Salon Škoda Octavia RS is a unique combination of sporty character and practical functionality that sets the model apart from its competitors. Unlike standard versions Octavia, interior RS versions worked out to the smallest detail: from aggressive seats with improved lateral support to exclusive finishing materials. But is it worth overpaying for “charging” in the salon? And what hidden details make it really special?

In this material we will analyze the salon Octavia RS generations A8 (2020–present) and A7 (2013–2020), let's compare it with competitors like Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi S3, and we’ll also tell you how to improve the interior without losing your warranty. We will pay special attention ergonomics, multimedia system and those “tricks” that are silent about in salons.

Design and materials: what distinguishes the RS from the regular Octavia

The first thing that catches your eye when landing in Octavia RS - this is sports seats with pronounced lateral support and logo RS on the backs. As standard, they are covered with a combined fabric Alcantara/leather, and in top versions - full leather Nappa with contrast stitching. Important: the stitching on the steering wheel and gearshift lever is Octavia RS always red (unlike gray in standard versions), which emphasizes the sporty character.

Other key interior differences RS:

  • 🔴 Interior lighting with 10 colors to choose from (including dynamic modes synchronized with music).
  • 🖥️ Digital dashboard Virtual Cockpit (10.25 or 12.3 inches) with unique scale design for RS.
  • 🎛️ Sports steering wheel with perforations, paddle shifters (optional) and flat bottom.
  • ⚙️ Aluminum pedals with rubber inserts and logo RS.

Interior materials Octavia RS at the premium segment level: soft plastic on the dashboard, leather on the gearshift knob and armrests, as well as metal inserts (or carbon fiber in options). However, there is a nuance: in basic configurations plastic on door cards remains firm - this is a common complaint from owners. In top versions (RS 245 or RS iV) this drawback is eliminated due to soft pads.

📊 Which element of the Octavia RS's interior do you like best?
  • Sports seats
  • Digital dashboard
  • Interior lighting
  • Steering wheel with paddles
  • Other

Ergonomics and convenience: how comfortable is it while driving?

Octavia RS retains all the advantages of the standard Octavia ergonomically, but adds a sporty touch. For example, driver's seat has become lower by 15 mm compared to the basic version, and the steering wheel has a larger range of adjustments (including reach). This makes the car more accessible, but tall drivers (190+ cm tall) may not have enough legroom under the steering wheel.

Key points of ergonomics:

  • 🪑 Seat adjustment: Electric drive with memory (optional), but even the mechanical version supports 8 directions.
  • 📱 Wireless charging for a smartphone (located under the climate control, convenient for large phones).
  • 🚗 Visibility: The A-pillar is thinner than competitors, but rear visibility suffers due to the sloping body.
  • ☕ Cup holders with heating/cooling (optional) and adjustable diameter.

One of the most controversial points is location of climate control buttons. B Octavia A8 they are moved to the touchpad below the screen, which causes dissatisfaction among many drivers. You have to take your eyes off the road in order to press the virtual button more accurately. B A7 The climate is controlled by physical knobs - this is much more convenient.

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If you don't feel comfortable using the touch climate control, try activating voice control via Hey Laura (available from 2021).

Multimedia and connectivity: what Škoda offers

B Octavia RS multimedia system installed Columbus or Amundsen (depending on configuration) with a 10-inch diagonal screen. This is one of the best systems in its class in terms of functionality, but not without its shortcomings. For example, screen response sometimes it lags by 0.5–1 second, and the interface is cluttered with nested menus.

The benefits of multimedia RS:

  • 🎵 Sound: audio system Canton (10 speakers, 610 W) with a subwoofer in the trunk.
  • 📡 Connections: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless from 2022), MirrorLink.
  • 🚘 Škoda Connect: remote access to the car via the application (engine start, climate control).
  • 📊 Navigation with 3D maps and online traffic (free for 3 years).

The main disadvantage is no physical buttons under the screen (except touch ones). For example, to turn on seat heating, you need to go to the menu Comfort → Heating, which is inconvenient on the go. B Octavia A7 RS There were separate keys for this - much more practical.

How to update multimedia firmware in Octavia RS?

1. Download the latest version from the official Škoda website (section "Software updates").

2. Copy the files to a flash drive (FAT32, no more than 32 GB).

3. Insert the flash drive into the USB port (front only!).

4. Go to Settings → System → Software Update and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Do not remove the flash drive or turn off the ignition during the process (takes ~20 minutes).

Comparison with competitors: which is better in the cabin?

Main competitors Octavia RS in the class of "hot hatchbacks" - this Volkswagen Golf GTI, Audi S3 and Honda Civic Type R. Let's compare their salons according to key parameters:

Parameter Škoda Octavia RS VW Golf GTI Audi S3 Honda Civic Type R
Seat materials Alcantara/Nappa leather Fabric/leather (optional) Nappa leather Alcantara/leather
Digital dashboard 10,25–12,3" 10,25" 12,3" 10,2"
Media screen 10" 10" 10,1" 9"
Interior lighting 10 colors + dynamics 30 colors Multicolor Red
Trunk volume 600 l 380 l 325 l 380 l

Octavia RS wins by practicality (200+ liters more trunk) and price, but loses Audi S3 in premium materials. Golf GTI offers a more modern multimedia interface, and Civic Type R - the most aggressive landing. The choice depends on priorities: if needed sports family car, Octavia RS out of competition.

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The Octavia RS is the only one in its class that combines the dynamics of a hatchback with the practicality of a station wagon (in the Combi body the trunk reaches 640 liters).

Interior tuning: how to improve the interior without losing the warranty

Many owners Octavia RS they want to make the salon even more individual. Here legal tuning methodswhich will not affect the warranty (if original parts or certified accessories are used):

  • 🔥 Replacing pedals to aluminum from Škoda Sportline or R-Gear.
  • 🎨 Vinyl stickers on the dashboard or door cards (for example, carbon).
  • 💺 Seat covers from Sparco or Recaro (if you don’t remove the standard ones).
  • 🔦 Additional lighting in the legs or glove compartment (LED strips with a control unit).

More serious modifications (for example, interior reupholstery or steering wheel replacement) require electronic tampering and may void the warranty. If you want to save it, contact the official studio Škodathat offer:

  • ✅ Installation carbon inserts on the dashboard.
  • ✅ Personalization backlight (for example, adding a logo to the door sills).
  • ✅ Installation wireless charging (if it is not included in the package).

1. Check compatibility of parts with your version of Octavia RS (A7 or A8)

2. Keep all original parts (in case of return under warranty)

3. Check with the dealer whether the modification will affect the warranty

4. Select a certified service (for example, Škoda Original Accessories)-->

Most popular tuning among owners - replacement standard backlight to RGB LEDs controlled via an app. This allows you to synchronize color with music or speed. However, be careful: incorrect installation may cause errors in the on-board computer.

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If you want to add lighting to the glove compartment or under the seats, use 12V LED strips and connect them through a fuse to the cigarette lighter. This is safer than tampering with standard wiring.

Typical Octavia RS interior problems and how to avoid them

Despite the high build quality, Octavia RS there are several typical "diseases" interior design that you should know about in advance:

⚠️ Attention: There was a defect in 2020–2021 models peeling skin on steering wheel (especially in hot climates). Škoda has acknowledged the problem and is carrying out free repairs under warranty. If you notice cracks, contact your dealer immediately.

Other common problems:

  • 🔊 Plastic creaks on the dashboard or door panels (solved by treating with silicone grease).
  • 📱 Poor wireless CarPlay reception (replacing the antenna or resetting the multimedia settings helps).
  • 🪑 Alcantara wear on the seats (clean only with a special brush, without aggressive chemicals).
  • 🚗 Fogging of windows in rainy weather (check the climate control and replace the cabin filter).

One more nuance - cabin noise at high speeds. B Octavia RS sound insulation is better than in standard versions, but worse than in Audi S3. If you are annoyed by the noise from the wheels, you can install additional sound insulation on the arches (for example, StP Gold).

⚠️ Attention: When washing the interior do not use a steam generator for cleaning Alcantara - this leads to deformation of the material. It is better to use dry cleaning or special foam cleaners.

Owner reviews: pros and cons of the salon

To form an objective opinion, we analyzed reviews from owners Octavia RS (2020–2026) on forums and social networks. Here are the key observations:

Pros (most often mentioned):

  • ✅ Comfortable seats — even after a 500 km trip there is no fatigue.
  • ✅ Build quality — no backlash, everything fits perfectly.
  • ✅ Functionality — Lots of places for small things (including a box under the trunk floor).
  • ✅ Sound Canton - one of the best in the class.

Cons (most common complaints):

  • ❌ Touch climate control - inconvenient to use on the go.
  • ❌ Small glove compartment — a 1.5 liter bottle does not fit.
  • ❌ Foot lighting too dim (in Golf GTI brighter).
  • ❌ Option price - for full skin Nappa asking for +150,000 rubles.

Interestingly, the owners Octavia RS Combi (station wagon) note better sound insulationthan in a hatchback, thanks to additional seals in the rear of the body. The station wagon also has more options for carrying cargo (for example, you can fold the rear row of seats in a 40:20:40 ratio).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Octavia RS interior

Can the Octavia RS have Golf GTI seats?

Technically yes, since the platform MQB the models have a common However, you will need:

  • Purchasing seats with similar fastenings (for example, from Golf GTI MK8).
  • Reconfiguration of electronics (heating, position memory).
  • Possible modification of brackets.

The cost of such tuning is from 200,000 rubles (including work). You will lose your seat warranty.

How to enable sports mode on the dashboard?

B Octavia RS with Virtual Cockpit There is a hidden sport scale design. To activate it:

  1. Switch the selector to mode Sport (or RS in models with DSG).
  2. Click the button VIEW on the steering wheel.
  3. Select display style Sport.

In this mode, the tachometer is in a central position and the speed is displayed in numbers.

What is the optimal configuration of the Octavia RS in terms of price/quality ratio?

For most buyers the best choice is Style + RS from:

  • Digital dashboard 12,3".
  • Heated leather seats.
  • Audio system Canton.
  • Wireless CarPlay.

Additionally you can purchase:

  • Seat ventilation (relevant for hot climates).
  • Panoramic roof (but it reduces body rigidity).

The cost of this configuration is about 3.5 million rubles (as of 2026).

How to care for interior with Alcantara?

Material Alcantara requires careful care:

  • To clean, use dry brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment.
  • To remove stains, use a special cleaner (for example, Alcantara Cleaner).
  • Do not use products containing alcohol or bleach.
  • Once every six months, treat with a protective spray (for example, Scotchgard).

If Alcantara is heavily soiled, it is better to go to dry cleaning (cost - from 5,000 rubles).

How does the Octavia RS iV (hybrid) interior differ from the regular RS?

In hybrid version Octavia RS iV the interior is almost identical, but there are several nuances:

  • Dashboard shows battery charge and energy consumption.
  • Gearbox selector has a mode B for regenerative braking.
  • Soundproofing better due to additional gaskets (the machine is 200 kg heavier).
  • trunk 50 liters less due to the battery (550 liters instead of 600 liters).

The rest of the interior is identical, including materials and options.