Is VW pennypinching?

[aussieaviator]

I love my new GTI but you have to wonder why there is no interior release for the fuel cap cover. IMHO that is pennypinching...

[astro]

I haven't been in one before...

But how do you open the fuel cap then?

[xordis]

A quick google suggests you just push on the fuel flap and it opens (assuming the car is unlocked)

[triode12]

Yes they are. The MkV's have a release button located on the drivers door.
VW has been trying to reduce cost of manufacture since the MkV. I read somewhere that they were "losing" about $3KUSD per Golf they were selling.

[astro]

A quick google suggests you just push on the fuel flap and it opens (assuming the car is unlocked)

That in it's self is pretty cool....

[118TSI]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

[astro]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

I do that in my current car... gets annoying.

And I get out and lock the car then have to unlock the car and reach in to the car and pop the latch

[aussieaviator]

Yes, my MK5 had the internal release which I found quite OK. Having no internal release makes it to easy for someone to access the tank for some nefarious purpose.

[FJ Steve]

Having no internal release makes it to easy for someone to access the tank for some nefarious purpose.

Not really. The key has to be in the ignition for the fuel release to be 'unlocked'. Take the key out, and it's just as secure as the MKV version.

So...how many times do you walk away from your car with the keys still in it?

[DoggieHowser]

Its not penny pinching, it just another way to execute the action, IMHO I find it more convenient, how many times have you gotten out your old car, forgetting to unlock the flap, annoying and trivial yes...

Yeah. It's a pain in my father in law's MkV GTI as well.

Plus the soft rubber surface was prone to scratching. Looks horrendous after only four years. Ditto on the motorized windows. Hope they fixed it for the MkVI.