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Discover the Unexpected: Car Manufacturers’ Hidden Quirks and Clever Features
Automotive manufacturers are known for incorporating surprising and inventive elements into their vehicle designs, ranging from discreet ice scrapers to specialized baguette compartments. Many drivers are just now realizing that a popular UK car brand has been secretly integrating an umbrella into its models, alongside a variety of other unexpectedly practical features.
Skoda: Masters of Concealed Convenience
Skoda, a prominent car brand with over 78,000 vehicles sold in 2024 according to industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, is particularly adept at concealing functional items. These hidden features are especially advantageous for motorists navigating unpredictable weather conditions.
Ingenious Ice Scraper
Most Skoda models feature a plastic ice scraper cleverly integrated within the fuel filler cap or boot door. This provides a readily accessible tool for clearing frost on chilly mornings.
Concealed Umbrella in Octavia and Superb
The Octavia and Superb models elevate practicality further by including a conveniently stowed umbrella within the driver’s side door pocket.
Social Media Buzz and Expert Opinions
A widely circulated social media video showcasing Skoda’s ingenious features, garnering significant attention with over 769,000 views, sparked considerable online discussion. One user commented, “This is how cars for everyday people should be designed. Well done Škoda!”
However, not all responses were entirely enthusiastic. Another user questioned the ice scraper’s placement, stating, “Hold up, so the ice scraper is in the fuel door. Isn’t the fuel door often one of the first areas to freeze over?”
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, a used car retailer, offered expert insight: “Many of us are unaware of the playful and thoughtful details built into our vehicles. These hidden features truly highlight the distinct character of different car brands – and some are genuinely clever and useful.”
Renault’s Baguette-Friendly Design
French automaker Renault has distinguished itself with an exceptionally unique feature that has captured public attention.
Dedicated Baguette Storage
With the relaunch of the Renault 5, the design team ingeniously replaced a conventional cupholder with a specialized compartment precisely designed for transporting a baguette fresh from the bakery. This quirky addition caters to the French tradition of daily baguette purchases.
Vauxhall’s Enduring Shark Motif
Vauxhall, a leading car brand in the UK market, incorporates a hidden shark into every model, a tradition spanning over two decades.
The Origin of the Hidden Shark
Sheehan explained the origin of this distinctive feature: “The shark tradition began when a glovebox designer was sketching a panel and his son playfully suggested adding a shark to the design.”
A Design That Endures
“This whimsical addition was so well-received by the designer’s supervisor that it was incorporated into that generation of the Corsa. Ever since, every Vauxhall vehicle includes a small shark discreetly placed somewhere within the cabin,” Sheehan added.