open on springs, so that they try to shut when you open them? Or they need a push to get past the spring and end up hitting a wall, or another car?

What's the idea?

 

I think it is to stop doors 'falling' open as soon as the internal release is pulled. My 944 does this and in my opinion is a pain in the ****. The most resistant doors in my opinion are those on VAG cars. I wonder also if it is done to make the door appear heavier and more robust than it actually is?

 

Helps prevent gravity (if parked on a hill etc) and wind from pulling them open once the catch has been released.

 

You're right about the VAG doors there. My tank's door can sustain any degree above 30 degree and stay there without shutting by itself. I think the door must be heavy tbh, not necessarily the hinge trick to make the door 'feel' heavy. It takes some effort for me to pull it in, in order to shut it.

Other thing is that some unknown entity bashed my parked car when I drove my kid to some gig venue. The repair guy told me that the impact was harsh, but the door is still intact because it's a robust VAG. Of course there's a dent and the scratches to ruin the look, but if it was some other car, the back passenger door (where it was hit ruthlessly) would have been totally totalled, he said. So, I think it's robust enough.

 

girlfriend and her daughter have somehow had their finger tips squashed by this method recently ( not together - theyre on different continents)