The secret door hack accessory every car should have as standard
If you are a Skoda or Rolls-Royce owner, you have more in common with each other than you’d think. It’s all in the doors…Have you ever arrived at your destination only to be caught out for not having an umbrella in your car? And if you do have one, it’s all the way in the boot which requires you to get drenched for up to 30 seconds? Well if you had a Rolls-Royce or Skoda, that predicament could have been avoided. Both brands offer their drivers an umbrella which is cleverly stored inside the door cavity. Something so simple, it makes you wonder why other car brands haven't tried to emulate it.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom was the first model of the uber-luxurious car brand to offer an umbrella hidden in the doors as standard. A novel idea for a car that has everything you’d expect for an astronomical price. The umbrella features an inlaid “RR” logo on its handle and is only accessible when the doors are open. The umbrella removes itself from inside the front fender at the push of a button.
Since the launch of the Phantom in 2003, the in-door umbrella has become a standard feature for all new Rolls-Royce models. The factory-supplied umbrellas are Teflon coated so they and the compartment in which they are stored, dry out faster and don't develop a mould problem. There are also air vents in the door compartment which pushes warm air from the engine through, drying out any remaining water. While they are fitted as standard equipment, you can also purchase the high-quality brolly for yourself, they cost around $700 to buy separately but come in a range of delightful colours.
Almost all Skoda vehicles have come equipped with umbrellas as standard or as an optional extra for over 10 years. The umbrella has had its own compartment inside most models for just as long, whether that be in the door cavity or under the seat. The handy integrated door device made its first appearance in the first new-generation Superb in 2001.
Complete with a drain so the umbrella can be stowed even when wet, it can be found in the front door compartments of several other models include Kodiaq and Scala. It may not be as flash and artistically designed as the Rolls-Royce version, but it is still is a great little feature.
Something as simple and easy as an inbuilt umbrella holder should be available in more cars! Forget custom boot organisers, supersized cup holders and seat coolers. Give the people what they really need, in-door umbrella compartments!
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