Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition (A) First Drive Review
11 Sep 2019|28,693 views
What We Like
Well-equipped despite being an entry-level variant
Massive rear legroom
Comfort-based suspension offers a plush ride
What We Dislike
17-inch wheels aren't the prettiest
We were pretty impressed with the Skoda Superb when we first reviewed it back in October.
Across all trims, some bits that made it great is the amount of interior space - especially in the rear, and of course, how it offers a very comfortable ride.
Rear legroom is one of the Skoda Superb's winning formulas
But that Superb was the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim. Now, Skoda is offering its sedan flagship in a more affordable trim - the 1.8 TSI Ambition.
Still a class act
Take a good look from the outside and there isn't much telling of the differences between the two. It only lacks the Laurin & Klement badging, and wears 17-inch shoes instead of 19-inchers.
The Superb in Ambition trim doesn't set it much apart from the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim on the outside
The funkier-looking wheels might raise some eyebrows in person, but the Superb remains to be a sleek limousine that hides its extended proportions well.
Things are a little different when you step inside. Despite being a more affordable alternative, the Superb Ambition doesn't seem under-equipped at all.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system, for example, still comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And we like that it comes with two physical knobs to control the volume and scroll through menus - something that was missing in the Laurin & Klement variant, which was our pet peeve.
Despite being an entry-level trim, the Superb Ambition still comes with Apple CarPlay as standard
It is only when you look deeper that you notice some differences. Features such as ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a sunroof are absent. This Superb also only comes with two-zone climate control, versus the three-zone setup for the Laurin & Klement.
These are great features, but aren't things that you can't live without.
Across all trims, some bits that made it great is the amount of interior space - especially in the rear, and of course, how it offers a very comfortable ride.
But that Superb was the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim. Now, Skoda is offering its sedan flagship in a more affordable trim - the 1.8 TSI Ambition.
Still a class act
Take a good look from the outside and there isn't much telling of the differences between the two. It only lacks the Laurin & Klement badging, and wears 17-inch shoes instead of 19-inchers.
The funkier-looking wheels might raise some eyebrows in person, but the Superb remains to be a sleek limousine that hides its extended proportions well.
Things are a little different when you step inside. Despite being a more affordable alternative, the Superb Ambition doesn't seem under-equipped at all.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system, for example, still comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And we like that it comes with two physical knobs to control the volume and scroll through menus - something that was missing in the Laurin & Klement variant, which was our pet peeve.
It is only when you look deeper that you notice some differences. Features such as ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a sunroof are absent. This Superb also only comes with two-zone climate control, versus the three-zone setup for the Laurin & Klement.
These are great features, but aren't things that you can't live without.
Lesser engine, still fun
The main concerns between the two Superbs is under the hood. This Superb's 1.8-litre turbocharged lump is good for 177bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The smaller 1.8-litre engine may put out less power, but doesn't feel underpowered in normal driving situations
We're happy to report that despite having 40bhp and 100Nm less than its 2.0-litre brethren, there isn't a stark difference in performance. The Superb is still reasonably brisk, which leaves you wondering if you really need the extra grunt.
Coupled with the comfort-based suspension setup, the Superb proved to be the perfect companion for the highway.
No adaptive dampers in the Ambition trim, but the comfort-based suspension still offers a plush ride
And hit the highway we did. Covering over 1,400km driving to Cameron Highlands and back, the Superb remained very compliant and comfortable on the road. It was only when fooling through B-roads up to Cameron that you'll start to feel the lack of firmness in the dampers.
Should I get one?
We made a lot of comparisons to the top-of-the-line variant, but the Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition is a sound package when it comes to executive sedans.
The Superb 1.8 TSI is pretty hard to fault, and it isn't lesser than the 2.0-litre variant
The extra features and grunt of the 2.0-litre Laurin & Klement is great, but if you can do without them, that's a good $29,000 off - the 1.8 TSI Ambition is just $124,900 (as of 10 September 2019).
This Superb still impresses as it first did when we reviewed it, and this variant's price seals the deal. The only thing we would change, though, are perhaps those wheels..
The main concerns between the two Superbs is under the hood. This Superb's 1.8-litre turbocharged lump is good for 177bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
We're happy to report that despite having 40bhp and 100Nm less than its 2.0-litre brethren, there isn't a stark difference in performance. The Superb is still reasonably brisk, which leaves you wondering if you really need the extra grunt.
Coupled with the comfort-based suspension setup, the Superb proved to be the perfect companion for the highway.
And hit the highway we did. Covering over 1,400km driving to Cameron Highlands and back, the Superb remained very compliant and comfortable on the road. It was only when fooling through B-roads up to Cameron that you'll start to feel the lack of firmness in the dampers.
Should I get one?
We made a lot of comparisons to the top-of-the-line variant, but the Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition is a sound package when it comes to executive sedans.
The extra features and grunt of the 2.0-litre Laurin & Klement is great, but if you can do without them, that's a good $29,000 off - the 1.8 TSI Ambition is just $124,900 (as of 10 September 2019).
This Superb still impresses as it first did when we reviewed it, and this variant's price seals the deal. The only thing we would change, though, are perhaps those wheels..
What We Like
Well-equipped despite being an entry-level variant
Massive rear legroom
Comfort-based suspension offers a plush ride
What We Dislike
17-inch wheels aren't the prettiest
We were pretty impressed with the Skoda Superb when we first reviewed it back in October.
Across all trims, some bits that made it great is the amount of interior space - especially in the rear, and of course, how it offers a very comfortable ride.
Rear legroom is one of the Skoda Superb's winning formulasBut that Superb was the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim. Now, Skoda is offering its sedan flagship in a more affordable trim - the 1.8 TSI Ambition.
Still a class act
Take a good look from the outside and there isn't much telling of the differences between the two. It only lacks the Laurin & Klement badging, and wears 17-inch shoes instead of 19-inchers.
The Superb in Ambition trim doesn't set it much apart from the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim on the outsideThe funkier-looking wheels might raise some eyebrows in person, but the Superb remains to be a sleek limousine that hides its extended proportions well.
Things are a little different when you step inside. Despite being a more affordable alternative, the Superb Ambition doesn't seem under-equipped at all.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system, for example, still comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And we like that it comes with two physical knobs to control the volume and scroll through menus - something that was missing in the Laurin & Klement variant, which was our pet peeve.
Despite being an entry-level trim, the Superb Ambition still comes with Apple CarPlay as standardIt is only when you look deeper that you notice some differences. Features such as ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a sunroof are absent. This Superb also only comes with two-zone climate control, versus the three-zone setup for the Laurin & Klement.
These are great features, but aren't things that you can't live without.
Across all trims, some bits that made it great is the amount of interior space - especially in the rear, and of course, how it offers a very comfortable ride.
Still a class act
Take a good look from the outside and there isn't much telling of the differences between the two. It only lacks the Laurin & Klement badging, and wears 17-inch shoes instead of 19-inchers.
Things are a little different when you step inside. Despite being a more affordable alternative, the Superb Ambition doesn't seem under-equipped at all.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system, for example, still comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And we like that it comes with two physical knobs to control the volume and scroll through menus - something that was missing in the Laurin & Klement variant, which was our pet peeve.
These are great features, but aren't things that you can't live without.
Lesser engine, still fun
The main concerns between the two Superbs is under the hood. This Superb's 1.8-litre turbocharged lump is good for 177bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The smaller 1.8-litre engine may put out less power, but doesn't feel underpowered in normal driving situationsWe're happy to report that despite having 40bhp and 100Nm less than its 2.0-litre brethren, there isn't a stark difference in performance. The Superb is still reasonably brisk, which leaves you wondering if you really need the extra grunt.
Coupled with the comfort-based suspension setup, the Superb proved to be the perfect companion for the highway.
No adaptive dampers in the Ambition trim, but the comfort-based suspension still offers a plush rideAnd hit the highway we did. Covering over 1,400km driving to Cameron Highlands and back, the Superb remained very compliant and comfortable on the road. It was only when fooling through B-roads up to Cameron that you'll start to feel the lack of firmness in the dampers.
Should I get one?
We made a lot of comparisons to the top-of-the-line variant, but the Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition is a sound package when it comes to executive sedans.
The Superb 1.8 TSI is pretty hard to fault, and it isn't lesser than the 2.0-litre variantThe extra features and grunt of the 2.0-litre Laurin & Klement is great, but if you can do without them, that's a good $29,000 off - the 1.8 TSI Ambition is just $124,900 (as of 10 September 2019).
This Superb still impresses as it first did when we reviewed it, and this variant's price seals the deal. The only thing we would change, though, are perhaps those wheels..
The main concerns between the two Superbs is under the hood. This Superb's 1.8-litre turbocharged lump is good for 177bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Coupled with the comfort-based suspension setup, the Superb proved to be the perfect companion for the highway.
Should I get one?
We made a lot of comparisons to the top-of-the-line variant, but the Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition is a sound package when it comes to executive sedans.
This Superb still impresses as it first did when we reviewed it, and this variant's price seals the deal. The only thing we would change, though, are perhaps those wheels..
Also read our comparison article on:
Opel Insignia Grvssport 1.5 Turbo vs Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI
Car Information
Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI Ambition (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.4km/L
Horsepower
132kW (177 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
8.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Skoda Superb
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