Climatronic

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Climatronic panel from Audi A3 8L

Climatronic is a fully electronic climate control system. The main difference between classic air conditioner and Climatronic is that Climatronic uses computer system instead of manual controls to adjust air distribution, temperature and flow to provide desired climate conditions. User defines basic parameters such as temperature and humidity (if available), and the system takes care of all other actions. Under this name it was introduced by Volkswagen on the Passat models in the late 1980s, and on Golf models in the early 1990s.

Other manufacturers like Mitsubishi incorporated similar system as early as 1989 in Mitsubishi Diamante named simply as automatic air conditioner. It was first used in the US in the early 2000s in Passats and Jettas as well. The Phaeton model features an advanced system that has a passive cooling / heating system with hidden vents to prevent draft and airflow (though vents are provided behind hidden doors). This allows the car to have four separate climate zones.