Interesting, I could see that if they have a recall and don’t want to extend to a whole other model. That would make sense as to why the GTI is out but not the R (only Golf model with digital cockpit) but I’d question whether they’re planning on swapping out clusters before delivery and why Canada got them? I’d think they’d want to make a sale and then replace if needed down the road (great reason to have a 6 year warranty).
Where did you hear this information?
Agree with above post. Since VW is keeping things secret even from their dealers, all we have here is speculation. The digital cluster has been out for months in the US with the Tiguan and Atlas, and I think the top line GTI (Autobahn).
The digital cockpit is not an option on any trim of the GTI.
We
assume with some reasonable assurance that the digital cockpit in the Atlas/Tiguan is the same as that in the R.
There is currently a production hold (apparently) on SEL Premium Atlas models due to issues with the cluster. It seems to only impact that model. No one really knows.
It's true that the R is on sale in Canada. I haven't seen any bitching about problems with the virtual cockpit in that market, except for an issue with the digital and analog versions of the speedometer being out of sync when switched between kmh and mph (when switching to kmh on the analog dial the digital readout remains mph). That could be a reason for a hold in the US .
It could be related to EPA certification of emissions. Remember the EPA doesn't do the actual testing. They rely on makers to do the test and certify to the EPA that they're in compliance. Given the diesel issues the EPA could be forcing another look.
I've been told on separate occasions that it has to do with VWs vehicle release time line. There's a lot of new product for them in 2018. That release looked like this:
Atlas/Tiguan
GTI
Alltrack
Golf
Golf R
'19 Jetta
'19 Arteon.
Makes sense if you think about it.
VW needed to get SUVs on the market - get those out first.
Then the GTI - important small/sporty model the brand is known for.
Then the Alltrack - competes against Subaru
Then the Golf - the inexpensive car
Golf R - the limited production one most people don't know or care about
Then focus on the new '19 models....
If the cluster does need to be replaced it's much easier, cheaper and logistically less of a nightmare if they do it in port. If it's a recall, voluntary or otherwise, then NHSTA gets involved....
Pick a reason. Any or all of them could be valid.
