Skoda has just lifted the veil on the interior of its next Kodiaq and Superb and announces the return of physical buttons. Very good news, which follows Volkswagen’s decision to remove the touch keys.
There will be something new at Volkswagen, and especially at Skoda! The manufacturer, which currently markets a single electric model, namely the Enyaq, is currently working on the launch of new cars in its range. If they will not be electric, they will however deeply develop their driving position.
Back to basics
Currently, the trend among manufacturers is to get rid of most physical pimples, in order to replace them with touch controls deemed more elegant. The latter also make it possible to purify the driving position, while certain brands now group together most of the functions directly in the touch screen.
This is for example the case of Peugeot or Volkswagen, but not only. We also think of Skoda, which has kept only a few rare buttons in the passenger compartment of its Enyaq, whose test you can read on Survoltés. Certainly, it looks more modern, but it is not necessarily very practical. In fact, a recent Swedish study even proves that physical buttons are safer for driving.
Is too much technology killing technology? Perhaps, while the ex-designer of Apple explained last year that the touch screens of our cars were harmful and that a return to “real” commands would be beneficial. The message seems to have been well received at Skoda, which has just unveiled the design of the driving position of its future Kodiaq and Superbwhich should be released within the next year.
The latter wants to be much more practical and therefore signs the return of “old-fashioned” physical buttons. But be careful, because these are actually a concentrate of technology. It will indeed be possible to assign several functions to the central key by pressing it. This will be visible on a small digital display. A solution already adopted by some manufacturers such as Land Rover.
Simply Clever
In total, four different functions can be assigned to the middle button, including air direction, music volume, driving modes or map magnification. The other two will be used to control the temperature as well as the ventilation and heating of the seats, as specified in the communicated of the manufacturer. Note also the absence of touch buttons on the steering wheel, as at Volkswagen, which admits that this solution is not practical.
The new Skoda Superb and Kodiaq will also featurea new 10.25-inch digital handset taking advantage of a revised design. It will be associated with a large 12.9-inch touchscreen, probably still integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver and his passenger will also be able to take advantage of a 15-watt smartphone induction charger and four USB-C sockets.
To note that the seats will be massaging, heated and ventilated, and that the SUV and sedan will use sustainable materials with 100% recycled polyester. The leather will be tanned using an ecological process using coffee beans. Finally, we will also find the Simply Clever tricks, such as the umbrella in the driver’s door and the ice scraper in the fuel flap.
The new Kodiaq and Superb will not be available in electric right away, since they will have to be content with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. A few weeks ago, the manufacturer changed the price list of its Enyaq with a cheaper 80 version, while last June it unveiled a new 50 version at less than 40,000 euros.
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