Interior leather colour

[VK3GJM]

Hi all,

I am about to place a factory build order for a new MY13 disco 4 HSE. I have been pondering on the leather colour.

I am keen to read people's view on leather colour preference. The dealer suggested stay away from Ebony (black) as this is much hotter in summer and when traveling north. Black tends to look and keep cleaner than lighter colours.

When traveling the high country and during wet conditions sometimes the interior gets quite dirty and a lighter colour tends to stain easy.

My Touareg has light Grey and wears well when clean or dirty and stays cool during summer.

I always use a window sun shade, therefore the interior never gets direct sun light during the summer.

Also the Touareg had a sun roof, during summer a slight opening of the sun roof kept the interior to a very acceptable level. Disco4 do not have a option for a front sun roof.

Regards

Gerald. :)

[shining]

Plenty of arguments both ways. I didn't have a choice (pre-loved - insert permagrin) I have black. Has stood up well to mud and car-sickness. I don't (won't) carry clawed creatures in to D3. It also looks good with stornoway grey.

[101RRS]

I have Aspen interior in my RRS - this means seats are an olive colour as are lower door trims and dash top. Everything else including lower dash, upper door trims and centre console is cream.

The green is really good but the cream is really bad - so if I were you I would stay away from black (when the colour cracks it is really obvious) and cream.

A tone about as dark as my olive would be best - grey, blue, tan - something like that.

[MR LR]

Problem is there arent many options with a D4, basically black, almond or white (yuck), dad's work car has almond, my grandfathers own car has ebony, i like both and both have their good points, the 3.0 is white and has tint so the seast don't heat up anyway.

[harlie]

My L322 Rangie has dark grey (nearly black) leather, easy to keep clean, still looks new, but it does get hot in the sun.

Wife's VW has cream leather, shows every mark and spot, has not worn very well - the front seats now look significantly older than the rest of the car. The cream leather still gets hot in the sun. not as hot, but still bloody hot....

Both cars are tinted. I would never have a light colour again, I agree they look smart but...

[CaverD3]

Never had a problem with my black interior, ordered the same on D4. Much easier to maintain and when I managed to remove the dye by spilling some bleach on a seat it was easy to recolour myself, trouble is that seat now looks better than the others. ;)

I think window tint will have more of an effect than colour.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I've always hated black since my suffix H SIIa had black seats, so chose the almond in my D4. After 4 months ownership I'm still happy with the Almond. After all it's almost the same colour of the original 1970 Range Rover trim and that stood up well.

It seems that the Evoque has a grey trim option so they may be going to have it in the next re-style of the D4.

[MR LR]

Can't believe they got rid of the grey, it was the best colour, didn't get hot, didn't show marks, classy. Perfect, ohwell its just like them not being able to have 18inch wheels on an SDV6 and all the other idiosyncrasies, but we all still love them haha

[Graeme]

My almond driver's seat gets a bit grubby from farm use but nothing a good clean doesn't fix. Dust blends well with the rest of the interior too.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Does anyone make D4 seat covers in almond that can be used for trips off road?

[MR LR]

Does anyone make D4 seat covers in almond that can be used for trips off road?
Try Black Duck canvas procucts, they make REALLY good canvas seat covers, they will be a greeny/grey colour though but good for offroad trips none-the less, not sure if they make one for th D4 but worth a try :)

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Try Black Duck canvas procucts, they make REALLY good canvas seat covers, they will be a greeny/grey colour though but good for offroad trips none-the less, not sure if they make one for th D4 but worth a try :)Thanks Will

So what your telling me is that Black Duck make canvas covers!

But they won't match the vehicle and they may not make them for the D4.

That answered all of my question.

Diana :confused:

[SBD4]

Diana, Yes there are genuine LR ones. The front ones are VPLAS0130SVA not sure if they do rear ones - about 160 GBP for the pair. There are stacks of others of you google them.

[drex]

Sorry to hijack your thread but did your dealer have any information on the MY13? All signs point to us not getting the 8 speed this year but were there any other changes? When is the MY13 available to order?

Thanks, Ben


Hi all,

I am about to place a factory build order for a new MY13 disco 4 HSE. I have been pondering on the leather colour.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Sorry to hijack your thread but did your dealer have any information on the MY13? All signs point to us not getting the 8 speed this year but were there any other changes? When is the MY13 available to order?

Thanks, BenCant see why they wouldn't be giving the AuSpec MY13 D4 the 8 speed transmission when all four MY12 models* and two engines** in the UK have it! Land Rover Discovery 4 | 4x4 Features | Land Rover UK (http://www.landrover.com/gb/en/lr/discovery-4/)

Diana

*: GS; XS; HSE; Commercial
**: 3.0 TDV6; 3.0 SDV6

[VK3GJM]

Hi All,

Thank you everyone, the feedback is very positive. Although the line is divided , I am leaning towards black.

As for the MY13, I have asked the question again, no reply yet. I was thinking of placing the order this Saturday, may hold out for some sort of announcement. No one in Aus knows or cannot tell. I guess they want to push stock first. However my requirements are factory build anyway, no benefit to the dealer unless the numbers stack up before end of Financial sales incentives.

I did some research and it appears the push for a more efficient vehicle with lower emissions and a fuel consumption 1 litre /100km less is not a priority to LR as there is no push from Government or the industry.

I'd pay extra for the 8 speed. The Touareg 8 speeder is wonderful, would love to have paddle shift to boot.

my V10 TDI has a 6 speed and love the use of paddle shift in low range, full hands-on manual when you shift to manual mode.

Anyway, one can only wish.

Again thank you all for your feedback, much appriciated.

Regards

Gerald :)

[sniegy]

Diana,
I have the factory seat covers, they are great & cover all 7 seats.
They take a little time to fit, but are washable.

I also have Almond seats with the Almond colored covers.

I have seen a great set I think from a company called Melville & Moon, Derek has a set on his Defender also & they are fantastic.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Drafrete]

Hi Gerald,

I faced the choices you described in choosing a colour as I really wanted white exterior and there were not too many choices. One thing that tipped my decision was that in the MY12 range the light coloured interior leather only comes with light carpets. in my previous car (D3) I had light seats but black carpet, which I found really quite workable. But the thought of light tan or equivalent carpets swung me to the black seats. So far the black seats in a tinted car have been very good.

Good luck.

[Mike_S]

I have the grey Melville & Moon covers on my RRS, only recently fitted them and have to say they're a great fit. A faff to fit, but very good. I have the black nappa leather seats which don't get as hot in the sun, but then they are much softer than the other LR leather seats that seem to be the norm here in Oz. We had 2 options for leather in the UK, so my car has the higher spec versions.

Exmoor Trim make the canvas covers for the D3 & D4, I got my covers from them. As yet they don't make any for the RRS and I just happened to enquire at the right time, so got the last set they had of M&M covers for half price.

DISCOVERY 4 (http://www.exmoortrim.co.uk/catalogue/detail/114-discovery-seat-covers/flypage/4309-discovery-4.html'sef=hcfp)

[MR LR]

Thanks Will

So what your telling me is that Black Duck make canvas covers!

But they won't match the vehicle and they may not make them for the D4.

That answered all of my question.

Diana :confused:
Well i did your homework for you, turns out they don't make them for the D4, but if you got them for all the seats they would match anyway :P . I only knew of the black factory ones aswell as thats whats in the brochures i've seen so was just making a suggestion for a more almond coloured alternative, but i'll make sure i try not to be helpful in the future and let people use google, ohwell turns out some others answered your question anyway.

Cheers
Will :)

[discotwinturbo]

As they say once you go black you never go back.
I have almond....wished I went black.
I have almond in my Touareg, but fairs a lot better than the Disco, but almond shows everything.
Mates sport is black and sooooo much cleaner....well does not show the marks anyway.
I have "the wet seat" covers front and rear in beige....close enough, and superior to other seats covers that I have seen. Seats underneath are as new.
Brett.....

[Plane Fixer]

I have a white D4 with black seats, but I have fitted stone coloured sheepskin covers to the front. As we do not usually have passengers in the back seat we have just got throw over covers simply to protect the leather from the sun.
I would have liked the lighter colour but was vetoed from up high, and anyway the car was in the showroom with all the fruit I wanted so I took it.
The black does take some cleaning to keep it looking nice.
I will have quite a task soon as we are heading to the outback and the red dust filters in everywhere.

[VK3GJM]

Hi All,

Deposit made today, Orkney Grey and Ebony interior for HSE 3.0 ltr TDI with plenty of options and full window tint.

No 8 speed for at least 12 months.

Thank you all for the terrific feedback.

Regards

Gerald

[BenD4]

Grats. What's the ETA on delivery?

I cant even get my local dealer to return an email or a phone call.

[VK3GJM]

I need to wait 1 month, then place order to MY13 build. They say November. Happy with that.

Regards

Gerald

[Celtoid]

Hi All,

Deposit made today, Orkney Grey and Ebony interior for HSE 3.0 ltr TDI with plenty of options and full window tint.

No 8 speed for at least 12 months.

Thank you all for the terrific feedback.

Regards

Gerald

I've got Stornoway Grey with Ebony. The car is 2.5 years old and has been at bush camping sites (read mud) and on the beach....lots.

I'm not a fastidious cleaner and it still looks great. Over time the black interior starts picking up light stains.....sunscreen, skin oils, etc (I assume). It cleans up pretty well with some products, others are rubbish and leave a less than black finish. What's everybody else using for their black leather?

I figure it's due for a detail, so I have that booked in on Tuesday. So it should look brand new again. :)

Well, except for the Lantana scratches....LOL!!!

U'll love the car mate, enjoy.

Kev.

[BenD4]

Same car I am finalising the order on Gerald. Nice choice.

I got the same sort of timeframe for the 8 speed from my local dealer today. As posted in another thread,



Finally managed to pin down my local LC dealer. They report with the discontinued 2.7lt and the introduction of the new entry level 3lt, available to order from October (with less torque than the SDV6) they will ship with the 8 speed boxes. However, the 8 speed boxes on the SE and HSE will not hit our shores until 2014.

Looks like it’s time to finalise that order and part with some $$.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php?p=1703665#post1703665

[VK3GJM]

Hi All,

Thank you all for the positive feedback. In reading the posts, I am satisfied I have made the right choice of interior colour. Still a bit disappointed at the 8 speed box availability though.

I need to work on the after market accessories now, so what's needed in order:-

1. Safari Snorkel.
2. kaymar rear bar with spare carrier, HF antenna, light.
3. Mitchell Brothers tow hitch
4. Dual battery system
5. Under body protection.
6. Air pump, air access.
7. Hannibal roof rack and some home made accesories
8. ARB front bar with winch fitting, winch TBA.
9. GAO 18 inch rims and some new 18" rubber

Regards

Gerald

[BenD4]

Did you option in the Active rear locking differential?

I opted for the LR Raised Air Intake which I will then get a seal kit for as I think they look better than the Safari Snorkel.

I am haggling over pricing at the moment which I wanted to discuss with you via PM but you have got that feature turned off. Would you mind giving me an idea of what sort of deal you managed to do with you local dealer.

I am happy to send you a copy of the quote I got but I learnt long ago to stop looking at pricing after making a purchase so you might not want to know lol.

[VK3GJM]

the ediff rear diff lock was high on my priority list.

The safari snorkel is My preferred option, at least they guarantee the quality of the plastics, have read some horror stories with strinking/cracked snorkel plastics.

That option is turned on, all else failing use vk3gjm@commtelns.com.

Regards

Gerald

[elsey]

VK3GJM,

When ordering my vehicle the e-diff was a priority. By the way I chose Stornaway Grey with ebony and have been quite pleased with the combination. It is the first black leather that I have owned. I have mainly had European cars in the past that have had grey to tan upholstery, my old Falcon ute and my wife's Renault Laguna both have grey.

I have added a number of the accessories that you have mentioned and like you my preference was the Safari snorkel as it is robust and sealed to the air box. Be aware that you will experience a slight, and I mean slight, amount of noise on spool up of the turbo with a snorkel fitted.

I chose the Opposite Lock bull bar and had it color coded to suit the vehicle. Instead of the full rear bar I chose an Outback Accessories rear wheel carrier from OL and once again had it color coded. It is very strong, looks good, very easy to operate, saves heaps of weight and a HF antenna and work light can be fitted to it if you wish. Being color coded I think that the bull bar and the RWC look as though they are part of the vehicle and 'set it off'.

It sounds as though you are setting your vehicle up for some remote travel and as you will be relocating the spare tyre to the rear of your vehicle have you considered an auxiliary fuel tank? It is a good addition if you are traveling to remote areas or long distances or towing. I know that some people do see the value in them but I am quite pleased with mine.

As others have stated and whatever accessories you choose you will be pleased with the D4 when arrives.

Lou...

[thomasb]

bend4
what sort of price did you get quoted to fit the LR snorkle ........i am planing to fit one and was quoted $1400 by my LR dealer to fit the LR snorkle .....this seem a tad expensive versus other brands ....although to save future warranty arguments i will probably go this way

[Robocop]

My Freelander 2 had the almond leather & carpet. It was a mixture of both almond & dark grey plastic paneling on the dash & other parts. I was very concerned about the almond colored carpet in the load space area with the pram, bike, dog, shopping & Engle going in & out. However the almond seats did hide dust & grit & even sesame seeds if a burger was the food of choice on a trip. The first time I got into the car the black sole of my shoe marked the carpet & never came out.

My D4 has the ebony interior & matching carpet. Although I'm less concerned about the dirt showing, absolutely everything shows on the seats. Any dust or sand/dirt food or even sunscreen shows up easily. No matter how much I clean it, it still looks dirty. My old HSV Maloo had the black leather but that was a non eating, smoking childless non family car.

In my opinion I would go for almond seats & trim with ebony carpet. If that would ok that is....

Rob

[Robocop]

bend4
what sort of price did you get quoted to fit the LR snorkle ........i am planing to fit one and was quoted $1400 by my LR dealer to fit the LR snorkle .....this seem a tad expensive versus other brands ....although to save future warranty arguments i will probably go this way

Thomasb

I bought the Safari snorkel for about $580 & fitted it myself. My understanding is the LR snorkel is a raised air intake & fixes onto the outside only.

Rob

[thomasb]

not sure i understand the difference between a 'raised air intake" and a "snorkle" ....are they not the same thing ???... is the LR one some thing less than it should be ...it sure costs enough ??..............

[CaverD3]

A snorkel is sealed: designed for wading. A raised intake is to raise the point where air is taken in: above the dust cloud. LR is just attached to the wing and not sealed. it is surprising that it will keep any water out but it can be modified to seal.
Safari make a snorkel.

[Learner]

Hi Caver,
This is no longer true. The hose between the RAI and the air intake for the D4 is sealed. This hose can be retrofitted to D3s.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[CaverD3]

I think it is just a hose between the inside of the wing and the inlet replacing the porous one and it is not truly sealed. I could be wrong as I have not physically seen it.

[Learner]

Hi Caver,
It IS sealed. There is also a gasket to fit between the RAI and the guard.

[PJJ]

Gday Lotz-A Landies

Try Mortels @ Ruterford, Newcastle. I have had seat covers made for the last two Discos there - D1 & D3. Top Shelf gear & no problems what so ever over that time. Pricey though but you get what you pay for.;)

Phil

[101RRS]

Hi Caver,
It IS sealed. There is also a gasket to fit between the RAI and the guard.

But the RAI is still not waterproof where it joins the body and a bit extra silastic style sealant is required. You also need to consider whether to seal the airbox or rely on the one way valve.

[sniegy]

The connection from the hose in the guard to the air filter box is also perforated!
The factory RAI is NOT waterproof.
The original hose used to be perforated as well, they have changed the design now to a hose that has a sheepskin outer (well maybe not exactly like that but get my drift) this will eventually wear through as it is or what seems to be cardboard backed.
The connection for the RAI to the body has a gasket, again if you have a good look between them you can see daylight.
As Garry has said you would need copious amounts of silicon to make it watertight.
I have the factory RAI on my vehicle, but will modify it for deep water crossings when time permits.

p.s. the person who was quoted $1400 to s&f the factory RAI need to look somewhere else, takes no more than an hour to fit.
at dealer rates that means the RAI is in the vicinity of about $1235.00 ????????

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