I was told that on one of the new VW models for 2006, once will have a feature nearly identical to the Prius SKS. However, looking through VW's site - I can't find any indication of any such feature. Anyone know if the feature is available, and just badly documented. Or I am simply wrong, and none of the 2006 VWs have anything like SKS? -Ken
VW had announced it would be available in the Touareg at launch but it never materialized. I guess they have finally come around. Nate
Ahh - the Touareg, you're right. I'm told the 2006 Touareg ($40K+ SUV) has the keyless entry identical to the Prius available on some trim levels, but no keyless ignition. And I'm told it's a poorly documented but available option on the highest trim level 2006 Passats ($31K+) as well. So you walk up to your car, key in your pocket, and can open and get in. Then... You have to pull the key out of your pocket, while sitting down, in order to start the car? What's the point? -Ken
I know the new 06 Passat will have a fob as a key. Inserting the fob into the slot apparently starts the car? Wonder how you get into ACC mode. Or maybe it's a two stage thing.
Several high end cars I've seen have a fob instead of a key. However you still insert it just like a key, and turn an assembly just like a key, one notch for acc, two for igngnition. Perhaps VW just took one of those, and added Prius like keyless entry to it. -Ken
Last December I sat in a loaded Lexus LS430 while waiting for an oil change at my Toyota dealership. It had the air suspension and every other option, around $118,000 Cdn if I recall. The SKS used on the LS430 works similar to the Prius, in that you keep the fob in your pocket. There are some differences, such as all 4 doors having a lock button. And there is a thing on the dash you have to turn to enter ACC or ON or Start.
As far as other moderatly priced cars the Mazda MX-5 Miata has a keyless smart key system for 06' very thin fob/remote. I think this is one of the few cars other than the Prius in the 30K or less range that has this option.
Yeah, the LS, FX, G35 and various others need to have the ignition twisted to start whereas the newers ones such as the BMW 3 series, 1 series, M35/45 and so forth have "Engine Start Stop" buttons
