Letter «S» on the hood or grille is one of the most recognizable symbols in the auto industry. It can mean either a luxury sedan costing millions or a compact economy class hatchback. But what exactly is behind this logo? Why do some manufacturers choose this particular letter, and how not to confuse it Skoda with Subaru or SsangYong with Smart?

In this article we will look at all car brands with the "S" logo, their history, key models and practical nuances, which are important to know when purchasing, repairing or operating. We’ll also tell you how to distinguish an original from a fake by the small details of the logo (this is critical when buying a used car second-hand).

Spoiler: not all “S” brands are equally useful. For example, cars with logo SsangYong have not been officially sold in Russia since 2022, but they are still actively imported through the “gray” route - and this is fraught with problems with spare parts and warranty.

📊 Which brand with the “S” logo are you most familiar with?
Skoda
Subaru
Smart
SsangYong
Other (write in comments)
I don't know anyone like that

1. Skoda: Czech practicality with German roots

Skoda - the most popular brand with the “S” logo on the Russian market. Belongs to the concern Volkswagen Group, which guarantees the availability of spare parts and services, but does not always save you from typical “diseases” of the platform MQB. The logo in the form of a winged arrow with the letter "S" in the center symbolizes speed and dynamics, although most models Skoda are family cars with an emphasis on practicality.

Key models:

  • 🚗 Skoda Octavia - a bestseller since 1996, the “workhorse” of taxi drivers and family drivers. In the 4th generation (from 2020) it received a digital dashboard and hybrid versions.
  • 🏙️ Skoda Kodiaq — 7-seater crossover, competing with Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Weak point: suspension when driving off-road.
  • 💨 Skoda Superb — flagship with business class space at a price D-segment. In 2023 received an updated design and system Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving.

What is important for owners to know:

  • 🔧 Engines 1.4 TSI (150 hp) prone to maslozhora after 100 thousand km - check the oil level every 1,000 km.
  • 🔋 In models with DSG-7 (robotic gearbox) may jerk when switching - this can be treated by updating the firmware.
  • 🛡️ Body warranty against through corrosion - 12 years (subject to annual maintenance at an official dealer).
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When buying used Skoda be sure to check the VIN history through the service vin.auto.ru - many cars are restored after an accident and sold as “clean”.

2. Subaru: symmetry, turbines and the legendary boxer

Logo Subaru is a stylized cluster of stars Pleiades (Japanese name is "Subaru"), and the letter "S" is hidden in the central star. The brand is famous boxer engines (boxers) and all-wheel drive Symmetrical AWD, which works even in basic configurations. This is a favorite brand of rally drivers and residents of regions with harsh winters.

Top models and their features:

  • 🏁 Subaru WRX STI — “charged” sedan with a turbo engine 2.5L EJ25 (300+ hp). The latest version (2021) was the last in the history of the model - the brand is leaving the sports sedan segment.
  • 🚙 Subaru Outback — all-terrain station wagon with a ground clearance of 220 mm. In 2023 received the system EyeSight (adaptive cruise + lane keeping).
  • 🌲 Subaru Forester — a crossover with the most spacious trunk in the class (520 l). Weak point: corrosion of the rear arches after 5 years of operation.

Features of operation:

  • ⚠️ Boxer engine requires special oil (for example, Subaru Ultra Synthetic 5W-30) - the usual can lead to oil starvation and scoring on the cylinder walls.
  • ❄️ All-wheel drive Symmetrical AWD does not turn off, which increases fuel consumption by 10–15% compared to single-wheel drive analogues.
  • 🔧 Box repair Lineartronic (variator) costs 150–200 thousand rubles. — it’s cheaper to change the oil every 60 thousand km.

Originality of the logo (on fakes the Pleiades stars are often asymmetrical)|Condition of the timing belt (on EJ25 engines the valve bends when broken)|Oil level in the variator (should be light brown, without a burnt smell)|The performance of the all-wheel drive system (check off-road or at a service station)-->

3. Smart: urban minimalism from Mercedes

Smart - this is a joint project Mercedes-Benz and Swatch (Swiss watch manufacturer), so the logo is stylized as a dial with the letter “C” (from Compact) and "S" (from Swatch). Cars of this brand are among the most compact on the market, ideal for parking in big cities.

Current models (2026):

  • 🚘 Smart #1 — the brand’s first electric car built on the platform Geely. Cruising range 440 km (WLTP), acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.7 s.
  • 🔌 Smart #3 — a crossover with a 66 kWh battery and support for fast charging (150 kW). Not officially sold in Russia.

Problems and nuances:

  • 🔋 Battery Smart EQ Fortwo (previous generation) loses up to 30% of capacity after 5 years of operation - replacement costs 300–400 thousand rubles.
  • 🚪 Gullwing doors (in models before 2019) require a lot of space to open - inconvenient in narrow parking lots.
  • 💰 Insurance CASCO on Smart 20–30% more expensive due to the high cost of spare parts (many parts come from Germany).
Why did Smart leave Russia?

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz suspended supplies of Smart to the Russian Federation due to sanctions. Official dealers no longer sell new cars, but used ones can still be found. The main risk is the lack of original spare parts for electric cars (for example, inverters or battery control units).

4. SsangYong: Korean “savage” with a problematic reputation

SsangYong (translated as “two dragons”) is the only Korean brand with the “S” logo that does not belong to giants like Hyundai or Kia. His cars are famous ladder frame (like SUVs) and aggressive design. However, the brand has not been officially represented in Russia since 2022 - all cars are imported as parallel imports.

Popular models and their pitfalls:

Model Years of manufacture Strengths Weaknesses
SsangYong Rexton 2017–present Frame, differential lock, ground clearance 220 mm Corrosion of thresholds, poor sound insulation
SsangYong Actyon 2010–2020 Low price, simple design Engine 2.0 XDi stalls at idle
SsangYong Musso 2018–present Load capacity 1 ton, diesel 2.2 e-XDi The suspension “knocks” after 50 thousand km

What you need to know before purchasing:

  • ⚠️ There is no official guarantee - even if the dealer promises “service support”, you will have to wait 2-3 months for spare parts from Korea.
  • 🛢️ Diesel engines e-XDi sensitive to fuel quality - Fill only with diesel fuel with a cetane number of at least 51.
  • 🔧 Automatic transmission repair Aisin TF-80SC costs 200–250 thousand rubles. - It’s cheaper to buy a contract box.

5. Other brands with the "S" logo: from sports to exotic

In addition to the main players, the letter “S” is also used by lesser-known brands:

Sports and premium:

  • 🏎️ Saleen - American tuning studio, famous for modifications Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The logo is a stylized letter “S” with wings.
  • 💎 Spyker - Dutch manufacturer of supercars (for example, Spyker C8). The logo is a propeller with the letter “S” in the center (a reference to aviation).

Exotics and rarities:

  • 🚜 Steyr - an Austrian brand that produced trucks and tractors. In the 1990s he tried to sell SUVs in Russia Steyr Puch.
  • 🌍 Suzuki - although the main logo is a stylized “S”, in some models (for example, Suzuki Jimny) the letter is read more clearly.

Interesting fact: in the 1990s they tried to sell Chinese cars in Russia Shuanghuan under the brand Sma (with the "S" logo in an oval). They were often passed off as Smart, although they had nothing to do with Mercedes.

6. How to distinguish the original “S” logo from a fake

Fake logos are a common problem when buying a used car, especially if the car was imported unofficially. Here's what to look for:

Signs of the original:

  • 🔍 Skoda: winged arrow should be three-dimensional (on fakes it is often flat). On new models, the logo is illuminated with LED strip.
  • ⭐ Subaru: the stars of the Pleiades have different size (the central one is the largest). On fakes they are often the same.
  • 🔄 Smart: The letter "C" in the logo should flow smoothly in "S" without breaks.

Checklist for checking:

Inspect the fastening (on the original - hidden latches, on the fake - glue or screws)|Check the material (original - metal or high-quality plastic, fake - light alloy)|Compare with official photos on the manufacturer’s website (especially angles and proportions)|Look at the reverse side (there should be a serial number or hologram)-->

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Attention: Often found on the market SsangYong with re-glued logos Mercedes or Toyota - scammers are trying to pass them off as more prestigious brands. Check VIN via vinformer.su.

If you buy a car with the “S” logo from an official dealer, be prepared for bureaucratic difficulties:

Problems with customs clearance:

  • 📄 SsangYong and Spyker often imported as “personal property” (which is cheaper), but then problems arise with registration with the traffic police.
  • 💸 For Smart #1 (electric car) will have to pay recycling fee (about 200 thousand rubles), even if the car is new.

Fines and restrictions:

  • 🚦 In Moscow and St. Petersburg Smart with internal combustion engines (not electric) fall under entrance fee to the center (500 rub./day), as they are considered “passenger cars”.
  • 🔧 Independent tuning (for example, replacing the logo with Subaru WRX STI) can lead to fine 500 rubles. according to Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses (inconsistency of design).

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Attention: Upon purchase SsangYong through parallel import, check that the PTS contains a note about compliance with the Customs Union. Without it, you won’t be able to register your car with the traffic police.
🔹 Why do some Skoda logos have no wings?

Until 2016 Skoda used a simplified logo (just the letter "S" in a circle) on budget models for some markets (for example, India). In Russia, all official cars had a winged arrow. If you see Skoda without wings, it’s either a fake or a gray import.

🔹 Is it possible to put the Subaru logo on other cars?

Technically yes, but it violates Law “On the Protection of Rights to Trademarks”. If you are not an official dealer, use of the logo without permission Subaru Corporation may lead to trial (Article 14.10 of the Administrative Code, fine up to 500 thousand rubles for legal entities). The exception is if you are modifying your car for personal use (but there may be problems when selling).

🔹 What is the most reliable car with the “S” logo?

According to ADAC (German Auto Club) for 2023, leader in reliability among “S” brands - Subaru Outback (engine FB25, variator Lineartronic). In second place - Skoda Octavia with motor 1.6 MPI (aspirated, not turbocharged). The worst results are SsangYong Actyon (problems with corrosion and electronics).

🔹 Why did Smart stop selling in Russia?

Officially Smart left the Russian market in 2022 due to sanctions against Mercedes-Benz. However, since 2026 the brand belongs to Geely, and theoretically supplies could resume. So far the only way is to buy a new one Smart #1 — place an order through dealers in Kazakhstan or Belarus (but this is fraught with problems with the guarantee).

🔹 Which brand with the “S” logo is the cheapest to maintain?

According to the service Autocode, leader in availability of spare parts and repairs - Skoda (average cost of maintenance is 12 thousand rubles). In second place - Subaru (18 thousand rubles), but only if you don’t count the repair of the boxer engine. Most expensive to maintain - Spyker (spare parts come from the Netherlands, and the cost of a standard hour for service starts from 5 thousand rubles).