Skoda Octavia A7 interior: an honest review of the interior with photos and secrets

Skoda Octavia A7 is one of the most popular foreign cars in Russia, and its interior plays an important role in this. Unlike previous generations, here the manufacturer relied on premium quality, practicality and modern technology. But is the interior really that good? In this review we will look at the salon Octavia A7 down to the smallest detail: from the quality of plastic to hidden multimedia functions that not everyone knows.

The car was produced from 2013 to 2020 (facelift in 2017), and during this time the interior has undergone several changes. We will analyze both versions - pre-restyle and after - so that you can compare them based on photos and characteristics. We’ll also tell you what to look for when buying a used one. Octavia A7, so as not to run into a “pig in a poke” with worn-out finishes or broken electronics.

Interior design and ergonomics: convenience or compromises?

Interior Skoda Octavia A7 made in the brand's corporate style - strictly, but tastefully. The designers abandoned excessive pomposity, focusing on functionality. The center console is slightly turned towards the driver, which improves ergonomics, but not everyone likes its “asymmetry”. The steering wheel is three-spoke, with comfortable paddle shifters (in top trim levels - with leather trim and heating).

However, there are nuances: for example, the climate control buttons on the console are located inconveniently—to reach them, you have to take your hand off the steering wheel. And in the basic versions, the plastic on the dashboard is hard and creaky, which spoils the premium feel. But after facelift in 2017, softer materials and improved sound insulation appeared.

• ✅ Ergonomic advantages: convenient location of the gearshift lever, good visibility, height-adjustable steering column.
• ❌ Cons: uncomfortable climate control buttons, hard plastic in the base, cramped footrest for the driver’s left foot.
• 🔄 Changes after facelift: new steering wheel with logo Skoda, digital dashboard Virtual Cockpit (at the top), updated multimedia.

The interior lighting deserves special attention. B Octavia A7 it is implemented to a solid “four” level: LED lighting for the glove compartment, front passenger footwells and trunk. And in versions Style and L&K Added decorative LED strips to the dashboard, which create a cozy atmosphere in the dark.

Finishing materials: what hides Skoda under the skin and plastic?

Quality of materials in Octavia A7 Depends a lot on the configuration. In basic versions (Active, Ambition) cheap hard plastic and fabric seat upholstery are used, which quickly gets dirty and wears out. But in the top ones (Style, L&K) - skin Nappa (or its artificial analogue), soft inserts on the dashboard and aluminum decorative elements.

An important nuance: even in top trim levels, the leather on the steering wheel and gearshift lever often cracks after 3–4 years of use. This is a typical problem for Octavia A7, especially if the machine was used in a hot climate or without regular maintenance. When purchasing a used one, be sure to check these areas!

Equipment	Seat material	Dashboard trim	Decorative inserts
Active	Fabric Titan	Hard plastic	—
Ambition	Fabric Morocco or combined (fabric + artificial leather)	Soft plastic + aluminum inserts	Chrome elements
Style	Leather Alcantara or artificial leather	Soft plastic with stitching	Aluminum or wood (optional)
L&K	Leather Nappa (natural)	Soft plastic + leather edging	Wood or carbon (optional)

⚠️ Attention: If the interior smells of chemicals or plastic, this is a sign of cheap materials or poor quality repairs. In the original Octavia A7 the smell should be neutral, with a slight skin tone (in top versions).

Another point is sound insulation. Before facelift, it was weak: at speeds over 100 km/h, you could hear the noise from the wheels and wind in the cabin. After 2017, the situation was corrected by adding additional layers of insulation to the doors and arches. But if you take a car from 2013–2016, be prepared for additional expenses for additional insulation.

Multimedia and electronics: what breaks most often?

B Skoda Octavia A7 Three types of multimedia systems were installed:

1. Swing — basic radio with a 5-inch monochrome screen (without navigation).
2. Bolero - 6.5-inch color display with support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (since 2017).
3. Columbus — premium system with navigation, 8-inch screen and voice control.

The most reliable of them is Bolero, and here Columbus often suffers from firmware glitches and freezes. Especially if the previous owner installed unofficial updates. Another typical problem is the failure of the climate control touch buttons (in versions with Climatronic).

Do all the buttons on the steering wheel work (volume control, switching tracks)|

Are there any dead pixels on the screen?

Is your phone connecting correctly via Bluetooth?

Does the rear view camera work (if equipped)|

Are there any errors when turning on (for example, the words “No SD-card”)-->

Secret function: B Octavia A7 with the system Columbus You can activate the hidden developer menu. To do this you need to hold down the buttons Menu + Nav + Tel for 10 seconds. In it you can test the display, speakers, and even turn on the “factory settings” mode. But be careful - incorrect actions can lead to a system reset!

Another useful life hack: if you have a basic radio Swing, it can be replaced by Bolero or Columbus without flashing the control unit. The main thing is to choose a compatible model based on the car’s VIN code.

Seats and space: how comfortable?

Front seats in Octavia A7 They have good lateral support, but are not suitable for everyone. For example, drivers with a larger frame may feel cramped due to the narrow armrests. But the adjustments are plentiful: electric drive (at the top), heating, position memory (optional) and even ventilation (in rare versions for hot countries).

Rear passengers get decent space: 69 cm at the knees (more than Volkswagen Golf), and on the head - 98 cm. But there is a catch: a high tunnel in the middle interferes with the third passenger. And if you order a panoramic roof, the space above your head will be reduced by 3–4 cm.

• 🪑 Pros of the seats: good lumbar support, comfortable headrests, high-quality stitching (in the top).
• 🚫 Cons: narrow armrests, hard seats in basic versions, fabric upholstery wears out quickly.
• 🔧 Typical breakdowns: The heating does not work (fuses blow), the backrest adjustment mechanism creaks.

If you often transport children, pay attention to the fastenings ISOFIX. B Octavia A7 They are available on both outer rear seats, but their location is awkward—you have to bend over a lot to latch the car seat mount.

Trunk and practicality: where Skoda ahead of competitors?

One of the main trump cards Octavia A7 - huge trunk volume 610 liters (in the hatchback - 590 l). For comparison: Toyota Corolla — 452 l, y Volkswagen Jetta - 510 l. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1740 liters! But there are nuances:

• 📦 Pros: flat floor, wide opening, luggage net and hooks for securing cargo.
• ⚠️ Cons: high loading threshold (inconvenient to load heavy bags), lack of electric lid in basic versions.
• 🔌 Bonus: in versions with L&K There is a 230V socket in the trunk - you can connect a laptop or mini-fridge!

There is also a useful secret hidden in the trunk: under the floor there is a niche for storing documents or small items. And if you remove the spare tire (in versions with re-rolling), additional space will be freed up for tools.

Another plus is the folding floor Variable Boot Floor (optional). It allows you to create two levels of trunk: upper (for small items) and lower (for large cargo). This is especially convenient if you transport bags and, for example, a bicycle at the same time.

Hidden features and life hacks for owners

Skoda Octavia A7 known for its “tricks” that many people don’t know about. Here are some of them:

1. Hidden storage compartment under the driver's seat. If you lift the height adjustment lever, you will find a small compartment for small items (for example, a smartphone).
2. Valet Mode. In multimedia Columbus You can activate the valet mode, which limits access to personal data (contacts, call history).
3. Illuminated door pockets. In top trim levels there are LEDs that turn on when the door is opened.
4. Auto-dimming rearview mirror. In versions Style and L&K it dims automatically when there is bright light from the headlights from behind.

And also in Octavia A7 there is an undocumented function «Coming Home». If you turn it on through a hidden menu (or at the dealer), the headlights will remain on for another 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off, illuminating the way to your home. This is especially convenient in winter.

How to activate "Coming Home" mode

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).

2. Press and hold the button Auto on the light control lever.

3. After 5 seconds, a beep will sound - the function is activated.

4. Now, when you turn off the ignition, the headlights will remain on for another 30 seconds (the time can be adjusted through VCDS).

Another life hack concerns climate control. If your car has a system Climatronic, but no button A/C Max, it can be turned on by a combination of buttons: simultaneously press Auto and Defrost for 3 seconds. This activates the maximum interior cooling mode.

Typical interior problems Octavia A7 and how to avoid them

Despite the reliability, Skoda Octavia A7 There are a number of salon “diseases” that you should know about in advance:

1. Plastic creaks. The dashboard creaks especially often in the area of the air ducts. Solution: treat with silicone grease or install additional clips.
2. Seat heating failure. Usually the fuse is to blame F37 (10A) or broken wiring under the seat.
3. Fogging of glass. If your climate control isn't keeping up with the humidity, check the drainage holes under the glove compartment—they often become clogged with leaves.
4. Problems with electronics. Most often, the light sensor (automatic switching on of the headlights) and the touch buttons on the steering wheel are “buggy”.

⚠️ Attention: If there is a smell of burnt plastic in the cabin, immediately check the fuse box under the steering wheel. B Octavia A7 There are known cases of contact melting due to overload of the seat heating circuit.

Another common problem is Failure of electric folding mirrors. This usually occurs due to moisture getting into the mechanism. To avoid damage, regularly lubricate the mirror hinges with silicone lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist).

If you are buying used Octavia A7, be sure to check:

• 🔋 Operation of all electric drives (windows, mirrors, seats).
• 🎵 Sound quality in speakers (rear speakers often fail).
• 🌡️ Accuracy of climate control indicators (temperature sensors can lie).
• 🔦 Operation of all lighting (including trunk and passenger feet).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the salon Skoda Octavia A7

Is it possible to install a digital dashboard Virtual Cockpit to pre-facelift Octavia A7?

Technically yes, but this will require replacing the dashboard, control unit and firmware via VCDS. The cost of the work starts from 50,000 rubles, plus you need to find a donor panel from the restyled model. It is more economically feasible to buy a car already with Virtual Cockpit.

Which interior is better: fabric or leather? Which is more practical?

Fabric upholstery (Titan or Morocco) is more wear-resistant and does not heat up as much in the summer, but it is more difficult to clean. Leather (Nappa or artificial) looks more premium, but requires regular care (leather conditioner every 3 months) and can crack. The best option is a combined finish (leather + Alcantara).

Why in the salon Octavia A7 Does cold air blow from your feet even when the climate control is turned off?

This is a feature of the ventilation system. To fix the problem, close the center air vents (using the lever under the temperature control) or install a damper in the footwell vents. Also check if the mode is enabled Air Recirculation (recirculation).

Which multimedia system is the most reliable?

According to statistics from service centers, it causes the least amount of problems Bolero (since 2017). Swing too simple and Columbus often glitches due to complex software. If you choose a used car, give preference to versions with Bolero - she supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and rarely breaks.

Is it possible to improve the soundproofing of the interior with your own hands?

Yes, and this is one of the most popular improvements for Octavia A7. We recommend:

1. Install Shumoff or StopNoise on doors and arches.
2. Additionally insulate the floor and trunk (materials: Bimast Bomb + Splen).
3. Replace door seals with softer ones (part number 5E0 837 151).

The effect will be noticeable after the doors have been treated - the noise level will decrease by 20-30%.