New Delhi: Volkswagen are often criticised more so recently, because some of their experiments in terms of upgrades have been too complicated. These include mounting the touch-sensing controls on steering wheels and bringing all the major functions to the screen. Volkswagen have been undoing a lot of these things more recently.
The top management at Wolfsburg of Volkswagen have had a change about the Flush doors as well, which might look cool but are darn difficult to operate. During the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer told media outlet Deutsche Welle that the brand hasn’t received positive feedback on the flush door.
Most car makers have been too busy trying to make the EVs look more futuristic in order to attract the early adopters. Volkswagen feel that focus cannot be on making cars more appealing to customers, but rather on making the shift to EV, with more market penetration.
Volkswagen, though, have introduced ID.Every1 with flush handles, as the doors have an electronic release mechanism. There remains a lot of time still before the brand’s entry-level EV hits the market in 2027, and the brand could still be reverting to traditional door handles.
VW’s troubles with the Flush door handle
Last year Volkswagen recalled the ID.4 due to issues with flush door handle (Image via Volkswagen)
VW had previously faced a lot of trouble with their crossover ID.4’s setup and had to recall 100,000 units last year, and suspended production as well. However, you can still pull the handles old-fashioned way. The issue came about due to improper waterproofing, which allowed moisture to reach the door controller’s circuit board, and the door would end up opening while driving.
With the facelifts, it is to be seen whether Volkswagen go the other way; however, the ID.2 Polo has given a glimpse of how the brand wants to approach from here on.
One of the prime reasons why most EV makers choose the flush door handle is to have that extra bit of efficiency that reduces drag. However, Volkswagen feel that the customer is the first priority and that convenience is how things are for them. In fact, there are talks at the big corridors to ban the hidden door handles as they have been noted as the most nuisance more recently.
While the door handles from the previous generation might cause a little less range, it is much more reliable than the latest flush door handles. With modern cars becoming more complicated due to the technology inside, it is important for carmakers to keep some of the basic functions as simple as possible.