VW Unveils New Old-Style Cockpit for ID. Polo

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Volkswagen has decided to throw a lot more buttons and dials back in front of driver’s eyes for its upcoming cheap EV. The company says it is doing this in response to customer feedback, but I’m very curious to see if customers really do end up liking this or if it ends up being a case of “be careful what you wish for.” Frankly, I don’t even know what I think of it. I would need to drive around in a Volkswagen ID. Polo for a week or so to come to an opinion.

What I do like for sure is that it offers something different. I’m all for bringing different options to the market, and this brings together old-school tech/design and modern tech in a way I haven’t seen done elsewhere.

Let’s get to the photos and Volkswagen’s pitch, though, and then I’m curious to see what you think of the unique decision.

“Volkswagen is opening the doors to the all-new ID. Polo for the first time, offering an exciting glimpse into the interior of its future models. The new holistic design approach, shaped especially by customer feedback, will define the cockpit of upcoming ID. models. Features include new clarity and quality, and intuitive controls, with familiar VW operating patterns adopted and further developed. At the same time, a new software generation brings fresh functions to the ID. Polo. The charm of the 1980s is now present in the vehicle thanks to the retro display: with a single button press, the digital instrument displays transform into screen views reminiscent of the first Golf,” Volkswagen writes. So, yes, this is not a one-off. This is going to be the norm in new ID models!

“Volkswagen has long delivered quality and comfort standards in the small and compact car classes that are aligned with a higher vehicle class. With the all-new ID. Polo, Volkswagen continues this approach in conjunction with the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language. The cross-class impression is reflected in details such as fabric-covered surfaces on the dashboard and door inserts. The pleasant feel of all surfaces, buttons, controls and handles creates an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, Volkswagen’s new cockpit landscape focuses on even more intuitive operation. Key elements include:

• • Displays with clear information and tidy menu structures
  • More buttons for direct functions
  • A multi-function steering wheel with clear button controls
  • Adoption of familiar VW operating patterns”

Hmm, I don’t know what I think about all of that. Call me neutral for now.

But I do love this, a great fun touch that makes the car extra fun:

Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, adds: “Our new interior architecture, starting with the all-new ID. Polo, elevates the customer experience to a new level: with clean lines, high-quality materials, and an intuitive operating environment with physical buttons and newly structured screens. In addition, from the ID. Polo onwards, our next software generation will deliver noticeably more comfort and functions for our customers. This includes, for example, the third generation of Travel Assist, which will soon recognise red traffic lights and stop signs, as well as comfortable one-pedal-driving.”