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BMW Touring vs Audi A4 Avant vs Skoda Superb Combi Comparison Test

The Touring version of the newest 3 Series model from BMW has some stiff competition to deal with. Today, we're looking at a comparison between the 3er, the Audi A4 Avant and their Czech competition, the Skoda Superb Combi.
BMW F31 Touring vs Audi A4 Avant Vs Skoda Superb Combi 12 photos
Photo: Auto Motor und Sport
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The guys from Auto Motor und Sport know how to compare cars and they are extremely appreciated for their tests. When it comes to comparing German cars, they are the ones to do it.

The 318d F31 3 Series come to the duel with its 143 HP and an automatic 6-speed gearbox. Since the BMW customers asked for more space and comfort for the new model, BMW complied. The new Touring is bigger and more spacious than its previous 3er.

Out of the three, the BMW is the best handling car, goes faster through corners and is more comfortable than the Audi and Skoda. The interior is premium all the way and the engine noise is isolated pretty well (it is a diesel after all).

The Audi has the same amount of power coming out of its 2-liter TDI unit but comes with a 6-speed, high-ratio gearbox. Even though it should've been better than the automatic BMW one, this particular gearbox proved to be completely different.

The Avant has some advantages, like the luxurious interior (despite BMW is close behind) and less engine noise inside the cabin. However, the rear seats are suffering from some headroom lack of space and the handling is poor without the quattro system. The front wheel go in understeer extremely quick and the rear is slow to follow.

The Skoda is the cheapest one here, but not by much. For a car that demands premium attention it's not really rising up to the task. The interior seems outdated and the dash is complicated, way worse in terms of ergonomics than its German rivals.

Fuel consumption is better in the Skoda and you'll also get the biggest payload and most room in the back but the differences are reasonable, not huge, as you might expect.

The 2-liter diesel has 3 HP less than its contra candidates but you don't really feel it. It's almost identical as the Audi, the main difference being the sound and positioning of the engine under the hood (transversal versus longitudinal).

Overall, the guys found that the Bimmer draws the short straw but mostly just because of its high price tag and short payload. There is no doubt that the 3er was extremely improved over the last years but not as much as they would expect.

The Skoda outpaces the BMW just because it's cheaper, whilst the Audi was claimed winner, despite tight load volume and its high price. We really don't get it. Why didn't the BMW win?

Via: Auto Motor und Show
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