Alcantara, what's it like and how well does it keep?
Discussion
There can be a huge difference between genuine Alcantara and some shonky fake suede that gets sold as "alcantara". Look for the brand name sewn onto the seat cover in a discreet place, complete with the hologram.
I have some high-end German furniture upholstered in Alcantara and ten years on I can confirm its robustness and clean ability. It's had all kinds of stuff splashed and spilled on it, and it comes up like new with a damp microfiber cloth and a Hoover. Fantastic stuff - much classier than most of the shiny ste that gets sold as leather these days.
I have some high-end German furniture upholstered in Alcantara and ten years on I can confirm its robustness and clean ability. It's had all kinds of stuff splashed and spilled on it, and it comes up like new with a damp microfiber cloth and a Hoover. Fantastic stuff - much classier than most of the shiny ste that gets sold as leather these days.
kambites said:
I think half leather, half Alcantara is about the best way to cover seats. The Alcantara centre provides good slip-resistance and doesn't get excessively hot or cold, while the leather bolsters provide excellent wear-resistance.
Lotus, in their infinite wisdom, fitted the two materials the other way around on my car.
Yes, Alcantara centre, leather bolsters on my car. Looks great, no slipping around on the base under lateral forces, no need to heat in the Winter and doesn't get hot/gather sweat in the Summer.Lotus, in their infinite wisdom, fitted the two materials the other way around on my car.
I'd take that setup any day over full leather but it probably hurts trade-in value slightly as people always think full leather is that bit more prestigious.
p1tse said:
you're right many people think full leather is better
at times alcantara cost more than leather options too?
I don't think the half/half ever costs more than full leather though it is sometimes a premium option on cars that come with cloth seats as standard.at times alcantara cost more than leather options too?
On the other hand, with Audi at least where full leather is standard the half/half is often a 'no-cost' option (no discount), even though where the half/half is standard, the full leather costs a few hundred quid more ...
magpie21 said:
I had my TVR completely re-trimmed in alcantara (including carpets)a year ago. It has had heavy use since and it always amazes me how easy it is to take care of and getting looking brand new again. A damp microfibre cloth is all that is needed to pick up dust and get the fabric looking like new again. Takes far less time to get looking good again than a leather interior which needs balm etc to stop it from cracking.
Very nice. Can I ask how much and where you got this done?Lucas Ayde said:
p1tse said:
you're right many people think full leather is better
at times alcantara cost more than leather options too?
I don't think the half/half ever costs more than full leather though it is sometimes a premium option on cars that come with cloth seats as standard.at times alcantara cost more than leather options too?
On the other hand, with Audi at least where full leather is standard the half/half is often a 'no-cost' option (no discount), even though where the half/half is standard, the full leather costs a few hundred quid more ...
sa_20v said:
magpie21 said:
I had my TVR completely re-trimmed in alcantara (including carpets)a year ago. It has had heavy use since and it always amazes me how easy it is to take care of and getting looking brand new again. A damp microfibre cloth is all that is needed to pick up dust and get the fabric looking like new again. Takes far less time to get looking good again than a leather interior which needs balm etc to stop it from cracking.
Very nice. Can I ask how much and where you got this done?p1tse said:
Lucas Ayde said:
p1tse said:
you're right many people think full leather is better
at times alcantara cost more than leather options too?
I don't think the half/half ever costs more than full leather though it is sometimes a premium option on cars that come with cloth seats as standard.at times alcantara cost more than leather options too?
On the other hand, with Audi at least where full leather is standard the half/half is often a 'no-cost' option (no discount), even though where the half/half is standard, the full leather costs a few hundred quid more ...
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