New infotainment systems are being introduced into Skoda’s flagship Superb as well as its Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs as part of model year updates. They are based on Volkswagen Group’s third-generation modular infotainment matrix and offer not only the Laura digital voice assistant, but a host of other online features too – including Internet radio and wireless SmartLink technology.
Online personalisation means more custom vehicle settings can now be stored in the Skoda Connect account and even transferred to other Skodas. 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 Skoda Scala and Kamiq – which already use this system – is also being expanded and upgraded accordingly.
A built-in SIM card ensures a permanent internet connection, which also enables Infotainment Online services to be used. Skoda provides the required data allowance for these. The Laura digital voice assistant understands 15 languages, and can even process fluently spoken sentences in Czech, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Smartphones can be paired via 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 each come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the top-of-the-range Columbus navigation variant boasts a 9.2-inch screen. Map and software updates or on-demand functions such as navigation for the Bolero system are updated ‘over the air’. With Amundsen and Columbus, a Skoda ID account can now be created directly from the vehicle; with the relevant Internet availability, both systems will pick up online radio stations too. The same applies to Scala and Kamiq models equipped with Amundsen navigation. Desired destinations can be transferred directly from the Skoda Connect app to the navigation system.
Transfer personal vehicle settings to other Skoda
The latest generation of infotainment also offers the option of online personalisation, which enables custom settings stored in the user’s own Skoda Connect account to be transferred to different Skoda cars. This means Skoda owners can take their preferred settings with them when buying a new Skoda or access them in another Skoda – for example within the family or fleet of company cars, or when renting a vehicle. Up to 14 owner profiles and one guest profile can be set up for each car using the on-board system as well. All data is stored online in the Skoda cloud and is constantly synchronised. 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 the automatic climate control. In addition to the Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq, the Scala and Kamiq will also come with the option of online personalisation.
Optional USB-C socket above the rear-view mirror
As part of the latest generation of infotainment, the Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq are receiving the latest interfaces for connecting mobile and storage devices too. 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 used to conveniently power a dashcam, for example. This will also be available in Scala and Kamiq models.
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