New Digital Instrument Cluster Added to Skoda Superb – Good or Bad?
The car manufacturer Skoda may not ring a bell to readers outside of Europe, but it holds a significant role within the VW group. To give some perspective, it can be likened to how Pontiac was related to Chevy before it met its untimely demise due to General Motors’ bankruptcy in 2009. Skoda produces a rendition of the Passat known as the Superb, but unfortunately, one aspect of the vehicle falls short of living up to its grand title.
The Fantastic’s recently updated digital instrument panel appears to have been forcibly inserted into the dashboard and securely fastened in front of the previous analog display. The infotainment screen is also quite large and prominent, although it manages to blend somewhat into the overall dashboard design. However, the gauge cluster is downright unacceptable and the surrounding bezel is excessively bulky. It almost seems as though I was called upon to complete the installation myself.
An interesting aspect of this is that the inside of the Volkswagen Passat, despite being essentially the same vehicle, does not resemble this at all. Although the screen itself may be identical, it is seamlessly integrated into the instrument cluster, creating a much more visually appealing appearance. Additionally, there are no visible screws or fasteners, making for a truly impressive design.
In all honesty, it appears that many car manufacturers are uncertain about their customers’ preferences for interior design. The pervasiveness of smartphones has led to a divide among consumers – some revel in the sight of a large, sleek screen in their vehicle, finding it visually appealing and satisfying to interact with, while others despise it as a cumbersome rectangular distraction that hinders their ability to navigate with physical buttons.
Regardless of which side of the argument you stand on, it seems to be a consensus that Skoda’s method of including a screen in their car could have been executed more effectively. It would have been preferable if their approach did not give the impression that the screen was carelessly tossed into the vehicle.
