I found them too cramped and the amount of times I gave myself a dead leg getting in the car. When I bought the car I didn't really want all leather and opted for cloth. Personally I get it, its the whole GTI check pattern thing. But people I know all thought it was a bit loud. That said its not their car so I always defended the pattern. However my preference would always be half leather and half alcantara. Personally i wish VW would have given the option, but thats just my view. With regard to the actual seats the S3 base side supports are almost the other way around, wider at the back and narrowing to the front which suits me perfectly. I feel i have a bit more room in the seat.
As for the price I would never buy brand new, but I contacted a breakers yard and took a chance, Seats from a 2007 car and the doorcards for £1k, may be not to everyones taste or preference but I thought it was worth it and love them.
