[6652]

I feel like it's worth pointing out this section of the manual, which was somewhat glossed over in that particular thread. I'm 99% certain your insurance would be invalidated if you attached anything to the roof, beside the fact that it could well damage the car. I did notice the other day when it was raining that the roof does sound very thin and tinny in comparison to other cars I've had. Not a complaint, just an observation, it doesn't matter for normal use of course.

The roof itself is think sheet steel, yes, but the structural steel running from the A to C pillars is enormously strong.

As for legality, we’re back to the old chestnut about whether it’s legal to fit a tow bar to a car not type approved for it. The answer to that is it is legal for carrying bikes, and I don’t see why a properly designed and fitted roof rack system wouldn’t be in the same camp.

But yes, tell your insurer as well.

 

[6652]

Other than the fact that is very very specifically called out in the manual with italics and bold fonts, and the words "Securing any kind of roof carrier can cause considerable damage to the vehicle"?

I'm more likely to take note of the manufacturers instructions for something like this than an assumption that I could fit a roof rack on my other cars, so why not this one.

It’s funny isn’t it, because very few seem to take note of anything else VW say! 😂

I’m not up for a long debate on it, but I really struggle to see how a properly designed and fitted roof rack would damage the car. If they’re that fragile, what would happen in a rollover?