What model have you got? GTI/R32 have a different cage to lower spec models. R32/GTI have removeable side strips, lower spec don't. Lower spec is usually black i think.
If you got a GTI the side strips are impossible lol, they are suppose to slide down, but i never could get mine too, so i yanked it, i broke my cage a little trying to get one off, but the strip stays in still, just wobbles a bit. You may end up breaking them and having to blue tack them back in
The AC surrond just pulls out and so do the blanking plates/cubby hole/diagnostics cover. Be gentle though.
The ash tray trim is connected to a little plastic plate under it, i just pulled it all out but was very careful. The ash tray cover clips on to the plastic plate. Alternatively you could remove the gear knob surrond but that's long.
To remove the cage i had to remove the gear knob surround, glove box and a panel near the steering wheel. I managed to break both the center surrounds and had to spend £60 replacing it! But you only need to take the cage out if you are going all black with a lower spec cage, or more expensive with GTI/R32 cage.
