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Motor 1
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Volkswagen Swears Buttons And Knobs Are Coming Back
Volkswagen interiors reached their peak in the 2010s, when the cars had just the right blend of buttons and screens. At the turn of the decade, minimalism reared its ugly head as Wolfsburg decided it was a good idea to integrate access to most functions into the screen. The dreaded touch slider, which wasn't even illuminated at first, certainly didn't help either. Still, we're willing to give VW a pass if it stays true to its pledge to bring back physical controls. The company's Head of Technical Development told Autocar that a new dashboard design is in the works to rectify past mistakes. Kai Grünitz explained that upcoming updates for the ID.3 and ID.4 will introduce a revamped interior with a focus on traditional switchgear. The ID.2all concept previewed VW's new approach, and while it's a step in the right direction, we're still craving for the layout used in the Golf Mk7. VW concept Grünitz isn't the first high-ranking VW official to promise a return to old-school controls. Not long ago, design boss Andreas Mindt shared details about the future interior direction: "Starting with the ID.2all, every model will have physical buttons for the five most important functions: volume, heating for both sides, fan control, and the hazard lights, positioned beneath the screen. These will be standard across all future VW vehicles." Mindt even went so far as to say VW will 'never, ever make this mistake anymore. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing anymore. There's feedback, it's real, and people love this. Honestly, it's a car. It's not a phone.' According to Autocar , an insider has confirmed that a rotary knob for volume control will return in future models. That same source indirectly admitted that eliminating conventional switchgear had been a misstep: 'If you develop something that works, and it has worked for years, there's no reason to replace it.' Yet VW did just that by attempting to fix what wasn't broken. VW concept Photo by: Volkswagen While EVs will lead the charge, combustion-engine cars are also expected to reintroduce physical buttons. Realistically, though, future VWs probably won't offer as many tactile controls as a previous-generation Golf. Still, there's reason for optimism: the facelifted Mk8 Golf already features real buttons on the steering wheel for the GTI and R. In Europe, the R-Line trim also ditched capacitive-touch keys with the arrival of the Mk8.5. Hopefully, this long-overdue return to traditional controls will also rub off onto sister models from Skoda, Audi, and the rest of the VW gang. The first three models with the updated interior are set to land in 2026: the production-ready ID.2 and facelifted versions of the ID.3 and ID.4. Catch Up With VW: This Is the Most Powerful Volkswagen GTI Ever VW's New EV Platform Still Supports Combustion Engines Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Volkswagen Swears Buttons And Knobs Are Coming Back
Volkswagen interiors reached their peak in the 2010s, when the cars had just the right blend of buttons and screens. At the turn of the decade, minimalism reared its ugly head as Wolfsburg decided it was a good idea to integrate access to most functions into the screen. The dreaded touch slider, which wasn't even illuminated at first, certainly didn't help either. Still, we're willing to give VW a pass if it stays true to its pledge to bring back physical controls. The company's Head of Technical Development told Autocar that a new dashboard design is in the works to rectify past mistakes. Kai Grünitz explained that upcoming updates for the ID.3 and ID.4 will introduce a revamped interior with a focus on traditional switchgear. The ID.2all concept previewed VW's new approach, and while it's a step in the right direction, we're still craving for the layout used in the Golf Mk7. VW concept Grünitz isn't the first high-ranking VW official to promise a return to old-school controls. Not long ago, design boss Andreas Mindt shared details about the future interior direction: "Starting with the ID.2all, every model will have physical buttons for the five most important functions: volume, heating for both sides, fan control, and the hazard lights, positioned beneath the screen. These will be standard across all future VW vehicles." Mindt even went so far as to say VW will 'never, ever make this mistake anymore. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing anymore. There's feedback, it's real, and people love this. Honestly, it's a car. It's not a phone.' According to Autocar , an insider has confirmed that a rotary knob for volume control will return in future models. That same source indirectly admitted that eliminating conventional switchgear had been a misstep: 'If you develop something that works, and it has worked for years, there's no reason to replace it.' Yet VW did just that by attempting to fix what wasn't broken. VW concept Photo by: Volkswagen While EVs will lead the charge, combustion-engine cars are also expected to reintroduce physical buttons. Realistically, though, future VWs probably won't offer as many tactile controls as a previous-generation Golf. Still, there's reason for optimism: the facelifted Mk8 Golf already features real buttons on the steering wheel for the GTI and R. In Europe, the R-Line trim also ditched capacitive-touch keys with the arrival of the Mk8.5. Hopefully, this long-overdue return to traditional controls will also rub off onto sister models from Skoda, Audi, and the rest of the VW gang. The first three models with the updated interior are set to land in 2026: the production-ready ID.2 and facelifted versions of the ID.3 and ID.4. Catch Up With VW: This Is the Most Powerful Volkswagen GTI Ever VW's New EV Platform Still Supports Combustion Engines Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
NZ Autocar
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
More Volkswagen ID Golf details are emerging
The Volkswagen Golf is gearing up for a bold transformation in its ninth generation due out in 2028. To be known as the ID Golf, the new model will signal a high-tech rebirth for VW's benchmark family hatch. It will blend classic Golf DNA with cutting-edge EV technology. This is Autocar UK's render of the Gen IX Golf, available with a host of powertrains. Unlike previous iterations, the ID Golf will be designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. But petrol-electric plug-in hybrid variants will continue in parallel for a time. Before then, VW's electric revolution continues with its ID 2X compact SUV, and the production version of the ID 2all hatch. Both utilise the new MEB Entry platform, aiming for affordability. A sporty electric GTI version of the ID 2all is also coming. The GTI version of ID 2all. These new models pave the way for the more advanced ID Golf, which will ride on the all-new SSP platform. This flexible architecture merges elements of VW's MEB and PPE EV systems. Expect the ID Golf to feature styling that will appeal to Golf fans, without being too retro. VW design boss, Andreas Mindt, is aiming for a fresh but faithful take on the Golf's core traits. Expect a sleeker body that retains a clear lineage to past Golfs. Interior improvements will also mark a major shift from the current Mk8.5 version. VW is committing to the return of physical controls for core functions after its foray into haptic touch sliders and steering wheel buttons proved a turn off. This return to tactile usability is part of a broader push under CEO Thomas Schäfer to reinfuse the brand with emotion and trust. Golf IX will feature some of the ID 2all/GTI concept styling features. Rivian-co-developed software architecture is set to underpin the ID Golf. The system is designed for efficiency, adaptability, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. This so-called zonal software platform will reduce the number of processors while improving system integration and responsiveness. It will also enable real-time updates and enhancements even after the vehicle is sold. Even aspects like handling and braking are evidently modifiable over the air. The software's flexibility will also empower performance variants of the ID Golf. GTI and R versions are expected. The GTI will remain front-wheel drive, while the R variant will likely go dual-motor AWD. However, the R will prioritise agility and driving fun over brute force. This is a departure from the heavier GTX-badged ID models. The electric variants of Golf IX will be built where Golf always has for over 50 years. Production of the ID Golf will take place at Wolfsburg, the Golf's birthplace since 1974. To make room for this EV shift, ICE production will move to Mexico in 2027. The current Mk8.5 Golf will continue to be sold alongside the ID Golf, but in Europe and the UK it will be available only as a plug-in hybrid. It too will be phased out in 2035. The ID Golf is not intended to replace the ID 3. Each will target slightly different customer bases. Beyond the ID Golf, VW's EV overhaul will continue with a new SUV expected to succeed the ID 4. Think Tiguan in electric form. A render of the Golf ID earlier this year, also by Autocar UK. The ID Golf then will become a flagship of sorts for a new era, redefining it for a future shaped by electrification, advanced tech, and the rekindling of driver-focused design.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
VW Bringing Back Physical Buttons in All Models
Volkswagen in recent years has been shifting in-vehicle controls to touchscreen and haptic feedback, which sounds very futuristic, but in reality can be annoying in the best-case scenario and a safety hazard in the worst. The automaker has obviously heard the complaints about turning its products into smartphones on wheels and it's doing something about it. Autocar recently spoke with Andreas Mindt, VW's design chief, and he said the company is bringing back physical buttons for the five most important functions in every vehicle it makes, starting with the ID 2all due out next year. Most Read on IEN: Today in Manufacturing Podcast: Boeing Closes Shadow Factory; Volvo's Counterfeit Part Problem; Micro-Factories Build Homes Boeing Closes First Shadow Factory Lawsuit Targets Ford's Odd Doors Toyota's Best-Selling Trucks Have a Mud Problem The functions at the center of the physical control renaissance are the volume, the heating on each side of the car, the fans and the hazard light. 'They will be in every car that we make from now on. We understood this,' he told the publication. 'We will never, ever make this mistake anymore. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing anymore. There's feedback, it's real, and people love this. Honestly, it's a car. It's not a phone: it's a car.' That's likely for the best, at least until in-vehicle voice assistants reach the point where they can seamlessly understand and respond to drivers' commands. Whereas voice controls could help drivers stay focused on the road while futzing with their cars, touchscreens can be a real distraction. A 2019 AAA study suggested that infotainment systems can distract drivers for up to 40 seconds, time that would be better spent making sure your car doesn't speed through a red light or cross the median into oncoming traffic. Even though VW will decrease the reliance on touchscreen technology in its future vehicles, it doesn't mean the company is getting rid of the in-dash iPad all together. It will still be there, in part to deliver legally required features like the backup camera, and also allow users to navigate the deep functionality of the vehicle. But VW heard the gripes and it's bringing back the doodads and doohickeys. Complaining works! Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen to Bring Back Physical Buttons to All Vehicles
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Volkswagen is bringing back physical buttons to all its vehicles after pivoting to touch screens in recent years. In an interview with Autocar, Andreas Mindt, design chief at the German auto giant, called the decision to remove these buttons "a mistake." 'From the ID 2all onwards, we will have physical buttons for the five most important functions – the volume, the heating on each side of the car, the fans and the hazard light – below the screen,' he explained, adding: 'It's not a phone: it's a car.' This doesn't mean touch screens are set to disappear on new Volkswagens, just that drivers will now have the option of physical controls for their most used day-to-day tasks. The new controls are set to make their debut in the ID.2all, a small, budget EV set to debut in Europe. Last year, Hyundai promised to keep physical controls for its important functions, like volume adjustments and air conditioning, with its head of design highlighting the safety benefits of having an easy-to-use physical button. In 2022, a study by Swedish car magazine Vi Bilägare found that drivers were better able to perform simple tasks like tuning the radio to a specific channel or raising the car temperature using old-school buttons. Tesla is also pivoting back to real-world controls, at least partially. It reintroduced its turn signal stalk on the steering column in the recently refreshed Model Y, InsideEVs notes. European regulators are also cheering on the transition back to physical buttons. As of Jan. 1, 2026, new cars sold in the EU will need physical buttons or switches for their horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard warning lights, and SOS features if they want to get the highest safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP).
