side protection mouldings on T6

applejack · May 25, 2016

Why have they done away with the side protection mouldings on the T6? This has saved many supermarket car park dings in the past and seems crazy to have removed them from the standard spec? More cost saving?

applejack · May 25, 2016

T5 with protection

T6 without protection

Tommy Gun · May 25, 2016

removing them might improve the co-efficient of drag by the smallest of margins...
Not really a valid reason. I'd go with your suggestion of cost saving.

hirsty · May 25, 2016

Agreed - probably not just the protectors but the T6 is a slab sided lump by comparison. The front is improved IMO, but by comparison with my previous T5 it's 'orrible down the sides and the back.

I thought it was just the temporary lack of side stripes / smaller wheels / no sidebars but it's just more dull looking. I particularly miss the deeper crease running back from the headlights.

El Greco · May 25, 2016

Can these be fitted by the dealer?

DM · May 25, 2016

I'm sure VW will claim that its about preferences changing to 'cleaner' lines. But my money is also on cost savings.

Has anyone come across any after-market accessories?

snowy55 · May 25, 2016

El Greco said:
Can these be fitted by the dealer?

Yes, sit down before they give you the price

DM · May 25, 2016

snowy55 said:
Yes, sit down before they give you the price

Go on - spill.......

snowy55 · May 25, 2016

DM said:
Go on - spill.......

I don't know the price but knowing Vw they ain't gonna be cheap.
Plus if they need colour coding.....
It'll be cheaper to get the DentsAway guy in a few times to remove any damage!

hirsty · May 25, 2016

I'm experimenting with these from eBay, I have to reverse parallel park up a 2' high brick wall with a lovely crinkly edged granite top on it just at wheelarch height:

http://www.richbrook.co.uk/practical-protection/bumper-paintwork-protectors-black-510mm-pair125

Couldn't find anything else immediately obvious (and wouldn't put these on the side panels) but there has to be something suitable available out there?

Adamvanman · May 25, 2016

I had never even noticed this, what else have they cut corners on? I think these mouldings are essential on a van sized vehicle as it the difference between a bit of paint chipped off (£35 repair chips away) or a dent in the door ( £300+ at the bodyshop)