MKVI GTI Cloth trim v Leather

[ozvino]

Hello all, im in the market for a new GTI. Major outstanding descision points for me are colour and seat trim.

Im gathering you either love or hate the tartan trim; I actually really like it and I like the way it ties into the past. Im leaning towards the cloth trim, not to mention the added bonus of saving $3k.

Question; can anyone who has the cloth trim comment on its wear to date ? I know its early days but I thought I would ask

Thx

[team_v]

I personally would get the cloth trim as the leather will need conditioning to keep it looking top spec.

Also, you can get the seats re-done in leather by an auto upholsterer for a lot less than 3K at a later date if you feel you want to upgrade.
You also get the freedom to choose what colours and stitching etc.

[elisiX]

I've had leather in just about every car i've owned. I like it and I think people prefer it generally.

The GTI was the first car in a long time that i've seriously considering going without it. They're that nice.

The Mrs' won out though and wanted the leather. Seeing as I too like it I didnt mind but the Jacky interior would've been nice for a change.

[ope126]

I personally would get the cloth trim as the leather will need conditioning to keep it looking top spec.

Also, you can get the seats re-done in leather by an auto upholsterer for a lot less than 3K at a later date if you feel you want to upgrade.
You also get the freedom to choose what colours and stitching etc.

Leather as an option sometimes comes with electric seats (depending on the model) and generally seat warmers. They all add up in conjunction with the list price for this option.

[team_v]

Leather as an option sometimes comes with electric seats (depending on the model) and generally seat warmers. They all add up in conjunction with the list price for this option.

And seat warmers have been shown to reduce sperm count so you have a trade off.

It really comes down to what you want.
I don't need or want leather so i would go cloth but it's up to the individual.

[Corey_R]

Leather conditioning is easy. Just use Meguiars Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner/Conditioner every 6 months and it stays like new for years.
If you're really fanatical about the appearance you could use the Zaino Leather Care Kit which is a two step process and includes the cleaner, conditioner/treatment, applicator pads, and the buffing cloth all in the one kit (it's actually pretty good value imo).

The other thing to remember about the option for factory leather, which is $3300, is that it also includes:
Heated Front Seats
Electric Lumbar Adjustment

I've owned a MKV GTI with Leather and I now have a Polo GTI with the cloth. I know that the cloth in the Polo GTI is not exactly the same as in the MK6 GTI, but I personally would never own a cloth interior again by choice. (I purchased the Polo GTI 2nd hand and had no car at the time, so didn't have the luxury if being able to wait for a new car to be delivered or a suitable 2nd hand Polo GTI with leather to turn up).
To me the maintenance of cloth seats is so much harder. You can scotchgard them and all, but over time they still eventually become worn and stained with sweat, spilt food or drink, etc. Regularly cleaning cloth seats just wears them out even quicker!
Whereas if you spill something on leather, you just wipe it off with a damp cloth, same with sweat etc. And the conditioning of it every 6 months keeps it looking new etc (the opposite to cloth).

[elisiX]

I didn't know about the heated seats / elec lumbar inclusion with leather Corey. lol - I need to pay closer attention to these things when buying cars. I thought that those items would only come with the car if you optioned electric seats with the leather (which I didn't). Good to know.

With regard to the leather cleaners, i've never used any. My TT's leather was the best (nappa) but the Monaro wasn't too bad either. They both got a little shiny with use. The best by far was that in my old Alfa 147 (many moons ago). It looks brand new 3 years on. Does the leather cleaner leave the seats matt (as new) or shiny? I hate the shiny look is all.

[Corey_R]

With regard to the leather cleaners, i've never used any. My TT's leather was the best (nappa) but the Monaro wasn't too bad either. They both got a little shiny with use. The best by far was that in my old Alfa 147 (many moons ago). It looks brand new 3 years on. Does the leather cleaner leave the seats matt (as new) or shiny? I hate the shiny look is all.

I personally haven't used the Zaino products, but friends I know have and like it. But I've used the Meguiars on all the leather I've had in cars over the years. It leaves the leather seats matt. It helps keep the seats colour dark and vibrant, and the softness to the leather. So it actually helps PREVENT the 'shiny with use' problem. As well as the cracking and 'white veins' which you get in black/dark leather with age.

[elisiX]

Awesome. Another thread to bookmark.

[Christopher]

The other thing to remember about the option for factory leather, which is $3300, is that it also includes:
Heated Front Seats
Electric Lumbar Adjustment

Not too sure about the electrics, but it definitely is heated.
I know you can option to electrify seat adjustment relating to angle of the seat back (for 5dr only), but not sure if it's standard w leather.