Engine and Performance
The engines on the Superb have been carried over from its previous iteration, 1798cc TSI producing 160PS@4500-6200 rpm and the 1968 TDI producing 140PS@4200 rpm. The turbocharged petrol produces an impressive 250Nm@1500-4500 rpm where as the oil burner does 320Nm@1750-2500 rpm of twisting force. The TSI is available with an option of 6 speed manual or 7 speed DSG while the TDI comes with a 6 speed DSG only.
We drove the petrol and the diesel mated to the double clutch auto DSG tranny and came back impressed. Since we have spoken about the magnificence of the DSG numerous times already, we won`t get into those details yet again, here.
To start with the oil burner which puts the 6 speed DSG to a good use owing to its max torque figures which lie in a narrow band of 1750-2500 rpm. Yes, there is a hint of turbo lag, or may we say hesitation until the power surges in and propels the car with gusto-with a generous 320Nm of it which is punchy even for this 1.6 tonner. The peaky as well as a bit heady power delivery make it a bit unpredictable in stop and go traffic conditions and gets a wee bit challenging on tight uphill sections where the ECU allows the revs to climb in the north of 2500 rpm in 1st, only to fall out of the power band after shifting into 2nd despite the 8 millisecond shift time. The best way to tackle this is to go manual with the shifts by nicking the lever on the left in D mode giving the intelligent fuzzy logic of the ECU some rest.
Where the oil burner really shines is with its mile munching ability on the highways since it always has torque on tap making overtaking a breeze with minimal kick-down. Yes, the diesel is a bit noisy for our liking, but that’s only until you drive it’s gasoline run sibling. The diesel does have fair amount of tyre roar and wind noise filtering inside the cabin and is pronounced if you are seated at the rear, surprisingly and undesirably. Thanks to the 6 speed DSG, in the D mode the ECU optimizes the shifts early enough without unnecessary revving to increase the fuel consumption-result, relaxed cruising at triple digit speeds while the engine spins at low rpms.
Driving the TSI mated to the 7 speed DSG after the TDI is a pure revelation. The turbocharged petrol produces its max torque of 250 Nm between 1500-4200 rpm; the flatness of this torque curve is mighty impressive. This free revving engine with high refinement levels along with the 7 speed DSG is like a match made in heaven! Being nearly 46 kgs lighter than its diesel sibling also helps in the added pep while driving this version around any kinds of roads. There is barely any turbo lag, and the linear power delivery makes it a very tractable motor and fun to drive. Drive it with zesty around bumpy and twisty sections and that frequent wheel spin is imminent as the Traction control, the ESP and the Anti Slip Regulation work in conjunction to keep things neat and tidy. Even at triple digit speeds, the petrol offers a very quite ride and the wind as well as road noise is minimum. Thanks to the 7 speed tranny and flat torque curve, it is possible to cruise at high speeds at low rpms. It does 80kmph@1650 rpm, 100@2100 rpm, 120@2500rpm and 140@3000 rpm, all figures in 7th gear, and it helps in the fuel efficiency department as well.
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