Thoughts on Nappa Leather vs Alcantara/Leather

mcaddy · Dec 20, 2014

Looking at spec'ing a new A3 Saloon, I'm going for S-Line and so the interior choices are limited to three options, I think I've discounted the cloth option, it'd be great to hear peoples opinions between Full and Half leather/Alcantara options.

My current thoughts are if I go with Full Leather, I'll have to add the Heated seats, probably not required with Alcantara?

We've got a baby on the way (hence the 4 door) guessing the first years will see some punishment in the back seats, how well does Alcantara stand up to cleaning?

Some say that the Alcantara wears a bit better and doesn't go as baggy/shiny as leather, is this an issue in newer Audis?

I've got a bad back so generally spec the Electric Lumber support, does the leather stretch well enough for this to still be effective?

I seen the Full leather in the back but I've not seen a demonstrator with the Alcantara, does anyone have photos?

veeeight · Dec 20, 2014

Have a look through this thread from this month, it's answers most of your questions:

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-alcantara.232492/

Photos of both seats in that thread too.

Vertigo1 · Dec 20, 2014

Alcantara every time. I've specced it in both my last and current cars, pics of the former are in this thread: http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/you-wanted-pics.171806/

Not going to rant about how much I hate full leather again, done that many-a-time

mcaddy · Dec 20, 2014

OK, in one sense that's helped, in others it's just made it worse, IMHO the Alcantara looks better, however a newborn might make it look bad quite quickly.

Gonna place the order early in the new year so will agonise over it for a week or two.

Vertigo1 said:
Alcantara every time. I've specced it in both my last and current cars, pics of the former are in this thread: http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/you-wanted-pics.171806/

Not going to rant about how much I hate full leather again, done that many-a-time

Blackwhite · Dec 20, 2014

I love black leather! Looks and feels awesome!

Liquidfusion-S3 · Dec 20, 2014

Alcantara looks kinda crap in the pictures but it's actually quite good in person.
I prefer the full leather as it seems more premium.

glospete · Dec 20, 2014

I prefer the leather and suspect it may be the more practical with a baby! Sick is probably easier to clean up versus the alcantara, but hey I don't have a baby so no experience at all.

But IMO you do need seat heating if you have leather. The lumbar support option works just fine with leather - I have it on mine.

Vertigo1 · Dec 20, 2014

Liquidfusion-S3 said:
I prefer the full leather as it seems more premium.

Liquidfusion-S3 · Dec 20, 2014

I like sitting on dead cows

Vertigo1 · Dec 20, 2014

That's actually a more valid reason than "seems more premium" lol

TBH if people have a genuine preference for leather then that's their prerogative and each to their own. It's when people want it for no reason other than bragging rights or because "it's got leather innit" that drives me up the wall. Same goes for leather sofas at home - utterly horrid and generally only purchased by the nouveau riche.

veeeight · Dec 20, 2014

When did PA get back in the room

Blackwhite · Dec 20, 2014

veeeight said:
When did PA get back in the room

PA

Liquidfusion-S3 · Dec 20, 2014

PA humbug!!

Schuey · Dec 21, 2014

Two days ago, thats almost 9 weeks after collecting my car, I realised I have alcantara

So from my experience it makes little difference overall.

The Challinor · Dec 21, 2014

Leather for me to match my leather couch and office chairs

Schuey · Dec 21, 2014

The Challinor said:
Leather for me to match my leather couch and office chairs

Blimey you keep all that in the car??

Snibo · Dec 21, 2014

Leather with Mono Pur for me.
Didn't realise the side pads were Velvet though.
Certainly doesn't feel "velvety" in the sense of a Velvet Suit for example.

Alacantra makes it look like a 70's Cortina.

As always though, you pays your money you takes your choice.
And wouldn't it be boring if we all picked the same.

:couple inlove:

veeeight · Dec 21, 2014

The Challinor said:
Leather for me to match my leather couch and office chairs

With velvet?

The Challinor · Dec 21, 2014

veeeight said:
With velvet?

Only by name my friend, only by name.

The Challinor · Dec 21, 2014

Schuey said:
Blimey you keep all that in the car??

I'd fit non on the above in my S3 haha

Vertigo1 · Dec 21, 2014

Snibo said:
Alacantra makes it look like a 70's Cortina.

Haha, yeah this totally looks like a 70's Cortina

Leather looks far more boring and may as well be vinyl

veeeight · Dec 21, 2014

Nappa Leather with Velvet:

The Challinor · Dec 21, 2014

veeeight said:
Nappa Leather with Velvet:

"Velvet"

veeeight · Dec 21, 2014

.
Don't be in denial

Vertigo1 · Dec 21, 2014

The velvet shoulder bits look quite nice to be fair but it's the all-leather squab that's my issue. Looks bland, too slippery, too hot/cold

veeeight · Dec 21, 2014

I hate the fact that they promote it as "full leather option" but supply you a half the seat back with velvet !

Gazwould · Dec 21, 2014

Alcantara , yuk.

veeeight · Dec 21, 2014

All we need now is leather wrinkly and saggy bottoms

The Challinor · Dec 21, 2014

I like both but went for what I prefer

Vertigo1 · Dec 21, 2014

What on earth have they done to those seats, worn sandpaper trousers?!

splash18 · Dec 21, 2014

Good morning guys from GREECE !
I look forward to place leather to my phantom black A3 and i think the best colour is Brown for the interior here some pictures
I think, this is better than Alcantara, the Car looks more Premium/Elegance and will cost me about 1300 euros

Vertigo1 · Dec 21, 2014

Each to their own but sorry, just no to those seats

Liquidfusion-S3 · Dec 21, 2014

Looks like someone vomited all over those seats lol

steeve · Dec 21, 2014

Without the baby comment I would have said alcantara, but sadly all kinds of 'fluids' can end up on the seats and acantara would be a pig to keep clean. Plus as junior gets older its going to be shoes and boots that will be on the upholstery so go for easier to clean leather.

Snibo · Dec 21, 2014

splash18 said:
.....i think the best colour is Brown for the interior here some pictures.....

Hi and Welcome.
Looks like a 70's Cortina to me

Enjoy your choice though - as above, the world would be very boring if we all went with the standard "safe" option - as I've done.

:superman:

Thoughts on Nappa Leather vs Alcantara/Leather

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