2024 Polo GTi

[SRGTD]

I'm not complaining but I wonder why they ditched the haptic sensors on the steering wheel and went back to conventional buttons

Probably because of generally unfavourable feedback from owners of VW models that had were fitted with steering wheels with haptic sensors (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4175 ... s-changed/#). The haptic sensors have also been slated by some journalists in motoring reviews; maybe unfairly, as some owners seem to like them - quite a few owners on the mk8 Golf R forum seem to.

There have also been many instances where steering wheels with haptic sensors have needed to be replaced under warranty because of the generation of false error messages associated with sensors within the steering wheel rim. Quite a few owners on Golf forums have had replacement steering wheels - only a few owners on this forum that I can recall have had a replacement. Those steering wheels are expensive to replace and it’s been a worldwide problem, so the associated warranty costs are likely to have been significant for VW.

[Ian T]

I'm not complaining but I wonder why they ditched the haptic sensors on the steering wheel and went back to conventional buttons

Probably because of generally unfavourable feedback from owners of VW models that had were fitted with steering wheels with haptic sensors (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4175 ... s-changed/#). The haptic sensors have also been slated by some journalists in motoring reviews; maybe unfairly, as some owners seem to like them - quite a few owners on the mk8 Golf R forum seem to.

There have also been many instances where steering wheels with haptic sensors have needed to be replaced under warranty because of the generation of false error messages associated with sensors within the steering wheel rim. Quite a few owners on Golf forums have had replacement steering wheels - only a few owners on this forum that I can recall have had a replacement. Those steering wheels are expensive to replace and it’s been a worldwide problem, so the associated warranty costs are likely to have been significant for VW.

That's why I was wondering because they've retained them on the Golf and other models despite the warranty issue and unfavourable feedback.... so why just change the Polo I wonder????

[SRGTD]

I'm not complaining but I wonder why they ditched the haptic sensors on the steering wheel and went back to conventional buttons

Probably because of generally unfavourable feedback from owners of VW models that had were fitted with steering wheels with haptic sensors (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4175 ... s-changed/#). The haptic sensors have also been slated by some journalists in motoring reviews; maybe unfairly, as some owners seem to like them - quite a few owners on the mk8 Golf R forum seem to.

There have also been many instances where steering wheels with haptic sensors have needed to be replaced under warranty because of the generation of false error messages associated with sensors within the steering wheel rim. Quite a few owners on Golf forums have had replacement steering wheels - only a few owners on this forum that I can recall have had a replacement. Those steering wheels are expensive to replace and it’s been a worldwide problem, so the associated warranty costs are likely to have been significant for VW.

That's why I was wondering because they've retained them on the Golf and other models despite the warranty issue and unfavourable feedback.... so why just change the Polo I wonder????

It’s not just the Polo. I think VW are waiting until the time is right - i.e. either when a model undergoes a mid-lifecycle facelift or the next year’s model year changes are introduced (I seem to remember the Polo steering wheel change coincided with the 2024 model year changes).

The Golf reverted back to physical steering wheel buttons as part of the mk8 Golf’s mid-lifecycle facelift although strangely, there has been a suggestion the forthcoming mk8.5 Golf R will retain the haptic sensors.

[MikeDO]

I hate the haptic controls on the steering wheel! Very much a case of "form over function"!!

Far to easy to accidentality touch one of the controls (and it only takes a very light touch) to activate something!! Especially if taking a tight turn where there is a fair amount of steering wheel movement.
You also can't use them with any sort of gloves. A must as far as I'm concerned when it's cold, even more so as there is no heated steering wheel on the Polo GTI.

And sadly, I'm one of the ones that had to have a replacement steering wheel (took over 8 months to turn up!!!!!!!!!!). Constant annoying electronic issues, along with the LOUDEST warning noises ... BONG (like Big Ben going off).
The problem with the steering wheels effected pretty much all the VAG group with similar wheels (IE. VW, SEAT, SKODA and even some Audi's). Many 1,000's of steering wheels had to be replaced in the end (a friend in the business confirmed this).
It must have cost them a fortune.

Basically, I would not buy another car with these sorts of controls even again (however good the car was). Yes, I HATE them that much. A shame, as the Polo GTI is a decent enough motor otherwise.

Rant over

[SRGTD]

I hate the haptic controls on the steering wheel! Very much a case of "form over function"!!

Far to easy to accidentality touch one of the controls (and it only takes a very light touch) to activate something!! Especially if taking a tight turn where there is a fair amount of steering wheel movement.
You also can't use them with any sort of gloves. A must as far as I'm concerned when it's cold, even more so as there is no heated steering wheel on the Polo GTI.

And sadly, I'm one of the ones that had to have a replacement steering wheel (took over 8 months to turn up!!!!!!!!!!). Constant annoying electronic issues, along with the LOUDEST warning noises ... BONG (like Big Ben going off).
The problem with the steering wheels effected pretty much all the VAG group with similar wheels (IE. VW, SEAT, SKODA and even some Audi's). Many 1,000's of steering wheels had to be replaced in the end (a friend in the business confirmed this).
It must have cost them a fortune.

Basically, I would not buy another car with these sorts of controls even again (however good the car was). Yes, I HATE them that much. A shame, as the Polo GTI is a decent enough motor otherwise.

Rant over

Agree 100% Mike with everything you’ve said. I’m just glad my pre-facelift GTI+ has physical buttons on the steering wheel. I’m also very pleased it has physical heating / ventilation controls too - simple rotary knobs that can be adjusted by touch alone while driving without having to divert your eyes away from the view of the road and traffic conditions ahead.

There are car manufacturers that seem able to get the balance right between physical controls and touchscreens. Sadly VW doesn’t seem to be one of them, but IMHO Renault have done a good job in the current Clio - see picture below - rotary knobs for heating, ventilation and climate control and quite a few physical buttons. As you’ve said, VW seem to be more interested in form over function and it’s one of the reasons I won’t be buying a facelift Polo GTI when I decide to change my current car.

IMG_0547.jpeg (64.75 KiB) Viewed 484 times

[lancslad1985]

I miss some aspects of my gti, the instant speed was addictive and the gearbox was better than my Mazda. However, I had the “pleasure” of having a Cupra formentor for a week recently whilst my car got repaired thanks to some wally driving into me. It had proper buttons on the wheel which was great but it had everything, and I mean everything, through the touchscreen. Considering how hot it was it was a pain having to go through the touchscreen to make amends to fan speed, direction etc. and take my eyes off the road.

It made me realise that although I hated the haptic climate controls my gti had (Mazda does buttons and dials, much better!) it was miles better than this system they’ve had on the golf and the Cupra cars. The polo I knew where it was, just had to stab to get what I wanted with minimal eye movement from the road, but the Cupra was just dangerous. When will manufacturers learn that cars need buttons as well as touch screens?