Ivory leather in Combi

[pastyp]

Hello all,

I have just ordered a new Superb Combi 170 elegance manual. I am stepping out of a Merc E200k Sport as there is a baby on the way, my wife won't drive the Merc and we need a good quality estate with lots of room. The Superb combi was an obvious choice in terms of relaibility, build quality and value for money - I am a bit sick of paying €400+ every time something needs doing on the Merc. Hit a pothole two months ago and new tyre cost €280 - so enough is enough - not to mention servicing costs.

Anyway my question is that I have ordered metallic grey and Beige/ivory leather interior. Scare mongers out there are saying that the quality of the ivory leather in the Superb is not great - in that it is not very long lasting. With baby on board this would be a concern and would sway me to change the order to black instead. Build week hasn't been confirmed yet, so have a window of a few days to change. I have had biege/ivory leather a few years ago and it was a second hand car - it was fine, just needed a little cleaning from time to time.

Anyone have this interior for a few months of semi hard treatment? What has it stood up like?

Looking forward to the delivery of this car. Such a more relaxing motor to own in terms of reliability, quality and value for money. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[ukcruiser]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

The Leather in my Elegance is very good, but it is black.

I wear dark blue jeans on a daily basis, and with the thought that this may be the car i own when a we'un comes into the world, the ivory was never going to be an option..

As you have inly just ordered it, you've got ages to change your mind! - we're talking weeks, even months here, not days! - i added Sunset glass to mine, just a few weeks before build.

Maybe if you want to keep the Ivory Leather, Have the black carpets added.

Al.

[bill2]

Hi

I think Argee a member on the forum has this color in his superb he might help plus its a 2008 model i think, so he would now about any wear problems.

bill

[rocktheroad]

I have already ordered and awaiting delivery of Ivory Glamour Leather. I've seen discussion regarding some quality issues for edges of seat, but can't find related topic. Same discussion was on german skoda-community.de forum, but haven't heard anything since then. It would be nice to hear if there is any update from owners.

I have already started to search protectors for car seats. I have one 9-18kg and one 18-36kg, and I have to find something suitable to protect leather seats. I don't think that plain PVC/Nylon covers will help, since they are meant just for textile seats and mostly to stop spills. Whatever I found, I didn't liked... so now I am thinking more about some smaller cushions in beige color, usually made for garden chairs

[Guest]

I have already ordered and awaiting delivery of Ivory Glamour Leather. I've seen discussion regarding some quality issues for edges of seat, but can't find related topic. Same discussion was on german skoda-community.de forum, but haven't heard anything since then. It would be nice to hear if there is any update from owners.

I have already started to search protectors for car seats. I have one 9-18kg and one 18-36kg, and I have to find something suitable to protect leather seats. I don't think that plain PVC/Nylon covers will help, since they are meant just for textile seats and mostly to stop spills. Whatever I found, I didn't liked... so now I am thinking more about some smaller cushions in beige color, usually made for garden chairs

[Guest]

If you do decide on seat covers remember to get ones suitable for seats with airbags.

My first Superb had Ivory and had initial Lifeshine seat protection, in the 6 years I had that vehicle only a wipe with damp cloth kept the seats looking like new.

My MkII, 2 years had black, no marksshowing on the seats but light trousers marked, even though seats wiped the same as the Ivory.

My new Combi I treated the seats with Gtech protection only had vehicle 4 months but finish still perfect. The new seats are much softer leather than the earlier vehicles, possibly lower quality.

[pastyp]

Thanks to everyone. Will look into the Gtech protection. The ivory leather does add to the 'light' feeling inside the vehicle.

[Departed]

As bill2 says, I've got Ivory leather which I ordered because I feel that it makes the interior so much more pleasant and welcoming. I've always kept my cars immaculate, so I'm prepared to put a little work in to keep it looking like new, but the Ivory causes me no more work or grief than any other colour. That said, I've rarely carried children, which - if I do - tend to sit fairly still!

Ray

[RS3100]

Only had my car since the middle of November and the seats only need a quick wipe down with luke warm water. Only have the one child but regualry take her places with her friends so the car is often filled with kids and sometimes the dog comes to.

I've found maintaining the leather no harder work than the cars I have had in the past with a light coloured leather. I have interior and exterior lifeshine product added to my car because I have found them beneficial in the past. About once per quarter I will give the car a full interior valet and use proper leather cleaner followed by leather conditioner. This has seen the leather of the cars I've owned over the past 12 years survive with no damage or obvious signs of wear and tear. The cloth on my wifes Toyota is the only car I've ever owned that shows signs wof wear on the sides.

Leather will deteriorate quickly if it is allowed to dry out so should be treated with a conditioner at least twice a year.

[sk8tergirl]

As bill2 says, I've got Ivory leather which I ordered because I feel that it makes the interior so much more pleasant and welcoming. I've always kept my cars immaculate, so I'm prepared to put a little work in to keep it looking like new, but the Ivory causes me no more work or grief than any other colour. That said, I've rarely carried children, which - if I do - tend to sit fairly still!

Ray

I agree with Agree obviously... sorry.

that is with regard to the general feel & atmosphere. I felt for a change it would be nice to have a light airy surrounding instead of the usual dull/dark colours. Thats the plus.

The other plus is after 3.5 months the leather is fine, I've not treated it (BUT I did take out the life shine... not sure if they really do anything much to the interior) & other than the odd wipe with a damp cloth & a hoover I think it still looks like new.

However, I do have 2 kids (ages 8 & 6)who love the space in the back & although the leather isn't a problem the foot mats are a nightmare - forunately they do the job & protect the carpet but it does suffer even though its cleaned pretty thoroughly at least twice a month - its already tarnished, given the choice I would actually opt for the black carpet & mats but still with the Ivory seats & upper areas. The was a small picture on the web site in the configurator process for the interior - maybe worth considering, not sure if anyone's got it in the flesh?? Unfortunately I didn't know about this combination until it was too late :'( time to do some thinking Pastyp...

Regards

Stef

[pastyp]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Is the 'lifeshine' an option when buying the car? Didn't see it as an option when ordering.

I do think that the bright interior would be a nice change as I have always had dark interiors up to this car. But you always wonder with the lighter leather, could it be something that spoils an otherwise great car after a few months of wear and hopefully not tear. Seems not so from what I have heard here. I actually did order the ivory with black carpets. Tends to a little on the damp side here and I live in a rural setting, so that would be disater with light coloured carpets.

Thanks all again.

Now hopefully metalic grey looks good in the flesh with ivory leather

[sk8tergirl]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Is the 'lifeshine' an option when buying the car? Didn't see it as an option when ordering.

Now hopefully metalic grey looks good in the flesh with ivory leather

The "Lifeshine" was sold to me at the dealers, its not a factory "service"... I paid £299 others have got it for less, but I believe its the Certificate that you really need in case you should need to make a claim.

As for the individual colours, both get great comments - however, personally I'm not sure about the combination Grey & Ivory, sorry just my opinion - it could be time to get your other half to pass comment. :S

RS3100... a question for you re. leather care. I have the AUTO GLYM Leather Cleaner, I imagine this will do for the routine cleaning as & when required (I've not found the need yet) but as for the leather care / is the AUTO GLYM Leather Care Cream decent stuff or would you recommend another - I'm sure you have on a previous occasion. Thanks

Stef

[barts2]

Hi pastyp I have my car with Ivory leather 8 months now not a sign of wear yet. I have 2 boys aged 13 and 8 which I bring footy training and to matches plus I fill the car with other lads off the team before and after de match so it gets good use lol + I bring 3 mates to work also so all in all i'm very happy with the leather so far cleaning it every week

[Departed]

I agree with Agree obviously... sorry.

Don't be sorry, but it's Argee (the phonetic sounds of my initials - R.G.)

I actually did order the ivory with black carpets.

I went with the Ivory carpets to keep the spacious feel, because I thought that the black carpets would continue up the side of the tunnel and over the top of the rear tunnel. I did order black car mats, having tried Ivory mats on the Ivory carpets in my previous Skoda Elegance. So far, that's worked out OK.

Ray

[sk8tergirl]

Don't be sorry, but it's Argee (the phonetic sounds of my initials - R.G.)

I went with the Ivory carpets to keep the spacious feel. I did order black car mats. So far, that's worked out OK.

Ray

Oops sorry about your name (well Pseudo name) Ray,

I'm just not paying attention tonight!

The mats, do still look classy with the Ivory, thanks for the pics. With the naff weather I ended up getting 6 of those cheap Tesco mats (for £1 each) and with a little "cutting & taping" its helped protect the vast carpet/mats a little more. I was contemplating getting either the black mats which you have or the proper rubber mats, to help protect from the snow, ice, rain & kids in general. I'll see how everything wears over the coming weeks, but the Ivory rags are tough to keep spotless. It just seems daft to spend more when elbow grease will do the job for nowt... allbeit not quite so well.

If it get really bad then I might see what the Lifeshine is worth...

Thanks

Stef

[philpix]

Let's face it to cut down on costs the leather is crap. So are the factory mats.

It's the price you pay for a bargain car.

Phil.

[Departed]

I do wish you wouldn't sit on the fence, Phil - say what you mean!

Ray

[ukcruiser]

I do wish you wouldn't sit on the fence, Phil - say what you mean!

Ray

--

You want to try the "Leather" in my wife's Kia Cee'd - Thank god it's only part leather! - Still, it's easy to keep clean as it has a more Vinyl-esk feel to it...

Al.

[spaz74]

Ivory lifts the class and space of the interior whilst making it feel lighter. The ivory carpets are average but with just a little care professional cleaning only needs to be twice a year. We got good quality ivory rubber mats and they are brilliant. Darker floors lift the interior seats to be the centre piece of the interior. This works well with some of the colours but not all.

[Gizmo]

Ivory is without doubt the better looking interior on a dark coloured car (as a general rule of thumb: dark paint = ivory leather, light paint = black leather)

HOWEVER before you decide what colour to choose have a think about your lifestyle, if you live in dark jeans or have a dirty job where there is a slight chance of transferring dirt onto the seats, or have an outdoors type lifestyle then IMO there is ONLY one choice - black.

I have had 2 previous cars with light leather (one cream, one silver) but because of the job I do they get grubby pretty quickly, so the choice was made for me.

The demo I test drove had just 2K on the clock and the ivory leather was looking very grubby.

If however I wore a suit everyday and didn't wear jeans then I would choose Ivory.

[RS3100]

Further to my earlier post, despite the ivory interior, I have a black carpet and opted for rubber matts because we take the dog to country parks so mud gets troden into the car. When I wash the car, the mats come out and get a hose down and dry in no time.

Gizmo makes a good point in that look at your life style and weigh up the pros and cons to having the interio that you want.

Disagree with Phil and his sit ont eh fence comments

Leather is better than that in a Mk1 Focus RS where they were recalled to have the leather replaced because it wore through in a matter of months and better than that I used to have on Rovers. I woulsd say the leather is on a par with that found in a SAAB or Escort Cosworth as being good durable interiors.

Sill prefer the black vinyl in my 1973 Capri :p

[Guest]

--

You want to try the "Leather" in my wife's Kia Cee'd - Thank god it's only part leather! - Still, it's easy to keep clean as it has a more Vinyl-esk feel to it...

Al.

The Skoda seats are only part leather, the seat facing and inner sides are leather the outer sides and rears are synthetic. The brochures have now been altered to say part non leather.

[philpix]

The Skoda seats are only part leather, the seat facing and inner sides are leather the outer sides and rears are synthetic. The brochures have now been altered to say part non leather.

My point entirely as I balance on my fence!

Phil.

[Specman]

Ivory is without doubt the better looking interior on a dark coloured car (as a general rule of thumb: dark paint = ivory leather, light paint = black leather)

HOWEVER before you decide what colour to choose have a think about your lifestyle, if you live in dark jeans or have a dirty job where there is a slight chance of transferring dirt onto the seats, or have an outdoors type lifestyle then IMO there is ONLY one choice - black.

I have had 2 previous cars with light leather (one cream, one silver) but because of the job I do they get grubby pretty quickly, so the choice was made for me.

The demo I test drove had just 2K on the clock and the ivory leather was looking very grubby.

If however I wore a suit everyday and didn't wear jeans then I would choose Ivory.

I have the Ivory interior on mine and so far the leather has been perfect. My old mark 1 also had the Ivory interior and it did suffer around the area where the seat belt rubs against it by the door but the same is also true of the black leather as well.

The ivory does show the dirt so much more then the black but wipeing the seats with one of thoese special wipes designed for leather seems to do a resonable job of keeping it under control. Ivory also brigtens up the interior and adds a feeling space to the occassion.

Specman

[Doc Watchtower]

Hello!

We have had a Superb estate with Ivory/ivory interior since november 2010 and are 100% happy with the white interior. We actually traded in our Superb sedan 2010 because the black leather seats drove us crazy. Every spec of dust showed up on the black leather and the black carpets! I ended up wiping it clean and hoovering it almost daily. Another problem with the black leather is that leather-care products (ointments ets) almost always have a creamy white color, thus when applied, it gave the black leather a white-ish film that dulled the deep black color in a disgusting way. ( I tried autoglym, and some other recommended stuff) I ended up buying leather-cleaner to remove the cream but I never regained the deep black color. Suffice to say that I was glad to get rid of the black leather, it was the main reason we ditched a brand new Superb sedan! (The black leather and because of the pana-sunroof)

The white leather suprised us all by almost showing no dirt at all! We deliberatly waited with cleaning the interior of the car to wait and see when the dirt would become annoying...

It took almost 2 months!

And, I myself are especially anal when it comes too cleaning the car...

We have two young kids, and although they respect a man`s car you cannot expect them to be as careful as us grown ups, but agian, good riddens that black leather! We also live in the (snow, sleet and mud) countryside in Norway and the car is regularly covered in mud and dirt.

We have only once had the problem with bluejeans staining the leather, but those where a brand new pair right out of the shop and the staining was easily removed by gently rubbing the leather with a heavily diluted solution of dishwasher soap (one drop in a 5 liter bucket). Otherwise no staining until now and the missus uses a litlle cushion to protect the leather when wearing new jeans.

Hope this helps you?

Regards,

Harry