My left foot - the importance of the 'missing' T6.1 footrest

[Bav]

What is it with everyone and this damned 'missing' footrest in the T6.1? I'm genuinely curious to know why it's omission is lamented so much by those that have 'upgraded' from a 6 to a 6.1.

I get the irritation that it's yet another example of VW penny-pinching, but I don't get why it makes a substantive difference when driving. I've driven my 6.1 for over 9k now, mostly on journeys of over 2-hours duration, and I've never felt the need for a footrest or felt I didn't have somewhere comfortable to rest my left foot. My van's a DSG - is this more of an issue for those with manual versions? Could someone please explain?

 

[PlanB]

Could someone please explain?

What you have never known you can't miss!

But having had a footrest in my last 4 VW's clocking up 350'000 miles, you must forgive me for kicking the interior of the van instinctively looking for it.
VW obviously saw a need to add a footrest .... so why take it away?

 

[Bav]

What you have never known you can't miss!

But having had a footrest in my last 4 VW's clocking up 350'000 miles, you must forgive me for kicking the interior of the van instinctively looking for it.
VW obviously saw a need to add a footrest .... so why take it away?

I can't miss what I've never had - true enough - and I get the familiarity aspect and the annoyance at the sheer pettiness of VW removing it, but does the absence of a footrest actually have a detrimental impact to driving comfort and, if so, how/why?

 

[TallPaul_S]

Having had auto cars for the last 6 years, all with footrests, I think I wouldn't know where to put my left foot!

I've not driven a 6.1 but I can imagine it being rather annoying.

 

[PlanB]

I can't miss what I've never had - true enough - and I get the familiarity aspect and the annoyance at the sheer pettiness of VW removing it, but does the absence of a footrest actually have a detrimental impact to driving comfort and, if so, how/why?

The footrest was not only in the right place for your leg to be straight, but also at the right angle for your foot to rest on.
Now my left foot seems bent to the right with my ankle extended.
Everyone who had a footrest complains, even the Van Centre staff shrug and say it's something you get used too!

 

[Skyliner33]

Everyone who had a foot rest does not complain.
I had a footrest in the T6.
I have never missed it and don’t even think about it until someone posts about it.
Also I don’t believe it’s about VW penny pinching. The whole dash below the gear stick / gearbox tunnel is a different shape, this can be easily seen by comparing the carpets sold for the T6 and T6.1 being a very different shape.

 

[CAB]

I drove a manual 6.1 courtesy van.

1.5 miles to work, and 1.5 miles back.

Was initially shocked at the lightness of the steering, but loved it by the time I was used to it.

But I would not buy a manual 6.1. I'm only short, but it was so uncomfortable for my left leg.

 

[Bav]

I drove a manual 6.1 courtesy van.

1.5 miles to work, and 1.5 miles back.

Was initially shocked at the lightness of the steering, but loved it by the time I was used to it.

But I would not buy a manual 6.1. I'm only short, but it was so uncomfortable for my left leg.

I know we've never met, but in my mind's eye I didn't envisage you as a shorty.

Perhaps height/leg length is the key here. I'm 1.83m tall (and shrinking, apparently ) - not particularly tall, but a lot of my height is in my upper leg length.

 

[CAB]

I know we've never met, but in my mind's eye I didn't envisage you as a shorty.

Perhaps height/leg length is the key here. I'm 1.83m tall (and shrinking, apparently ) - not particularly tall, but a lot of my height is in my upper leg length.

It's odd how we picture someone when we only interact by words!

I think it's a manual thing. There will be space for your foot where the clutch would go, it's just really awkward in the manual to find somewhere comfortable for your left foot to go. I can't imagine what a long journey must be like.

I suppose if it is all you have known then you wouldn't miss it.

 

[Bav]

Ahh, now that makes sense - I might have a different perspective if I had an extra pedal crowding the footwell.

Is that the consensus then - it's an issue for a manual, but not so much for the DSG? Does anyone disagree?

 

[Matt-T68]

Had a footrest in my DSG Tiguan. Yes it was nice to stretch the leg. With the added seat height of the T6.1 I don't miss it. I find it just fine.

 

[Drive Wayne]

Having done a few long long drives recently in our 5/6 speed manual 6.1, I can honestly say I don't need, want or miss a foot holder!

 

[Skyliner33]

Ahh, now that makes sense - it might have a different perspective if I had an extra pedal crowding the footwell.

Is that the consensus then - it's an issue for a manual, but not so much for the DSG? Does anyone disagree?

I haven’t noticed a problem driving the manual courtesy vans. Maybe because I’m used to not having one.

 

[Sasquatch]

It doesn't worry me in the least, but I'm well above average height so my foot is comfortably flat on the floor anyway.

 

[CAB]

It doesn't worry me in the least, but I'm well above average height so my foot is comfortably flat on the floor anyway.

Ah, maybe it's only us shorties?

 

[Bav]

Ah, maybe it's only us shorties?

Stacked heels might help.

 

[JOG]

I do prefer having the footrest so I can chill out when driving under the eye of the clock! (IYKYK)

 

[Bav]

I do prefer having the footrest so I can chill out when driving under the eye of the clock! (IYKYK)

IDK

 

[Drive Wayne]

IDK

NDI

 

[Ali-G]

I've had footrests in many cars in the past and in my current Golf and always used them but never used the one in the T6.
I think it was something to do with the more commercial driving position as opposed to a car driving position. I always felt more comfortable with my leg bent at a right angle with my foot flat on the floor just in front of the seat.