Volkswagen\u2019s controversial touch-sensing steering wheel controls will be replaced by physical buttons on future models, but the German car-maker is yet to confirm whether the common-sense decision will also apply to infotainment screens and air-conditioning controls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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German auto giant Volkswagen will join a growing number of car companies to backtrack on the roll-out of touch-sensing controls and bring back physical buttons to future models.<\/p>\n
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In a post on social media forum LinkedIn<\/em><\/a>, the global boss of Volkswagen<\/a>, Thomas Sch\u00e4fer said: \u201cWe are bringing back the push-button steering wheel\u201d.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n Launched in 2019, the touch-sensing steering wheel controls (also known as haptic or capacitive touch buttons) allowed drivers to adjust functions such as the sound system volume, digital dash mode and cruise control speed\/distance \u2013 by using touch.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n However, Volkswagen\u2019s touch-sensing steering wheel controls were criticised<\/a> for being hard to operate when the driver’s attention is on the road, with the touch areas either too sensitive or not quick enough to respond.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n Volkswagen Australia introduced the touch-sensing steering wheel controls in 2020 when the Touareg<\/a> R arrived in local showrooms, with the technology now appearing on the Golf<\/a> R-Line\/GTI\/R, Arteon<\/a>, Tiguan<\/a> R-Line\/R, T-Cross<\/a> R, T-Roc<\/a> R-Line\/R, and Polo<\/a> GTI.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n Volkswagen is yet to confirm when physical steering wheel buttons will return on models currently lacking this convenience. <\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n However, the new Amarok ute \u2013 developed with Ford \u2013 will cut straight to the chase and launch with physical buttons.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n
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