Probably a daft question, but does anyone know if there is an aftermarket aerial replacement for the standard issue one found on the MK II ?

I'm looking for something smaller than the OEM fitted one, preferably without compromising on signal quality. Something similar to a handheld radio aerial would be ideal.

I spoke to my local dealer, but they aren't aware of any standard issue Skoda part.

All I can think of is to either cut the original down, or go to an ICE shop for a universal replacement, but I know they aren't cheap.

I don't really want to cut the original down, a) in case I decide to sell the car and need to replace it to OEM, and as I'm sure the reason for the long flappy bit with the wire wrapped round is to improve the signal reception.

The "rubber duck" aerials on Handheld radios incorporate a signal booster, which is why they can be as small as they are. Might see if I can find a CB shop near me, and ask if they have anything with the appropriate sized thread on it. Either that, or a trip to Maplins/RS may be in order.

Beware, if they are like the ones on the MK1 model they don't come off easily, there is a method but I've never been able to do it.

I know, but the MK II is a different design. Just unscrews straight off. Prevents that "oops, I didn't drop it down far enough for the car wash" moment

interesting point for you here...

we have a passat and an A6 - both similar ages. the passat has a near identical aerial to the superb II and the audi has one that is hidden inside the pillar. Whilst the Audi is more aesthetically pleasing and you dont have to take it off when you go in the car wash the reception is inferior. Where i work is a bit of a low signal area for radio 2. the passat is reasonble the audi is unlistenable. i reckon the simple and funcional aerial on the passat is the reason. I accept the head unit could make a difference but i am using the OEM units fitted in the cars.

the superb aerial might look a bit clumbersome but i bet it works well !

I'm personally of the view that the aerial is one of the ugliest things on the new Superb - why on earth is it so BIIIG!!

Couldn't they have followed the Saab / BMW route of the sharks fin affair, or better still, hidden it in the pillar or windscreen.

I think it really draws your eye to it as it is.

Would love to find a smaller one

(nb - from my limited knowledge of how aerials work, you can't simply "chop it in half" - the aerial inside the thing, whether coiled, or straight, will probably be of an optimum length and positioning)

the shark fin is for the bluetooth and / or GPS. if you look at the new superb it also has a shark fin in front of the radio aerial.

i agree that it is large but then you cant see it when you are driving listening to your clear radio reception !!

erm, the Saab I had certainly used the fin for mobile phone, but garage confirmed it was also the radio aerial.

erm, the Saab I had certainly used the fin for mobile phone, but garage confirmed it was also the radio aerial.

really ! i didnt realise that.

we had a shark fin on the A6 and i was told this was for bluetooth / phone. if it is body coloured then its for GPS as well. radio aerial in the pillar. i guess they all do it differently

but granted, the radio reception in the Saab was woeful.

Still think the Superb aerial is ugly though

but granted, the radio reception in the Saab was woeful.

Still think the Superb aerial is ugly though

another example of form over function then !!

i'll stick with the one that works but might look a bit odd (sums up the superb II doenst it !! even though i have bought one i agree there are better looking cars out there - but they are rubbish to drive and live with !)

i'll stick with the one that works but might look a bit odd (sums up the superb II doenst it !!

I totally agree with you - same was my reason to go for Superb II The elegance of Superb II lies in its function (comfort, space) than form.

Ugly it may be, but it's part of a very sensitive dual diversity antenna system, which works extremely well.

The Superb has far superior radio reception to any other car I've had. In places where my reception used to drop out in the Octy, I get a perfect signal in the Superb.

If you value good radio reception, then I'd leave it alone.

Bagpuss.

Ugly it may be, but it's part of a very sensitive dual diversity antenna system, which works extremely well.

The Superb has far superior radio reception to any other car I've had. In places where my reception used to drop out in the Octy, I get a perfect signal in the Superb.

If you value good radio reception, then I'd leave it alone.

Bagpuss.

knew you would be along with a techie explanation

"if it aint broke dont fix it" is what i say !

I had a similar need for my daughters MX5. I found some shorter options I think Richbrook make them, it was a while back so I don't have the exact detail. There were a lot of options on e-bay. I think many of these have an M5 thread. Maybe it's the same fixing?

funny I didn't even notice the aerial until I read these posts I assumed (and I took an hours test drive and have been in the showroom three times) it was a shark fin. "I think its the does my bum look big in this?" syndrome thats making you think about it..lol :-)

Ugly it may be, but it's part of a very sensitive dual diversity antenna system, which works extremely well.

The Superb has far superior radio reception to any other car I've had. In places where my reception used to drop out in the Octy, I get a perfect signal in the Superb.

If you value good radio reception, then I'd leave it alone.

Bagpuss.

Well, never one to listen to advice without trying it first (yes, I was the child that would jump off the roof if told not to), I went into Halfords today, and bought a replacement aerial. After umm'ing and ahh'ing about colour, style, etc etc I opted for the Ripspeed Aluminium Aerial Kit (Item Code : 827469) in black for £12.99.

It comes with 2 thread bolts and 3 aerial sizes and I used the standard thread, and the smallest aerial. Piece of cake to install, took less than 5 mins, even with the messing about trying to decide which size aerial I liked best.

Have since tested radio reception (AM & FM) and so far it seems perfect with no obvious signs of drop out or signal loss. Will try it on a run tonight, and see if there are any problems then.

GPS wise, I get the same number of satelites as I did pre changeover, so am assuming the receiver is in the main shark fin rather than anything to do with the aerial.

Before someone comments, I haven't taken pics as it's too dark, but I intend at some point to add some photos to my profile anyway. Hopefully will get that done this weekend.

Overall, very pleased with the result. Looks far less like a CB aerial stuck on the back of a hearse now

Overall, very pleased with the result. Looks far less like a CB aerial stuck on the back of a hearse now

well, if you would buy a black car.....

and has your camera not got a flash ? LOL

and has your camera not got a flash ? LOL

Nah, the cars now in stealth mode. Camera can't see it except in daylight.....

Pics below. When it stops raining, I'll take some decent ones.

The inside shot was the only clear way I could show the rear glass tint (95% limo), as with the rain and the time of day I took the pics, it just reflected everything back.

Glad you got the aerial how you wanted it. As long as it works okay, then no worries.

As for the tints, OMFG! Your passengers must need night vision goggles if they are sitting in the back.

I think that's a tint too far, at least for me.

Bagpuss.

Glad you got the aerial how you wanted it. As long as it works okay, then no worries.

As for the tints, OMFG! Your passengers must need night vision goggles if they are sitting in the back.

I think that's a tint too far, at least for me.

Bagpuss.

Thanks for the techie advice though. Made me do some more research before I simply went out and bought a.n.other aerial

Tint wise, last car I had was with 80% rear, and (IMO) it wasn't dark enough. People could still see what was in the back, and I've had windows done before when there was just random rubbish sat on the back seat. The darker tint is to deter more than anything, as the glass is now virtually unbreakable and will take about 20 mins with a sledgehammer to get through (the tint is bonded to the glass, and not just a stick on film). If it does break (ie, in an accident) it pushes out from the inside in one piece and there's no bits of glass to spray inwards.

Thanks for the techie advice though. Made me do some more research before I simply went out and bought a.n.other aerial

Tint wise, last car I had was with 80% rear, and (IMO) it wasn't dark enough. People could still see what was in the back, and I've had windows done before when there was just random rubbish sat on the back seat. The darker tint is to deter more than anything, as the glass is now virtually unbreakable and will take about 20 mins with a sledgehammer to get through (the tint is bonded to the glass, and not just a stick on film). If it does break (ie, in an accident) it pushes out from the inside in one piece and there's no bits of glass to spray inwards.

Totally understand the security aspect. If you live in an area where this is a problem, then it makes total sense. I guess I'm pretty lucky that I live in a place where that kind of thing rarely happens.

In any event, I still don't leave anything on show in the car. I always put stuff in the boot when I'm parked. Too many of my colleagues have lost laptops/satnavs etc. for me to take the risk.

One thing I really miss on the new Superb is the ability to lock the rear seats in place. My old model Superb had a key lock on each of the seat releases, so you could stop people getting in to the boot if they've managed to get inside the car.

Bagpuss.