Some random thoughts, questions and opinions...

[Rocket36]

Hi guys,

So I've been away from VWs for a while and after having my 140TDI Highline for over a week now, I thought I'd share some thoughts as well as ask for some advice. These are random and in no particular order.

These will seem trivial and perhaps even whinging. But I think they're all usability issues that can either be resolved for the mass market by some more critical testers in the UAT phase of new model development, or made customisable by each owner.

• Why does the ACC recognise a car in the right hand lane and match it's speed instead of going past at the speed I've set and relative to the car in front of me? There's a cute little image that appears in the instrument cluster to let me know and all! I get that it can be handy for merging into traffic and assume that's the idea behind it however on 4 or 5 lane roads where people just sit all over the place going less than the limit, I just want to cruise on by in my lane and not be forced to speed match ANOTHER LANE when there's nothing in front of me. (stupid Victorian drivers! I still can't believe how bad they drive down here since moving here 7 years ago).
  
• Why does the instrument cluster nav screen appear automatically when I've set a destination? There's a 12 inch screen showing me the nav information right in the centre console! If I want the nav screen in the instrument cluster, I will set it. I like it and will use it when I want to, but I don't want it forced on me.
  
• My 2009 R36 (that's 9 years ago!) had a cool feature where after using the windscreen washers, the wipers would stop for about 5 seconds and then do one single swipe to get the last few drips. I miss that. Cool feature they should have kept.
  
• Skodas have the umbrellas in the doors and VWs do not? I don't get that. (My R36 had one in the driver's door only)
  
• Skodas get built in retractable sun shades on the rear windows and VWs do not? I've ordered some of these instead: Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2014-2017 B8 Magnetic Window Sun Blind Sun Shade Mesh | eBay
  
• The seat moving back when I open the door is awesome. But why doesn't it go back to EXACTLY where I had it. The memory settings don't seem to accept settings that are all the way to the limit of their motion. It's just a little bit, but it's noticeable.
  
• It would be nice to rearrange the main icons in the menu on the centre screen. Have the most used closer to the driver and be customisable for driver preference.
  
• It would be nice to have an OFF button for the HVAC that's not buried in the touch screen menus.
  
• Where is the mute button? Seriously! On the steering wheel there should ALWAYS be a mute button.
  
• Vented/cooled seats! Vented/cooled seats! Vented/cooled seats! Even KIAs have them!
  
• Head-up display. This is something that's actually not a huge disappointment. While I don't think it provides a lot of value add to the driving experience, and I don't miss it thanks to the awesome instrument cluster display, it's a relatively easy tech and in a car that's full of tech, it's an strange omission. And I mean proper head-up display, onto the windscreen, and not the cheap flip-up plastic crap.
  
• The speedo is slow by approx. 4 - 5km/hr across the legal speed range. I get they set them a bit slow, but that's a lot if you ask me. Thankfully they have one of the best cruise controls I've ever used. Being able to actually set the speed you want accurately (so 85km/hr in an 80km/hr zone, etc) and the car actually does that exact speed.
  
• Remote start. Why no remote start? Great for hot/cold days. Set the HVAC to where you're going to want it and be able to start it before getting in. Even the base model Commodores have it!
  
• Auto-stop/start engine function defaults to on and must be manually turned off every time. But worse, and something I think is actually a defect/bug, is even if you leave the driving mode in Eco, you must re-select Eco at every restart to actually get the car to drive in Eco. Now I'm sorry, that last one is unacceptable. It's IN ECO MODE when I turn the car off and back on again but won't DRIVE in Eco mode until I manually reselect it. Auto-stop/start should have a driver configurable default position so the driver doesn't have to constantly turn it off if they prefer it off.
  
• Oh, that brings me to the drive mode and auto-stop/start buttons. Why don't they swap the sides for the RHD market? They swap the side for the round Start button and the spots are already there for the buttons on the right side of the shifter. I'm not one of those whingers when it comes to cup trays and park brakes, indicator stalks or why I push the shifter away from me for manual mode but the buttons, where they're already changing a button and have spots for RHD buttons. Argh!
  
• The location of the cigarette socket in the MY18 is stupid. It should be in the centre console bin. I'll add one in there anyway.
  
• The phone tray with built in charge pad is too small. It doesn't fit my iPhone 7 with case on or anything bigger at all. It fits without the case but I would think this is annoying for a LOT of people with larger phones. Wifey's iPhone 8 Plus doesn't fit and it has wireless charging function.
  
• The centre analog clock. Why? Why didn't they just continue the horizontal lines of dash? You can see the time in two other places.
  
• The windscreen tinted top strip is missed - something I've always preferred to have.
  
• The Airbag warning on the passenger sun visor. Really? The inside would have been enough - don't need both! Detracts from my sexy black headliner.
  
• I'd forgotten about the bonnet having to be up to lift the wipers up. Annoying.
  
• Features that are in the car but just not programed. E.g. multi-coloured LED interior and instruments lights, smart LED headlights etc... Don't make the higher spec models "better" by not enabling the features in the other models, make them higher spec with extra kit! I think it's hilarious that people are paying thousands of dollars more for a couple of lines of code. (yes I know I'm simplifying it)
  
• The AllTrack should get the same headlights and park pilot. The reasons they don't are cop-outs. These two things are the only reason I didn't buy an AllTrack!
  
• All models with the auto tail gate should have the foot sensor. The R-Line kit deleting it is a cop out.

BUT, I still LOVE THIS CAR! With the Luxury Pack and R-Line pack it really is fantastic.

My wife loves it too. At her mothers group they were all jealous. They all have SUVs of some sort, X-Trails, Sorrentos, X3, GLC, etc. One of them, and another friend of hers from work who's just had a baby, have Tiguans. The SUV delusions run strong I guess. Wifey is the only one with a wagon. She opens the back and puts the pram in and it takes up less than a third of the space and they've all marvelled at how much space there is. The rest of them have room for just the pram! lol They say they wish they'd looked at the wagons.

Why are wagons disappearing? They're so practical and VW make them so well. I've had two Holden VE/VF variant wagons over the years. The only thing they win on, is shoulder space. They're a bit wider. And to get a comparative model, it needs to be a Calais V. Still, can't do 5.6l/100km in one of those. We can fit the pram and the great dane in the boot together, the baby in her seat and our bags on the back seat and travel in so much comfort.

Hopefully VW keep improving and tweaking these magnificent wagons.

[el1x]

That was a serious wall of text.

I believe the ACC recognises the car in the right lane because you technically aren’t supposed to undertake. So it matches the speed.
Just tap the accelerator and it will glide by.

[doc_777]

Both my B8's default the auto-hold to "on", so dunno what's wrong with yours.

Drive mode - mine stays in the last selected mode (exception being the off-road mode, which the manual clearly states will switch off if the vehicle is turned off).

Bonnet doesn't have to be up to lift the wipers - put them into "service" position.

[Rocket36]

That was a serious wall of text.

I believe the ACC recognises the car in the right lane because you technically aren’t supposed to undertake. So it matches the speed.
Just tap the accelerator and it will glide by.

Yeah - just my thoughts of ownership after a week. I guess sort of a review. Thanks for the accelerator tip! I'll try that.

Both my B8's default the auto-hold to "on", so dunno what's wrong with yours.

Drive mode - mine stays in the last selected mode (exception being the off-road mode, which the manual clearly states will switch off if the vehicle is turned off).

Bonnet doesn't have to be up to lift the wipers - put them into "service" position.

There's nothing wrong with my auto hold. It just isn't on by default. Regarding drive mode, the car stays in Eco mode. But the gear selector won't indicate E unless I select Eco mode again. I.e. in Eco mode, the selected gear indicator will (if in 4th) show either E4 or S4 depending on what I select. But if I restart the car later it goes back to showing D4 or S4 depending on selection even though the mode is in Eco. If I re-select Eco drive mode, it goes back to showing E4 or S4.

Ah yes, service position for the wipers. I'd forgotten about that! Thanks.

[Rocket36]

Accelerator tap for ACC when it's matching someone in the next lane works perfectly, thanks!

Auto-hold remembers whichever state it's in. I usually turn it off to park, hence off when getting back in most of the time. I noticed today when I stopped for fuel it was still on. So that one was user error.

[DR074]

They don't sound like random thoughts, sounds like you spent some time on that list.

I've had plenty of cars myself. None come close to the Passat for tech, comfort, performance and adjustability, in the one package for the price. Best balanced all-rounder of any brand, on the market.

The only thing on your list I agree with is the cooled seats. burnt my arse the other day when I got in it. I love the analog clock, and I don't need an umbrella in the door, I've been wet plenty of times before. If there is something I don't know about the car, forums like this have it all. Like you though, just love it.

Had mine for about 7 - 8 months now, and can't really see myself in anything else.

[zzc2010]

Vent Seats for sure!

[ope126]

Hi guys,

So I've been away from VWs for a while and after having my 140TDI Highline for over a week now, I thought I'd share some thoughts as well as ask for some advice. These are random and in no particular order.

These will seem trivial and perhaps even whinging. But I think they're all usability issues that can either be resolved for the mass market by some more critical testers in the UAT phase of new model development, or made customisable by each owner.

• Why does the ACC recognise a car in the right hand lane and match it's speed instead of going past at the speed I've set and relative to the car in front of me? There's a cute little image that appears in the instrument cluster to let me know and all! I get that it can be handy for merging into traffic and assume that's the idea behind it however on 4 or 5 lane roads where people just sit all over the place going less than the limit, I just want to cruise on by in my lane and not be forced to speed match ANOTHER LANE when there's nothing in front of me. (stupid Victorian drivers! I still can't believe how bad they drive down here since moving here 7 years ago). Already answered.
  
• Why does the instrument cluster nav screen appear automatically when I've set a destination? There's a 12 inch screen showing me the nav information right in the centre console! If I want the nav screen in the instrument cluster, I will set it. I like it and will use it when I want to, but I don't want it forced on me. I guess that is just the way it is.
  
• My 2009 R36 (that's 9 years ago!) had a cool feature where after using the windscreen washers, the wipers would stop for about 5 seconds and then do one single swipe to get the last few drips. I miss that. Cool feature they should have kept. Tear Drop Wipe, could be coded via VCDS?
  
• Skodas have the umbrellas in the doors and VWs do not? I don't get that. (My R36 had one in the driver's door only) Yes, I remember my old B6 had the Umbrella holder too. No real biggie, but I guess that is now what make the Skoda's "Simply Clever"
  
• Skodas get built in retractable sun shades on the rear windows and VWs do not? I've ordered some of these instead: Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2014-2017 B8 Magnetic Window Sun Blind Sun Shade Mesh | eBay This is available in UK / EU markets, shame it didn't make its way down under...
  
• The seat moving back when I open the door is awesome. But why doesn't it go back to EXACTLY where I had it. The memory settings don't seem to accept settings that are all the way to the limit of their motion. It's just a little bit, but it's noticeable. Mine does not have memory seats, so I can not comment. However I used to own 2 MD Mondeo Titaniums and they had the same feature. It worked really well! Maybe there is another setting or way to store in the memory programming to assist...
  
• It would be nice to rearrange the main icons in the menu on the centre screen. Have the most used closer to the driver and be customisable for driver preference. Thats a good suggestion...
  
• It would be nice to have an OFF button for the HVAC that's not buried in the touch screen menus. I never turn mine off and it hasn't been on this HVAC panel for sometime now. I think MK5 Golf and B6 Passats had the off button. Easy way is to turn fan speed all the way down, then it turns off I think?
  
• Where is the mute button? Seriously! On the steering wheel there should ALWAYS be a mute button. Fair point, I never really have a use to MUTE music (just the kids), but a couple of taps on the volume and it quietens down..
  
• Vented/cooled seats! Vented/cooled seats! Vented/cooled seats! Even KIAs have them! Agree... The only car I have ever owned with Air Cooled Seats was a 2012 Opel Insignia Select Sports Tourer. They were great!!!
  
• Head-up display. This is something that's actually not a huge disappointment. While I don't think it provides a lot of value add to the driving experience, and I don't miss it thanks to the awesome instrument cluster display, it's a relatively easy tech and in a car that's full of tech, it's an strange omission. And I mean proper head-up display, onto the windscreen, and not the cheap flip-up plastic crap. Agree too. Although not a full HUD, my previous Mondeo had the dots that would reflect onto the windscreen just like the Volvo V60/S60, much better for the distance to the vehicle in front than the pathetic little symbol in the dash cluster of the VW...
  
• The speedo is slow by approx. 4 - 5km/hr across the legal speed range. I get they set them a bit slow, but that's a lot if you ask me. Thankfully they have one of the best cruise controls I've ever used. Being able to actually set the speed you want accurately (so 85km/hr in an 80km/hr zone, etc) and the car actually does that exact speed. Agree, I have a GPS on my Blackvue Dashcam and around 103 - 104kms on speedo is around 99 - 100km on the GPS...
  
• Remote start. Why no remote start? Great for hot/cold days. Set the HVAC to where you're going to want it and be able to start it before getting in. Even the base model Commodores have it! I dont know much about Commodores, suprised to hear they have remote start. A mate of mine just bought a Holden Colorado LTZ and it has remote start, pretty cool, but no deal breaker!
  
• Auto-stop/start engine function defaults to on and must be manually turned off every time. But worse, and something I think is actually a defect/bug, is even if you leave the driving mode in Eco, you must re-select Eco at every restart to actually get the car to drive in Eco. Now I'm sorry, that last one is unacceptable. It's IN ECO MODE when I turn the car off and back on again but won't DRIVE in Eco mode until I manually reselect it. Auto-stop/start should have a driver configurable default position so the driver doesn't have to constantly turn it off if they prefer it off. ECO Mode, what is that!!! SPORT Mode all the way!!!
  
• Oh, that brings me to the drive mode and auto-stop/start buttons. Why don't they swap the sides for the RHD market? They swap the side for the round Start button and the spots are already there for the buttons on the right side of the shifter. I'm not one of those whingers when it comes to cup trays and park brakes, indicator stalks or why I push the shifter away from me for manual mode but the buttons, where they're already changing a button and have spots for RHD buttons. Argh! I guess these cars are made for the EU market...
  
• The location of the cigarette socket in the MY18 is stupid. It should be in the centre console bin. I'll add one in there anyway. I think the location is good, mine is in the front where I think you guys now have the wireless charging???
  
• The phone tray with built in charge pad is too small. It doesn't fit my iPhone 7 with case on or anything bigger at all. It fits without the case but I would think this is annoying for a LOT of people with larger phones. Wifey's iPhone 8 Plus doesn't fit and it has wireless charging function. Can't comment as I do not have this...
  
• The centre analog clock. Why? Why didn't they just continue the horizontal lines of dash? You can see the time in two other places. Well they had this in the B7 (not B6) so no real issues me thinks...
  
• The windscreen tinted top strip is missed - something I've always preferred to have. I think this must only be on certain cars, I never had this on any B6 (x2) or B7 (x3) Passat that I have previously owned. All except the B6's had Drivers Assist...
  
• The Airbag warning on the passenger sun visor. Really? The inside would have been enough - don't need both! Detracts from my sexy black headliner. Personally, I am not a fan of the black headliner. Makes me feel claustrophobic...
  
• I'd forgotten about the bonnet having to be up to lift the wipers up. Annoying. Answered, Service Position, hasnt changed on any VW in some time now...
  
• Features that are in the car but just not programed. E.g. multi-coloured LED interior and instruments lights, smart LED headlights etc... Don't make the higher spec models "better" by not enabling the features in the other models, make them higher spec with extra kit! I think it's hilarious that people are paying thousands of dollars more for a couple of lines of code. (yes I know I'm simplifying it) Agree to disagree...
  
• The AllTrack should get the same headlights and park pilot. The reasons they don't are cop-outs. These two things are the only reason I didn't buy an AllTrack! Agree...
  
• All models with the auto tail gate should have the foot sensor. The R-Line kit deleting it is a cop out. No R-Line kit on mine, but the foot sensor is very hit and miss at best!!!

BUT, I still LOVE THIS CAR! With the Luxury Pack and R-Line pack it really is fantastic.

Hopefully VW keep improving and tweaking these magnificent wagons.

I have added my comments in blue, I hope it helps...

[Rocket36]

Thanks mate. Good read.

[dArK5HaD0w]

• Skodas have the umbrellas in the doors and VWs do not? I don't get that. (My R36 had one in the driver's door only)
  
• Skodas get built in retractable sun shades on the rear windows and VWs do not?
  
• Vented/cooled seats! Vented/cooled seats! Vented/cooled seats! Even KIAs have them!
  
• All models with the auto tail gate should have the foot sensor. The R-Line kit deleting it is a cop out.

The umbrellas in the door have come in handy for me a couple of times. there's one for the passenger too

The retractable shades r so much cleaner looking and handy to have than the stick-on/add-on shades.

The Superb also comes with Vented Cooled and Heated Front Seats, and Vented Heated Rear Seats. Brilliant in Summer and Winter

Foot sensor for the auto-tailgate is nice to have, but its more of a gimmick.