Before the official debut of Skoda’s new flagship ICE-powered offerings, the automaker shows us the interiors of the Kodiaq SUV and the Superb sedan/estate, highlighting the improved technology, ergonomics, practicality, and sustainable materials used throughout the cabin.
Despite the different bodystyle, the Kodiaq and the Superb share the same MQB Evo underpinnings and most of their powertrain options. It is no surprise that the models have similar interiors, as is the case with the closely related 2024 VW Tiguan and Passat Variant siblings.
Overall, the low-slung Superb has a cleaner design for the dashboard featuring interconnected A/C vents and full-width ambient lighting on the aluminum-style trim. On the other hand, the Kodiaq SUV has an X-shaped motif, a taller center console, and no shading for the instrument cluster. Both designs represent an improvement over their predecessors, looking more premium and modern.
Skoda Kodiaq
The centerpiece in both models is a free-standing 13-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. The high-mounted display might be smaller than the 15-inch unit that is available in the VW Tiguan and Passat, but appears to be sufficiently large in scale with the rest of the interior. It is combined with a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit and a head-up display.
Thankfully, Skoda designers don’t rely on the touchscreen for operating important vehicle functions. The so-called “Smart Dials” are three rotary push-button dials with integrated 1.25-inch displays, located on the center console. The outer dials control the temperature and the seat heating/ventilation, while the center dial is customizable and can be used to operate the volume, fan speed, air direction, smart A/C mode, driving modes, and even the map zoom for navigation. The user can customize it via the infotainment touchscreen, and switch between functions by pushing and holding it down.
In both models, the gear selector for the DSG automatic – which is the only option – moved to the steering column, allowing more space on the center console for storage. Skoda also added its signature Simply Clever features with up to 28 available in the new generation. Those include a wireless charging Phone Box with 15 W fast charging for two devices and active cooling, plenty of storage compartments, optional massaging seats, a door-mounted umbrella, an ice scrapper, and more.
Skoda Superb
Last but not least, the interior textiles are now made from 100% recycled polyester, improving the sustainability credentials of the models. In the same context, the optional leather upholstery has an eco-friendly tanning process using coffee bean processing residues, or wastewater from olive processing. Options for the interior trim the Loft, Lounge, or ecoSuite, coming in Black or Cognac shades.
As with most of the upcoming ICE-powered models from the VW Group, the Skoda Kodiaq and Superb ride on an upgraded version of the MQB architecture. The powertrain lineup includes diesel, petrol, mild-hybrid petrol, and plug-in hybrid options. All of them will be mated to a DSG automatic sending power to either the front or all four wheels. The plug-in hybrids combine the 1.5 TSI petrol engine with a single electric motor, and a larger 25.7 kWh battery allowing more than 100 km (62 miles) of electric range.
We will learn more about the new Skoda sedan and SUV flagships in their imminent debuts this fall, ahead of the market launch in 2024.
