Subaru Develops Water-repellent Fabric for Car Seats

Subaru has developed a water-repellent fabric that can be used to keep seats in the best condition. In view of the fact that most of those who drive Subaru vehicles use them for offroad trips, this kind of upholstery material could prove to be highly useful. The new durable, water-repellent upholstery is called StarTex. It is a urethane material that blocks moisture from soaking into the seats and is ideal for use in family vehicles as spills are a regular part of travelling with children.

The material is more durable than cloth or leather, and offers the added bonus of being lightweight. The last point is particularly important in light of the pressure that automakers are facing to make cars more efficient. Hence, Subaru had to develop a water-repellent material that dis not contribute much to the weight of a vehicle.

The material aligns well with Subaru’s drive to become more environment friendly. Star Tex is fashioned from materials that are obtained through recycling, and it is completely animal-free. Subaru is not the first company to use vegan upholstery, but this is an added bonus. From a tactile point of view, the material is soft to the touch.

The material offers the great advantage that the users do not have to worry about damage to the seats even if they are covered in mud or dust.

Currently, Subaru has plans to use StarTex only in the model of the new 2020 Outback, the Onyx Edition XT trim. Hopefully, the company will be offering the new material in additional trim levels and models in the coming years.