ACC – Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a sensor to measure the distance to vehicles driving ahead and their relative speed. The driver sets the desired gap for following vehicles ahead as a time value and sets the desired speed (between 0 and 210 km/h in the case of the Polo GTI with DSG) using the relevant button controls on the multifunction steering wheel. When following other vehicles, the driver may optionally choose to have a comparison of the target and actual gaps shown on the multifunction display. A sensor constantly monitors the zone in front of the vehicle. The driver can interrupt ACC control and accelerate more vigorously by pressing the accelerator pedal. Use of the brake pedal immediately deactivates the ACC function.
Active Info Display
Volkswagen is offering the second generation of fully digital instruments for the Polo GTI in the form of the Active Info Display. The high-resolution screen (11.7-inch) makes it possible to adapt instruments to personal needs in various screen views. For instance, in navigation mode the speedometer and rev counter are shifted to the screen borders to provide more space for the map. If desired, information on driving, navigation or assistance functions may be integrated into the graphic display areas of the speedometer and rev counter. Infotainment system data that is displayed on the centre console (e.g. phone contact images or CD covers) can also be shown in the Active Info Display.
App-Connect
Car-Net 'App-Connect' makes it possible to connect a smartphone to the Composition Media radio system or Discover Media navigation system. This enables users to operate selected mobile phone apps from the touchscreen. App-Connect integrates three interfaces to connect to smartphones: MirrorLink™, Android Auto™ from Google and Apple CarPlay™. This means that it is compatible with all of today's smartphones running Android 5.0 or higher and Apple iOS 8.1 or higher.
ASR – traction control system
The traction control system (ASR) offers added convenience and safety, particularly when driving on slippery roads or surfaces with differing degrees of grip. The traction control system facilitates smooth drive-off and acceleration without wheelspin or fishtailing. ASR interacts with the electronic accelerator pedal; it also makes use of the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If a sudden increase in speed is detected from a wheel (i.e. slip), the system intervenes in the engine controller to counter this effect by throttling back engine power.
Rear Traffic Alert
Rear Traffic Alert enhances safety. It is offered in combination with the Blind Spot Monitor. Rear Traffic Alert takes much of the risk out of reversing from driveways and parking spaces that are at right angles to the road. What makes it really innovative is that the system not only 'recognises' stationary or moving vehicles directly behind the Polo GTI, but also vehicles approaching from the side which are barely visible to the driver. The radar-based sensor module even detects objects at distances of up to 40 metres and recognises objects moving at speeds of 4 km/h or faster. If a collision is imminent, the system produces an audible warning. If the driver or other road user does not take action to avert the danger, or if there is a risk of immediate collision, the Rear Traffic Alert system automatically activates the car's brakes.
Blind Spot Monitor - lane change system
The Blind Spot Monitor assists the driver in changing lanes. Two radar systems at the rear of the vehicle scan zones up to approx. 50 metres behind the vehicle as well as the blind spot next to the vehicle. Whether or not the driver is changing lanes, the Blind Spot Monitor shows all vehicles that are located in a critical zone for lane changes. Active from 30 km/h, the system alerts the driver of a potential hazard by activating a constant light in the relevant exterior mirror. If the driver activates the turn indicator despite the warning, the LED on that side begins to flash at a higher light intensity to call the driver's attention to the hazard.
DSG – dual clutch gearbox
Dual clutch gearboxes (DSG) consist of two independent gearbox units. As they move through the gears, the dual-clutch mechanism enables alternating engagement with the engine via two drive shafts – one for each of the two gearboxes. The dual clutch gearbox enables automatic gear changes without any interruption in power transmission. The gearbox is controlled by a mechatronics module, which houses the electronic transmission control unit, various sensors and hydraulic actuators in a single compact unit.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability Control programme recognises critical driving situations, such as a risk of skidding, and systematically prevents the vehicle from veering off line. Using the data delivered by the vehicle sensors, the Electronic Stability Control programme's computing unit identifies the type of instability and manages the correction by intervention in the brake system and engine management. In the case of understeer, the Electronic Stability Control programme slows down the rear wheel on the inside of the corner. At the same time it reduces the engine power until the vehicle has stabilised itself again. The Electronic Stability Control programme prevents oversteer by targeted activation of the front brake on the outside of the corner and intervention in the engine and gearbox management. Increasing experience and significantly more sensitive sensor technology allow constant further development of this complex control system.
Front Assist – area monitoring system
The Front Assist area monitoring system uses sensors (radars/lasers) to detect situations where the distance to the vehicle ahead is critical, and it helps to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. In dangerous situations the system alerts the driver by visual and audible signals and a jolt of the brakes. Front Assist operates independently of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It also 'prepares' the brake system for emergency braking. If the driver then applies the brakes, full braking power is available immediately. If the braking is not forceful enough, Front Assist increases the braking pressure to the degree needed. In the Polo GTI, Front Assist also offers assistance at low driving speeds via the City Emergency Braking System. If the driver does not react, Front Assist automatically and independently initiates automatic partial braking, in order to slow the vehicle down sufficiently and regain the driver's attention. In situations where a collision is unavoidable, the driver is also assisted by automatic hard braking.
Pedestrian Monitoring
Pedestrian Monitoring is an extension of Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System. The system utilises two sensors at the front of the vehicle – a radar sensor in the radiator grille and a camera in the base of the interior rear-view mirror – to acquire information on the zone in front of the vehicle. Within system limits it can, for example, detect a pedestrian suddenly stepping out onto the carriageway. This immediately triggers audible and visual signals to warn the driver. If the driver does not brake, a brake jolt provides a warning of the critical distance, and the brake system is simultaneously prepared for possible hard braking. If the driver does not respond, the system automatically initiates emergency braking within system limits.
Driver Alert System
The Driver Alert System recommends that the driver takes a break whenever necessary. The Driver Alert System detects deviations from normal driving behaviour and is helpful on long journeys. The system continually evaluates driving behaviour at speeds from 65 km/h and determines whether the driver is fit to drive. It evaluates various signals such as steering inputs. If it detects driver fatigue, the system gives both visual and audible cues to the driver to take a break.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
Around a quarter of all accidents that result in personal injury involve multiple collisions. Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help to avoid secondary collisions or reduce their severity. After an initial collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System automatically initiates a braking action – within system limits – even before the driver can react. This can reduce the severity of the accident and ideally prevent secondary collisions.
Park Assist – park steering assistant including manoeuvre braking
Park Assist automatically guides the Polo GTI into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces, and it can also pull out of parallel parking spaces. The system helps the driver by autonomously making optimal steering wheel movements to follow an ideal line when parking in reverse. Park Assist automatically scans the parking space, assigns a starting position and makes the steering movements – the driver only needs to accelerate and brake. A manoeuvre braking function also works to reduce parking and manoeuvring collisions when reversing.
Proactive occupant protection system
The proactive occupant protection system uses sensors of the ESC system and the Front Assist area monitoring system to detect critical situations with increased potential of accidents. If the system detects such a situation, the vehicle occupants and the vehicle are prepared for a potential crash. This involves tensioning the seat belts being used in the front to securely hold the driver and front-seat passenger and, but for a small gap, closing any open windows and sunroof.
Progressive steering (in conjunction with Front Assist)
Compared to a conventional steering system, progressive steering takes significantly fewer turns of the steering wheel to reach its end stop. The progressive steering ratio reduces steering work when parking, for example. It also leads to optimised, more direct and controlled steering response, which makes everyday driving more comfortable and enhances handling on roads with a lot of bends.
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator utilises the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). In case of tyre pressure loss, the rolling radius of the affected wheel decreases, and the wheel turns faster at the same vehicle speed. This allows the system to detect insufficient air pressure, and it warns the driver. However, the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator does not relieve the driver of the obligation to check tyre pressures.
'Sport Select' running gear and driving profile selection
The Polo GTI can also be optionally configured with the 'Sport Select' running gear. Here the driver can vary the characteristics of the active dampers; and one of two modes - Normal or Sport - can be activated with the driving profile selection that is included as standard on the Polo GTI. The driving profile selection itself offers five modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, Comfort and Individual.
XDS – electronic differential lock
The electronic differential lock (XDS) is an extension of the familiar EDL function. However, XDS does not respond to loss of traction, but instead to any loss of load on the front wheel on the inside of a bend during fast cornering. XDS applies pressure to the wheel on the inside of the bend using the ESC hydraulics to prevent it from spinning. This improves traction and reduces the tendency to understeer. The hydraulic pressure applied ranges from approximately 5 to 15 bar. The impression when driving is similar to that of a differential lock in a toned-down form. The precise build-up of brake pressure on one side of the vehicle makes cornering even sportier, quicker and more accurate.