Skoda Superb 2002 test drive - 2008 -

Class inequality

E at a price D
Now it is fashionable to create models not in the usual classes, but in niches. But in addition to obviously combined, odious off -road compartment, racing jeeps and single -combed convertibles there is a banal output from class to class. And this is against the background of the general permanent growth in dimension.

Who is what
Mitsubishi Galant
The price of a tested car is $ 33,700
Max. Power 158 hp at 5500 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b200 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 11.5 s
 
Volkswagen Passat
The price of the basic configuration is $ 51,000
Max. Power 150 hp at 6000 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b210 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 9.6 s
 
Skoda Superb
The price of a tested car is $ 37,000
Max. Power 150 hp at 6000 vol./min
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b212 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 10.9 s

SAFETY
Mitsubishi galant *****
In the crash test of the American National Security Administration, Nhtsa Galant scored five stars. In addition to the standard set of pillows, the side inflatable curtains provide reliable protection of the driver and passengers.
Skoda Superb *****
Skap's strength test was held in 2003, gaining four out of five stars. The frontal blow was estimated at 9 out of 16 points (56%),
lateral in 17 out of 18 (94%). A good result is a consequence of similar indicators of the closest relative of the VW Passat B5.
VW Passat B6 *****
The NCAP crash test in 2005 Passat withstood five stars. The frontal blow collected 14 out of 16 (88%), the side was estimated at 18 out of 18 points (100%). The advanced structure of the power elements of the body and the successful shape of the front racks and the roof made it possible to achieve a minimum compression of the cabin of the cabin when impact.

Mitsubishi Galant
 
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 2378
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 158/5500
Max. moment, nm at about./min 213/4000
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 200
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 11.5
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 7.2/13.5
Fuel tank volume, l 67
Wheel base, mm 2750
Length, mm 4865
Width, mm 2840
Height, mm 1485
Diameter of turn, m 10.8
Clearance, mm 165
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1560/1960
Price, $ 33700

Geometrically in Galant, the most convenient location of the controls. From the pluses wide doorways and large mirrors

The speedometer dominant on the instrument panel transparently hints that the dynamics are not the main horse horse and the tachometer is not so in demand
 
The volume of the trunk of 475 liters of its configuration is irrational. Fractional forms interfere with the placement of square objects
 
DESIGN
The first show 1992
New model 2004
Design under the leadership of Akinori Nakanishi
The facelift of this most popular model, carried out in 2006, was reduced to replacing hinged body parts. In particular, thanks to a single, and not two -section, as previously the radiator cladding, the face was not only younger, but, perhaps, it became a bearer of an impending new fashion. The chrome rim on its bottom did not become a decoration, but brought an element of novelty to the previous image. Thanks to a powerful shot of the window sill line, the silhouette is moderately dynamic and for the middle class quite stylish and memorable. At the back of the plastic remained overloaded with corners and planes, which do not go well with the soft and plastic facade of the car. Inside, integrity is also low. The dominant of the console-piece is arguing for priorities with the trapezoid of the combination of devices, and with the elaboration of the 4-spite steering wheel.
 

The most characteristic and mass example is the last Passat B6. Family Volkswagen waved to those indecent sizes when many without any flattery ask: tell me, please, is this business class machine? But, since, besides you and me, no one has definitely given the definitions of the classes, it is always possible to move their estimates back and forth and cross a specific copy.
 
For more than a year, the Volkswagenic degenerate has not managed to choose a worthy competitor in the niche between D and E classes. But it was decided to launch a large Americanized Mitsubishi on the Russian market, for two years, the spaces of Texaschina and Oklakhmeshchina for two years. The example is quite characteristic: it is obvious to Kamri and Thean, expressed not even in centimeters or grams. And in other, not always perceptible matters, simple configurations, utilitarian appearance, weight characteristics, the background of the model, the price all suggests itself to count the Galant in the degenerates of the D-class.
 
But, in order to give the test a large stereoscopicism, the idea arose to attract the third competitor to Superb Skoda, the car described by us more than once, whose career is already declining. But, firstly, he recently endured a slight facelifting, and, secondly, in fact, Superb is a good old B5 Passat, but stretched through a wheelbase of 10 cm. Such a machine was created for production in China, but then moved to Europe Under the emblem of Skoda. At the same time, we will encounter related brands among themselves.
 
The newcomer Galant is not amazing. It even seems to be a model from the past. Although not devoid of pleasantness. Yes, and courageous rudeness can be considered a plus. Well, in this nomination from the face do not drink water.
 
But Passat handsome! Especially red. To release it in a different color I would forbid it! Moreover, you get used to the appearance of Volkswagen gradually as its unusual-massive forms are studying. But Skoda is a sample pacifying and, alas, leaving classics. Indicated forms, circular lines, laconic completeness is the peak of the style of the late 90s. I am sure the auto design of the future will definitely return to this.
 
DYNAMICS
Equality is an ease of eternal question that arises when comparing cars. And, especially by engines. We have a reverse proportion here. The most voluminous (2.4 l) and the powerful of them, Mitsa, accelerates the paradox for the longest! Despite the fact that the machine gun is only four -speed, the thrust in the entire range is uniform, and the switching is fast and soft. There are few noise, exactly as much as it is necessary not to look at the tachometer. But there are no miracles and there is not enough power to make a sharp throw forward.
 
Everything is not so clear with Skoda. The boost engine 1.8 responds to press the gas pedal only after turning on the turbine. And this involves effective acceleration in a twitch at a fairly high speed. Although on low Superb does not hit the dirt in his face, he rides. But without a zest. The buyer has the right to choose: a modest pace in the city, a slight expense and a smooth move or the roar of a motor, a jerk in the transmission and a short -term separation from the stream. True, these qualities are the average option for the largest Czech car. There are also a budget engine 2 l/115 liters. With. and the most peppy 2.8 l/193 l. With. But a car with a 1.8t engine has to be cut off.
 
In this sense, VW is optimal. Here is a flat thrust from top to bottom and an willing switching both up and down. The automatic transmission quickly adapts to the driver’s driving and involves you in the game, where it is not clear that the logic of your actions or the car control algorithm is primary. But everything is very unobtrusive. This is especially convenient in transitional modes, when it is necessary to accelerate, say, from 60 to 100 km/h. If before you actively rode the box quickly and gently, the second gear and voluntarily, the large car body to the desired pace.
 
According to slowdown, again Volkswagen in the leaders. The force is adequate, and the pedal is moderately soft and long -flowing. Skoda behaves almost the same. But Mitsubishi is in no hurry to reduce the pace, and you have to pretty strain the muscles of the leg. Yes, and ABS works early, I even want to turn it off it seems that you can reduce the braking distance. Especially on sand or gravel. But this is impossible.

Volkswagen Passat
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 1984
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 150/6000
Max. moment, nm at about./min 200/3500
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 210
Acceleration 0100 km/h, with 9.6
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 6.3/12
Fuel tank volume, l 70
Wheel base, mm 2710
Length, mm 4765
Width, mm 1820
Height, mm 1470
Diameter of the turn, m 11.4
Clearance, mm 150
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1485/2000
Price, $ 51,000

The laconic and understandable algorithm of the instrument panel in this case does not bring boredom

Charblates-colleagues do not glance and do not shine in the side glass. Divisions and digitization are read perfectly
 
The luggage of 565 liters in this container can be placed much especially taking into account the low threshold and wide pharynx
DESIGN
The first show of 1973
New generation of 2005
Design under the leadership of Murat Gunak
The design is modern and, above all, thanks to the new aerodynamic settings of the main body volume (as experts say, the base body) looks progressive. Naturally, these impressions are the most acute mainly due to the presence in the Skoda Superb test and the inevitable memories of the previous Passat B5 model associated with this. From the face, the B6 is original and solid representable: around the radiator cladding with a plate of the VW emblem, the chrome buget of frame, the eyes-fara are newly complex and characteristic are summarized in the corners. In the silhouette, as usual, the aerodynamic tuning of the body is noticeable as much as possible. The ensemble has both marginal generalization and details that emphasize the efforts to reduce CX. Four -eyed optics and laconicism of the surface cannot but be remembered from behind. There was no trace of the former bW VW: pattern curves, tense surfaces and a silver metal measure create a pleasant atmosphere.

CONTROLLABILITY
From the point of view of smoothness, the Czech car has obvious advantages. Either the largest wheelbase is the reason, or it was sharpened for the transportation of important people in the spacious second row. I see an explanation that on Superbia, as well as on the previous B5 Passat, a multi -link suspension in front, more willingly licking all road irregularities. And at the current B6, alas, a primitive McExeson, who does not care too much about the comfort of riders. The Galant is also a single -post front suspension, but it pleases with the capacity of the work of all kinematic elements.
But in terms of controllability on a flat road, the Japanese is not impressive. Even in a straight line, the car all the time requires steering, does not seek to deviate somewhere to the side. And on a smooth arc, it is not possible to maintain a constant curvature in any way and then to adjust the position of the steering wheel in order to find the right path. This is strange for Mitsubishi, whose cars usually differ in control accuracy.
 
The most accurate reactions to the steering wheel of the Passat. He is very filigree in management. And the reactive force on the steering wheel is transparent and understandable. True, in a situation of loss of control over the machine, it becomes not easy to catch it. A heavy front-wheel drive with a pronounced insufficient guide flies out onto the outer arc. But after a decrease in the pace, VW willingly hooks for the lost trajectory and then rides, as if nothing had happened simple and clearly.
 
Superb is more difficult to lose it. He resists violence for a long time and does not immediately fly to the Taktoriy of the Big Arc. But in controlled maneuvers, it is not as impeccable as Passat. Some light rolls and divided reactions interfere with an active steering wheel. Here is the difference in suspensions!
 
Such an aspect as visibility, leads the oldest model to the first place. In Skoda, city jungle pose the lowest danger, despite considerable external dimensions. All angles are noticeable, the radius of turning is acceptable, the mirrors reflect the real picture of life behind you. And the extra 10 cm to the length of the last fifth passato do not interfere with the parking lot. And Volkswagen and Mitsubishi, due to high hoods and large-scale frivolous parts, do not allow the driver to feel comfortable in a dense urban environment.
 
All three are not bad in terms of road clearance. They do not cling to the curbs, carefully, without gnashing with the bottom, creep through typical bulges of the relief. But in the leaders in this part of Galant.
COMFORT
The indisputable leader here is Superb. He so wants to get into a business class that he offers riders many additional advantages. Here, for example, there is a lot of real wood. In order for the legs of the riders do not flow, removable inclined areas are offered under the feet. For the same purpose, the core of the back of the right front crew is leaning forward, and in the formed hole the rear passenger can put his tired legs. Others somehow did not think of it! As well as before putting an umbrella (!) In the pocket of the rear left doorbod.
Galant pleased us with the laconicism of the interior. The minimum of the pens is all clear and understandable. Mitsubishi pushed its fans with a good built -in radio manage from the steering wheel! And Mitsu has a super!
 
And Passat, perhaps, is the optimum in terms of quality decoration. All plastic, including pens, buttons and levers are expensive, solid. Everything is at hand with an obvious algorithm. The chairs are also the best, but for full drivers, the width of hard buckets is not enough. Although there are also options with a more free landing.

Skoda Superb
Engine
Type gasoline
Working volume, cm3 1781
Max. Power, l. With. at about./min 150/5700
Max. moment, NM at about./min 210/1750
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 212
Acceleration 0100 km/h, from 10.9
common data
Fuel consumption (EU), l/100 km 7.1/13.5
Fuel tank volume, l 62
Wheel base, mm 2805
Length, mm 4805
Width, mm 1765
Height, mm 1470
Diameter of the turn, m 11.8
Clearance, mm 150
A mass of equipment/full., Kg 1440/2015
Price, $ 37,000

The eye is pleased with the natural tree tree tree, used to the place and with taste

Small digitization of the instrument shield is a traditional claim to the Skodovsky models
 
The luggage of 460 liters is the most modest result, but the correct layout of the luggage compartment and a large width of the opening are pleased
 
DESIGN
The first show 2001
Design under the leadership of Thomas Ingenlat
Although in 2005 Skoda stylists made efforts to change the appearance of their flagship, a somewhat intrusive resemblance to the VW Passat B5 image survived. The feeling of secondary design is also amplified by the presence in the test of a really new Passat, which is both more modern and original than its predecessor. But it is not all that bad. Superb is well recognizable. Especially the indction occurs accurately from the face where the proprietary cladding of the Skoda radiator with the famous emblem in the middle works perfectly. The silhouette is dynamic and at the same time solid, but again, due to kinship with VW, it is a little old. Everything is whole behind, and even a chrome jewelry at the top of the bumper does not destroy anything, but on the contrary adds solidity. Inside is solid and German neatly. A solid four -spitting steering wheel and silver frames of defroster decorates and complement the image well.

Vladimir Smirnov
Reviewer
In this case, the priorities were determined unambiguously. A clear arrangement of models is quite adequate in demand, because their price is approximately the same. The conclusion of a rusted and rude galant to the Russian market is not seen by the most visionary decision, since Mitsubishi’s models occupy a very noticeable share of all foreign cars from us. Nowhere in Europe the brand is quoted so high. And the blow to the image of the model range is evident. With Superb, everything is smooth and understandable. And the Passat B6 has already come through the heart of both customers and journalists good little thing!
 
Evgeny Khapov
Reviewer
Superb looks most worthy in the layout. After all, a longitudinal engine, a multi-link suspension signs of caring for the comfort of the driver and passengers. The four -speed Mitsubishi box does not allow to fully realize the power of the motor. The most modern among the tested machines is aggregated, Passat has the best dynamics and the most acute wheel.
 
Nikita Rozanov
Professor
VW design is obvious not only because of this comparison. Both Skoda and Mitsubishi are quite self -sufficient. But, looking at Passat to Galant, you have to think only about the middle class, to which the appearance of the Japanese is addressed, and the image of Superb, for the same reason, is hardly associated with the flagship of the old European brand.

1 PLACE
Volkswagen Passat
+ Great zero on the steering wheel. Great traction in the entire range. Solidity of execution. Comfort in the cabin. Huge trunk
- Weak visibility back. Pronounced antennae of insufficient controllability
 
2ND PLACE
Skoda Superb
+ Old kind classic. Rich equipment. High quality decoration. Good visibility. Control accuracy
- The expected replacement of the model. Hard suspension. Lack of traction on the bottom
3RD PLACE
Mitsubishi Galant
+ High declared safety characteristics, large mirrors. Convenient landing. Energy -intensive suspension
- Weak dynamics. Non -informative steering wheel. Cheap decoration materials
 
Text Vladimir Smirnov
Photo Alexander Kiselev
 

Source: Cars