We'd like to think that if Jay-Z were a start-up artist in Europe, not a millionaire, he would have used a Skoda Superb to shoot the video for Rihanna's Umbrella. Why? Because like a Rolls-Royce, the Czech sedan has umbrellas in the doors.
This smart storage solution is the major highlight of the marketing campaign for the all-new Superb sedan that's being launched right now. We have to admit that Skoda engineers are on to something, as most people carry an umbrella with them in the car, but it's not easily accessible.
The previous Superb had umbrellas too, but it didn't have all the other clever solutions. There are 29 of them in total and most aren't available on other cars. For example, if you have your hands full, the cargo hatch can be opened by sliding your foot under the boot. This feature is likewise available on some Ford or Kia models, for example.
Skoda has also invented a bottle holder that allows you to unscrew the top with just one hand. So if you're on the highway and there's no place to stop, you won't die of thirst.
The car is also packed with safety features, including Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Smart Light Assist and Front Assist with integrated City Emergency Brake.
Built around the same MQB platform as the Passat B8, Skoda's flagship is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. State-of-the-art EU6 engines deliver up to 30 per cent less consumption to the model range, but the GreenLine model will be the most frugal yet with only 95 g CO2 emitted.
Is the trunk big? Yes, massive in fact. The rear bench can be folded flat from the trunk, plus the passenger seat can be folded down too. In addition, the 2015 Superb has new storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats, cargo fasteners to secure loose objects in the boot, a removable LED torch in the boot and misfuel protection.
The previous Superb had umbrellas too, but it didn't have all the other clever solutions. There are 29 of them in total and most aren't available on other cars. For example, if you have your hands full, the cargo hatch can be opened by sliding your foot under the boot. This feature is likewise available on some Ford or Kia models, for example.
Skoda has also invented a bottle holder that allows you to unscrew the top with just one hand. So if you're on the highway and there's no place to stop, you won't die of thirst.
The car is also packed with safety features, including Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Smart Light Assist and Front Assist with integrated City Emergency Brake.
Built around the same MQB platform as the Passat B8, Skoda's flagship is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. State-of-the-art EU6 engines deliver up to 30 per cent less consumption to the model range, but the GreenLine model will be the most frugal yet with only 95 g CO2 emitted.
Is the trunk big? Yes, massive in fact. The rear bench can be folded flat from the trunk, plus the passenger seat can be folded down too. In addition, the 2015 Superb has new storage nets on the inside edges of the front seats, cargo fasteners to secure loose objects in the boot, a removable LED torch in the boot and misfuel protection.