Skoda Superb TDI vs Toyota Camry Hybrid comparison

    On the face of it, the Skoda Superb diesel has no direct competition. But we tell you if the Toyota Camry Hybrid could be an unlikely alternative.

    Published On May 23, 2016 10:15:00 AM

    60,056 Views

    Before we begin, it’s important to understand who the typical buyer of a Skoda Superb is. Of course, it’s someone primarily looking for a luxurious and spacious sedan at a not-so-exorbitant price. But the diesel version, in particular, is of interest to buyers who cover large distances on a routine basis. Low running costs have a huge bearing on these high-mileage users’ decision to go diesel. Given that the the Superb is the only diesel sedan in the segment, Skoda shouldn’t have trouble finding buyers for it.

    That said, let’s just zoom out a bit and explore a rather interesting alternative – the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It’s a petrol-electric hybrid which means it’s not a direct rival to the Superb diesel. True, but let’s not get hung up on the source of propulsion. What has us interested is the fact that the Camry Hybrid actually betters the Superb diesel on fuel economy. We’ll get to the specifics in a bit but broadly speaking, the Camry Hybrid is lighter on the pocket than a regular petrol sedan, so could the Toyota be the better buy? We just had to bring the two together to find out.

    To be driven in

    These are premium executive sedans first and foremost, so the comparison test really starts from the comfort of their respective back seats. And straight away, the Superb takes a crucial lead with the better rear-seat experience. For one, the seat itself is better. Thigh support is good, the centre armrest is positioned at just the right height and the ride quality is better in general. The Superb’s soft suspension manages to absorb bumps admirably well and does so without making much noise. There is some vertical movement at speed, but not enough to distract you from preparing for the meeting you are being rushed to. However, the middle passengers on the Skoda’s rear seat will feel like an unwelcome guest (the centre tunnel is high) and the fixed back rest is also a touch too upright.

    Superb's rear seat scores for comfort but backrest a touch upright.

    The Camry, on the other hand, offers rear-seat passengers the option to electrically adjust backrest angle. While this is a handy feature, the low-seat base results in a knees-up seating position which isn’t ideal for anyone likely to spend long hours in the back. The Camry is more accommodating for middle-seat passengers though. Like the Skoda, the Toyota also comes with large windows that give a good view out and there’s acres of legroom and good headroom. The option to electrically slide the front-passenger seat from the back to maximise rear legroom is a feature we first saw on the Camry and one that’s made its way to the new Superb as well. In terms of ride comfort, the Camry impresses at low speeds where the supple suspension ably takes potholes in its stride. But at high speeds, you’d find yourself moving around more than you would in your business associate’s Superb. You’ll also have to contend with more road noise in the Camry on the move. 

     

    To drive

    There are no two ways about it, the Superb is the more exciting car to drive. Its 177PS, 2.0-litre diesel engine offers tremendous punch and simply loves to be revved. The quick-shifting six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is perfectly in tune with your right foot in Auto mode and satisfyingly responsive to pulls at the steering-mounted paddles in Manual mode. The Skoda’s good poise and neat dynamics will also put a smile on your face on the spirited Sunday drive. It helps that you have the option to shuffle between driving modes to suit your mood. Even in mundane commutes, the Superb is a comfortable car to pilot though at times, you might notice a bit of turbo lag. This being a diesel, there’s also no escaping the engine noise. The Superb’s low rpm grumble is not loud, but it’s there no less. Things are quite different in the Camry. 

    To refresh your memory, the Camry Hybrid comes powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor. The electric motor draws power from a battery that is charged each time the car accelerates and decelerates, and there’s regenerative braking too. At speeds of up to 40kph at mild throttle applications, the Camry can run solely on the electric motor, and this means progress is absolutely silent. It is eerie at first but easy to get used to as well. Also worth highlighting is that in full electric mode, the car moves forward with the smoothness of a tai chi practitioner. Nice. At higher speeds or when you press down hard on the accelerator, the engine also wakes up and seamlessly integrates to give access to a combined 205hp from the hybrid system. The build of speed is expectedly brisk (though down on the Superb) when you floor the throttle, but you still won’t fall for the Camry’s performance. The efficiency-enhancing CVT gearbox is largely to blame as it sucks the fun out of the driving experience. What’s more, the engine gets quite noisy if you press on. The light steering also feels disconnected at speed and the brakes don’t offer exceptional feel either. Then again, for a car that features a dial that tells the state of charge and driving mode instead of engine revs via a traditional tacho, you’d be expecting too much if you want it to be sporty too.

    What you should expect and do get is excellent fuel economy. In our city fuel efficiency cycle, the Camry delivered an amazing 14.1kpl, a figure made possible by the car running solely in electric mode in slow-moving traffic. On the highway, the figure improved marginally to 15.7kpl. The Superb also does well for itself here. We managed 10.1kpl in the city and 14.6kpl on the highway
     

     

    Inside line

    You’ll find yourself equally well catered to by the large and accommodating front seats each of these cars come with. But the fact is, the Superb cabin is a cut above the Camry in the all-important luxury feel. There is a generous use of soft-touch plastics, detailing is good throughout and there’s even superbly executed ambient lighting to uplift the, well, ambience at night. The dash itself is quite simple in design, but it’s neatly laid-out and user-friendly. And don’t fret if you have to lug goodies to the office picnic – the Superb’s enormous 625-litre boot will hold everything and more.

    The Camry Hybrid’s cabin is good as Toyotas go but it is not special enough for the price. There are nice bits like the colour multi-information display in the instruments (it tells the source of propulsion in real-time), the steering wheel with its PlayStation controller-like buttons and the design of the dash is quite Lexus-like as well. Unfortunately, the execution isn’t great. You’ll find way too many plain buttons, the faux wood looks unconvincing and the central touchscreen seems like an aftermarket add-on. The Camry also doesn’t give the same feeling of solidity on door shut that you get in the Superb.  

    Camry dash has layered look but quality is average

    In terms of equipment, you get quite a bit on both cars – leather seats, powered front seats with cooling, memory function for the driver’s seat, front passenger seat adjust from the rear, three-zone climate control, a reverse camera and a touchscreen infotainment system. In addition, the Skoda Superb comes with paddle shifters, a panoramic sunroof, hands-free boot release and eight airbags, one up on the Camry’s seven. The Superb also has the far nicer infotainment system. The 6.5-inch screen isn’t the largest around but it’s smooth, has got the far richer layout and also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SmartLink functionality built in. Features exclusive to the Camry are its LED headlights (the Superb’s are bi-xenon units), electric steering adjust, powered rear backrest recline, rear seat centre armrest with audio controls and climate control.

    Signing on the dotted line

    Before we tally the scores, let’s just talk about the one that will make the bigger impression at the office parking lot. Well, the Skoda does have the sharper, more modern lines and is the one we’d be drawn to if looking purely at aesthetics. But at a time when there’s a strong anti-diesel sentiment, it’s politically correct and almost hip to show up in a hybrid. And that pretty much sums it up for the Camry Hybrid. It appeals more for its green credentials than it does as a luxury car. It is efficient, reasonably cheap to run and makes a statement, but you won’t be wowed by it. But thanks to the reduction in VAT on hybrid cars in Delhi, the price has come down to a competitive Rs 30.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which means the Camry hybrid does make more sense than before. 

    Still, the Superb diesel that costs Rs 30.85 lakh comes across as the superior car, especially when judged on its merits as a luxury sedan. It has the far richer cabin, offers the more involving driving experience and is just more of an emotional purchase. Long story short, the Skoda Superb diesel is the luxury mile muncher we’d pick. 

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.34%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.41%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.39%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.86%

    Total Votes : 1565
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe