New infotainment systems are being introduced into ŠKODA’s flagship Superb along with its Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs as part of model year updates. They are based on Volkswagen Group’s third-generation modular infotainment matrix and provide not only the Laura digital voice assistant but a range of other online features as well – including Internet radio and wireless SmartLink technology. Online personalization means more custom vehicle settings than ever would be possible to store in the ŠKODA Connect account and even transferred to other ŠKODAs. Latest USB-C sockets are replacing the familiar USB-A ports, and a USB-C above the rear-view mirror is now optional.
The infotainment functions in the ŠKODA Scala and Kamiq – which already use this system – is also being broadened and upgraded accordingly.
A built-in SIM card makes sure that there is a permanent internet connection, which also allows Infotainment Online services to be used. ŠKODA offers the required data allowance for these. The Laura digital voice assistant knows 15 languages, and can even process fluently spoken sentences in Czech, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Smartphones can be paired through wireless SmartLink technology and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay or MirrorLink™, and infotainment apps include news or weather reports. The Bolero infotainment and Amundsen navigation systems both are coming with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the top-of-the-range Columbus navigation variant is a 9.2-inch screen. Map and software updates or on-demand functions including navigation for the Bolero system are updated ‘over the air’. With Amundsen and Columbus, a ŠKODA ID account can now be made directly from the vehicle; with the relevant Internet availability, both systems will pick up online radio stations as well. The same is applicable to Scala and Kamiq models equipped with Amundsen navigation. What’s more, desired destinations can be shifted directly from the ŠKODA Connect app to the navigation system.
The newest generation of infotainment also provides the option of online personalization, which allows custom settings stored in the user’s own ŠKODA Connect account to be transferred to different ŠKODA vehicles. This means ŠKODA owners can simply take their preferred settings with them when they are purchasing a new ŠKODA or access them in another ŠKODA – for example within the family or fleet of company cars, or when giving a vehicle on rent. Up to 14 owner profiles and one guest profile can be conveniently made for each car using the on-board system as well. All data is stored online in the ŠKODA cloud and is frequently synchronized. Preferred layouts for the Virtual Cockpit instrument panel and lighting settings as well as seat and mirror positions are all stored. Settings can also be stored for assistance systems and automatic climate control. Together with Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq, the Scala and Kamiq will also come with the option of online personalization.
As part of the recent generation of infotainment, the Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq are getting the latest interfaces for connecting mobile and storage devices as well. USB-C ports are replacing the previous USB-A ports both at the front in the centre console. Another new feature is the option of a USB-C port built into the roof above the rear-view mirror, which can be utilized to conveniently power a dashcam, for a name. This will also be available in Scala and Kamiq models.
