As a part of the VW group in Europe, Skoda might not be a brand that every stateside reader recognizes, but it holds an important position in the automotive industry. It’s comparable to the role Pontiac used to play in relation to Chevy, before GM decided to retire the brand to evade bankruptcy in 2009. Skoda’s version of the Passat known as the Superb is something you might know of. However, the current model of the Superb has a certain aspect that doesn’t live up to its name.
About the Skoda Superb
Skoda’s Superb stands as a version of the Volkswagen Passat. However, a new digital gauge cluster in the Superb immediately draws attention due to its rather haphazard placement on the dashboard. It visually appears as if it is nailed into place in front of the older analog unit.
Considering the prominence of the infotainment screen, it is jutting but at least gives the appearance of being framed by the dashboard. Nonetheless, the size of the bezel surrounding the screen is significantly large and the cluster’s placement on the dashboard leaves much to be desired.
A Comparison with the Volkswagen Passat
What makes this intriguing is the comparison with how the Volkswagen Passat, essentially the same car, treats its interior design. In this vehicle, the screen may actually be the same part. But its integration into the cluster feels more aesthetic. The implementation in the Passat boasts such clean execution that there are no visible nail heads, something that cannot be said for its counterpart in the Superb.
Automakers and the Challenge of Interior Design
From a broader perspective, automakers often face a challenge when it comes to predicting the preferences of customers in terms of interior design. As everything gets “smartphoneified,” some people are enamored by a large screen in their car, seeing it as an attractive feature. Others, however, see it as a cumbersome rectangular distraction that lacks ease of use compared to tangible buttons.
Screen Integration: Skoda’s Approach
Regardless of where consumers stand on this matter, few can likely endorse Skoda’s approach to integrating the large screen in the Superb. If the intention is to include a large screen in a vehicle, it must at least appear as if some effort has been invested in its integration, rather than looking like it was merely dropped into place.
Conclusion
The design choices made on auto interiors may vary, but proper aesthetic integration is key. Skoda, in this case, could take a lesson from Volkswagen’s approach. A harmoniously incorporated screen can make or break the user experience and as such, should be considered critically when designing an automobile’s interior.