Does your knee hit the steering column?

[chylld]

In my cars, I usually sit far forward enough that my knee is next to the steering column, i.e. if I swing my knee left it will hit it. This usually hasn't been a problem, except on my golf the brake pedal is further left than I'm used to and I'm finding it quite uncomfortable.

If I move the seat backwards until my knee can swing under the steering column, my arms have to stretch a bit to reach the steering wheel.

Undoubtedly I'll find a comfortable position (only had the car for 48 hours!) but I'm curious about everyone else - are you far forward enough that your knee can hit the steering column?

[team_v]

I thought the steering column was adjustable (telescopic) and you can also adjust the seat downwards so you don't hit.

[chylld]

I thought the steering column was adjustable (telescopic) and you can also adjust the seat downwards so you don't hit.

Correct on both points - however I seem to have quite long legs so if I lower the seat to the lowest setting, I have to bring the steering column down (in order to see the instrument cluster) and no matter how close/far I put the wheel, the column comes down on my legs

[jameshero]

I'm 6'5", more legs than body, and I'm most comfortable with the steering wheel up and out, seat quite far back, but bring the seat up using the lever. It does reduce my visibility of the sky, because my heads quite close to the ceiling, but I don't have trouble with my knees .

[mfl]

Well I am only 5'10" and if I position the seat so the clutch is comfortable to use, then my right knee hits the column, if I drop the seat, then its pushes me further back from the pedals. If you raise the steering wheel higher then the angle is uncomfortable for my arms. The main issue is that the seat base cannot be raised at the rear as you can't get the optional adjustable seat base with cloth seats (although I would love to be able to retrofit one). Its been the only real PITA, In the after almost 2 years and 40k, I haven't been able to find a really comfortable driving position, its 90% there.

[chylld]

Well I am only 5'10" and if I position the seat so the clutch is comfortable to use, then my right knee hits the column, if I drop the seat, then its pushes me further back from the pedals. If you raise the steering wheel higher then the angle is uncomfortable for my arms. The main issue is that the seat base cannot be raised at the rear as you can't get the optional adjustable seat base with cloth seats (although I would love to be able to retrofit one). Its been the only real PITA, In the after almost 2 years and 40k, I haven't been able to find a really comfortable driving position, its 90% there.

sounds like you prefer the seat low as well - but you'd like the seat base to have less tilt? i can kinda picture your reasoning...

drove the car again and put the seat up even higher! it feels a bit weird being so upright (my previous car was a coupe) but it is getting there. hope i can beat your 90% and get at least 95% comfortable... have my first long drive tomorrow!

[DreamensioN]

I'm 6'3" and I have no problem. I even have my steering wheel lowered slightly (which suits me better). That said, in the R, I also get a flat bottomed steering wheel. Might be a different story if I had a full circle one.

[mfl]

sounds like you prefer the seat low as well - but you'd like the seat base to have less tilt? i can kinda picture your reasoning...

yes, if I raise the seat then the front edge of the seat put pressure on my left leg and I need to push the seat closer to use the clutch, when then really makes sure that I hit the steering column with my right knee and makes the seating position really feel like I am sitting on a milk crate.

The Golf does have a more upright position than my previous cars as well, never had the problem in them - Subaru, Commodores (too embarrassed to mention the company Camry)

DreamensioN, the GTI also has the flat bottom steering wheel, but its not the steering wheel that's a problem its the steering column (about level with the ignition key)

[Corey_R]

I'm 5'10", no issues.

[mfl]

I'm 5'10", no issues.

height is only one variable, if you want to get technical, its also to do with one's torso length, arm length and leg length and of course preferred seating position.

and if you have leather seats with the adjustable drivers seat base option

[ozgti]

Im 5'9" and I have to have the seat all the way down and the wheel down too. On my mk2, I can't get comfortable unless the seat is at it's lowest. If you raise the seat, it Toyota forward and angles the nose of the seat down.

Mk6 is the same, though not as severe.

Having said that, I can't drive my dads Lexus as my head is about 10mm from the roof! Not fun!

[SMOK3Y]

I'm 5'10", no issues.

same here i have seat all way down as well

[chylld]

same here i have seat all way down as well

are your knees hitting the steering column? or are you far back enough to swing freely under it?

[SMOK3Y]

My knees are nowhere near steering column

[mfl]

also what makes a difference , is whether the car is a manual or an auto (of whatever description). I find that I tend to sit closer in a manual, than an auto. Spent a day in a 90TSI DSG (loan car) and had no problems with the seating position,