Skoda’s April Fools Noise Cancelling Headrest Actually Sounds Useful

If you’re not a fan of so-called backseat bickering, and we reckon you’re not, check out Skoda’s latest option, exclusively “available” for the all-new Karoq.

It’s called QuarrelKancel, and it’s supposedly installed in the automaker’s new noise-cancelling front seat headrests, helping parents relax and focus on driving the car without having to listen to their kids squabbling.

Tick the box for QuarrelKancel on your all-new Skoda Karoq and you’ll get a system that can be activated at the touch of a button via the infotainment system. The tech can also work in automatic mode, listening for the first signs of an argument.

“We tested 1,000 families over 10,000 miles and identified that 80 db, the sound equivalent of a vacuum cleaner, is the pitch most unbearable for parents,” stated Project Leader, Dr April Fürst (sounds legit).

The system was developed together with sound specialists Canton, and the speakers are engineered to continuously monitor, measure and react to the in-cabin “child decibel level.” Once on, the speakers generate unique sound waves that block out bickering, yet allow parents to hear other, necessary road noises like emergency sirens.

“This is why we have spent thousands of hours coming up with this stress-busting solution. We’re the first manufacturer to offer an accessory this smart and we think it will change the lives of many parents throughout the UK, we certainly might see fewer grey hairs,” added Skoda’s Chief of Family Relations, Professor Si Lence.

Back to the real world

Now, while the concept of the noise-cancelling headrests is a complete fabrication, the idea of making driving more relaxing for parents isn’t new. Honda’s Magic Slide seat system from the 2018 Odyssey can achieve a similar result, simply by separating the kids.