German Cupholders

[Taka Mizutani]

A lof of car manufacturers seem to think that pop-out cup holders from
the dash are
a good idea.

I have one that works almost the same way (but not as nicely damped)
as the A4/A6 cupholder in the Subaru. Even with a decently insulated
vacuum mug, the coffee gets cold with the air blowing right on the
mug.

Still better than the Passat's cupholders that come out of the middle-
that is similar to the Nissan Maximas of the past and some Toyotas.

Worst are the BMW cupholders- they're mounted really low, only hold
stuff like 500ml PET bottles (very odd size for the US) and don't work
well at holding stuff.

Best cupholders I've found are in our Volvo V70R (they actually work
well and easy to access), mounted in the center console and large
enough even for big drinks, tapered so they hold small and large
equally well, kept away from any vents so stuff doesn't get hot/cold.
Next best were in a Pontiac Grand Prix rent-a-car.

This is a very odd topic for car enthusiasts, though, I must say.

I like the Griot's "MBZ" cupholder that they sold (maybe still sell?).
They need to be mounted somewhere where there is some space, but they
work fairly well- used one in my 5ktq in place of the center armrest.
Not the best spot, but it didn't get in the way, either.

Taka