The Citroen C5 is effortlessly handsome, competitively priced and a pure pleasure to ride in. Its state-of-the-art suspension is French automotive engineering at its finest. And the quality of the build, fit and finish is nothing short of world-class. But the 2-litre drivetrain is decidedly economy class, marring one of Citroen’s best efforts ever. A more modern engine under the bonnet is what this diamond in the rough needs to shine.
The Passat CC 1.8 has almost as much “car-risma” as the iconic Mercedes-Benz CLS, but for less than half the price. This makes the Volkswagen a desirable choice for executives who want dynamic Teutonic design but need it to be cost effective at the same time. Grand touring, without grand pricing, is the Passat CC’s purpose in life. It is not perfect, of course, what with that strict 4-seat cabin and racy performance out of sync with the car’s genteel disposition. At the end of the day, this artfully remodelled Passat is second best in this group test.
So the Skoda scores a goal and notches up a Superb victory. The value-packed price is even more compelling if you do without the bells and whistles of the “Simply” edition tested, which include automated parallel parking assistance, an integral navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps and a ninth airbag for the driver’s knees. Ultimately, the capable new Skoda Superb is not just the best Czech car that (not a lot of) money can buy right now in Singapore, but also one of the best continental cars launched this year. Period.
Skoda Superb 1.8 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1798cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 82.5mm x 84.2mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Power (with motor) 160bhp at 4500rpm
Torque 250Nm at 1500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 7-speed semi-automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 220km/h
0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
Consumption 13.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 2
Size 225/40 R18
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 9
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4838mm
Width 1817mm
Height 1462mm
Wheelbase 2761mm
Kerb Weight 1471kg
Power to Weight Ratio 108.8bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price $99,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/unlimited km
+ Outstanding roominess and a clever boot, attractive amenities and impressive quality, a lot of continental car for the money
– Paying extra for full-spec “Simply Superb”, handling not quite as good as the ride, Skoda badge still belittled by brand snobs
Citroen C5 2.0 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1997cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 85mm x 88mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Power 143bhp at 6000rpm
Torque 200Nm at 4000rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 4-speed automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 205km/h
0-100km/h 12.8 seconds
Consumption 11.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, hydro-pneumatic spheres
Rear Multi-link, hydro-pneumatic spheres
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy HP
Size 225/55 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 7
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4779mm
Width 1860mm
Height 1451mm
Wheelbase 2815mm
Kerb Weight 1583kg
Power to Weight Ratio 90.3bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.7m
BUYING IT
Price $96,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Smooth, sophisticated suspension system, elegant exterior and interior design, French luxury with German-like quality
– Leisurely acceleration all the way, detached dynamics and zero feedback, overly busy steering wheel
Volkswagen Passat CC 1.8 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 1798cc
Cylinder layout Inline-4
Valves 16, DOHC
Bore x stroke 82.5mm x 84.2mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power 160bhp at 5000rpm
Torque 250Nm at 1500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 7-speed semi-automatic
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 220km/h
0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
Consumption 13.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 3
Size 235/45 R17
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4799mm
Width 1855mm
Height 1417mm
Wheelbase 2711mm
Kerb Weight 1430kg
Power to Weight Ratio 111.9bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price $107,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Stylish looks and undeniable presence, classy and comfy cabin for four, true grand touring attributes
– 4-seater format’s limited practicality, getting halogen headlights at this price, not getting the 2-litre’s adaptive chassis
Related story: Volkswagen Passat R-Line review
Related story: Citroen DS4 Crossback review
