Test drive Volkswagen Golf 8: inside - innovations, under the hood - "aspirated" and automatic transmission (no, not DSG) - part 3

 The interior design has now radically changed: the driver's and passengers' areas are clearly expressed. The first one is highlighted by a black gloss, the second is a multi-colored backlight. The latter creates a full-fledged atmosphere in the cabin: soothes, recharges, invigorates. But even in the traditional "little things" Volkswagen Golf 8 does not miss: "climate" for rear passengers, cool 480-watt audio system (Harman Kardon), lumbar massage for a long journey. Displays deserve special attention.

 After all, the Volkswagen Golf 8 received two large color displays in the cabin - and even one more: we are talking about the projection of data on the windshield, which is available for the first time for a model. The first pancake did not come out lumpy - the projection is implemented cool: a clear picture, speed and information "cruise", navigation tips. Although this information can be followed in the old fashioned way - on the instrument panel, which is made in the form of a proprietary 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display. The usual display modes remained unchanged (classic round instruments, a full-screen map), but the design of icons and information windows has been updated. And the control logic has also changed a little: now you can control the right / left side of the display directly from the buttons on the steering wheel, setting the desired information. Plus, a button for turning on and adjusting the intensity of the steering wheel appeared on the spoke, although earlier the heating of the steering wheel on Volkswagen cars was linked to the heated driver's seat. And since we already talked about the buttons, I note that there are only two islands of touch buttons on the front panel: to the left of the steering wheel - control of light and heating, to the right of the steering wheel - buttons to control the central display, volume control, temperature selection. The organization of the interior may seem strange, but re-read a couple of paragraphs above: the new Volkswagen Golf 8 is built around completely new ideas for using the car. And then everything falls into place. Why do you need a classic round lamb light when most modern cars have a light sensor and auto-turn on the light? Why hide the rear window defrost and defrost buttons? Here they are, just opened the door - all at once in sight. Why do you need many controls when everything is done through a central touchscreen display?

 Moreover, the latter literally captivates with the quality of the picture, color rendition and image clarity. And also - the level of interaction with the driver. The start page includes a window for navigation, radio or audio system control, phone call. On the left is a constant field: time and climate settings, heated seats, exit from the menu. Above - a drop-down curtain with notifications. Most similar to a smartphone, right? The only question is that the system does not "slow down": I did not have a single failure on three test cars, but we did meet with colleagues. And the question is why the temperature control and volume control sensors are not illuminated. Representatives of the company assure that “the real owner will quickly get used to it” - but why get used to it, if you can put cheap backlight LEDs? An annoying puncture for the display, which otherwise opens a window to the future. This is me about driver assistance technologies: in addition to the usual lane control, adaptive cruise, road sign recognition, now there is an integrated Travel Assist system. Here it is - another step towards mass driving autonomy: from now on, the Volkswagen Golf 8 itself adheres to the middle of its lane, reacts to speed limit signs, can brake or accelerate, follow the car in front. Ideally, once the widespread use of Car2X technology begins, systems like Travel Assist should bring us to the third level of autonomy. At least the Volkswagen Golf 8 is ready for this.