SUMMER holidays, weekend trips and outdoor activities often call for extra storage space, charging options and practical everyday solutions.

Skoda's brand-defining Simply Clever features provide a wide range of useful functions across the model range, reflecting the brand's customer-centric approach.

The portfolio continues to expand as electric mobility develops, with new additions including Vehicle-to-Load, Camp Mode and wellbeing functions for the all-new Skoda Peaq.

Among Skoda's hallmarks, Simply Clever features are designed to make everyday driving and longer journeys easier. They are especially useful in summer, when owners often carry more luggage and equipment for holidays, day trips and outdoor activities.

Bottle holders in the doors of current Skoda models can accommodate bottles of up to 1.5 litres. Depending on the model, rear passengers can store 1.5-litre, one-litre or 0.5-litre bottles. Additional storage in the rear tunnel and a waste bin in the door pocket help keep the interior tidy. The Easy Open cupholder in the centre console holds a 0.5-litre PET bottle in place, allowing it to be opened with one hand.

Depending on the specification, Skoda vehicles offer up to four USB-C ports with outputs of up to 45 W for charging phones, tablets, headphones and power banks. The ventilated Phone Box helps prevent phones from overheating during wireless charging and is available depending on the model. In the Kodiaq and Peaq, the driver and front passenger can charge their phones wirelessly at the same time.

The umbrella stored in the driver's door - and, in some models, also in the front passenger door - remains one of Skoda's best-known Simply Clever features. It is kept securely stowed and within easy reach. The MySkoda app also includes an AI-based trip planner to make planning journeys simpler.

Rear-seat passengers benefit from storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, with dedicated space for items such as a phone, book, tablet or headphones. Additional USB-C ports are also available. In the Octavia and Superb, the Sleep Package provides extra comfort on longer journeys.

The net programme, bag hooks and Cargo elements help keep items securely in place in the boot. Bags can be hung from hooks, while smaller items can be held in nets or secured with Cargo elements. Compartments for warning vests in the door panels keep this safety equipment close at hand.

As electric mobility develops, Skoda continues to expand its range of Simply Clever solutions and has enabled new ways to use energy and improve comfort on board.Bidirectional charging is one of the new additions to Skoda's electric models for the current model year. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) uses energy from the traction battery to power external electrical devices, either through a 230 V socket in the boot or via an adapter from Skoda Genuine Accessories connected to the vehicle's charging socket. This allows users to charge phones, laptops, cameras and power banks, as well as devices such as travel kettles and e-bikes.

Camp Mode is designed for occasional overnight stays in the vehicle. Once activated through the MySkoda app, it maintains the selected interior temperature throughout the night and provides a continuous supply of fresh air. It requires a battery charge of at least 30%, a 12 V starter battery in good condition and a stable internet connection.

Available as an option for the all-new Peaq, the Relax Package makes its debut in the Skoda range and turns the vehicle into a comfortable place to relax during long journeys, charging stops and other breaks. It includes electrically adjustable, heated AGR-certified seats with a massage function, electrically adjustable ergonomic leg rests and, in Suite interiors, seat ventilation. The package also includes a premium Sonos sound system and a Wellbeing app with six modes, including options for relaxation, stretching and re-energising. Depending on the selected mode, the app adjusts the climate control, ambient lighting and seat massage functions. Other comfort features include cushions on the front head restraints and a foldable table in the centre console.

In the seven-seater version of the Peaq, the roller boot cover can be stored under the bonnet when the third row of seats is in use. The front storage compartment also provides space for charging cables and a charging-cable cleaner, which helps to keep the boot organised and charging equipment separate from personal belongings.

The availability of individual features varies by model, equipment and market.