The Passat diesel beat the old Skoda Superb diesel back in October 2007 but now with the launch of the new generation Superb, it’s time for a rematch – AutoCar (May ’09) gives both cars a full exam…

Design
Both these cars hail from the same family and share some amount of hardware. But looking at them you would never guess that as they come from diagonally opposite schools of design.. one can’tjust miss the new Superb’s unconventional dimensions and edgy styling. Known as the B6 internally, the car uses components from the Laura and Passat as well as a whole set of customized features, especially the twin-door rear hatch.

The Passat in contrast is like the ever-so-understated German, almost wanting to be ignored. Known as the PQ46, the Passat is actually a stretched version of the Golf or PQ35 platform. But while the wheelbase has been stretched, it’s not as long as that of the Superb which, at 4838mm, is truly very long. Both cars use electric steering systems, all-independent suspension, ESP and eight airbags.

The key difference lies in the engines and the manner in which the fuel is injected. While the Superb uses VW’s older and less sophisticated system known as Pumpe-Duse that has individual crankshaft-driven pumps for each cylinder, the Passat employs the more modern common-rail system, making this motor almost identical to the one used on the new Audi A4.
Step inside the Superb and passenger room is simply enormous. There is a massive surplus of legroom all round and Skoda has managed to give the dashboard and general cabin the feel of a much more expensive car. The two-tone leather interior uses high-quality chrome and wood splashes to very good effect. He quality of the switches and buttons is top class and the car exudes that typically Skoda tank-like quality.

The Passat does not have as much space on the inside and it may not be as flashy or plush as the Superb. This car is more about understated charm and high comfort levels. The front seats are almost perfectly bolstered and more comfortable than the Skda, the rear seats get the job done but pale in comparison to the Superb. VW has added a few features to the Passat, the most notable being the touch screen with multi-commands, which is similar to the Superb’s. The Passat’s cool red-and-blue lighting exudes a soothing ambience at night and there are quality touches like the finish of the glovebox that bests even the Skoda.

However while the Passat scores in the less obvious areas and may have even marginally more equipment, the Superb’s interiors with their design flair and sense of space are easily the better place to be in.

Engine & Performance
The cubic capacity of both engines is identical as is the maximum torque. Power and gearing are also similar. It’s the injection systems which make all the difference, especially in terms of refinement and performance – proof that common-rail and not PD is the way of the future.

Even with PD, the Superb is no slouch says AutoCar (May ’09). Performance is more than sufficient, the PD motor has a real kick in the mid range and once one is into this area of the power band, all hints of slothful turbo-lag are swiftly forgotten. In fact so strong is the PD motor’s kick that it noses ahead of the Passat in kick-down tests from 20-80 and 40-100kph.
The Passat’s new common-rail diesel motor is much smoother with a more linear power delivery. It has a broader power band, almost pulling to 5000rpm and the motor doesn’t run out of steam completely at the top either. What’s truly impressive is the refinement of the Passat’s common-rail engine. There’s none of the slightly muffled pneumatic drill-like PD clatter and the motor revs smoothly and is almost inaudible when the car is cruising and this adds to overall comfort level.

Ride & Handling
Despite its longer wheelbase and length, the Superb handles more tidily than the Passat. When the corners arrive, it’s the Superb’s stiffer set-up and superior steering feel that win the day. The Passat has wider tyres but the relatively softer suspension means the car doesn’t corner as enthusiastically as the Skoda. The steering, tough direct, is light and disconnected, the softer front end bobs up and down a bit more. The downside of the Superb’s harder edge is that you can feel every contour on the road when loping around town where the Passat is a touch more plaint.

Fuel Efficiency
PD engines are known for their fuel efficiency but in this case it’s the Passat’s engine that has proved to be more frugal, further proof of the advancement of common-rail tech says AutoCar (May ’09). In the city cycle, the superb gave 9.4kpl which is 0.6kpl behind the Passat. The gap on the highway was similar with the superb and Passat giving 13.2kpl and 13.8kpl respectively.


Verdict
Choosing a winner was always going to be tough say AutoCar testers (May ’09). The Passat has moved the game forward with its new common-rail engine which simply outclasses the PD engine in the Superb in key areas like performance, refinement and efficiency. Besides the Passat retains its strengths of solid build quality and vice-free handling. So though it’s difficult to fault the Passat, it lacks the excitement or sense of occasion of the Skoda. The Skoda fits the bill of a luxury car better. It matches its German rival for build quality and the overall attention to detail. Bit what tilts the contest in the Superb’s favour is the phenomenally spacious and comfortable rear seat, where owners will spend most of their time.
The Superb diesel may not be anywhere near as good value as the petrol version, which is three-and-a half lakh cheaper, but the fact that the diesel Superb costs Rs. 25.09 lakh to the Passat’s Rs. 27.45 lakh does sweeten the deal sums up AutoCar (May 2009).

At A Glance Price: Power: Torque: Acceleration Fuel Efficiency: Verdict: 8/10
At A Glance	Volkswagen Passat	Skoda Superb
Price	Rs. 27.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai)	Rs. 25.09 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Maximum Power	138bhp@ 4200rpm	140bhp@ 4000rpm
Maximum Torque	32.6kgm@1750-2500rpm	32.6kgm@1750rpm
Acceleration	0-60kmph: 4.38s, 0-100kmph: 10.24s Top Speed: 206kmph	0-60kmph: 5.38s, 0-100kmph: 11.33s Top Speed: 205kmph
Fuel Economy	City: 10.0kmpl, Highway: 13.8kmpl, Kpl (overall) 11.9kmpl	City: 9.4kmpl, Highway: 13.2kmpl, Kpl (overall) 11.3kmpl
Verdict	8/10	8/10