The typical driver’s seat in a ŠKODA OCTAVIA weighs approximately 22 kilos and can have over 100 different parts, depending on the design. The constructors have to cope with a truly broad spectrum of requirements, where comfort and everyday practicality are just a few pieces of the puzzle.
Seats in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA COMBI RS iV
A simple comparison with the past shows how far such a basic component of cars has come. “The seats in a ŠKODA 120 also had to comply with the safety requirements of the day, but the design was much simpler than today’s car seats. They didn’t have headrests, for a start. Today, car seats have to satisfy much more stringent demands, as well as being adjustable in many more directions, electrically controlled, with airbags, heating, ventilation or even a massage function,” explains Miroslav Hradil, car seat construction coordinator at ŠKODA.
The seats in the older models also had to comply with the safety requirements of the day, but the construction was much simpler (ŠKODA MBX, 1969)
The basic idea of the seat hasn’t changed much. The structure still has three layers: the frame, foam and upholstery. These all have to combine in a way that’s comfortable, durable and safe, while offering all modern conveniences. The range of users’ body types that have to be accommodated is huge as well. And the aesthetic aspect is increasingly important: the seats simply have to look good.