2010 VW GTI: Tiny Center Bin, No 2nd Power Point

This is by far my biggest complaint with VWs. The center consoles are waists. The iPod adapter takes a ton of space does not even except iPhones. Funny thing is I popped the adapter out and it is almost completely empty down there.
A simple auxillary jack would be better served. VW really needs to step up with in cabin storage on their next round of cars. My Civic has perfect spaces for everything, and it makes a big difference.

that is useless. I guess in Europe people dont need stowage space in the center armrests. German cars typically come up short in matters of practicality like this because the designers don't feel this kind of stuff is important since its not a priority for European drivers. I guess VW figures they have made enough concessions by offering cupholders.

1990s VW designers: Why would the Americans need cupholders?

1990s VW designers: Well, OK, we can fit an airbag on the passenger side, but there won't be room for a glove box.

2000s VW designers: Sigh, OK, a central storage console, but only with enough room for a pair of gloves.

Thats crazy small. The one in my old 2004 VW Golf TDI was much larger and actually useful.

I love the dual power outlets in my Kia Soul. I use then frequently for either two cells (mine and the gf) or a cell and an iPod.

My 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer had a good arrangement as well - one power plug under the radio and a second in the arm rest. The one in the arm rest was always on, regardless of the car being on. So, I could leave something charging and it would remain hidden in the arm rest.

I spent some time driving the 2009 Hyundai Sonata (as a kind of loaner) before buying the GTI. That car has a similar center armrest iPod connector, but the bin in the armrest is full width so it can hold CDs nearly flat. With the GTI, it was pretty awkward to close the lid with the iPod connected until I figured out that it works better if you put it in with the connection down (i.e. with the headphone jack and hold switch visible), so the wire has somewhere to be.

One interesting point about the GTI armrest is that it's adjustable, after a fashion. If you lift it a little bit from closed then push down again, it can be locked in a few different positions. I've never actually used this feature, but I suppose it could be useful to someone.

I've come to the point in which I store pretty much everything in the little side pocket of my car. Since my iPod's Auxiliary Input is in the glovebox, and there is a separate area for coins, all I really store in the center console is maybe a pack of gum, and some petty cash.

I though VW/Audi was improving on making their cars more American-Friendly, perhaps they are spending too much time with BMW Engineers...

So you don't carry a ton of crap in your car... it's not terribly difficult and hasn't caused me any problems in 3 yrs or so.

Instead of whining about the Germans being hesitant to make concessions to Americans, maybe more American drivers ought to focus more on the road than the Big Gulp or iPod. There are plenty of Toyotas and Hyundais with 55 holders and nice, big storage bins.

Correct me if I'm mistaken - but isn't there rear seat ventilation behind the center console?

I guess I need to buy more toys. I never use the one power point I have for anything.

One wonders why there are so many SUV's and "cross-overs" on the road. Americans are primarily interested in carry all their crap around with them, wherever they go. Driving simply is not a priority for a lot of folks. I have this same car and when I test drove it storage space and "cubby holes" was simply an afterthought.

@rascal99- reminds me of the Carlin "stuff" bit...

My '06 Jetta (without center console iPod connector) is not much better, it can hold a couple packs of cigarettes and some pens and that is about it. Part of the problem which was mentioned above is the rear seat HVAC vents which take up quite a bit of real estate in the center console. Then there is the mechanism for the height adjusting and sliding armrest which takes up quite a bit of room.

I don't haul all my junk around with me and keep only the essentials in my car so I don't have much of an issue with storage space.

I don't carry huge items with me that would need to be stored in a center console, so it's small size isn't a bother. In fact, it's a plus. Now that I have a USB MDI cable from VW, the relatively small, rubber-lined storage bin in the center console allows my 500 GB hard drive that I use to access my entire music library to fit snuggly without sliding around. Almost perfect, actually...

@ gsarngad:

Not only is it height-adjustable but it's also length adjustable. I prop up the arm rest a little bit and then slide it all the way forwards to allow for a really comfortable driving position.

@ acbayard:

Yes, there are two air vents just behind the center console (possibly a reason for the small storage bin in the console).

I have the double outlet (well, triple really with the one in the way back) in my Frester. The charger for my wife's iPhone is plugged in their all the time and when we drove from Chicago to NYC a couple years ago, I used the outlet in the center console to plug in a converter so we could plug in a laptop the person in the back seat could watch a movie.

An outlet in the console is a very handy thing.

While a valid complaint, it does however have plaid seats and a flat bottom steering wheel.

German engineering....???

That’s pretty bad; my friggin’ Miata has more room in the center console! I use it to keep my gloves, sunglasses, sunblock, and sometimes my phone and wallet. Are there other cubbies for the GTI’s driver?

"Instead of whining about the Germans being hesitant to make concessions to Americans, maybe more American drivers ought to focus more on the road than the Big Gulp or iPod. There are plenty of Toyotas and Hyundais with 55 holders and nice, big storage bins."

typical German fanboy excuse making. They are smart enough to figure out how to create usable storage. I dont know of any normal person who doesn'tneed space inside their car to store or hide SOMETHING. Even if you don't use the space everyday you should have it at your disposal.

"Driving simply is not a priority for a lot of folks. I have this same car and when I test drove it storage space and "cubby holes" was simply an afterthought. "

First of all this has nothing to do with the "joy of driving". Europe has great mass transit and people are less likely to "live" in their cars day to day. That is one reason why European automakers don't think there is need for anything but human space in a car. Americans have different needs and use their cars differently and their needs have to be accomodated. VW is talking about increasing their US sales 4 fold in 10 years so they better get on the ball. People kill me with all this "Americans need to remember driving is supposed to be a sport" nonsense. We all know most car trips are mundane and out of necessity. Especially during the workweek.

@1487 BUT this isn't a work week mundane car. Sure it can do that very well, but this is a performance variant.

If we were talking about a Jetta, sure I would agree. But frankly, those that would buy this car anyway, don't care.

Except that there have been plenty of people saying they have bought this car, and they do care, my girlfriend included.

When compared to the MS3, people can say "well it's more daily livable" all day long, but when something isn't convenient for daily living, "but this is a performance variant".

Even if you go that route, then the standard Golf will have the same storage console, and that IS the base variant.

Oh good, 1487 is here to set us all straight with his expertise. Remember, nobody disagree with him or hissy-fits will ensue.
Happy days are here again.

"We all know most car trips are mundane and out of necessity. Especially during the workweek."

Au contraire, this is specifically why I bought this car. That is the point of a car like this. This mornings slog down I-77 was not mundane for me despite the traffic. The beauty of a car like this, or M3, or insert your performance car of choice here, is that normal everyday driving is a joy.

I'd much rather have a Cobalt with a big console.

Well, if storage is that important you could buy the VW seat storage drawers for $100 each that go under the driver and/or passenger seats.

If a center power port is that important you could buy another car.

"Au contraire, this is specifically why I bought this car. That is the point of a car like this. This mornings slog down I-77 was not mundane for me despite the traffic. The beauty of a car like this, or M3, or insert your performance car of choice here, is that normal everyday driving is a joy."

Exactly. The right vehicle can make most any trip a little -or a lot- more pleasant. Driving a soul-numbing appliance will ensure that most any trip will be mundane.

Honestly, get a Y-splitter if you need extra jacks. 5-10 bucks at Radio Shack. Worth mentioning, but not worth whining about.

I'm getting sort of irritated with the unfair bias towards the MazdaSpeed3. You nitpick this car but avoid pointing out the truly hideous styling of the MS3 both inside and out.

I'm SURE I'm not the only one that's noticed this.

"German engineering....???"

wat

"Exactly. The right vehicle can make most any trip a little -or a lot- more pleasant. Driving a soul-numbing appliance will ensure that most any trip will be mundane."

BS and you know it. Drive an M3 in heavy rush hour traffic in a major city (you must not live in one) and its no more thrilling than a Corolla. On top of that you (and you buddy Zcalvert) miss the point as usual. The point is Americans use cars differently and likely more often than Europeans based on lifestyle changes. Considering the comments you are always making on here I am a little surprised that you are worship European cars so much. Its definitely at odds with your political inclinations.

When you get done processing that, explain to me why a fun to drive car should have less storage space than the type of car that you hate so much. Someone who spends a lot of time in their car is likely to need stowage space at times and that isnt really dependent on whether or not your car meets RB's criteria as a worthy vehicle. My cousin has a used 528i and one of things he complained about was the lack of accomodations for drinks and stuff.

"The beauty of a car like this, or M3, or insert your performance car of choice here, is that normal everyday driving is a joy. "

Actually, the more sporting your car the more frustrating it must be to have to drive said car amongst thousands of "mundane" Camrys and Accords day to day. I am amused by the sight of M3s and 911s stuck in rush hour (or non rush hour) urban traffic. It's a total waste but the drivers can at least look exclusive and draw jealous stares while moving along at 20mph just like the civics and corollas around them. If you think ANY given drive can be a joy simply by having a great handling car you must not have a lot of experience in heavily congested areas.

1487 I have lived in several big cities (DC, Atlanta, LA, San Diego, Portland, Honolulu, Norfolk -- is that enough for you?) and I can tell you quite frankly you're full of crap -- it is infinitely MORE frustrating to drive an appliance than to drive something that you can actually enjoy. Contrary to what you think, there is a difference in driving something that is built for performance, from 1 freakin' mph to 100, than it is in driving a Camcord. Just because you can't tell doesn't mean others can't. And if my car has little or no storage space, why do you care? I selected my car based on my priorities, not yours. Other owners make the same choices every day. If the GTI's storage space is not enough, then that is called a "trade-off;" they'll get that great interior (that just so happens to not have much storage space) and great utility with a hatchback and great performance. And if there aren't enough power points, hell, just buy a double or triple adaptor at The Shack or a truck stop.
Oh, but why do I keep forgetting -- you're the arbiter for groupthink around here. Everything you say is correct. I apologize for my individualism, lest I be shot multiple times with valve stems from 20 Saturn Auras.

"BS and you know it. Drive an M3 in heavy rush hour traffic in a major city (you must not live in one) and its no more thrilling than a Corolla."

And just exactly how would YOU know it? Because you sat in an M3 at the Philadelphia New Car Show? Oh wait, you live in a "major city". I'm envious.

"On top of that you (and you[sic] buddy Zcalvert) miss the point as usual. The point is Americans use cars differently and likely more often than Europeans based on lifestyle changes."

I'm glad this blog has an expert on European driving styles and habits. Which reminds me; how many times have you been to Europe?

"Considering the comments you are always making on here I am a little surprised that you are worship European cars so much. Its definitely at odds with your political inclinations."

So, I shouldn't like European cars because I'm less than enamored with the Obamessiah. Got it. As for my "worship" of things European, you forget that I also have a Jeep and a Mazda. But don't ask about my kitchen appliances...

"When you get done processing that, explain to me why a fun to drive car should have less storage space than the type of car that you hate so much.[sic] Someone who spends a lot of time in their car is likely to need stowage space at times and that isnt[sic] really dependent on whether or not your car meets RB's criteria as a worthy vehicle."

Now you are getting into your stride; NOBODY combines bitterness, envy, and condescension into a single post quite as well as you. And what type of car do I hate so much?

"Actually, the more sporting your car the more frustrating it must be to have to drive said car amongst thousands of "mundane" Camrys and Accords day to day."

I'll readily concede that your vast experience with the automotively mundane eclipses mine. Although based on the consistent tenor of your posts I suspect that you are the one who is frustrated

"I am amused by the sight of M3s and 911s stuck in rush hour (or non rush hour) urban traffic."

I'm glad that something gives you joy...

I'm so happy 1487 has decided to grace us with his special combination of self importance and sparkling personality. It's always so much more pleasant around here once he arrives to show us how not to play nicely with others.

Never in a thousand years would i have imagined the concept of "it's not what you say but how you say it" would be so completely foreign to someone. But, hey, why act like a normal human when you can hide behind the anonymity of an internet msg board?

I've driven a MINI (very fun to drive) in plenty of heavy traffic and urban situations and I enjoyed it plenty. I must be in the minority.

"I've driven a MINI (very fun to drive) in plenty of heavy traffic and urban situations and I enjoyed it plenty."

No you don't; you only THINK you do...
;)

"I can tell you quite frankly you're full of crap -- it is infinitely MORE frustrating to drive an appliance than to drive something that you can actually enjoy."

I can tell you driving is NOT enjoyable in gridlock under any circumstances. I can't believe you are debating that. A 400hp car is total overkill in urban gridlock. To claim that a sporty car is "enjoyable" when inching along in heavy traffic is the defination of delusion. This is how I know RB and his disciples merely argue for the sake of seeing their text on the screen. If I say the sky is blue you people will tell the world its purple and then "prove" it.

-I'm okay with having sub-big-gulp size cupholders in cars with expensive interiors and upholstrey (like my Audi, bought new owned for 6 years, can care less about the crappy cupholders).

-While it is true that gridlock sucks in any car, there's no arguing it would be much more pleasant in a GTI than a Corolla for a myriad of reasons. I've commuted in gridlock, opposite gridlock, in boring cars, in sporty cars, and I'd take commuting in sporty cars regardless of the commuting situation.

-Some enthusiasts don't have room or can't afford to have their daily driver beater AND a more sporting machine for fun/track/weekends. While they may have to sit in traffic in their sports cars, the difference is that when they're out of gridlock and on open windy roads, they're in sports cars. ;)

-Not everyone commutes in gridlock. I don't. In fact, my daily commute is fairly entertaining, and a sports car on my route would be an absolutely soul-stirring start to my day.

"I'm so happy 1487 has decided to grace us with his special combination of self importance and sparkling personality. It's always so much more pleasant around here once he arrives to show us how not to play nicely with others."

shockingly zcalvert didn't actually explain why he disagreed with what I said. All the smart comments and insults are cute but you never really explained how driving a driver's car is rewarding when moving along at 5mph on a crowded interstate. Just try justifying your position before you deliver anymore (not so) clever quips. What you are saying fundamentally makes no sense. Until you can grasp that you will have no choice but to keep responding with childish barbs.

"I apologize for my individualism, lest I be shot multiple times with valve stems from 20 Saturn Auras."

Good one dude! LOL! I have no idea who you are but you must spend a lot of time reading my posts if you know what I drive- especially since I don't even mention my car. Guess you are a student of Mr. Roadburner who always falls back on some Aura joke whenever he gets exposed after posting nonsense.

"And just exactly how would YOU know it? Because you sat in an M3 at the Philadelphia New Car Show? Oh wait, you live in a "major city". I'm envious."

You never actually make a case for your point, you simply disagree with whatever I say. I give you simple tasks and you fail to follow instructions time and time again. Here is today's challenge: Explain to me how the owner of a powerful, track ready 400+hp car can appreciate the car's capabilities or enjoy piloting the car on a congested highway where speeds dont top 30mph. Just explain that and I'll give you kudos for a job well done. As far as I can tell the only thing you are actually knowledgeable about is what car you plan to buy next and what car I drive. Aside from that all you do is offer mindless contrarian commentary.

"I'm glad this blog has an expert on European driving styles and habits. Which reminds me; how many times have you been to Europe?"

As many times as you've made sense on this blog. As usual, your response totally dodged the issue I raised. Notice a trend there? YOu are too clever for your own good. Your posts reek of arrogance and a a sense of self delusion in which you've convinced yourself that you are the smartest guy in the room.

"But don't ask about my kitchen appliances..."

Indeed, I'm not interested in what you drive. Not sure why you would think otherwise. YOu European fetish is evident in all your excuse making whenever topics like this arise. Your excuse is always "they just dont understand" whenever someone offers a legitimate criticism of a BMW or any other European branded car. You're right, I don't understand nonsense. Justifying why a car should NOT offer storage space as if offering such space is a sign that a car is "an appliance" is ridiculous- even for you.

"Now you are getting into your stride; NOBODY combines bitterness, envy, and condescension into a single post quite as well as you. And what type of car do I hate so much?"

I asked a question, you failed to provide an intelligent (or any) response- again.

"I'll readily concede that your vast experience with the automotively mundane eclipses mine. "

I think its time to concede a little more than that by now. In fact, the only thing you can do counter whatever I say and offer plays on words like "Obamessiah" and "govmint motors". Your mere existence here is tied to mine, you have nothing else to offer and no purpose other than to "prove" that you can put me in my place.

"Contrary to what you think, there is a difference in driving something that is built for performance, from 1 freakin' mph to 100, than it is in driving a Camcord. Just because you can't tell doesn't mean others can't. "

The frustration of a wannabe racecar driver is apparent here. In your desperation to prove that your appreciation for cars and your general automotive savvy is superior to that of "average" people you are reaching big time. You are probably one of those who thinks people buy BMWs because they appreciate steering feel. All that I ask is for some logical explanation of the joys of driving at 5mph. You say a sporty car is always more enjoyable than the cars you deride but you haven't explained WHY that is the case. Is a 3 series more fun than a Corolla while parking too? Does the steering feedback come in handy at the Burger King drive thru? All of these arguments are simply an attempt to justify the views of those who feel they are smarter and more sophisticated than "other" car owners. It would be too painful to admit that in day to day driving most people don't really care about the issues being championed by "enthusiasts" and that generally the things "sporty" cars do better don't come into play during the average urban commute. Those are the facts, but you can keep trying to deny them by declaring anyone who doesn't see it your way is too ignorant and stupid to "get it".

The cluelessness is just hysterical.

Nobody disagree with me! THAT'S AN ORDER!

... it can be so enjoyable when someone is not in on the joke.

"But, hey, why act like a normal human when you can hide behind the anonymity of an internet msg board?"

I'd be more than happy to speak to you in the same way in person. I'm not a fan of those who go on the attack and then refuse to actually clarify their position. I made a simple observation: driving a high performance car in heavy traffic defeats the purpose of that car. That's it. Instead of any thoughtful disagreement I get a bunch of weak insults and lectures. If you go back and read my first post (I know I'm asking too much of you) you will find a)I wasn't talking to you b)I never said anything that wasn't true c)I never said Americans should pay LESS attention to the road. You followed up with a smart comment out of left field that was totally unrelated to the topic at hand- in other words you got mad because I posted even though the content wasn't objectionable to you or anyone else.

Ok, maybe this needs to be made even simpler:

All of these asinine little tiffs are not about WHAT you say, rather they arise from HOW you say it.

Are you really incapable of understanding that distinction? I mean, it feels like I'm trying to explain Trigonometry to a preschooler.

Yes, we all get it - you don't feel there's a valid excuse for not having the storage space and you think performance cars are useless in heavy traffic. Ok??? Everybody can read; that doesn't mean you need to act like a jerk to get your point across.

Random comment, but here is one reason why a higher performance vehicle could be better then a plain-jane vehicle in traffic: taller gearing.

In my current car, stop and go traffic means I'm constantly changing between 1-2-3. In a higher performance car with longer gearing, you could probably stay in first gear for most of the stop and go. As a standard driver, this would be MUCH appreciated.

Now I'm not saying its more FUN, but I'm saying it would be more convenient.

Why are you guys arguing over sitting in traffic in a Porsche vs a Camry? If I had a choice of vehicles to choose from knowing I would be sitting in traffic it would probably be a Cadillac Escalade. It is literally a living room on wheels. Large comfy heated or cooled seats, good sound system, two HVAC systems plenty of room and cause it's a SUV a great view of all that wonderful traffic. You can have your Porsche or Camcord.

"You never actually make a case for your point, you simply disagree with whatever I say."

Pot, meet Kettle. All I said was:
"Exactly. The right vehicle can make most any trip a little -or a lot- more pleasant. Driving a soul-numbing appliance will ensure that most any trip will be mundane."
Of course, you saw my name and just HAD to pop in and call what I said BS. And then, in a textbook 1487 response, you feign offense when called on it.

"Aside from that all you do is offer mindless contrarian commentary. "

Ditto.

"YOu[sic] are too clever for your own good. Your posts reek of arrogance and a a sense of self delusion in which you've convinced yourself that you are the smartest guy in the room."

That's hysterical; you must be talking to a mirror.

"Your mere existence here is tied to mine, you have nothing else to offer and no purpose other than to "prove" that you can put me in my place."

My friend on another board is right; you would make a fascinating psychological study.

"I'm not a fan of those who go on the attack and then refuse to actually clarify their position."

In that case you must REALLY despise yourself...

LOL - I'm not reading 1487's usual FACTS (Period), but road/zcal/sgude, why are you guys even bothering? You are having a discussion with quite possibly the most argumentative, least self-aware know-it-all on the internet.

On topic, it looks like the iPod adapter/aux jack were added later after that console was originally designed. Might at least explain the space inefficiency.

"LOL - I'm not reading 1487's usual FACTS (Period), but road/zcal/sgude, why are you guys even bothering?"

I can't speak for anyone else, but I was killing time waiting for my son's school to let out so we could go see Iron Man 2 in IMAX. And I have to admit that it's just plain entertaining to watch 1487's tenuous grasp of reality disintegrate in a flurry of multiple posts. And every now and then he gives us a priceless nugget such as: "Your mere existence here is tied to mine".
You just can't make this stuff up...

entertainment, mainly.

i mean how much does anybody really care about a storage bin?

Ok I'll give you guys that.... entertainment value.

"Your posts reek of arrogance and a a sense of self delusion in which you've convinced yourself that you are the smartest guy in the room."

Classic.

There was a guy on one the BMW boards that was about as bad as 1487. The difference was you could PM him with "are you serious!??" and he'd reply in private like a perfectly normal human. He was actually cool to chat with in private. His similarly rude, outlandish behavior on the boards I suspect was merely for his own entertainment.