Volkswagen’s Back to Basics Approach: Bringing Quality and Simplicity to Their Interiors

A Shift Away from Flashy Touchscreens and Cheaper Materials

When you step into a Mk7 Volkswagen GTI, you’re instantly enveloped in a premium environment that’s hard to fault. The cabin’s simplicity, quality, and attention to detail make it a joy to be inside. However, the next generation, the Mk8 GTI, took a different approach, introducing a touchscreen and cheaper materials that left many fans disappointed.

Volkswagen’s Design Chief on Simplifying Interiors

According to Christian Schreiber, VW’s design chief, “When you open the door on a Bentley, it’s big and bold architecture, very strong luxury. When you open the door of a Volkswagen, it needs to be simple and usable, and not overly decorated.” He emphasizes the importance of creating an experience that’s both functional and enjoyable, stating, “It needs to work with you and not make things more complicated. It needs to also play with all the touchpoints you have in life.”

Avoiding the ID.4’s Window Switch Frustrations

The frustration of using the window switches in the Volkswagen ID.4 is a prime example of what not to do. With only two window switches, one for each window, and a single button to shift control between the front and rear doors, it’s a usability nightmare. Volkswagen is eager to learn from this experience and improve the simplicity of their interiors.

Image: Mk8 Volkswagen GTI Interior

More Focus on Quality and Simplicity

Andy Mindt, VW’s head of design, emphasizes the importance of improving material quality and design. “We’re going to try and kick out cheap plastic materials and put the money instead into fabrics and improving quality, which helps save money and means we can use it elsewhere.” This approach could make VW’s products feel more premium while keeping costs under control.

The Power of Fabrics and Simple Design

By using high-quality fabrics and simpler designs, Volkswagen aims to create a more pleasant and sustainable driving experience. This approach will not only improve the look and feel of their cabins but also reduce waste and save resources.

Volkswagen’s “Be the Nice Guys” Approach

According to Mindt, “What is the need to be aggressive? Our core is like this: be the nice guys.” This philosophy is reflected in Volkswagen’s commitment to improving the quality and simplicity of their interiors, making their products more enjoyable and more sustainable for customers.