Am I right in thinking that the reason why this isn't allowed is because the towbar will foul the pan roof mechanism or is is something more sinister?

I suspect that it might be possible  to fit one but I would like to know if anybody else has tried it. My particular concern is whether the BCM would not allow the towbar to be coded in as it knows I have a pan roof.

Just a thought. When the Mk 8 was first introduced we had several threads discussing the subject of why you couldn't order a factory spare with a pan roof, and the issue of weight was a possible explanation. Could it be a similar story with towbars?

On 6/9/2021 at 9:45 PM, anon said:

Even with a pan roof, it is possible to fit a space saver although I think mine was a 175 section which I bought with the jack and wheelbrace kit for about £100. Pan roof cars are heavier so adding a spare bumps them up a tax bracket if you buy  one from new. but if it is luggage 😉

(Tax brackets are funny things. Ford Escort with 1100cc Renault engine and 3.50 rims? Standard spec in Denmark in 1985. 242% purchase tax and >50% income tax on the minimum wage saw to that. A Jag came without a radio for the same reason. You bought your own and had it fitted!)

 

I don't know, Eric. I heard that the mechanism was expected to foul the towbar but in reality it was ok. If so, then programming would be the only issue.