Is VW pennypinching?

[aussieaviator]

I love my new GTI but you have to wonder why there is no interior release for the fuel cap cover. IMHO that is pennypinching...

[astro]

I haven't been in one before...

But how do you open the fuel cap then?

[xordis]

A quick google suggests you just push on the fuel flap and it opens (assuming the car is unlocked)

[triode12]

Yes they are. The MkV's have a release button located on the drivers door.
VW has been trying to reduce cost of manufacture since the MkV. I read somewhere that they were "losing" about $3KUSD per Golf they were selling.

[astro]

A quick google suggests you just push on the fuel flap and it opens (assuming the car is unlocked)

That in it's self is pretty cool....

[118TSI]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

[astro]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

I do that in my current car... gets annoying.

And I get out and lock the car then have to unlock the car and reach in to the car and pop the latch

[aussieaviator]

Yes, my MK5 had the internal release which I found quite OK. Having no internal release makes it to easy for someone to access the tank for some nefarious purpose.

[FJ Steve]

Having no internal release makes it to easy for someone to access the tank for some nefarious purpose.

Not really. The key has to be in the ignition for the fuel release to be 'unlocked'. Take the key out, and it's just as secure as the MKV version.

So...how many times do you walk away from your car with the keys still in it?

[DoggieHowser]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

Yeah. It's a pain in my father in law's MkV GTI as well.

Plus the soft rubber surface was prone to scratching. Looks horrendous after only four years. Ditto on the motorized windows. Hope they fixed it for the MkVI.

[triode12]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

Lets see...savings from a switch in door, cable, sockets and solenoid to fuel cap over thousands of cars = significant. A bean counter would be happy.

I haven't forgotten so far.

[aussieaviator]

Not really. The key has to be in the ignition for the fuel release to be 'unlocked'. Take the key out, and it's just as secure as the MKV version.

So...how many times do you walk away from your car with the keys still in it?

Well, I've learnt something today. I was not aware that the cap locks with key removed, thank you.

[triode12]

Yeah. It's a pain in my father in law's MkV GTI as well.

Plus the soft rubber surface was prone to scratching. Looks horrendous after only four years. Ditto on the motorized windows. Hope they fixed it for the MkVI.

You can get the switches replaced under warranty even if the car is out of warranty. They are a known issue with early MkVs.
Haven't heard of problems with the windows - what was the problem with them?

[FJ Steve]

Well, I've learnt something today. I was not aware that the cap locks with key removed, thank you.

it's how it works on our 6R Polo...and I have every confidence that the MKVI Golf would be the same. I stand corrected if it is not.

[mebius9]

Aside from minor component ditching... I was wondering if they could be over charging GTI

You see, I reckon 1.4TSI engine is probably the most complicated and expensive engine to produce for mass market

It's got supercharger, turbocharger, all the cooling and piping for both, electronics to regulate pressure for the transition between them and direct fuel injection, variable valve timing(?) and finally 7 speed DSG all this for 33k is a steal.

But GTI... I dunno why is 10k more then 1.4TSI?

Think about the new Passat it has whole heap of extras and leather and starts under 40k.... Hmmm