Škoda A7 (Superb 3) interior: what you need to know before buying

Car Škoda Superb third generation (internal designation A7) has become a real bestseller on the business sedan market thanks to the combination of a spacious interior, premium materials and Czech practicality. The interior of this model is a key trump card, which often becomes the decisive argument when choosing between German competitors. But what exactly makes the interior Superb A7 so special?

In this article we will look at all the nuances of the Škoda A7 interior: from the quality of plastic and the ergonomics of the seats to the hidden functions of the multimedia system and typical “illnesses” after 100,000 km. You will find out what configurations are offered genuine Nappa leather with heating and ventilation even for rear passengers, how to properly set climate control for maximum comfort, and why owners often complain about cabin noise at high speeds. Also, let’s compare the salon Superb A7 with Audi A6 C7 and Volkswagen Passat B8 according to 10 key parameters.

1. Finishing materials: what is hidden under “premium”?

The first thing that catches your eye when landing in Škoda Superb A7 - this is combination of soft-touch plastics with metal inserts and wooden panels (in top versions). However, not everything is as perfect as it seems at the exhibition in the salon.

Basic configurations (Ambition and Active) get hard plastic on the bottom of the doors and center console, which begins to creak after 2-3 years of operation. And here are the versions Style and Laurin & Klement can boast:

• 🧼 Genuine Nappa leather with perforations on the seats (optional for front and rear seats)
• 🌲 Wooden inserts made of walnut or aluminum decorative elements (depending on the package)
• 🔳 Soft ceiling lining (instead of hard plastic in budget versions)
• 🎨 Interior lighting with a choice of 10 colors (including dynamic modes)

Please note build quality: Early releases (2015-2017) often had problems with gearshift knob play and plastic panels rattling on bumps. After facelift in 2019, these shortcomings were practically eliminated.

⚠️ Attention: If you are considering a used one Superb A7 until 2018, be sure to check the condition of the plastic around the gearbox lever - replacing it will cost 15,000–20,000 rubles.

2. Ergonomics and landing: convenience for the driver and passengers

One of the main advantages Superb A7 - this is spacious salon with a sawed-off rear sofa, which makes the car comfortable even for passengers taller than 190 cm. But there are also pitfalls.

The driver's seat in top trim levels is equipped with:

• 🪑 12-position electrical adjustment (including lumbar support)
• 🔥 Heating and ventilation (optional)
• 📏 Setting memory for 3 drivers
• 🚗 Electrically adjustable steering wheel for reach and tilt

However, owners often note that lateral support of the seats is insufficient For aggressive driving, this is not a sports car, but a family sedan. And also: in basic versions, the steering wheel is only mechanically adjustable, which can cause discomfort on long trips.

Interesting fact: in Superb A7 the rear sofa can be moved to 16 cm forward or backward, which allows you to either increase legroom or expand the trunk to 660 liters (vs standard 625 l).

3. Multimedia system: Columbus vs Amundsen

B Škoda Superb A7 installed two main multimedia systems: Columbus (9.2-inch screen with navigation) and Amundsen (6.5-inch without navigation). The difference between them is not only in the diagonal.

Columbus offers:

• 🗺️ Built-in navigation with offline maps (updated via SD card)
• 📱 Support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (since 2017 - wireless)
• 🎵 10-column audio system Canton (optional)
• 📟 Voice control (recognizes commands in Russian since 2018)

But Amundsen - this is a stripped-down version without navigation, but with the ability to connect a smartphone via MirrorLink. Its main disadvantage is slow processor, due to which the system sometimes freezes when switching between menus.

Updating the multimedia firmware can officially only be done at a dealership (costs ~8,000 rubles), but enthusiasts install unofficial firmware through USB with expanded functionality (for example, adding YouTube or Torque Pro for diagnostics).

⚠️ Attention: When installing unofficial firmware, the warranty for the multimedia system is lost, and the rear view camera and climate control may also stop working.

Format the USB drive to FAT32|Download the firmware from the official Škoda website|Turn off the ignition before connecting the flash drive|Do not remove the USB until the process is complete (15-20 minutes)|Check the operation of the camera and sensors after the update-->

4. Climate control: how to set the ideal microclimate

Superb A7 equipped three-zone climate control (in top versions) or dual-zone (in basic versions). The system allows you to separately regulate the temperature for the driver, front passenger and rear seats. But there are nuances.

To avoid common problems:

1. 🌡️ Set the temperature no lower 20°C — at lower values, the system begins to blow cold air even in AUTO.
2. 💨 Use the mode AirCare (available since 2018) to purify the air from dust and allergens.
3. 🔄 Once a month, turn on the air conditioner for 10 minutes in winter to prevent the seals from drying out.

Typical owner complaints:

• 🔊 Fan noise at maximum speed (solved by replacing the cabin filter)
• 💧 Fogging of windows in the rain (turning on the windshield blower manually helps)
• ❄️ Long-term heating of the interior in winter (it is recommended to install a pre-heater)

Hidden function: if you press the buttons at the same time AUTO and DEF (window blowing), the system will go into mode maximum airflow for the feet — useful for quickly warming up the interior in cold weather.

5. Typical interior problems after 100,000 km

Despite the reliability, after 100,000–150,000 km in the salon Superb A7 “diseases” begin to appear, which are better to know about in advance.

Top 5 problems according to owner reviews:

1. 🔊 Plastic creaking on the center console and door panels (solved by treating with silicone grease or replacing the clips).
2. 🪑 Driver's seat sagging (usually in cars with mileage >120,000 km, requires replacement of springs).
3. 🎛️ Touch button failure on the steering wheel (especially the volume and call buttons).
4. 🚪 Glass rattling rear door when opening/closing (the guides need to be adjusted).
5. 💺 Wear of the armrest trim (in versions with leather trim).

The most expensive problem to repair is failure of the climate control control unit (cost of a new one ~40,000 rubles). First signs: the system stops responding to temperature settings or blows only cold/hot air.

⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the climate control has started to change temperature randomly, check the fuse F37 (10A) in the block under the hood. Replacing it will cost 50 rubles, and ignoring the problem can lead to failure of the entire unit.

6. Škoda A7 interior vs competitors: which is better?

Main competitors Superb A7 on the secondary market is Audi A6 C7, Volkswagen Passat B8 and Toyota Camry XV50. Let's compare them based on key interior parameters.

Conclusion: Superb A7 wins in terms of space and ergonomics, but loses Audi A6 in premium materials and sound insulation. Passat B8 cheaper to maintain, but its interior seems cramped after Superb. A Camry - the most reliable, but boring in terms of design.

7. How to choose a used Superb A7: checklist for the buyer

Upon purchase Superb A7 on the secondary market, pay attention to:

Check the play of the steering wheel (up to 5 mm is acceptable)|Make sure that all the buttons on the steering wheel work|Check the seat heating/ventilation (turn it to max mode)|Inspect the plastic on the center console for cracks|Check the operation of all windows (especially the rear ones - the mechanism often jams)|Start the climate control in AUTO mode and check if warm air is blowing from both sides|Look at the ceiling - no Are there any traces of a leak in the hatch-->

Additional tips:

• 🔍 Check VIN code on the website skoda-auto.ru/vin — there will be a maintenance history and recall campaigns.
• 📄 Ask for replacement receipts cabin filter (it needs to be changed every 15,000 km).
• 🔊 Turn on the music at maximum volume - if the speakers wheeze, they will need replacement (rear speakers especially often fail).

Cost of ownership Superb A7 Depends a lot on the configuration. For example, replacing leather seat upholstery will cost 50,000–80,000 rubles, and repair electric seats — in 20,000–30,000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Škoda A7 interior

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the button ESP OFF 10 seconds.
3. Quickly press the gas pedal all the way 3 times.
4. The display will show SPORT MODE ACTIVATED.