MKVI GTI Cloth trim v Leather

[G-rig]

I love the leather smell, can't really beat that. Those that say it's no good prob don't have it.

I'm still a fan of combo suede and leather like some of the Audi's have, best of both.

I say get the cloth seats. The way they made the front seats causes the leather to crease and look terrible after a few years. I am talking about the side bolsters on the right side of the bum. Had a look at many second hand golfs with leather and it really looks worn in that area because of the way it was constructed.

You just have to take a bit of care getting in and out not to squash them.. But agree i wouldn't buy the Recaros in leather for that reason, they get quite creased.

[midlifecrisis]

What about MKVI Golf (not GTI) Comfort (not Sports) versus Leather.

I have heard that the Sports Pack for the Golf Wagon wont have Sports Seats, so am wondering if the comfort seats will be good enough or whether I should consider leather (with lumbar)?

[Idle]

What about MKVI Golf (not GTI) Comfort (not Sports) versus Leather.

I have heard that the Sports Pack for the Golf Wagon wont have Sports Seats, so am wondering if the comfort seats will be good enough or whether I should consider leather (with lumbar)?

Down the years I've had to endure just about every kind of upholstery there is — leather, leatherette, good, bad, indifferent and downright awful plastic, cloth, velour, sheepskin, cast iron, pressed steel (even wood — ancient Leyland solid-tyred C-cab truck) and seats in styles from bench to hip-hugging buckets that I couldn't even fold into now.

The cloth in my current Mk VI TDI C-line seems as good as any, the fabric looks OK, feels as though it will wear well enough and the front seats are a good compromise between staying put on corners and squeezing in and out the doors, which isn't always easy when you're old.

They're OK for long trips — we don't suffer muscular stress after several hours non-stop, which I can't say for some we've had in the past (and we were much younger then.)

When choosing options, leather would be a long way down my checklist — particularly given the cost involved and the maintenance required.

As for lumbar adjustment, I've had several cars fitted with the manual variety as standard (including the TDI) and it never seems to quite fit me — usually I fiddle with it a few times, then forget it.

[midlifecrisis]

When choosing options, leather would be a long way down my checklist — particularly given the cost involved and the maintenance required.

As for lumbar adjustment, I've had several cars fitted with the manual variety as standard (including the TDI) and it never seems to quite fit me — usually I fiddle with it a few times, then forget it.

Thanks Idle.

Thats good to know about the comfort seats. My other reason for getting leather is kids...baby now but I plan to keep this car. I dont want to be precious with leather if I get it (will regularly clean), and I am reading that leather is the way to go. But I am also worried that my back will constantly sweat in Sydney unless I have the aircon on during 6 months of the year. Its also damn expensive.

[chilliman]

I had the debate about cloth v leather, went for leather and happy with my choice.

In the UK i used gliptone liquid leather to condition the seats on my Mk2 TT, going to pick up some more when I am back there in March ... great stuff!

[Corey_R]

@chilliman - have you tried the Meguiars or Zaino leather cleaner/conditioner products?

[Kirium]

Cloth > 50.1% leather & 49.9% vinyl.

[G-rig]

It's hard to spot the difference as they've matched the leather/vinyl pretty well IMO. Still a little bit expensive based on that, but if it helps get more overall discount then probably not too bad, plus looks and smells great.

Dont really like how cloth can get fluffy/worn etc but leather can crease so depends how you look after things.

Zaino is good stuff!

[Kirium]

It's hard to spot the difference as they've matched the leather/vinyl pretty well IMO.

It's not bad, but I wouldn't say it's a great match. There's a difference in grain when you're looking closely, but it's night and day difference if the seats have been sitting in the sun all day. The vinyl goes really soft and you can pinch it easily and anyone could feel the difference. IMHO, it's pretty rude the price VW charge for so much vinyl. I went cloth again as I'll probably get aftermarket leather/alcantara (Audi S5 style) in 2 years time when the cloth starts to show its age. Hopefully the Jacky cloth wears better than the material they used for the Interlagos cloth in MkV.

[G-rig]

Agree it's fairly misleading for the price. I'd probably consider doing the same, or if the cloth wore well not bother.

[mattyf83]

Agree it's fairly misleading for the price. I'd probably consider doing the same, or if the cloth wore well not bother.

could it be misleading to the point where its is wrong? Seems pretty unfair selling leather packages that are part vinyl

does everyone do it?

[Corey_R]

VW state in the specs that portions of the seat are vinyl. They're not doing anything wrong.

[G-rig]

VW state in the specs that portions of the seat are vinyl. They're not doing anything wrong.

Well most people don't find out until after (unless you read the brochure for six months while you wait for the car), not that i'm unhappy or care as they look good and still worthwhile.

That's why i said 'a bit'..

[Kirium]

VW state in the specs that portions of the seat are vinyl. They're not doing anything wrong.

Like I suggested, as long as they're greater than 50% leather (and I'm not sure there'd be much more than that from what I've seen), they're probably technically (and legally??) able to call them leather upholstered seats.

[G-rig]

yeah all the contact areas on the front and rear seats are leather, it's mainly only the back of the front seats that aren't so is more than 50%.