There's nothing special about turn signal repeaters on side mirrors. You can get them on a lot of cars, our long-term 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI included. But the execution of this feature on the Jetta is extra nice, in that subtle way that things often are on German cars.
The amber light is on the far edge of each mirror, not too big, not too small, not too bright, not too dim. Whenever I put on the left turn signal, I'm pleased to see it and, for a brief moment, I have the feeling that I'm driving around in a more elite automobile than an unassuming diesel econobox.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 18,320 miles
carguy622 says:
08:32 PM, 07/15/09
This went from a feature that hardly any cars had, to something that more and more share.
I like the repeaters on the mirrors. They are a nice touch, and make it easier for people in SUVs and CUVs to see lower vehicles signaling. Now if more people would just use the signals at all.
Also, I can't see the signal on my TSX mirrors when they are on, but I'd like to. The Jetta gets this right.
carfreak8394 says:
09:28 PM, 07/15/09
That's a nice design. Well done, Volkswagen.
brn says:
09:34 PM, 07/15/09
I'm kinda with carguy on one comment. What good does a signal repeater do if people don't use their signals in the first place.
It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. Signals are so friggin easy to use. I'm also not a fan of the late signaler. Don't bother to turn your signal on when you're already half way into the lane. Don't bother to turn your signal on after you're sitting in a turn lane. Signals are there to tell us what you're going to do, not what you've already started doing.
OK, done ranting.
jstandefer says:
10:52 PM, 07/15/09
I like my S60's mirror-mounted turn signal repeater specifically because I can't see it. I don't like seeing the signal because it partially impairs side vision at night.
I also like the Volvo's lane change feature where a soft touch of the stalk results in three turn signal flashes. I always have to remember that my truck doesn't have that.
clarkma5 says:
11:11 PM, 07/15/09
I'm more keen on the MkIV's side repeater, personally, at least from a stylistic point of view. I don't really see the functional difference either.
the_big_al says:
11:26 PM, 07/15/09
Im not sure if I am a fan of repeaters or not... never had a vehicle that had them so I cant say whether I like them or not. However if I did have them, I would like them to be subtle so as not not impair my vision if I happen to be looking in the mirror as I signal. I would hope you are looking in the mirror as you are signaling...
davantriv says:
11:53 PM, 07/15/09
If only VW/Audi turn signals would blink faster, like BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo. I hate driving cars with slow blinkers, and the newer VW's are slow!
tryan says:
03:31 AM, 07/16/09
+1 for clarkma5
I liked by B5.5 Passat's fender-mounted repeaters better than my MkV GTI's mirror-mounted repeaters - at least from an aesthetic point of view. Functionally, they are the same, and provide the same safety benefit (telling people who like to hover in your blind spot that you'd like to come over in their lane and not side-swipe them).
autoboy16 says:
04:05 AM, 07/16/09
Our expedition has "signal mirrors". Great idea, but leave it to ford to execute it wrong. The entire bottom of the mirror is amber, so when it flashes, it flashes, EVERYWHERE. Good for traffic, bad for driver trying to switch lanes at night.
Speaking of the bright lights on this truck, I gotta bring up its reverse lights. It feels like when this truck is in reverse, I can see EVERYTHING! Its like having a pair of headlights in the rear! GREAT Ford! Its to the point where I was thinking of buying some cheap ebay HID bulbs to put in the reverse lights of my car.
In my accord, i get nervous backing up in the shopping center because, its difficult to see whats behind you at night. Yes, i know i looked behind me, but there is a publix in the shopping center with shopping carts virtually everywhere at night and some that get pushed by the wind. I ALMOST ran one over because while i was trying to get my phone in the charger, some dumb lady left her cart RIGHT behind my car.
adavis2493 says:
04:25 AM, 07/16/09
The thing I like about the new Audi Models, is that it can sense when you are highway speeds, and when you use your turn signals, it only flashes 2-3 Times for changing lanes.
nealibob says:
04:59 AM, 07/16/09
I agree with the post, except for the comment about a $22k+ car being an econobox. Apparently, this VW handles like one, but that price blows "econo" out of the equation, even with reduced fuel costs.
bkochuk says:
06:32 AM, 07/16/09
@ adavis2493
the BMW 135 also does that. it's a nice touch. I assume all their newer models do likewise...
audisport says:
07:20 AM, 07/16/09
The Jetta is not an econobox. The rabbit/golf is an econbox. I do like the design of these mirrors though. I'm not really sure why the DOT hasn't made side repeaters manditory on all cars here like in Europe. They are beneficial, especially when someone is merging in your lane and doesnt see you, but like noted above, they don't work if the driver doesnt use the signal. I do love the lane change feature where you just lightly press the signal stalk and you get 3 blinks. When I recently had to borrow my father's Jeep GC to pick up a new tv, I was plesently suprised to see that the Jeep had this feature as well.
zcalvert says:
07:49 AM, 07/16/09
The reason i like this design is that it makes it easy to see in your peripheral vision that the turn signal is activated... one less thing that requires you to look away from the road. As far as aesthetics: the clear signal cover blends in well with white paint; problem solved.
But, after a few years of owning a MkV GTI, the one touch 3-flash lane changing signal is really the simple little feature that you quickly grow to love.
jm1212 says:
07:56 AM, 07/16/09
most VW's and Audi's have electronic turn signal stalks. this allows you to simply tap the turn signal in the direction you need for 3 quick blinks,like when changing lanes. the signal also allows you to lock the stalk in the desired position, just like you would for any other stalk, for taking turns.
this feature is seen on alot of European cars, because the electronic wiper and turn signal stalks are popular in Europe. even the Saturn Astra has them.
dougtheeng says:
08:10 AM, 07/16/09
I agree that the signal looks nice. Another thought I had when I saw the first picture is that wow, those are some classy looking gauges. VW goes a great gauge cluster - simple and elegant is better.
wobbly_ears says:
08:19 AM, 07/16/09
Hyundai Azera does this as well. However, I would put VW ahead on this.
mjp16 says:
10:04 AM, 07/16/09
Check out the repeater on your A4 Avant. It's integrated in a similar fashion... neat detail.
bodyblue says:
02:04 PM, 07/16/09
1960's and '70's Mopars with fender mounted turn signals...trend setters or dead end design?????
Discuss
cwc1 says:
07:34 PM, 07/16/09
^coffee talk, no big whoop.
As a kid, I thought those turn signals and indicators on the front fenders were pretty cool, and wondered why more cars didn't have them.
stingray454 says:
07:01 AM, 07/17/09
I still don't think of the Jetta as an econobox. The Golf/Rabbit, yes. Jetta, no.
dougtheeng says:
07:11 AM, 07/17/09
"I still don't think of the Jetta as an econobox. The Golf/Rabbit, yes. Jetta, no."
But the Golf/Rabbit interior is so similar, I'm not sure where this comment comes from?
threem says:
09:10 AM, 07/17/09
"I still don't think of the Jetta as an econobox. The Golf/Rabbit, yes. Jetta, no."
But the Golf/Rabbit interior is so similar, I'm not sure where this comment comes from?
We have both a Rabbit and a Jetta, and I don't think either should be classified as an econobox. I think that this is an American hangup-that any small car must, by its nature, be a cheap car. Most VWs are pretty premium in execution, and are only "economy" in size.
matt_a says:
01:46 PM, 07/17/09
"I still don't think of the Jetta as an econobox. The Golf/Rabbit, yes. Jetta, no."
The Golf and Jetta are the same car aside from the rear end. One has a trunk, one is a hatchback. They are on the same platform, have the same engines, same interior, and share many of the same parts. In the rest of the world, the Golf outsells the Jetta by a long ways. The USA is strange in how it views hatchbacks, thinking that they are lower class. I actually find them much more useful than any sedan. Plus, they actually look better.