Salon Škoda Superb third generation (internal designation 3V/A8) is the pinnacle of the Czech automotive industry, combining German precision, Scandinavian minimalism and Slavic practicality. The model, released in 2015 and updated in 2019, still remains the standard of comfort in the segment D-class, ahead of many competitors in terms of space and equipment. But what exactly makes her salon so special?
In this article we will look at finishing materials, ergonomics of the driver's seat, multimedia systems (including rare options), as well as opening hidden interior functions that are not written about in official brochures. We will pay special attention to comparison with Volkswagen Passat B8 - a twin platform, but with a fundamentally different approach to the interior. If you are planning to buy a used one Superb A8 or just want to understand why taxi drivers and family drivers love this car so much, read on.
Design and materials: luxury or practicality?
Interior Škoda Superb A8 made in corporate style "Simply Clever" - no frills, but with an emphasis on functionality. Basic equipment Ambition offers fabric upholstery with faux leather inserts, while the top versions Style and Laurin & Klement boasts genuine leather Nappa with contrast stitching. It's interesting that Czech designers used asymmetrical lines on the center console - this visually “stretches” the interior, making it more spacious.
However, not everything is so smooth: the owners note that the plastic on the door panels and the lower part of the dashboard in the basic versions is too hard and creaky. But in top trim levels soft soft-touch plastic with anti-reflective coating - this significantly increases the perception of premium class. The wood finish stands out "Brushed Aluminium" or carbon (optional) - it looks expensive, but requires careful care.
- 🔹 Advantages of materials: wear-resistant leather in top versions, practical fabric in the base, scratch-resistant plastic in the steering wheel area.
- 🔸 Cons: squeaks of plastic in cold weather (typical of cars before 2018), light-colored panels that quickly get dirty, high cost of replacing upholstery.
- 🔶 Secret: In version
Laurin & Klementthe seats have ventilated perforation, which is almost invisible in the photo, but it saves you in the heat.
⚠️ Attention: If you are considering Superb A8 with mileage, check the condition of the leather seats for cracks - in the first batches (2015–2016), too hard leather was used, prone to cracking at low temperatures.
- Genuine leather
- Faux leather with stitching
- Fabric with inserts
- Alcantara
- Another option
Ergonomics of the driver's seat: convenience or compromise?
Driving Superb A8 you feel like business class: seat adjustments (including lumbar support in top versions) allow you to adjust the position to any height. However, there are nuances: the steering column is adjustable only for tilt, but not for reach - this can be inconvenient for drivers with a non-standard seating position. But the pedals are located ideally, taking into account ergonomics VW Group.
Deserves special attention multifunction steering wheel (in versions Style and higher) with heating and leather braid. It has duplicate control buttons for multimedia, cruise control and even Phonebox (wireless charging with signal amplification). But there's a catch here: in early versions, the buttons are made of glossy plastic, which wears off over time.
| Parameter | Škoda Superb A8 | Volkswagen Passat B8 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusting the steering wheel for reach | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (in top versions) |
| Heated steering wheel | ✅ Yes (optional) | ✅ Yes (optional) |
| Electric seat adjustment with memory | ✅ Yes (in Laurin & Klement) |
✅ Yes (in Highline) |
| Lumbar support | ✅ 4-speed (optional) | ✅ 2-speed (optional) |
Interesting fact: in Superb A8 used unique leg ventilation system — the air ducts are directed not only to the glass, but also under the front panel. This is especially valuable in winter, when the interior heats up faster than competitors.
If in your Superb A8 The plastic on the center console creaks, try treating the joints with silicone grease (for example, WD-40 Specialist). This is a temporary solution, but will extend the life of the materials until major repairs.
Multimedia and electronics: from basic radio to virtual panel
System Columbus (optional in top versions) - this 8" touch screen with support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in navigation with 3D maps. However, even basic Swing (5-inch screen) pleases with clear sound and ease of control. The main plus is voice control, which recognizes commands in Russian (though with an accent).
But Virtual Cockpit (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster) is an option worth paying extra for. It offers 5 different display modes including Sport with central tachometer and Navigation, where the map takes up half the screen. But there is a pitfall: in versions before 2018 Virtual Cockpit sometimes it “glitches” at temperatures below -20°C, showing artifacts.
- 🎵 Sound: In version
Laurin & Klementaudio system being installed Canton with 12 speakers and a subwoofer. Bass frequencies are pumped up, but high frequencies can hurt the ear at maximum volume. - 📡 Communication: Option Phonebox not only charges your phone wirelessly, but also strengthens the network signal (useful in remote areas).
- 🔌 Connectors: 2 USB ports on the front, 2 12V sockets and SD card reader (rare in 2026!). There is an additional 12V socket in the trunk.
How to reset multimedia settings to factory settings?
Hold down the buttons Menu and Back on the center console simultaneously for 10 seconds. After this, the system will reboot and prompt you to select a language.
Back row and trunk: why Superb called "premium taxi"?
Legroom on the second row - 690 mm (more than Mercedes E-Class the same year!). This is achieved due to the extended wheelbase (2841 mm) and flat floor. The second row seats have tilt angle adjustment (optional), and in the version Combi (station wagon) can be ordered third row of seats - however, it is only suitable for children.
The trunk of the sedan can accommodate 625 liters, and a station wagon - up to 1950 liters with the seats folded down. Here Škoda outdid herself: there is under the floor double bottom (additional 20 liters), and in the configuration Scout the trunk is equipped waterproof coating and a 230V socket!
⚠️ Attention: If you are transporting in the trunk Superb Combi heavy loads (for example, bags of cement), be sure to check the mountings of the rear shock absorbers - in cars before 2017 they can sag under loads of over 200 kg.
☑️ What to check when buying a used Superb A8?
Hidden functions of the cabin: what are they silent about in the cabin?
Even experienced owners Superb A8 They don’t know about some “tricks”:
- Umbrella in the driver's door. In version
Styleand higher in the front door on the driver's side is hidden folding umbrella with a company logo. It is mounted in a special socket and does not rattle when moving. - Trunk light. The station wagon has an additional flashlight in the trunk, which can be removed and used as a portable light (the power button is on the end).
- Secret box under the driver's seat. If you fold down the armrest and move the seat forward, you will find a hidden compartment for documents or a tablet underneath.
- Boss mode. In cars with rear climate control, you can activate the
Boss Mode— The front passenger seat automatically moves forward, freeing up legroom in the back.
Another little-known option is system Area View (360° camera). It not only helps with parking, but also records video on a memory card when the alarm is on. This may come in handy in the event of an accident or vandalism.
If your Superb A8 is equipped with the Area View system, regularly clean the cameras from dirt - they are located under the mirrors and on the rear bumper, where they quickly become clogged with dust.
Comparison with competitors: why Superb wins against Passat?
Despite the common platform MQB, salons Škoda Superb A8 and Volkswagen Passat B8 are strikingly different. The Czechs bet on space and practicality, while the Germans are on sport-design. For example:
- 🚗 B Superb on 50 mm more rear legroom.
- 🎨 Passat offers a more aggressive front fascia with chrome accents, but it's less functional.
- 💺 B Superb the rear sofa can be folded in proportion 40:20:40, and in Passat - only in its entirety.
- 🔊 In top versions Superb audio system Canton sounds richer than Dynaudio in Passat.
However, Passat there are trump cards: better quality plastic assembly (less squeaks) and optional active suspension DCC, which is not available even in the most expensive Superb. The choice depends on priorities: if comfort and space are more important to you, take Škoda. If you prefer dynamics and premium quality - Volkswagen.
Interior care: how to keep the interior like new?
Salon Superb A8 requires careful handling, especially if the car is used by a taxi or a large family. Here are the key recommendations:
- Leather seats. Clean them with special products (for example, Leather Master) every 3 months. Avoid aggressive detergents - they destroy the protective layer of the skin.
- Plastic. To care for the panel, use an antistatic cloth and silicone-free polish (for example, Sonax Dashboard Cleaner). Wipe glossy inserts with microfiber.
- Fabric upholstery. A foam cleaner is suitable for removing stains. Vanish, but first check it in an inconspicuous area.
- Electronics. Once a year, clean the USB connectors and SD card reader compressed air - this will prevent oxidation of the contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Never use for cleaning Virtual Cockpit alcohol-containing liquids - they can damage the anti-reflective coating of the screen. A dry microfiber is sufficient.
If there is a damp smell in the cabin, check drainage holes under the windshield - they are often clogged with leaves, which leads to fogging of the glass and mold. B Superb A8 these holes are located under plastic plugs that can be removed without tools.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the salon Škoda Superb A8
Is it possible to install Virtual Cockpit to the basic version Superb A8?
Technically yes, but this will require replacing the dashboard, control unit MIB2 and firmware. The cost of work in the official service will be ~150,000 rubles, so it is cheaper to buy a car with the option already installed.
Why in Superb A8 Does plastic squeak in the cold?
The problem is typical for cars manufactured before 2018. The reason is the rigid mounts of the center console. Solution: treat plastic joints with silicone grease or install additional dampers (for example, from 3M).
How to activate "Boss" mode in the back row?
You need to press and hold the front passenger seat adjustment button (the one on the door) for 3 seconds. The seat will automatically move forward and the footrest will extend.
What kind of oil to put in Superb A8so that there is no smell in the cabin?
The smell of oil in the cabin is usually associated with leaks through the valve cover or seals. Use synthetic oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 (for example, Motul Specific 504/507), but the problem often lies in the wear of the gaskets, and not in the brand of oil.
Is it possible in Superb Combi transport a gas cylinder?
Technically yes, but with caveats: the cylinder must be certified for transportation in a passenger car, secured with belts and placed in the trunk with the windows open for ventilation. However, according to the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, the transportation of gas in the passenger compartment or trunk of a passenger car is prohibited (clause 23.5).