BMW X1 Vs Skoda Superb

The BMW X1 might be a more snobbish car to have than the Skoda Superb, but is it as sensible a buy as the latter? AUTO BILD INDIA answers this critical question

There's no denying that when it comes to snob value associated with brands, a BMW will always win over a Skoda; and comprehensively at that. So, why then should an X1 be compared with a Superb you might wonder, especially when these aren’t even in similar product categories; one is a sports activity vehicle and the other a business sedan? Well, if one does look closely it becomes awfully clear that the X1 and the Superb aren’t all that different after all. Let us explain.

Neither of these two apparently unalike vehicles can really go off-road. Both are meant to be commute machines through the week and then need to double up as the weekend outing cars too. So clearly expectations from both these vehicles, in terms of comfort, space and equipment are similar. And given these would be self driven as well, expectations of performance and driving fun are near identical as well. Plus a price difference of about four lakh or so between the Skoda and the BMW begs that these two cars be compared.

What we have here then are the cheapest versions of the two cars one can buy today - the BMW X1 sDrive 18i and the Skoda Superb TSI MT. Both are petrol engined but while the BMW is an automatic, the Superb has a manual transmission.

X1 18i's insides are well built, but there's not many features compared to the Superb. Petrol doesn't get iDrive

The X1 has typical BMW handling. In other words, it's fantastic. But its engine does not provide what the chassis can take

There are more differences - while the X1 looks young and sporty, the Superb is typically executive. So, if you are 30 something driving the X1 you will be judged as a spirited man with great taste. But, if you're spotted in the Superb, chances are everyone will shrug you off as someone who must have borrowed it from his dad!

The Skoda continues to run away from the BMW in other aspects as well. Let's take driving appeal for instance. It's well known and documented that no car pleases an enthusiast like a BMW does. Of course, this notion did take a hit with the new 5-series, which without doubt is a tad softer than the propeller purists would have liked, but in the Indian context, we feel it has increased the appeal of the car. As for the X1, it's still pretty old school in that sense. The steering is well weighted, quick and precise; in short, it's fun to use. The handling too is quite involving and entertaining at the same time. Having said that, as an overall enthusiast centric package, we'd, surprisingly, choose the Superb! In fact, we'd choose the Skoda over the BMW as an everyday car to drive or be driven in as well. For city use, the Superb has a lighter steering, better visibility and a more comfortable ride quality as well.

Superb's cabin is well spec-ed. It gets a lot more gizmos than the X1, including 8 airbags and rear AC vents. Fit and fi nish and quality is great too

The Superb feels planted at all speeds and is a great handling car too

Inside though the Superb feels much better. It's roomier and feels it too. One not only gets more room at the front and rear, including leg and elbow room at the front and shoulder and knee- Height max 600mm Width 1125mm Depth max 1685mm Depth min 1070mm room at the rear, the Skoda has a bigger and much more useful boot compared to the BMW as well, especially for the weekend outing luggage. Not to mention it can be opened either as a hatchback or as a sedan.

It's also got a higher wellness feel to it; everything from the interior lighting to the dash layout to the various systems on board make it feel warmer and richer. And as far as quality goes, it's at par with the BMW, and in fact better in a few places as well. More importantly, it's better equipped. So, one gets more comfort and convenience features like a touchscreen audio, a sunroof, rear air con vents and even a more comprehensive trip computer, all of which are missing on the X1. On the safety end of things, the Skoda gets eight airbags compared to four on the X1. Additionally, the Superb gets xenon lamps with cornering lamps.

BMW X1: The X1 turns and holds its line just in the way you'd want it to. And when you are in the mood for fun, it will willingly get its tail out progressively giving you ample time and feedback to catch it. So what's the problem you might wonder? The engine. In its own right, the 2-litre, 150bhp works fi ne. Coupled to a 6-speed auto it goes about its business quietly and smoothly in the city. But when you give it the stick, it just lacks the oomph to go along with the handling prowess of the X1. The engine seems to lack both a potent mid and high range performance. So, when pressed hard instead of delivering speed and punch, it just feels strained, gets noisy and shows no urgency to pile on the revs. Honestly it gets a tad tedious after a while.

Skoda Superb: The Superb on the other hand with its turbocharged 1.8-litre engine packs in go and fun by the bucketloads. It picks up well from a standstill and then once the turbo kicks in past 2000rpm, it literally shoots ahead. The engine sounds refi ned and willing to take on whatever brutality the driver's right foot might show. But does it handle as well as the BMW? No, not with its dimensions, its front wheel drive layout and torque steer. Also, the Skoda's steering is quick, but not as feedback rich as the X1.