Prefer analog volume knobs instead of touchscreen functionality? You're not alone.
CarBuzz has learned from a Volkswagen USA spokesperson that the next generation Tiguan crossover, due in 2025, will feature an analog volume knob similar to what's found on the recently revealed ID. 2all Concept, rectifying VW's troublesome and frustrating infotainment controls that have become prevalent on models like the Golf GTI and the ID.4.
“The next Tiguan will go back to volume knobs,” the spokesperson told us. “The ID. 2 is a hint to where we are going. The GTI is where we were two years ago [while] Golf, Atlas, and Tiguan had an interface that was part [touchscreen] and part button. We're going back that way.” Kind of. Today's Tiguan features two smaller knobs located on either side of the touchscreen. It's a nice design, but it won't last much longer.
“At the Munich Motor Show [this September], there will be a new Tiguan with a very different HMI,” our source continued. “It will be built in Mexico, and it's a global car. It's a ways away for the US, but they're showing it pretty early in Europe.”
Looking at the ID. 2all, there's a diagonal touch display measuring 12.9 inches while the HVAC controls run across the bottom of the display. But, there is not a traditional volume knob. What gives? Look more closely and see a small thumbwheel between the temperature controls; that will be used to adjust the volume instead of the current knob design. It's a small detail but an important one.
Only a few years ago, automakers, specifically Honda, integrated volume control directly into the touchscreen, thus eliminating the knob. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but there was significant customer blowback, and the automaker returned to the knobs for almost the entire lineup's 2019 refresh. Honda, and other automakers, learned a valuable lesson.
VW previously acknowledged the issue, citing VW's European roots as the reason for the touch-only interface, but admitting its flaws for an American audience and pledging software fixes plus the next-gen infotainment design in 2025.
There's something else in the ID. 2all concept that we'd love to see spread to certain other future VWs: retro-themed digital dials. The “Retro Mode Golf Era” boasts '80/90s style digital dials with an old-school digital clock in the center that would look great on a future GTI and Golf R. This may well happen, though, as several reports cite that the ID. 2all will enter production wearing the Golf nameplate instead of being called the ID.2.
We don't think it'd be appropriate for something more mainstream like the Tiguan. But, as long as the Tiguan and other upcoming VWs retain the analog volume control, even if it's a round dial and not a knob, consumers and media alike will have no complaints.
Keyword: New VW Tiguan Arriving This Year With ID. 2all-Inspired Physical Infotainment Controls