I agree. I wonder if this works on a JSW - it appears to be for a Golf hatch (are they the same?). I have a 2009, so I would definitely want the MK5 version. Since most things haven't changed on the JSW, I wonder if the 2011 would use the MK5 kit or the MK6 kit. Perhaps it's time for a call to ECSTuning.
I just tried an experiment. I pressed & held the hatch button. The hatch "popped" slightly. I pulled on the wiper arm, but needed to press the VW emblem to open the hatch since the safety catch caught it.
well there we go, i'm more familiar with the mkv hatch pop kit.
I don't think that will be an issue.
Well, I did some investigation and answered my own question. First I looked at ECSTuning's installation instructions and compared them to my car. The JSW (at least my '09) has different strut mounts and very different bump stops. Therefore, my assumption is that these kits will not work on a SportWagen. I also checked with VCDS and the option for auto opening does exist, so this modification is possible *IF* I can find compatible struts.
The MK5 ones say that they are from a Skoda Fabia, but the MK6 ones just say that they are "European Gas Hatch Struts". Your guess is as good as mine.
One of the threads on Vortex said you loose ~5" of opening height. I don't really spend that much time under the hatch, so I don't think it'll matter too much.
I wonder how/why this works. Don't get me wrong, I am not doubting your word. I am just curious how turning the strut around 180 degrees somehow increases the force it applies. Did you have to change the mounts at all or just reverse the strut? I am tempted to try this on my JSW, but I would like to now how/why it works first. I am confused (not a particularly rare occurrence). I also do not understand why it changes the clearance (why the strut seems to be shorter). If anyone has any explanation of why this works, please post it here. Thanks
And I am going to assume that it is that extra initial compressed position that leads to the loss in full range when opened- again, have never tried nor am I an expert but if liftgate height isn't an issue, this might be an option for some. I have to wonder if the extra compression won't eventually affect the struts
AHA, that explains it. On my JSW the strut mounts are just bolts with a round ball on the end. There is no bracket that can be turned around. Therefore, this will not work on a Sportwagen. The only way to do this on a JSW would be a stronger strut. That's OK, I really don't need an automatically opening hatch.
