An entire armada of innovative assistance and convenience systems is at work aboard the new Golf GTD as standard or optional equipment. Standard systems in the Golf GTD include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, progressive steering, Driver Alert System and the further advanced XDS+ electronic differential lock. Available as options are the PreCrash preventive occupant protection system, the Adaptive Cruise Control system ACC plus Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist lane-keeping assistant, road sign recognition, the latest generation of the ParkAssist park steering assistant as well as the automated lighting functions Light Assist and Dynamic Light Assist. Other new technologies have been added such as a driving profile selector with up to five programmes ("Eco", "Sport", "Normal", "Individual" and in combination with DCC plus "Comfort"), an electronic parking brake and a new generation of infotainment systems.
Assistance systems – automatic protection
Driver Alert system. This system, which is a standard feature in the Golf GTD, detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal lasting five seconds. A visual message also appears on the instrument cluster recommending taking a break from driving. If the driver does not take a break within the next 15 minutes, the warning is repeated once. At the beginning of each trip, the system analyses a range of factors, including the driver's characteristic steering behaviour. Once under way, the driver alert system continually evaluates signals such as steering angle. If monitored parameters indicate a deviation from the steering behaviour recorded at the beginning of the trip, then visual and acoustic warnings are produced.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. Another standard feature in the Golf GTD is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System which has already won a safety innovation award from Germany's largest automobile club (ADAC). When it is involved in collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System automatically brakes the vehicle to significantly reduce its residual kinetic energy. Triggering of the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is based on detection of a primary collision by the airbag sensors. Vehicle braking by means of the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is limited by the ESC control unit to a maximum deceleration rate of 0.6 g. This value matches the deceleration level of Front Assist; it ensures that the driver can take over handling of the car even in case of automatic braking.
The driver can "override" the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System at any time; for example, if the system recognises that the driver is accelerating, it gets disabled. The automatic system is also deactivated if the driver initiates hard braking at an even higher rate of deceleration. In essence, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System applies the brakes until a vehicle speed of 10 km/h is reached. This residual vehicle speed can be used to steer to a safe location after the braking process.
PreCrash preventive occupant protection. If the proactive occupant protection system detects a potential accident situation – such as by the initiation of hard braking via an activated brake assistant – the seatbelts of the driver and front passenger are automatically pre-tensioned to ensure the best possible protection by the airbag and belt system. When a highly critical and unstable driving situation is detected – such as severe oversteer or understeer with ESC intervention – the side windows are closed (except for a small gap) and so is the sunroof. Background: When the windows and roof are nearly closed, the head and side airbags offer optimal energy absorption and thereby achieve their best possible effectiveness.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This system uses a radar sensor integrated in the front of the car. The driver can set the car speed over a range from 30 to 160 km/h. ACC operates with either a manual gearbox or a DSG (dual clutch gearbox). In the Golf GTD with a 6-speed DSG, ACC comfortably brakes to a standstill when the vehicle ahead stops. After being enabled by the driver, ACC together with DSG can also automatically start off again. ACC maintains the vehicle speed preselected by the driver as well as a predefined distance to the vehicle ahead, and it automatically brakes or accelerates in flowing traffic. The system dynamics can be individually varied by selecting one of the driving programmes or by the optional driving profile selector.
Front Assist surroundings monitoring system. Front Assist uses a radar sensor integrated in the front of the car to continuously monitor the distance to traffic ahead. Front Assist assists the driver in critical situations by preconditioning the brake system and alerting the driver to any required reactions by visual and audible warnings, and in a second stage by a brief warning jolt. If the driver fails to brake hard enough, the system automatically generates sufficient braking force to avoid a collision. Should the driver, meanwhile, not react at all, Front Assist automatically brakes the car to give the driver more reaction time. Ideally, this lets the driver avoid an impending collision, or it at least reduces the speed at impact. The system also assists the driver by an alert if the car is getting too close to the vehicle in front. The City Emergency Braking function is part of Front Assist.
City Emergency Braking. The City Emergency Braking function that is being introduced to the new Golf generation is a system extension of Front Assist. Using a radar sensor, it monitors the area in front of the car. The system works in the speed range below 30 km/h. If the car is at risk of colliding with a moving or stationary vehicle ahead and the driver fails to react, the brake system is preconditioned in the same way as with Front Assist. If necessary, City Emergency Braking then automatically initiates hard braking to reduce the severity of the impact. In addition, if the driver presses the brake pedal with insufficient force, the system assists with maximum braking power. Under optimal conditions, City Emergency Braking can avoid an impending frontal collision at the last second.
Lane Assist. In the Golf GTD this camera-based assistance system with steering intervention to maintain the car's position within the driving lane works with extended functionality: If desired, the system – being implemented for the first time in the Golf – can now also maintain continuous tracking support, which optimises comfort and convenience. Whenever necessary, Lane Assist also intervenes with a steering correction when it detects that the driver is leaving the driving lane or is driving over lane markings without setting the direction indicator. The system then gently steers in the other direction.
Convenience systems – technology assists and is fun too Progressive steering.
The new progressive steering system is a standard feature in the new Golf GTD. This steering system lets drivers make a turn of a given radius with fewer turns of the steering wheel. That is, the driver does not need to reach over the steering wheel as often in tight bends. With progressive steering, it takes 2.1 turns of the wheel (380°) to reach the end stop; in the standard steering system of the less powerful Golf models it takes 2.75 turns (500°). Background: Conventional steering systems operate with a constant gear ratio. The new steering of the Golf GTD, meanwhile, operates with a progressive steering gear ratio. This perceptibly reduces steering work when manoeuvring and parking. On country roads with lots of bends, and when making turns, the driver experiences a plus in dynamics due to the more direct layout.
Technically, progressive steering differs from the basic steering system primarily by the rack's variable tooth spacing and a more powerful electric motor. Its functional difference: Unlike with constant steering ratios, which by necessity always represent a compromise between dynamic performance and comfort, here the steering rack's toothing is significantly modified by the steering stroke. This results in more precise and relaxed driving in the middle steering range up to high speeds; due to the smaller steering input angles that are required, the system offers significantly greater agility and more driving fun on roads with lots of bends. At lower speeds, on the other hand, such as in city driving or parking situations, the Golf GTD is much easier to handle thanks to the lower steering input angles – offering a perceptible gain in comfort.
XDS+. The XDS system that was first introduced in the Golf VI was further developed to the advanced XDS+ system for the new Golf GTD and Golf GTI. Technically, the XDS+ electronic differential lock is a functionality that is integrated in the electronic stabilisation programme (ESC) for improved vehicle dynamics. XDS+ is an extension of XDS, which is familiar from the previous model; its functionality has now been extended to cover all unbraked driving states. The new system improves agility and reduces the need for steering angle inputs by targeted brake interventions at the wheels on the inside of the bend of both axles. In addition, XDS+ is effective over all conceivable road friction values, and it results in more precise handling. The well-known benefits of XDS – such as significantly reduced understeer and improved traction – were also perfected.
Electronic parking brake. New Golf generation cars all feature an electronic parking brake, where instead of a handbrake lever, a control switch and an Auto Hold pushbutton are located on the centre console. The electronic parking brake offers numerous advantages: eliminating the conventional handbrake frees up more space on the centre console; in addition, the brake is automatically released when driving off. And that simplifies driving off up a hill. Last but not least, the Auto Hold function prevents unintentional rolling from a stopped position by automatically holding the Golf GTD in place. Waiting phases, such as a red traffic light, are made more comfortable, because it is no longer necessary to continually press the brake pedal.
DCC. A second generation DCC dynamic chassis control system is at work in the Golf GTD. DCC offers the three driving modes "Comfort", "Normal" and "Sport", which are now selected and displayed under "Driving profile selector" on the touchscreen of the centre console. Besides offering a "Normal" mode, the DCC system, which was specially tuned for the GTD, now offers the "Comfort" mode, which is indeed comfort-oriented but still reflects typical GTD properties. In "Sport" mode, especially dynamic and agile handling is implemented. In the "Individual" driving profile, the DCC mode can even be configured with any other desired driving profile properties.
The DCC system adaptively regulates the damper valves via a further developed and refined Volkswagen control algorithm which sets the damper characteristic. In doing so, DCC evaluates input signals from wheel displacement sensors and accelerometers as well as vehicle bus information from the Chassis-CAN bus. It then computes the optimal damper force for every driving situation and adaptively adjusts this force. Damping forces are selectively regulated at each of the four wheels.
In the new DCC generation, it is now also possible to fully independently vary rebound and compression damping for transverse dynamic manoeuvres – a significant benefit in optimising vehicle dynamics. The damper valves were also modified for further improved response.
Driving profile selector. A driving profile selector is now available for the first time in the Golf GTD. A total of four programmes are available, and in conjunction with DCC (dynamic chassis control) five driving programmes: Eco, Sport, Normal, Individual, and in combination with DCC the additional Comfort. In the Eco driving profile, the engine controller, air conditioning and other auxiliary units are controlled for optimal fuel economy. In addition, vehicles with the optional dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) have an additional coasting function in Eco mode; when the driver releases the accelerator pedal – e.g. when slowing down to a traffic light or in route segments with descents – the DSG disengages and the engine idles. This enables optimal utilisation of the kinetic energy of the Golf. In "Sport" mode, on the other hand, damping is increased (which further reduces movements of the body structure) and engine response and shift points of the DSG are configured to be even more dynamic.
Dynamic Light Assist dynamic main beam control. Via a camera on the windscreen this system analyses the traffic in front and the vehicles coming in the opposite direction. Based on this data, the main beam automatically comes on at speeds of over 60 km/h and stays on. This is how Dynamic Light Assist works: with the help of the camera, the main beam modules of the bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights are masked only in those areas that the system has determined could potentially disturb other road users. Technically, this function is implemented by a pivoting masking aperture between the reflector with the xenon filament and the lens. Along with lateral swivelling of the entire module and independent control of the left and right headlights, this additional aperture geometry is able to mask the light source and thereby avoid glare to traffic ahead or any oncoming traffic.
Light Assist main beam control. For Golf GTD cars with headlights that do not have dynamic cornering lights, the base version of automatic full-beam control is available in the form of Light Assist. Light Assist analyses traffic ahead and oncoming traffic – via a camera in the windscreen – and automatically controls activation and deactivation of the main beam (at 60 km/h and above).
Road sign recognition. In the new Golf GTD, this feature will be available in combination with a navigation system, because the traffic signs are also shown in the display of the active navigation window (map and/or pictograms). If the system detects any speed limit or ‘No overtaking' signs via a camera (integrated in the windscreen near to the rear-view mirror), up to three of these will get shown on the instrument cluster in front of the driver and on the navigation system display. This will also include all additional information and the signs will appear in a logical order: ones that immediately apply (e.g. a "130" km/h speed limit) get shown in first place, while signs that only apply at certain times (e.g. "80 km/h" "When wet") appear in second place. If the rain sensor registers that it is starting to rain, the traffic sign that is now most pertinent, i.e. the "When wet" sign, moves up into first place.
Park Assist parking assistant. The latest version of the parking assistance system now facilitates not only assisted parking parallel to the carriageway, but also reverse parking at right angles to the road. In addition, Park Assist 2.0 is also equipped with a braking and parking space exit function. The system can be activated at speeds of up to 40 km/h by pressing a button on the centre console. Using the indicators, the driver selects the side on which the car is to be parked. If, using the ultrasound sensors, Park Assist detects a large enough parking space (a manoeuvring distance of 40 cm, front and rear, is sufficient), the assisted parking can begin: having put the vehicle into reverse, all the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake. The car takes care of the steering. Acoustic signals and visual information on the multifunction display assist the driver. If a collision is looming, the system can also actively apply the vehicle's brakes.
More intelligent climate control. The new Climatronic of the Golf GTD regulates the interior temperature fully automatically via 2-zone temperature control (separate for driver and front passenger). The intensity of the climate control can be influenced by selecting a profile (‘Gentle', ‘Moderate', ‘Intensive'). The fully automatic control unit operates with various sensors – a sun sensor, air quality sensor and new humidity sensor. The sun sensor detects the intensity and direction of solar radiation, and the system is controlled accordingly. The positive effects of the optional deluxe climate windscreen are considered in this control as well. When information from the air quality sensor indicates that the concentration of nitrogen oxides or carbon monoxide in the outside air has exceeded a defined limit, then the recirculation flap of the Climatronic system closes.
Deluxe climate windscreen. This new windscreen combines the advantages of conventional wire heating with those of heat-insulating glass. Wires are no longer used in the window. This was made possible by a very thin electrically-conductive layer within the glass laminate that can be heated. In the winter, this function prevents fogging of the window, and it accelerates defrosting. In the summer, the new windscreen results in less heating of the interior, because the extremely thin coating reflects most of the solar radiation. Along with an increase in thermal comfort, the environment also benefits, since the air conditioning does not need to supply as much cooling power due to the reduced heating. At the same time, this improves the fuel economy of the GTD.
Panoramic tilt/slide sunroof. A transparent system was developed here, which utilises a maximum roof area, offers optimal ventilation and opening functions, does not impair the torsional rigidity of the Golf GTD and has the visual effect of lengthening the windscreen. What is referred to as the light transparency area – the incident light in the closed state – was enlarged by 33 per cent compared to a normal tilt/slide sunroof. Incidentally, the tinted, heat-insulating glass reflects away 99 per cent of UV radiation, 92 per cent of incident heat radiation and 90 per cent of incident light.
Infotainment – always with touchscreen
Radio and radio-navigation systems. Volkswagen is equipping the Golf GTD with a new generation of radio and radio/navigation systems with completely new designs. All systems have a touchscreen as standard. The new device generation is available in three different display sizes: 5 inches, 5.8 inches and 8 inches. For the first time, Volkswagen is implementing displays that have proximity sensors (5.8-inch display and above): as soon as the driver or front passenger moves a finger near to the touchscreen, the system automatically switches from display mode to input mode. The display mode shows a screen that is reduced to just the essentials. In the operating mode, on the other hand, the elements that can be activated by touch are specially highlighted to simplify intuitive operation. The displays also have a function that lets users scroll through lists or browse CD covers in the media library with a wipe of the hand.
"Composition Touch" radio (5-inch). The standard system on-board the Golf GTD is Composition Touch. It offers three buttons to the left and three to the right of the touchscreen that are used to activate the ‘Radio', ‘Media', ‘Car', ‘Setup', ‘Sound' and ‘Mute' menus/functions. It also offers a SD card slot, aux-in interface and two push dials (e.g. for on/off, volume, mute). This standard module also includes an FM/AM radio, loudspeakers (front), an interface for SD cards and an aux-in interface.
"Composition Colour" radio (5-inch). Similar to the Composition Touch in its device layout, the Composition Colour is also equipped with such features as a colour display, FM/AM radio as well as front and rear loudspeakers and a CD drive (MP3 compatible). The CD drive is located in the glove box along with the SD card slot.
"Composition Media" radio (5.8-inch). Equipped to offer even more extensive features is the Composition Media radio. Its capacitive colour display is 5.8 inches in size, and it is coupled with a proximity sensor that is integrated across the area beneath the display. The display also responds to wiping and zooming gestures, as used in similar fashion on modern smart phones. There are now also four buttons to the left and four to the right of the touchscreen; in contrast to the 5-inch systems they also enable access – depending on vehicle features – to the ‘Phone' and ‘Voice' (voice control) menu levels. The Composition Media radio is equipped with these features in addition to those of the Composition Colour radio: optional telephone preparation (Bluetooth) and a USB interface. The USB and aux-in interfaces, meanwhile, are integrated in a separate compartment on the centre console in front of the gear shifter; this compartment also offers storage space for a smart phone.
"Discover Media" navigation function (5.8-inch). The Composition Media radio can have a navigation module (Discover Media) added to it. The features and functions are identical except for the navigation system that is then integrated with European map data and the associated second SD card slot; the navigation computer is located in the glove box together with the CD player and SD card slot. The price for all units with a navigation module includes updates of the European navigation maps for a period of three years.
"Discover Pro" radio-navigation system (8-inch). The top radio-navigation system with a large 8-inch capacitive touchscreen is known as the Discover Pro. Features installed here – beyond those of the Discover Media – are a DVD drive instead of a CD drive (audio and video), extended premium voice control (base version is available as option for Composition Media and Discover Media), 3D navigation and a 64-GB Flash memory; a UMTS telephone module is available as an option. Integration of the Compact Disc Database from Gracenote also enables state-of-the-art playback and management of media.
In addition, the Discover Pro also operates as a WLAN hotspot (Internet access) for WLAN-capable mobile devices (smart phone or tablet). Until now, wireless interfacing of multimedia devices – for streaming music or telephoning – was only possible via the Bluetooth interface of the infotainment systems. Now this can also be done via WLAN. Here, the Golf GTD is networked with the Internet over a UMTS module. Data can be transferred via one of the coupled mobile devices or via a SIM card in the Discover Pro.
Mobile phone. For the Golf GTD, Volkswagen is offering the two mobile phone interfaces "Comfort" and "Premium" as well as a smartphone ("Nokia Asha 300") integrated via the hands-free unit. The "Comfort" and "Premium" mobile phone interfaces can be ordered together with the "Composition Media" (only "Comfort"), "Discover Media" and "Discover Pro" audio/navigation systems. The "Comfort" interface offers such features as an inductive external antenna interface to a newly designed charging cradle on the centre console, an additional charging function via USB interface, voice control and the use of phone contact and address data for inputting a destination in the navigation system. The "Premium" interface omits the external antenna interface from the charging cradle; instead it offers a GSM/UMTS transceiver with a dedicated SIM card slot and a WLAN hotspot.
Car Net. Car Net is offered for the Golf GTD in conjunction with the Discover Pro radio-navigation system and the "Premium" mobile phone interface. It consists of a set of new mobile online services. For example, Car Net lets drivers integrate highly up-to-date traffic information into dynamic route guidance and input online any conceivable Points of Interest (POI) into the navigation system. It also integrates the 360-degree panoramic street perspective images of Google Street View. Realistic photographic satellite images can also be displayed, which are based on the Google-Earth™ map service (Google Maps).
Especially innovative is the implementation of online traffic information. This information is supplied by the data provider INRIX. What is referred to as a Session ID is assigned to the GTD. This ID is then used to exchange relevant information between the car and provider – the Golf GTD sends its momentary position or travel destination; then INRIX sends the relevant traffic information back to the vehicle. Update times are shorter than for TMC or TMCpro, and the information density is greater as well. Updating is performed every two minutes during active navigation, and every three minutes without navigation. The greater information density is attained from the movement profiles of the mobile phones registered with INRIX. They are used to determine traffic flow speeds and for active route guidance via the navigation system.
Dynaudio Excite sound system. New in the Golf and therefore in the GTD as well is a sound system from Danish hi-fi specialist Dynaudio. This system makes the GTD a concert hall on wheels with its eight high-end loudspeakers plus subwoofer, a digital 10-channel DSP amplifier and 400 watts of system output power. The system can be customised by choosing from four sound characteristics ("Authentic", "Dynamic", "Soft" and "Speech") which are tuned to the interior of the Golf and four seating configurations ("Driver", "Front passenger", "All occupants" and "Rear") for the audio output.