Vienna leather on GTD/GTI

[dervy]

I specced Vienna leather on my Mk7 GTD and I am not convinced that the quality of the leather is as good as that on my Mk6. I have had the car since July 2013 and have covered 13600 miles and there is already a noticeable shine to the drivers seat squab as well as slight sagging. I have cared for the leather in the same way that I did on the Mk6, that is to say using Autoglym leather conditioner and Dr Leather wipes in between, yet the Mk6 seats still looked pristine after 3 and a half years and 36000 miles. Has anyone else experienced this and can anyone recommend a better care plan? By the way, as much as I love the car, I still prefer the look and comfort of the Mk6 seats.

[am1w]

Sorry to learn about your leather woes. I am not convinced by the quality of VW Leather either especially with their excessive cost. I have seen a few cars with Vienna and they look terribly worn even in 6 month old cars. Besides at £1750 I would have expected all surfaces to be covered with leather but I am given to understand that only the seat bases and back are leather and everything else is not.

However, you can get your seats looking pristine again if you go to leather experts and they will heat shrink the surfaces. Just Google Car Leather Seats and find a place close to you. Take them around 2 hours max to sort this out.

I had the same problem with my BMW as all the seats were baggy from day one. Got a leather  trimmer to apply heat to the leather surface and they have been perfect ever since. There are quite a few places in London who can do this for you. I'll get you some links shortly.

Here thy are:
http://www.autoaudio.uk.com/
http://www.strongandturton.co.uk/index.html
http://www.autoleatherinteriors.co.uk/autoleatherinteriors/
http://www.cemoore.co.uk/seat_gallery.php?gclid=CIDj05KX4cACFZTLtAodLSIA6g

Auto Audio are a very high end company and they sorted my seats in the BMW. They do RRs, Ferraris, Lambos, Veyrons etc. Great people to deal with. Speak to Greg Morris.

[dervy]

Hi am1w, thanks for your suggestions. The whole seat, except (i think) for the back and the part of the bolster by the centre console appears to be leather. I agree that they are a lot of money, but i like the look, albeit NOT the shiny saggy look. My daughter would have preferred i had the cloth as she is barred from getting in the car if she has buttons on the back pockets of her jeans - not sure she should call her dad "anal" !!!!

[am1w]

Hi am1w, thanks for your suggestions. The whole seat, except (i think) for the back and the part of the bolster by the centre console appears to be leather. I agree that they are a lot of money, but i like the look, albeit NOT the shiny saggy look. My daughter would have preferred i had the cloth as she is barred from getting in the car if she has buttons on the back pockets of her jeans - not sure she should call her dad "anal" !!!!

Hi. The shine should go once they apply the heat gun and spray the leather. Hope you get it sorted.
Leather and Jeans are not happy bedfellows.

[baser]

I have the Vienna leather on the GTD.  I think it looks good and have not had the same issue as you are having.  Having covered around 20k miles in 9 months the drivers seat has seen a lot of use and still looks like new, I fed the leather once but that's all ive done. 

If I were you given the cost I would take it back to the dealer.  I went the leather as I spend a lot of time in the car and find cloth gets stained easily usually coffee and want it to look like new for as long as possible.  Have you been back to your dealer with it?

[dervy]

I have the Vienna leather on the GTD.  I think it looks good and have not had the same issue as you are having.  Having covered around 20k miles in 9 months the drivers seat has seen a lot of use and still looks like new, I fed the leather once but that's all ive done. 

If I were you given the cost I would take it back to the dealer.  I went the leather as I spend a lot of time in the car and find cloth gets stained easily usually coffee and want it to look like new for as long as possible.  Have you been back to your dealer with it?

Not yet, I will see what they say. Thanks again

[am1w]

Hi dervy:
Though worth a try, I don't think you will get much joy by taking the warranty route with VW. They will raise the normal wear and tear banner.
Best of luck anyway.

[davyk31]

Don't forget the £1750 also includes heated seats. Helps ease the pain a little.

I went for it as I feel it's gives the interior more of a premium feel and given its a family car it's easier to keep clean.

[Misterp]

Don't forget the £1750 also includes heated seats. Helps ease the pain a little.

I went for it's I feel it's gives the interior more of a premium feel and given its a family car it's easier to keep clean.

This is exactly why I spent the extra on it. I do find that they stain easy

[am1w]

I am not in any way raining on you leather guys' parade, but I was surprisingly smitten by the R's Alcantara/Cloth interior. Just as well, as it saved me a packet.