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What is Alcantara upholstery?
By Product Expert | Posted in FAQs, Financing on Monday, May 22nd, 2017 at 2:16 pm
What are Alcantara inserts in the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
We’re not saying everything used to be easy in the automotive industry, but it feels like things have gotten a lot more complicated as features improve. Even the upholstery isn’t as straight forward as it used to be, as we touched on when we discussed the difference between leatherette and leather-appointed seats. This brought up another upholstery issue: what are these Alcantara inserts found in models like the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
Alcantara suede is faux suede
So you already know that leatherette upholstery is like modern day vinyl, except the man-made material is meant to mimic the look and feel of leather, rather than feeling like plastic. In much the same way, Alcantara is meant to feel like suede. We’re sure you probably already know this, too, but suede is a type of leather that has a nappy finish, rather than the smooth finish of regular leather.
Alcantara is the actual name of the company that makes the material, and it’s a synthetic fiber that is made up of 65% to 80% polyester and 20% to 35% non-fibrous polyurethane, depending on the material. It was invented in the 1970s, and is popular in premium vehicles and top trim levels because it is supple and soft, but more durable than real suede. It also looks great, while still being animal-friendly.
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In Nissan models, you’ll often find Alcantara inserts with leather-appointed seats. This may seem like a way to save money on leather, but the reason for this is that the suede-like material is soft and comfortable where you sit, while providing an attractive aesthetic thanks to the quilted pattern.
What do you think when you see Alcantara as an option on a vehicle? Share your thoughts on this material, or tell us what you favor when looking for a new car, by leaving a comment below. Otherwise, be sure to check back here at the Glendale Nissan Blog for more information on all things Nissan.
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