26 of the smartest Skoda ‘Simply Clever’ features

Skoda Simply Clever

In recent years, Skoda has applied for more patents than any other Czech company. Its ingenious ideas extend to a Skoda Scooter which weighs just 5kg and can fold up so tightly, it can be hidden beneath the boot floor.

Here, we run through a list of some of the best Simply Clever features, including the famous Skoda umbrella.

Skoda Scooter

Ingenious, huh? It folds up beneath the boot floor, next to the tyre repair kit, and costs £120. And as scooters start to take over UK streets, here’s how Skoda owners can get in on the act. Just check the kids haven’t got there first before planning to use it on your city centre commute from the railway station…

Skoda Sound Analyser

Skoda is trialling a ‘Sound Analyser’ smartphone app that can listen to your engine and diagnose any problems – sometimes even before they become major issues. The firm says it’s seen a 90 percent success rate in trials… and it can even listen out for problems with other functions such as the air con, clutch and gearbox.

Illuminated smart seat belt buckles

Illuminated belt buckles are nothing new. The Audi A6 and Saab 9000 are just two examples of cars with lights in the buckles. Skoda’s patent is for an LED system indicating the status of the belt buckle at all times. White for when there’s nobody in the passenger seat, then red when the seat senses the presence of a person. Once engaged, the LED changes to green and then back to white. You can even programme it to have an animated welcome sequence.

Overhead USB port

Several of the latest Skodas are available with an optional USB-C port in the overhead console above the rear-view mirror. It’s ideal for dashcams and sat navs, and eliminates the need for wires trailing from the windscreen to the centre console.

Integrated funnel in lid of windscreen washer tank

Without wishing to state the obvious, what’s great about so many of these features is how simple and clever they are. Like the rubber lid for the washer fluid bottle, which turns into a funnel when opened, making it easier to top up the fluid.

Umbrella compartment

The Skoda umbrella dates back to the first Superb model of 1934. It returned to the reincarnated Superb in 2001, and has been providing shelter from the rain ever since. The water-resistant umbrella compartments are found in either the front doors or under the passenger seat. Still want that Rolls-Royce?

Ticket holder

We should point out that not all of these Simply Clever features are reserved for Skoda models. Others, like the ticket holder, can be found in rival cars. It’s just that Skoda has cornered the market when it comes to practical solutions. The ticket holder clips to the side of the windscreen to provide a handy place for parking tickets and passes. Heck, you could even stick a photo of Vernon Kay in the holder.

AdBlue filler tube

The new Skoda Octavia feels like a huge step forward for the popular hatchback and estate car. It’s bigger, safer and more efficient than its predecessor, and represents tremendous value for money. One of its Simply Clever features is an AdBlue filler tube which allows for refilling using a lorry pump.

Door-edge protection

Ford owners will be screaming at their screens saying that they’ve been enjoying this benefit for years. Quite right, but this isn’t a list of Skoda innovations – it’s a run through of some of the best Simply Clever features. The plastics are spring-loaded, so they flip out to prevent scratches on your car and the vehicle parked next to you. Park next to a Ford Focus for a battle of door-edge protectors before dawn.

Easy open cup holder

This one is good. The cupholder in the centre console is designed to lock a bottle in place, so you can open or close it with one hand while driving.

Multimedia holder

Keyless start is great, but finding a place for the, er… key, is always a conundrum. Coat, cupholder, door pocket, passenger seat or that slot at the base of the centre console? The multimedia holder provides a place for your key, smartphone and a couple of coins. No more searching for your smartphone under the seat after taking a roundabout with a little too much enthusiasm.

Tablet holder

This tablet holder can be attached to the front head restraints or to the rear armrest in selected Skoda models. It’s perfect for when you need to discover why Scottsdale is the perfect desert destination.

Sleep Package

Tired of reading about Scottsdale? The Skoda Sleep Package features head restraints with adjustable sides and a snug blanket. Cuddly Igglepiggle available separately. Probably.

Double-sided boot liner

A double-sided boot liner is almost a must-have accessory for a dog owner or anyone fond of walks in the British countryside. One side is easily washable, while the other side is covered in textile carpeting.

Removable torch in the boot

A removable torch is commonplace in a lot of new cars. In a Skoda, the LED torch features a magnet, so it can be attached to the car’s body. Alternatively, you could stick it to your fridge.

Flexible storage compartment

‘A flexible compartment in the boot will keep anything in place, even a ball – no matter how round or fidgety it is,’ says Skoda. Does that include a really small dog? Don’t try this at home.

Net on the underside of the parcel shelf

When you think about it, the underside of the parcel shelf is wasted space. It could be used for storing lightweight objects such as an umbrella or clothing. Possibly a large picture of Vernon Kay’s face, which will make people jump at the click and collect door.

Electric tailgate with tip-to-close function

This is one to file under ‘first world problems’, but it can be difficult to locate the close button when you’re using an electric tailgate at night. With Skoda’s Tip-to-Close function, it can also be closed by lightly pulling on the tailgate. Simple. And clever.

Waste bin in the door trim

The little waste bin clips onto the side of the passenger door storage pocket. Skoda says it can be used for apple cores, sweet wrappers and paper tissues. Other waste is available.

High-vis vest holders

It’s not a legal requirement within the UK, but a high-vis vest must be carried in many European countries. Skoda provides the holder, leaving you to provide the vest.

Folding backrest of the front passenger seat

Have you ever struggled to carry a giraffe sculpture home from an antique shop? Or maybe a pair of stilts? The backrest of the front passenger seat folds down for this very purpose. Make sure your passenger is happy to catch the bus.

Bag hooks

Hooks are great when you want to stop a shopping bag from toppling over on the way back from the shops. The top tether anchor points can be turned into a hook when the Isofix points aren’t required.

Multifunction storage pocket

The multifunction storage pocket underneath the load cover is ideal for coats, jackets and umbrellas. As also found in the Renault Clio Baccara.

Removable ski bag

This one’s a bit niche, especially in the UK, but the removable ski bag protects your skis from being scratched. Or you could look really cool by putting the skis on the roof.

Button-operated folding of rear backrest

Being able to fold the rear backrests from the boot is one of those features you’ll appreciate over time. It’s just… easier.

Jumbo Box

As much as we’d like to report that the Jumbo Box is designed for carrying elephants, it’s actually a storage compartment located in the adjustable armrest. Depending on the model, it can be equipped with cooling, a tablet holder or a card holder.