dreamcar:

Been thinking yet again - as one does with Porsche specs - looking at the interior photos of espresso I note that the lovely stitched leather door pulls of the 911 are replaced by cheap plastic items in the Boxster, 

 

initially, 981 with full leather intetior door handles had a cheap patch of leather on the door handles (my carrera red interior had this, was produced in June 12).

now, 981 with full leather interior door handles are the same as 991. 

problem solved!