Is there a way to get rid of the whole cup holder assembly and fill the gap with a trim? Are the Euro spec cars come with these or nothing there?

Thanks

 

I had the same problem but usually after 20-30 tries I can get it to stay closed. I found the thing that seems to help most is pushing the trim strip into place from the center and shifting it left (or right - can't remember which way works best) as you push up in order for it to better catch the latch inside that black box (the pen is pointing to in previous photo).

My new rule is I only use my cupholders if I really need them (road trip or something). Otherwise, it's not worth the trouble of spending 20 minutes trying to close the trim piece back. And you're right about the Armani suit thing - can't just go around with the 'fly' open...