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Skoda shows off new interior of Superb and Kodiaq

Skoda shows off new interior of Superb and Kodiaq Skoda shows off new interior of Superb and Kodiaq Skoda shows off new interior of Superb and Kodiaq Skoda shows off new interior of Superb and Kodiaq
New Skoda Superb and Kodiaq get tactile rotary controls.

While we wait for Skoda to show us the new Superb saloon and Kodiaq SUV models in full, here is a taste of what those cars' interiors will be like, and they jointly use the most significant innovation in in-car design for many years - buttons.

Physical rotary controls

Clearly stung by criticism of no-button, all-screen cabins, Skoda has reacted and reacted appropriately. The Superb and Kodiaq will have screens, of course - a big 12.9-inch one in the centre of the dash and another 10.25-inch one for the instrument panel - but there will also be a trio of proper, physical rotary controls below the big screen.

These rotary controls have their own built-in screens - measuring just 32mm across - and that allows them to be truly multi-functional. The outer two controllers manage interior temperature, seat heating, and seat ventilation, while the one in the middle looks after infotainment volume, fan speed, air direction, smart air conditioning, driving modes, and map zoom. You long-press the centre of the little screens to select a different function. This should be much easier and safer to use on the move than working your way through a big touchscreen menu.

Elsewhere, these new interiors benefit from the usual Skoda 'simply clever' thinking. Because neither car will be available with a manual gearbox, the automatic gear selector can move to the steering column, which frees up lots of space for storage in the centre console.

Wireless charging with phone cooling

That allows Skoda to fit a new 'phone box' storage space for your mobile, which includes a 15-watt wireless charging pad with integrated cooling. In fact, the Kodiaq has space for two phones to be wirelessly charged.

If you need faster charging, there will be four USB-C sockets with 45-watt outputs (that's enough to charge a laptop battery when needed), and an extra 15-watt USB-C charger built into the rear-view mirror, which allows you to fit accessories such as dashcams.

Elsewhere, the Kodiaq will get new 'ergo' seats with a massage function, while there's a new storage area for rear-seat passengers built into the centre tunnel.

Massaging seats

The Superb gets a new steering wheel, as well as the massaging seats. These now include ten pneumatically controlled massage cushions and extensive programs with four-way adjustable lumbar support. All of the heating functions - seats, rear window, steering wheel, and windscreen - will be accessible through a single menu page on the big infotainment screen. As ever, both cars will come with an umbrella stashed in a special door pocket and an ice scraper integrated with the fuel flap.

There will also be new upholstery options. Customers can opt for Loft, Lounge, or ecoSuite in Black or Cognac colours, with the fabrics made from 100 per cent recycled material. If you go for leather seats, the material will be tanned using an eco-friendly process that uses leftovers from coffee bean processing. For top-spec Laurin & Klement models, there's the Design Selection L&K Suite in Black and Cognac, boasting leather sustainably tanned using wastewater from olive processing.

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Published on August 30, 2023