leather - hard work?

[James Gould]

does a lot of work have to go into keeping the Mark VI leather in good condition? I've never had a Golf Gti and like the cloth because it relates to the character of the car but the leather does give a lux finish  -  got kids and, yes, leather can be wiped clean but can also get ripped  -  I can never even be bothered to clean cars so if I'd have to do even more work keeping the leather in good condition, it'll be cloth for me. Thanking you in anticipation of your comments....

[davoaj]

Evening mate!

Mine is a MkV but I went with the cloth on the basis that it felt a bit more authentic as a GTI and it held you in your seat a bit better when giving it a bit of stick. But that comes down to personal taste.

With regard to caring for the leather, I know that the leather in the MkV tended to wear quite easily, especially on the seat bolsters. Indeed, this seems to be a common problem for a lot of VAG cars, the mkII TT really suffers with it.

Not sure what the MkVI guys have found so far, but then they may not have had theirs long enough to get any issues with the leather as yet.

[James Gould]

Thanks, pal  -  've read that the Mark IV leather was better quality than the Mark V leather and as part of the job remit of the Mark VI developers was 'keep the costs down', I don't suppose the leather has improved since the Mark V  -  that said, I also read that the quality of the Mark VI interior is an improvement on what was a great Mark V interior so maybe the savings have gone into other parts of the new car  -  but I do agree with you...authenticy means go for the cloth.

[FamilyDub]

authenticy means go for the cloth.

Personal preferance, matey.

I like the 'nod-to-the-MKI' effect of the tartan... cloth for me!

[Ivan]

I got leather on my mk5 and I am not that impressed after three years of use for a number of reasons, so have gone for cloth this time.  Standard cloth does look good in this car

[matchboy]

had the leather on my mk5 gti for nearly 3 years - no issues whatsoever, a marked improvement on the mk4 v5 leather.  had the mk6 for nearly 2 months, obviously no issues yet but if its supposed to be better than the mk5 then it'll be v good!  plus it looks better than the cloth 

[Gazdebaz]

authenticy means go for the cloth.

I like the 'nod-to-the-MKI' effect of the tartan... cloth for me!

As above, could have been tempted with the leather if there was a light colour available, not so keen on the black. Plus I actually think the cloth seats are more comfortable.

[ub7rm]

I had a mk4 with the proper recarro leather seats.  I parted ways with that car after about 90k and the leather was like new.

My Mk5 has 40k miles and although its not in terrible shape there are obvious lines and light scuffing around the bolsters and a small scratch on the passenger seat.  It is no where near the quality of those recarros.

If I were buying a mk6 tomorrow I would spec the cloth with winter pack.  The leather does give it a more premium look but all things considered I'd just stick with the cloth.

Freezing in the winter and sticky in the summer and I'm getting fed up with it.  Bling though...

[VWKev]

Well I've not had my car long, but so far so good. I have a leather cleaner/conditioner to keep it in good condition so I hope with the right care it will look good and last.

It also add's a touch of class to an already superb interior. Yes the standard cloth seats are good, but not a patch on the leather.

[GolfTi]

Had leather in my mk5, easy to clean and you should use leather conditioner now and again.

I have cloth in my mk6 and do find it much better, not as cold in the winter (heated seats still take a minute or two on a cold morning) and not as sweaty in the summer (can be really hot to the touch if wearing shorts). The cloth seems to hold you in position better and also is a constant reminder to me of my old Mk1.

The leather looks classy and smells nice, I had no problems looking after it in my mk5.
 
I just prefer the cloth but if you go for leather it should be relatively hassle free.