When we think of “extras“ in a car, we often imagine high-tech systems, luxurious amenities or impressive design elements. But sometimes the smartest and most useful features are those that remain hidden from view, integrated in a way that makes them part of everyday life without attracting attention. Such is the case with an unexpected extra that can be found in the trunk of one of the best-selling cars in Europe - the Volkswagen Golf.
The Golf is known for its versatility, reliability and practicality. It has been a benchmark in the compact class for decades, but even its biggest fans may not be aware of all the “hidden“ features it offers. One such is the so-called comfort socket - a 12V outlet with unexpected possibilities.
Many cars, including the Golf, have a 12V outlet in the luggage compartment. We usually use it to charge tools, tire compressors or portable refrigerators. But it is this "ordinary" extra that hides the potential for a little-known but extremely useful cooling function.
In some configurations and modifications of the Volkswagen Golf, this 12V outlet in the luggage compartment is not just a power source. It is designed to be connected to a special function of the car's air conditioning system, which allows a controlled supply of cooled air directly into the luggage compartment.
How does the hidden function work? Instead of relying solely on a portable refrigerator, this system can turn the luggage compartment into an effectively cooled space. This is not a full-fledged refrigerator, of course, but it is enough for:
Maintaining the temperature of supermarket products, such as dairy products, meat or frozen foods, during longer trips or on hot summer days. Cooling drinks for a picnic or beach without having to carry heavy bags of ice. Transporting medicines or other heat-sensitive items that require a lower temperature.
The function is usually activated by a specific setting in the infotainment system or by a button that activates an air duct directed to the 12V socket, or directly to a compartment located in close proximity to it. Cooled air from the car's air conditioning system is supplied through this outlet, or a ventilation hole located next to it.
This function is rarely mentioned in brochures and often goes unnoticed by owners, as it is not a "basic" extra. It is more of a finely tuned detail that adds to the overall practicality of the car. Furthermore, its availability may vary depending on the market, year of manufacture and equipment level.
Although not as spectacular as other technologies, this hidden cooling function in the boot of the Volkswagen Golf is a perfect example of a “simply clever“ solution that significantly improves the usability of the car in everyday life. It shows that sometimes the best extras are those that work quietly in the background, making our lives easier and more comfortable.