VW Says Goodbye To Cheap Interior Plastics

We’ve had a taste of what the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is like, and among the things we hate about it, the quality of the interior plastics stood out. That holds true with most V-dubs you can buy today, but thankfully, Volkswagen’s saying goodbye to this practice. This was confirmed by the automaker’s head of design, Andy Mindt, in an interview with Top Gear about VW’s design direction for its future models, including the EVs.

“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,” Mindt told the publication when asked about the future of Volkswagen vehicle’s interiors.

One-Piece Door Card Design

The use of fabrics stood out in Mindt’s statement, telling us that the automaker will be substituting cheap polymers with textiles in order to increase its appeal. Other automakers have been doing this, some even using granite trims to make the cabin look special. Kia, on the other hand, uses recycled plastic fabrics to make the interior more sustainable.

Mindt added that VW plans to change how it designs door cards – from a three-piece construction into one single slab with a door handle and arm rest on an island in the middle. It’s interesting how this one-piece door card design will pan out, just as much as how VW will elevate the interior by using fabrics. Christian Schreiber, Volkswagen’s head of design strategy, also shared in the interview that future interiors will be “not overly decorated,” doubling down on its previous promise to simplify the interiors of its future cars.

“Be The Nice Guys”

When it comes to the exterior design, Mindt further shared that VW will keep its understated, non-aggressive styling of its cars. It supports the design head honcho’s claim last year that future VW EVs will not look as futuristic as what other automakers have been introducing to the market, in reference to the new design language of the ID. 2all concept.

“I believe most people don’t want to be the coolest or appear aggressive in public. They want to have a suit and a good outside appearance while being happy and optimistic. What is the need to be aggressive? Our core is like this: be the nice guys,” Mindt said.

Source:
Top Gear