i love my 2011, but...

[tdipoet]

there are three aspects of it that feel like total downgrades.

i miss the armrest in my 2006 jetta (gasser). it extended a bit and was very comfy. the new sunglasses niche sucks. and why oh why did VW take a perfectly good sunroof control knob design and make it less useful? the old one was perfection.

bonus gripe: i don't love how closing the windows and sunroof with the remote no longer works automatically if you press it for a second or two. it was pretty convenient to hit the button and walk away knowing that it would close for you. the silly car equivalent of walking away from an explosion without looking.

 

[Highline Driver]

You can program the remote to close the windows and sunroof with VAG-COM or by having the dealer do it.

I've never been in an '06 so I can't compare the armrest and sunroof controls but my sunglasses fit in the holder with no issues (lenses facing me - the other way doesn't work).

 

[Blinkinbanana]

I couldn't agree more. I have the 2010 jetta mkv chasis with mkvi electronics. Sunroof controls are junk. I want to switch to Mkv control. Visually looks the same. And while yes vag com allows you to open/close your window the mkiv lock and walk away was much nicer. I've heard the 2011 + is polo electronics, maybe that's some of the downgrade.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

From what I have read the electronics are a mashup of Polo and MkVI electronics. The 2011 sedans have a two socket CECM instead of three like the other MkVI cars. I have been trying to figure more out about it, and what I can change and what not. I also dint know exactly how the Polo is set up.

 

[Griffin42]

I too miss those things. I traded my 2007 2.5 gasser for a new 2011 TDI. I also miss the change tray. But some things are better. When VW removed the very German engineered trunk and hood openers, they actually did owners a favor. Replacing warn support cylinders are a thing of the past. I don't touch my dash and don't miss the softer one. I also love the bluetooth and the new seats.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

While the trunk hinges are the arms, it incorporates a spring for each arm and one hydraulic cylinder on the passenger side which would have to be replaced at some point. Kinda helps slow down the trunk opening all the way and controlling the downward moment a bit. At least there is a hydraulic cylinder to give you that impression.

Now about the hood cylinder, anyone notice the eyelit on the driver's side hood hinge?Not sure where it mounted to the fender support. Could Euro parts be available at some point to do a retrofit?

 

[mo_focus]

there are three aspects of it that feel like total downgrades.

i miss the armrest in my 2006 jetta (gasser). it extended a bit and was very comfy. the new sunglasses niche sucks. and why oh why did VW take a perfectly good sunroof control knob design and make it less useful? the old one was perfection.

bonus gripe: i don't love how closing the windows and sunroof with the remote no longer works automatically if you press it for a second or two. it was pretty convenient to hit the button and walk away knowing that it would close for you. the silly car equivalent of walking away from an explosion without looking.

Not sure what model you have, but on my highline model the sunglass holder very similar to my 06.

Also my 06 never had the windows up/down option from factory, it was something i had done with VCDS, i've also done the excat same to my 2011 and it works great!

The sunroof button is great compared to the Golf, trust me! the Golf's have the round knob and its really hard to see where you have to place it for tilting or opening. Atleast in the Jetta you just press it and tilts it and turn it to open. As you said the 06's have a great one specailly the lighted sunroof contorls, but i think the design of the dial was outdated a bit.

 

[740GLE]

Also my 06 never had the windows up/down option from factory, it was something i had done with VCDS, i've also done the excat same to my 2011 and it works great!

I think he ment earlier VCDS mods for the window made it so you didn't have to hold button on the remote the entire time to open or close the window, you just did a "double click" and they went all the way open or closed. That feature would be nice and wish I had it.

 

[tdipoet]

that is what i meant, yes. the automatic close was nice. now you have to hold it until the lights flash to tell you everything is closed.

 

[mo_focus]

that is what i meant, yes. the automatic close was nice. now you have to hold it until the lights flash to tell you everything is closed.

ok got it, but i actually prefer it this way better. I usually keep a bit open and it the old car i had to do it before i got out of the car. In this car, i just press the button for a second and then lock the car.

 

[Surrylic]

This is my first VW, so I guess I can't compare the old sunroof but I happen to really like what I have now. It's easier to use without looking than my last car... I mean, you clearly would get used to anything having owned it long enough, but it was kinda nice to be able to do everything without looking from day one. Everything I need in one button, but from what I've noticed about my sense of style and design in the past few years I may be a minimalist in that sense.

I want my car looking like it's from the future, but streamlined and clean to the max.

 

[xtu1963]

You know, I never used to have a problem with the center "arm rest" until you jokers started complaining about it. Now it bugs me. Thanks a lot!

 

[EddyKilowatt]

[w]hy oh why did VW take a perfectly good sunroof control knob design and make it less useful? the old one was perfection.

I feel that way about HVAC controls. BMW had perfect, infinitely adjustable analog sliders during the 70s and 80s, then replaced them in the 90s with fashionable rotary knobs that were specifically cammed to give an on-off, all-or-nothing, blast-or-freeze airflow distribution. My 2003 Golf has rotary knobs, but they're adjustable and a delight to use. I'm kind of dreading getting into the new Passat (next TDI I am eyeing) for fear they've "improved" the HVAC controls to the point of uselessness, or at least annoyance.

 

[MayorDJQ]

I feel that way about HVAC controls. BMW had perfect, infinitely adjustable analog sliders during the 70s and 80s, then replaced them in the 90s with fashionable rotary knobs that were specifically cammed to give an on-off, all-or-nothing, blast-or-freeze airflow distribution. My 2003 Golf has rotary knobs, but they're adjustable and a delight to use. I'm kind of dreading getting into the new Passat (next TDI I am eyeing) for fear they've "improved" the HVAC controls to the point of uselessness, or at least annoyance.

I've never had a problem staying comfortable in my '10. The HVAC looks a little different but seems to work the same as it did in my '09, which handled the 20*F ups & downs of the 101 Highway while driving from Healdsburg, CA north.

ok got it, but i actually prefer it this way better. I usually keep a bit open and it the old car i had to do it before i got out of the car. In this car, i just press the button for a second and then lock the car.

Agreed. Even though I don't have a sunroof, I'd rather watch to make sure everything closes.