Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers

soledoc · Jul 12, 2005

A couple of questions. Why do they call the Nordkap (and Gobi) soft leather and multi contoured seats? The atacama is just listed as natural (and non contoured?) The shape of the seats seems to be the same to me.

What's the difference in the quality of these two leathers? Do they both hold up well? Is the care any different between the two?

I'm considering these two interiors for a sonic blue S60R and am still trying to decide between the two. As you all know, I have a thing for blue

but I am starting to be drawn to the atacama but want to know the properties of it vs. the nordkap.

I know it's MY decision (JRL) but what do you guys think would be the best interior for a sonic blue S60R?

JRL · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (soledoc)

Not a problem, not a poll.
Besides the obvious, Atacama has no real protection and will wear naturally and "eventually "mottle" if you will.
Takes a bit more care but is REAL NATURAL leather http://********************/smile/emthup.gif You either love it or hate it

frankhoffy · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (JRL)

Along those same lines, what makes the R's seats so comfortable? Is it the leather itself or the padding underneath? If it's the leather, what's so special about Volvo's leather?

GrecianVolvo · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (frankhoffy)

Quote, originally posted by frankhoffy »

Along those same lines, what makes the R's seats so comfortable? Is it the leather itself or the padding underneath? If it's the leather, what's so special about Volvo's leather?

I think a combination of the two but I give more points to the contour plus padding of the seat.

Yannis

GrecianVolvo · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (soledoc)

Quote, originally posted by soledoc »

A couple of questions. Why do they call the Nordkap (and Gobi) soft leather and multi contoured seats? The atacama is just listed as natural (and non contoured?) The shape of the seats seems to be the same to me.

The surface of Nordkap and Gobi a lot softer than Atacama...more velvety, if you will.

Quote »

What's the difference in the quality of these two leathers? Do they both hold up well? Is the care any different between the two?

I just have a feeling that Atacama is going to be the more "temperemental" of the three, over the long haul.

Quote »

I'm considering these two interiors for a sonic blue S60R and am still trying to decide between the two. As you all know, I have a thing for blue

but I am starting to be drawn to the atacama but want to know the properties of it vs. the nordkap.

I think Sonic Blue/Nordkap is "safer" than with Atacama; knowing your "history"

you are not a conventional guy so you should be very happy with Sonic Blue/Atacama. Personally, I like both but give a slight edge to Sonic Blue/Nordkap....I just LOVE the color blue (being a Medierranean

) in any shape or form!

Yannis

soledoc · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (GrecianVolvo)

Thanks Yannis for the info on the leathers. Glad to see there's another blue fan out there! I'd still love to see a pic of that sonic blue/nordkap on your lot showing the interior along with the exterior. I think you're right about nordkap being safer, that's probably what I'll go for, plus the multi contoured and softness gives the edge to nordkap.

Vipergtsz3 · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (soledoc)

I love the nordkap leather. That said any of the available leather for the R require a lot of care (they eat lexol conditioner if you leave the car outside at all), but I think Yannis and JRL are right on with nordkap require less care/caution.

soledoc · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (Vipergtsz3)

I was just researching what all the three R interior names mean:

1) Nordkap-north cape, in Norway, most northern point in Europe
2) Gobi-desert in Mongolia
3) Atacama-desert in Chile

Thus in keeping with a scandinavian theme for my next volvo, it makes sense to get the nordkap.

Do a search and take a look at some pictures of Nordkap, Norway...beautiful place!

R Salesman · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (soledoc)

I actually like the Atacama leather . . . it definitely has a very natural, old-world feel to it.

I decided not to go with Atacama for several reasons:
1. It's more expensive.
2. It doesn't coordinate with the blue dials/stitching as well as Nordkap does.
3. You get ORANGE carpet with it!!! That's the main reason I didn't get it.

HoustonR · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (R Salesman)

Get the Sonic Blue/Atacama combination, you'll love it!!! True, the atacama needs some additional care (lexol a few times a year), but there is no comparison in the quality and looks of the atacama...

http://********************/smile/emthup.gif http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

rollie · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (R Salesman)

Ummm...that's silly. It takes less than a minute to swap out the orange mats for perfectly matching charcoal mats (which is exactly what I did to break up the pumpkin effect.)

I Lexol my leathers regularly so for me the Atacama takes no additional care compared to any other leather (I also restrict liquids from my car much to my family's chagrin.) If I had to choose all over again it would be Atacame in a heartbeat.

Also, as an aside, I know Atacama is full leather. Are Nordkap and Gobi full leather seats or just the seating surfaces?

Quote, originally posted by R Salesman »

I actually like the Atacama leather . . . it definitely has a very natural, old-world feel to it.

I decided not to go with Atacama for several reasons:
1. It's more expensive.
2. It doesn't coordinate with the blue dials/stitching as well as Nordkap does.
3. You get ORANGE carpet with it!!! That's the main reason I didn't get it.

Davideo · Jul 12, 2005

I also vote Atacama. It is a whole 'nother league. I think the blue/atacama sounds really awesome. I absolutely love my atacama interior. It is gorgeous.

R Salesman · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (rollie)

All Volvos (with leather) have full leather interiors . . . seating surfaces, sides, backs, etc.

goldswede · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (soledoc)

I went through the same decision... and finally went w/ the Atacama. I love it. It just adds something extra to the car. The smell is great too. With Atacama, everything... I repeat everything is leather (even the seat pockets and doors). I love the lighter stitching too. In my opinion, I saw a few used one's w/ the blue and didn't like how they seemed shinny over time.

It does take a little more maintenance... I've noticed that stains are hard to remove, especially if you maybe spill some sort of cleaner (i.e., windex, armoral, etc.). Got my windows tinted and the solution they used got on the back passenger's side door (where the leather is)... that still hasn't completely come out... but no one can really tell but me. If you spill anything other than water... clean it up quickly!

Supposedly Volvo does treat the leather w/ something now, so it's somewhat protected. The difference is that with Atacama, liquid seems to be soaked up into the leather much quicker.

I use Miguire's Leather Wipes every month or so... they seem to be the easiest and work the best.

goldswede · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (R Salesman)

R Salesman... this is not correct (that is unless they changed for 05 and on). I had a 98 S70, 02 S60, and 04 XC90... all of which were leather, but none of which had leather backs, pockets, etc.

GrecianVolvo · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (soledoc)

Quote, originally posted by soledoc »

Thanks Yannis for the info on the leathers. Glad to see there's another blue fan out there! I'd still love to see a pic of that sonic blue/nordkap on your lot showing the interior along with the exterior. I think you're right about nordkap being safer, that's probably what I'll go for, plus the multi contoured and softness gives the edge to nordkap.

I will take some extra pictures of the car and will e-mail them to you either tomorrow or by Thursday.

Yannis

rollie · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (R Salesman)

Um, not they don't. Most Volvos with leather have seating surfaces only. How do I know? Check my signature (all of mine had leather but only the R and S80 had full leather because I paid for the upgraded leather vs. the standard.)

Quote, originally posted by R Salesman »

All Volvos (with leather) have full leather interiors . . . seating surfaces, sides, backs, etc.

GrecianVolvo · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (R Salesman)

Quote, originally posted by R Salesman »

All Volvos (with leather) have full leather interiors . . . seating surfaces, sides, backs, etc.

Lee,

that is not true...our cars come with leather seating surfaces. I have to check but the Rs may be the only exception.

Yannis

TwoSvedenCars · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (GrecianVolvo)

Quote, originally posted by GrecianVolvo »

Lee,

that is not true...our cars come with leather seating surfaces. I have to check but the Rs may be the only exception.

Yannis

I had S40, S60, XC70, and S80 loaners with leather interior. All had leather surface, not full leather. R is the only one with full leather interior. Perhaps S80 Premium has full leather...

rollie · Jul 12, 2005

Re: Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers (TwoSvedenCars)

I don't know about the Premium but I know the '99 S80 T6 had an option called 'dynamic full soft leather' which was a full leather seat option.

Quote, originally posted by TwoSvedenCars »

I had S40, S60, XC70, and S80 loaners with leather interior. All had leather surface, not full leather. R is the only one with full leather interior. Perhaps S80 Premium has full leather...

Atacama vs. Nordkap leathers

soledoc

JRL

frankhoffy

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GrecianVolvo

soledoc

Vipergtsz3

soledoc

R Salesman

HoustonR

rollie

Davideo

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goldswede

goldswede

GrecianVolvo

rollie

GrecianVolvo

TwoSvedenCars

rollie

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