear legroom. If you're self-driven, even so both cars will be good options except that the Superb will feel like a big lazy aircraft carrier while the BMW will feel more like a focused submarine and will be an overall more rewarding experience.

What you have to decide, then, is whether the significant price differential is worth the badge, and the more rewarding driving experience.

Also consider that the Superb would ideally not cost you as much as the Beemer to buy+maintain for 4-5 years. The BMW is going to be one expensive maintenance proposition, unless you go in with BSI (not that that's cheap). FE wise, I think they should both be on par, infact I would expect the BMW to be a little more efficient inspite of the Skoda's DSG.

BTW, I suspect here that you're being offered '09 cars for both the Skoda and the Beemer. Check.

ivar1951 · 13th March 2010, 10:47

Thank you Flying spur for your comments.

I mostly drive myself. Although one owner in Chandigarh and a member on this forum have said that they do not find the Superb too long for self driving, I still feel that it is a bit long for self-driving.

The 1.8 TSI I know for sure is a 2010 model but I'll have to check about the 320i but I have my suspicion, as you, that it may be a 2009 model and that's why they are pushing hard.

Any idea if the 320i is being phased out?

ajmat · 13th March 2010, 11:59

320i's dont move- either from the showroom or on the road - period. Hence incentives

ecclipse78 · 13th March 2010, 12:32

320i's were sold for an ex-showroom price of as low as 23 lacs in end 2009.

Bargain Hard !! There are hardly any takers for the 320i.

13th March 2010, 09:09	#1
ivar1951 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Delhi/Chandigarh Posts: 289 Thanked: 9 Times	Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI Vs BMW 320i A few days ago, the Chandigarh BMW dealership offered me a "good deal" on the 320i hinting that it may be less than Rs 27 lakh ex-showroom. They may even give a better deal as they have called me several times. The 320i has all the "goodies" that the 320d highline has though to me the latter is the better car of one has the money for it.The 1.8 TSI costs under Rs 21 lakh on road in Chandigarh. I was wondering what members have to say about the 1.8 TSI Vs the 320i?
	(1) Thanks

13th March 2010, 09:18	#2
FlyingSpur Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,934 Thanked: 1,422 Times View My Garage	Often, the mistake people make which causes the upgrade more atractive is comparing OTR to ex-showroom. On one hand you have the Superb at about 21 lac OTR. OTOH you have the 320i which (I'm not familiar with the road tax structure in CH) should be a good bit more than the 27L ex-showroom you've indicated. The difference, then, is about 7+ lacs, and you have to decide what more you're getting in the BMW over the Superb. If you're chauffeur driven, both will be fine although the balance tilts in favour of the Superb because of the better ride quality and better rear legroom. If you're self-driven, even so both cars will be good options except that the Superb will feel like a big lazy aircraft carrier while the BMW will feel more like a focused submarine and will be an overall more rewarding experience. What you have to decide, then, is whether the significant price differential is worth the badge, and the more rewarding driving experience. Also consider that the Superb would ideally not cost you as much as the Beemer to buy+maintain for 4-5 years. The BMW is going to be one expensive maintenance proposition, unless you go in with BSI (not that that's cheap). FE wise, I think they should both be on par, infact I would expect the BMW to be a little more efficient inspite of the Skoda's DSG. BTW, I suspect here that you're being offered '09 cars for both the Skoda and the Beemer. Check.
	(1) Thanks

13th March 2010, 10:47	#3
ivar1951 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Delhi/Chandigarh Posts: 289 Thanked: 9 Times	Thank you Flying spur for your comments. I mostly drive myself. Although one owner in Chandigarh and a member on this forum have said that they do not find the Superb too long for self driving, I still feel that it is a bit long for self-driving. The 1.8 TSI I know for sure is a 2010 model but I'll have to check about the 320i but I have my suspicion, as you, that it may be a 2009 model and that's why they are pushing hard. Any idea if the 320i is being phased out?
	() Thanks

13th March 2010, 11:59	#4
ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 14,866 Thanked: 27,981 Times View My Garage	320i's dont move- either from the showroom or on the road - period. Hence incentives
	() Thanks

13th March 2010, 12:32	#5
ecclipse78 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 327 Thanked: 55 Times	320i's were sold for an ex-showroom price of as low as 23 lacs in end 2009. Bargain Hard !! There are hardly any takers for the 320i.
	() Thanks