Even in 2025, the Skoda Octavia 2013–2020 cabin still looks fresh and holds its own against newer models. In this article, we take a close look at how the Skoda Octavia interior of the third generation is built, the trim levels available on the US market, what changed after the facelift, and the common issues used-car buyers should watch out for.
Materials and Design
The Octavia III interior blends German precision with Skoda’s signature “Simply Clever” touches. The upper dashboard and door cards feature soft-touch plastic with a nice texture; higher trims add aluminum-look inserts, piano black, or genuine leather. Pre-facelift models came with classic analog gauges with white backlighting, while post-2017 cars offered the optional 12.3-inch fully digital Virtual Cockpit.
The center console is angled slightly toward the driver: a touchscreen display (from 5.8" base to 9.2" top) sits up top, with dual-zone climate controls and user-friendly rotary knobs below. The steering wheel is three- or four-spoke, leather-wrapped, and heated on better-equipped models. Driver seating position is among the class's best: massive seat adjustment range (including cushion length) and steering reach make it comfortable even for drivers over 6'6". Rear space is truly generous: more legroom than many current midsize sedans, and three adults fit comfortably thanks to the flat floor.
The trunk is a standout feature: liftback offers 590/1580 liters, Combi wagon 610/1740 liters (converted volumes). Under-floor storage includes a space-saver spare or repair kit, plus hooks, nets, 12V outlet, double floor, and the famous door-umbrella holders on Style trims and above.
Trim Levels on the US Market
The following main trims were offered (plus some special editions):
- Active (base) — fabric upholstery, manual A/C, Swing audio (6.5" screen, Bluetooth, USB), rear manual windows, steel steering wheel, 16" steel wheels.
- Ambition (mid-level) — upgraded fabric, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, 16–17" alloy wheels, rain & light sensors, rear parking sensors, front seat heating.
- Style (premium) — combined fabric/Alcantara or leather upholstery, sport seats, front parking sensors, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof (option), Columbus navigation (9.2"), keyless entry & start, heated steering wheel.
- Laurin & Klement / RS (top) — Vienna leather or Alcantara, Virtual Cockpit, Canton 12-speaker premium audio, adaptive DCC suspension, Recaro sport seats (RS), black headliner, red stitching.
The most desirable used examples are 2018–2020 Style and L&K models with panoramic sunroof, Virtual Cockpit, adaptive cruise, and winter package (heated windshield and rear seats).
Interior Updates by Year (2017 Facelift)
The February 2017 facelift (2017–2020 model years) brought the most noticeable interior changes:
- Fully digital 12.3" Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster (option on Style/L&K).
- Updated infotainment: Bolero and Columbus with capacitive 8" and 9.2" touchscreens, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink support.
- New steering wheels and shift lever carried over from the Golf VII facelift.
- Improved sound insulation: extra mats in doors and floor (2017+ models are noticeably quieter on the highway).
- New interior colors and materials: Ivory beige, Cognac brown on L&K.
- Keyless KESSY entry and power tailgate standard on Style.
Post-facelift models (2017–2020) usually feature the split “two-story” headlights and digital cluster.
Common Interior Issues on Used Octavia III Models in the US
Even in 2025 the cabin holds up well, but age and typical road conditions take their toll:
- Driver’s seat wear — side bolsters collapse and crack around 90,000–125,000 miles, especially on fabric and faux leather.
- Steering wheel wear — leather peels around 110,000–155,000 miles, worse on ex-fleet vehicles.
- Interior rattles — dashboard and center console start creaking after 8–10 years, especially in cold weather.
- Glossy black plastic scratching — piano black on the center console gets damaged very easily.
- Panoramic sunroof — develops creaks and leaks over time (repair ≈ $500–$900).
- Columbus infotainment — freezes, loses maps, needs software update/flash (≈ $200).
- Climate control — blend doors seize, musty smell appears (cleaning + actuator replacement ≈ $250–$400).
In regions with road salt, dust, and temperature swings, cloth interiors soil faster and leather cracks more readily.
Conclusion: Which Interior to Choose in 2025
In 2025 the Skoda Octavia III cabin still feels more modern than most Korean and Japanese models from 2018–2020 and easily matches base-level new Chinese vehicles.
Best choice for the US market:
- Ambition or Style 2017–2020 — dual-zone climate, cruise control, multifunction wheel, large screen, heated steering wheel and windshield.
- Approximate market price range for such cars: $11,000–$15,000.
- Ideal if equipped with panoramic sunroof and Virtual Cockpit (budget permitting).
For maximum luxury, go for a 2018–2020 Laurin & Klement with leather, Canton audio, and adaptive cruise.
Must-check items when buying:
- Condition of driver’s seat and steering wheel (reupholstery $200–$400).
- Panoramic roof and blind operation.
- No musty or moldy odors.
- Proper function of infotainment and Virtual Cockpit.
- Signs of prior fleet/taxi use (excessive wear, seat covers, odors).
With proper care, the Octavia III interior still scores a solid 9/10 in 2025 — one of the strongest reasons to consider a third-generation model on the US used market.
