Colin, did you get a chance to measure the boot of an estate ?

If it helps, a couple of German video reviewers (Ausfahrt and Autogefühl) have made actual measurements for the Estate loading area...

Exactly 1.00 metres wide between wheel arches (which intrude slightly into the load area)

1.70 metres to the (bottom of) rear seat

1.77 to 2.00 metres to front seat (pending driver's seat position)

3.00 metres to dashboard (or 3.10 metres measured diagonally) if passenger seat folded (if you've got the electric passenger seat, Ausfahrt says if you remove the headrest, with the seat slid forward, you can put the seat-back as far back as it will go to get the room - Autogefühl says you can't use the space but he only moved the seat-back forward, it obviously didn't occur to him to move it backwards)

Neither of them physically measured the height.

If it helps, a couple of German video reviewers (Ausfahrt and Autogefühl) have made actual measurements for the Estate loading area...

Exactly 1.00 metres wide between wheel arches (which intrude slightly into the load area)

1.70 metres to the (bottom of) rear seat

1.77 to 2.00 metres to front seat (pending driver's seat position)

3.00 metres to dashboard (or 3.10 metres measured diagonally) if passenger seat folded (if you've got the electric passenger seat, Ausfahrt says if you remove the headrest, with the seat slid forward, you can put the seat-back as far back as it will go to get the room - Autogefühl says you can't use the space but he only moved the seat-back forward, it obviously didn't occur to him to move it backwards)

Neither of them physically measured the height.

Thanks for that - a couple of measurements there I can use to compare against our Mk4 Mondeo estate.

 

Do you have links to the German video reviews ?

 

Cheers

I didn't get to measure the estate, it's big though! However I can say it's a full sized spare wheel well. The floor however does have the annoying step in it, if an issue, a bit of wood chamfered or the variable boot floor system solves. The rear side quarters house two storage units around 20l each, bigger than mkII I think, big enough for a small laptop bag.

OK thanks. Did you manage to get any photos of the estate load area ?

Do you have links to the German video reviews ?

They've been posted elsewhere in the S3 forum, but here's the links....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftc1kYTt83g (in German)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky793NS2gEQ (in English)

This is the Ausfahrt TV one in English. Jump to 33:50 for boot measurements. BillyJim misquoted the length from the end of the boot to the rear seats - this is 107cm (not 170).

 

Edited 27 July, 201510 yr by l4wrence

Thanks for that, very useful.

 

The Superb's boot is 14cm narrower than the Mk4 Mondeo Estate, and about the same front-to-back.

So presumably to get the large increase in volume must mean it's much deeper (vertically). Unfortunately that's the only measurement I've not got yet.

 

Does anyone know if the estate's quoted boot volume (with rear seats up, ie 660 litres) is measured up to the height of the load cover, or up to the roof ?

Thanks for that, very useful.

 

The Superb's boot is 14cm narrower than the Mk4 Mondeo Estate, and about the same front-to-back.

So presumably to get the large increase in volume must mean it's much deeper (vertically). Unfortunately that's the only measurement I've not got yet.

 

Does anyone know if the estate's quoted boot volume (with rear seats up, ie 660 litres) is measured up to the height of the load cover, or up to the roof ?

I don't think that boot volume is so important, unless you carry ping-pong balls, it's the floor measurements that are crucial. (IMVHO)

 

Maybe you should try &  park a new Mondeo estate alongside a new Superb Estate as & when possible.

I did just that with our Mondeo Mk. 3 before buying the Superb, & that's  when I chose a twin-door & kept the Mondeo!

 

I used to have very specific requirements re. load bays, IE a manual wheelchair + an electric mobility scooter,  luggage  & a small dog, & we used to

take all the toot in our current vehicle to the showroom  &  load-up the potential next car.  (Used to take old blankets with us protect their shiny new car, of course!)

 

Never a problem with the dealers, we were using Motability 3-year contract hire back then & they all realized that we needed to make the correct choice before signing a new 3 year contract.

 

FWIW, that resulted in us running 5 Mondeo Estates (a Mk 1, a Mk 2 & 3 Mk 3's), punctuated by an '04 V70. (Mistake...)

 

The strength of the Mondeo was always the extra space between the rear wheel-arches, (44" in a Mk 3), made possible by unique short / long arm rear suspension, (rather than the struts in the Hatch-backs), 1st developed by Ford in the USA the Taurus wagon & used in Europe for the Mondeo + the X-type Jags.

 

My needs have changed now, my disabled wife has passed away &  I'm  now looking for a decent-sized car for touring holidays, & if I choose an estate next time it will be  'cos it's a bit more useful, or is just better-looking!  

 

DC

If it helps, a couple of German video reviewers (Ausfahrt and Autogefühl) have made actual measurements for the Estate loading area...

Exactly 1.00 metres wide between wheel arches (which intrude slightly into the load area)

1.70 metres to the (bottom of) rear seat

1.77 to 2.00 metres to front seat (pending driver's seat position)

3.00 metres to dashboard (or 3.10 metres measured diagonally) if passenger seat folded (if you've got the electric passenger seat, Ausfahrt says if you remove the headrest, with the seat slid forward, you can put the seat-back as far back as it will go to get the room - Autogefühl says you can't use the space but he only moved the seat-back forward, it obviously didn't occur to him to move it backwards)

Neither of them physically measured the height.

 

In a spanish web, km77.com, they measured the Combi boot:

 

Width: 1.01 m

Depth: 1.17 m

Height: 49 cm

 

Same width and height than the previous combi model, only the depth is greater, changing from 1.12 to 1.17 metres.

In a spanish web, km77.com, they measured the Combi boot:

 

Width: 1.01 m

Depth: 1.17 m

Height: 49 cm

 

Same width and height than the previous combi model, only the depth is greater, changing from 1.12 to 1.17 metres.

Thanks. Will get back out with the tape measure tonight.

 

 

I don't think that boot volume is so important, unless you carry ping-pong balls, it's the floor measurements that are crucial. (IMVHO)

Guess it depends what you're putting in there. When we go off on family camping hols, it's mainly smaller sized items - boxes, bags, etc - and loading up is a game of "luggage tetris" - fitting everything in to maximise every last bit of space. And doing the same in the roofbox... So an increase in overall volume would be very useful and is one of the main reasons I'm looking at the Superb.

 

So far though, the width is a fair bit narrower than the Mk4 Mondeo estate, and front to back is more or less the same. 

So either the vertical measurement to the loadcover must be significantly bigger on the Superb, or I've misinterpreted the figures somehow...

Hi Colin, know you're flat out - really excited to read this review when you get a chance  

Hi,

 

 

Just like to ask if the Instrument binical is different in the L & K  to other models?

 

The colour on the speedo and tacho looks different, IMHO I think the whit on black looks better.

 

What do members think?

 

Mayoboat

 

Hi Colin - any thoughts on when you may be able to get the pics up ?

Press pics are in the gallery.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/gallery/category/20-superb-mk-iii/

 

 

Been set back by life events, was hoping to have a few answers from Skoda too on odds and ends, will roll what I have soon enough.

Hi Colin,

 

My two queries are in relation to the infotainment system.

 

If possible could you establish

1) If the SUK L&K spec has the rear centre console USB/12v/230v (under a flap) or just the pull-out storage drawer with 12v.

        [Neither the configurator nor the current brochure make mention of this but both variations are shown in the UK pdf user manual]

2) Does the Media Command option include the Tablet headrest/armrest holder or is it a dealer provided accessory.

 

In any event enjoy your visit.

 

Thanks, BillyJim.

 

I've had a response from Škoda UK regarding question (1). The rear console USB/12v/230v is not available for the UK market. 

I've had a response from Škoda UK regarding question (1). The rear console USB/12v/230v is not available for the UK market.

That's poor, was really hoping that would be included

That's mad ! I wonder why not ?

What about the iPad holder for the rear armrest ? If that's not available then I'll be thinking about buying something else... Properly annoyed that the power sockets are missing for the UK ...

I've had a response from Škoda UK regarding question (1). The rear console USB/12v/230v is not available for the UK market. 

 

Not even a 12v socket?

 

USB/230v isn't a big deal but 12v is.

Not even a 12v socket?

USB/230v isn't a big deal but 12v is.

Agreed, crazy if don't even get a 12v in back or USB especially if they are promoting the ipad holder and ipad apps like command

That's mad ! I wonder why not ?

It's possible that European 2/3 pin mains sockets can't be sold in the UK? 

 

(Don't confirm to UK safety standards?)

 

DC

I will take photo's of the one I have to show what is or is not there.

What about the iPad holder for the rear armrest ? If that's not available then I'll be thinking about buying something else... Properly annoyed that the power sockets are missing for the UK ...

 

I've had no clarification as to whether or not this is included as part of the Media Command option, but as it's listed as a €24.95 accessory in the German accessories catalogue I'm guessing we'll have to buy it as an accessory here too (although I'm quietly hoping it's listed there in case you lose/break the supplied one).

 

Not even a 12v socket?

 

USB/230v isn't a big deal but 12v is.

 

Agreed, crazy if don't even get a 12v in back or USB especially if they are promoting the ipad holder and ipad apps like command

 

I think I've inadvertently caused confusion. I was referring solely to a single panel under a flap that houses a 12 volt socket, a 230 volt "euro" two-pin socket, and a USB socket linked to the infotainment system. What I was trying to inform you is that this "single panel" is not available in the UK. The "standard" across the range is a 12v socket in a small storage drawer, the same as in the Superb II. (see pics below)

 

230v - Not a big issue for me, but would have been handy for charging my laptop, camera batteries, etc. Ideal when I'm touring.

 

USB - This is my main annoyance. I currently have a 1TB HDD containing my entire music collection connected to the MDI in the centre console of my Superb II, which I'd hoped to connect in the rear of the Superb III. Now I'm limited to the single USB in the "phone box" so I need to rethink my strategy. I'm hoping the "Bluetooth+ phone box" I ordered is deep enough to accommodate both the hard drive and the iPhone but from what I've seen in the video reviews that doesn't look too promising.

 

I'm not usually one for modding my car (probably because I'm not Norwegian  ), but I think I'll be investigating the possibility of wiring in a second USB socket myself. Considering a 2nd USB input is natively supported on the new Columbus this shouldn't be too difficult. Which is all very well if you "own" the car but doesn't help if your on PCH or similar where you're not allowed to make any modifications.

 

It's possible that European 2/3 pin mains sockets can't be sold in the UK? 

 

(Don't confirm to UK safety standards?)

 

DC

 

I think you may be right. Being the sad fact-hunter I am I did a little research...

 

UK power sockets/plugs for domestic mains voltage need to comply with BS 1363 (UK standard "13 amp" 3-pin) or BS 4573 (the 0.2 amp "shaver socket" which looks like a euro socket but the pins are closer together). There is an allowance in BS EN 50075 for the "euro" plug but this applies to the plug only and not the socket.

 

Probably more relevant if you look at the size of the panel in my post above, I doubt you could fit a 3-pin socket in the space available.

Shame the 12V socket is now in a flap rather than just in the middle of the rear console. I currently have a switched 12v plug in the MkII's socket there which runs as discreetly as possible to a 4x12v splitter under the passenger seat, which in turn supports 3xTomTom USB charging adapters, allowing a 5v feed for each of two phones and a road angel. At the start/end of each (long) journey I just reach behind and flip the switch on/off. In the past I've also considered wiring something from the 12v socket in the boot. 

 

Not wanting to have the same hassle in the MkIII, I'm now seriously considering using rechargeable external batteries with USB charging ports on them rather than a hardwired solution. This would probably work better with the phone box as well.

 

Pity there isn't going to be a USB socket in the front bin, especially given it's got the storage space for an ipad in there!

I forgot to give you this answer. It was something we ( product and sales ) managers discussed over lunch, no-one knew why. Although they had asked for it when lining up the specs of the car.

 

So IIRC, each market ( UK, France etc ) has a product team, the team pull out all the things they can have and build specs to suit market/demand. They ask for x,y &z, but cannot always get so there is a period of negotiation to derive a working spec.

 

I agree the lack of a rear power socket in 2015 for a car aimed at besides solo exec's on the M1 family's is bonkers. The plus is it's not that far to make your own wiring from the fuse box under the trim panels.  So it should not be a barrier, heck I put a inverter in the old mk1 octy boot for a pc, ran power, audio and video lines down the side trims to a touch screen. Then some clever people invented big dash console media things The concern should be going forward is current draw, devices are getting hungrier and daisy chaining lets say 4 ipads of 1x12v socket might lead to issues, iirc an ipad is 2A... plus your phones