Skoda Superb hatchback - Interior & comfort
The Skoda Superb has an interior that’s simply designed and well built
When tackling interior design for the Skoda Superb the designers haven’t attempted anything too radical. You’re unlikely to be disappointed though and will probably forget about the lack of imagination as soon as you discover how comfortable the car is. However, it does look modern and crisp, with the dashboard comprising mainly straight lines and simple forms. We think it’s the best Skoda interior ever made.
Everything is laid out in a logical, easy to follow format and there are no controls in hard-to-reach places or unexpected locations. Skoda have wisely avoided ‘reinventing the wheel’ and, though it doesn’t match the visual flair of a BMW or Audi, it certainly holds up well in terms of interior quality.
In the past, material quality found in Skoda interiors hasn’t always been the best but here we have no such worries. Much of the switchgear can be found in other VW Group products and all of it feels solid, tactile and pleasant in use. Impressive technology is fitted, too, with top-of-the-range models fitted with an 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment that can mirror both Apple and Android smartphones. All models can also automatically make contact with the emergency services if a serious crash is detected, or will offer to make contact after a less severe impact.
Equipment
The Skoda Superb range now opens with the SE, which includes two-zone air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels and front and rear electric windows. An eight-inch colour touchscreen incorporates DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and Smartlink+ for Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
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The next step up from SE is SE Technology, which is also the cheapest trim to be offered with the plug-in hybrid drivetrain. SE Technology gets leather upholstery as standard, privacy glass, heated front seats, an upgraded Amundsen sat-nav system, Wi-Fi connectivity, blind-spot detection and the ability to choose between various drive modes.
The SE L adds 18-inch alloys, bright Matrix LED headlights (which automatically switch the high beams off for oncoming cars) and scrolling indicators. You also get a powered bootlid and nets to help secure shopping or luggage.
The SportLine Plus takes a similar approach to S-Line and M Sport models from Audi and BMW. Sitting between SE and Laurin & Klement trims, SportLine Plus Superbs come with a range of exterior upgrades including 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, redesigned sports bumpers and gloss black wing mirrors. It also has adaptive matrix LED headlights, an exterior body styling kit, a flat-bottomed three-spoke leather steering wheel and Alcantara sports seats for a more youthful, exuberant feel.
The SportLine Plus includes the largest Columbus 9.2-inch sat-nav system with 3D maps, a driving mode selector and keyless entry. It also has heated seats, LED ambient lighting, Wi-Fi, blind-spot monitoring, the 'progressive dynamic' power steering system and an electrically operated boot lid. For around £450 you can add Skoda's Virtual Cockpit, replacing traditional gauges with a digital display that fills the instrument binnacle.
The range-topping Laurin & Klement version is very plush, adding a 10-speaker Canton stereo, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and the Dynamic Chassis Control system. There are driving aids too, including blind spot detection, lane assist and park assist, which can steer into and out of parking spaces.
Options
Many of the extras found on higher trim levels can be added to lower trim levels in the Superb range. That said, there are even options for the highest L&K trim. A non-metallic solid blue paint colour comes as standard, but go for a metallic shade and it’ll cost you an extra £660. There’s a more exclusive metallic velvet red colour which will set you back around £1,000.
We’d recommend specifying the reversing camera which will help with parking, given that the Superb is a fairly large car. It’s also worth adding the optional spare wheel or space saver, given that the standard can of sealant can let you down in the event of a severe puncture.
Technology
Skoda fits the Superb with the same radio and infotainment systems as seen elsewhere in the VW Group. The 9.2-inch Columbus navigation system, as fitted to the Sportline Plus and above, is one of the best we’ve come across.
Classy to look at thanks to a sleek glass screen, the Columbus is extremely easy and intuitive to use. It has a capacitive touchscreen like that of a smartphone or tablet and can also be controlled by a rotary dial. All its features are intuitive to access, including SmartLink, which incorporates MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When using the sat-nav for actual navigation, you’ll find that destinations can be quickly entered and routes are calculated very rapidly. Direction information is also repeated in the small display screen on the instrument cluster.
