I love the way it looks, but doesn't it get terribly hot when topless? I mean the car, not the driver.

 

Hi shmini,

I had leather in both of my Miata's and yes I spent many a hot day sticking to the seat..

Just have to see how well the air conditioner blows in the Roadster.

Andy

 

I have the recaro leather racing seats in my Roadster. The seats themselves stay relatively cool.

But the seat belts heat up like an iron. I had to get a sheepskin belt cover to keep my wife's shoulder and neck area from getting burned by the belt.

 

For what it's worth.. i wish i had got the cloth instead of the pleather.

 

My $0.02 - I have pleather. It is hotter than I thought it would be (lots of back sweating) but looks great and cleans up better than leather or cloth. Cloth is my favorite comfort wise. Leather is my least favorite covering as it stretches/wrinkles/wears faster.

 

I think leather (especially the lounge leather) and roadsters / cabriolets pretty much go hand in hand. It just doesn't seem right without.

I do love the cloth in my hardtop, though.

 

Sheepskin belt covers. How 'bout seat covers too. Got them last summer and, oh, what a difference. We got the under the headrest vest. Easy on and off and very comfortable.
http://www.sheepskinstuff.com/Search...s.asp?Cat=1817

 

I remember the WWR boys during their on-the-road updates talking about their R59 JCW test mule as they drove it across the country during MTTS 2012, which was mostly done in daytime temps exceeding 90F. Under those conditions, I think they all agreed that the leather seats were pretty brutal. Those reviews helped steer me towards the cloth seats when I eventually placed my order.

 

My roadster has the vinyl seats. Its winter and they still get clamy after a while Absolutely do not like then

So I picked up my solution last week from a junk yard - two perfect condition sport cloth seats pulled from a JCW clubman. I'll likely have to swap the fabric on the passenger seat bottom due to possible difference in passenger sensor (using the heated seat retrofit as a guide) but the three other cushions are drop in ready. As an added bonus I'll probably add lumbar support while I've got the seats apart.

(on a side note, the JCW also had the alcantara wheel in the pics online, but someone else pulled it)

 

I'd say the leather makes more sense than the vinyl. Cloth will be best for the heat. I still like the leather look/feel so that's what i would go with personally.

 

I have no problem with the leather recaro seats. Maybe it is because of the Alcantara inserts.

They stay very cool and comfortable.

 

Not sure if this applies to MINIs too, but BMW applies uv coatings on their leather 1er cabrio seats to cut down on heat absorption.

 

For all you vinyl seat owners: Moss MINI sells seat covers made out of diving suit materials in a wide selection of colors and patterns. There is also Wet Okole. Cool in summer and warm in winter. Might also be an iotion if your top is down during a sudden rain burst

 

I've had other convertibles with leather seats and ordered our Roadster with cloth after those experiences. Put Wet Okoles on to protect them and to make them comfortable in both hot and cold weather.

 

i had a sky with a black leather interior. it got hot, but not unbearably so. the shifter getting too hot was more of an issue than the seats.