Dynamic / Adaptive chassis control (DCC / ACC)

[JasonP]

I have a 118TSI with ACC.
For the most part, I run it in Comfort mode, due to the crap roads in Brisbane.
Even though that's the softest setting, it's still not too bad, & absorbs the potholes very well.
The Normal setting is a good compromise, but I have a few favourite twisty roads, where selecting Sport on the DSG, & Sport on the ACC, transforms the car.

My other one, is a 103TDI with Sports Pack, but no ACC.
Overall, it's a good compromise between ride & handling, very similar to the VE SS I had previously, but with a slightly more comfortable ride.

In summary though, the ACC car is sharper overall, when you want it to be.
The Sport setting on the ACC, also quickens the steering ratio, & you have the option to wind it back to a more comfortable setting for day to day driving.
Quicker steering & sharp handling mean nothing when you're stuck in gridlock, rarely even approaching 60kph.

When you do find a good set of corners that can be enjoyed, you can select either Normal or Sport, & have a go.

I have driven a Mk6 GTI with 18s, but without ACC.
Handling was great, but for me, the 18s made the ride a little too choppy.

For a GTI (personally), I'd go for either a standard setup on 17s, or option ACC for 18s.

That's just me, because I've owned & driven many cars with "Sports" suspensions, & have tired of having a bone-jarring ride all the time, only offset by the occasional blast through some twisty bits.
With the ACC, I can have my cake, & eat it too.

If you can change your order to add ACC, then I'd do so. Judging by your signature, you have a pretty good spec GTI coming. I reckon ACC would finish it off nicely.

My 118TSI was built on April 2, & was delivered on June 29, so if your car is due in March 2010, you'd have to act quickly to make any build changes, as ACC is a Factory Only option.

You've got a very nice car on the way..... Not a cheap one, either....

[elisiX]

Thanks for your response. Some great first hand advice that's not from a 'review'.

When test driving the car, I didn't notice any harshness in the ride but then again I was running 17" wheels. I will have to try and hunt down a demo in Sydney who has a car optioned with the 18" for a comparison. In my 2006 TTQ, I had H&R Coil overs with 19" wheels. The ride was quite harsh even on a softer manual setting but I also had the car setup with some heavy camber for handling. I'd like to avoid the GTI being this harsh if possible.

I expect that I will change my wheels to something from BBS (not sure which model yet) and now I am a little concerned that i've not selected ACC. I'd probably have to make up my mind by Tuesday to make any changes but I dont really want to be adding any more expensive options which I dont think will get any return in the long run.

[JasonP]

I reckon with the price & spec of your car, the extra $$$ for ACC will be neither here nor there.

At this sort of money, it's only a smallish amount of money to get what exactly you want.

In my opinion, the Sport setting on the ACC is sharper overall than the standard setting on the Non-Acc, & the adjustability is an added bonus.

For a small amount of extra $$$, I think it's worth it.

Enjoy the car in March!

[sgg110]

Thanks for your response. Some great first hand advice that's not from a 'review'.

I will have to try and hunt down a demo in Sydney who has a car optioned with the 18" for a comparison.

Elisix, would be very interested in your thoughts after getting a test in a demo with 18" as I am debating about going for the larger wheels without ACC. I like the look but I am concerned with the hashness of ride.

[noowve]

Hi All

thanks for the feedback.. i to didn't notice a huge difference without the ACC. so it's really a matter of choice at the end of the day. I am leaning towards not having the option put in and will replace with a Xenon headlamp.. that's my gut feeling..

Also guys, what are your thoughts about paint colour? i am going for the white and it's not a metallic paint colour.. Does this make a difference whether it's mettalic versus non metallic?

William

[gerhard]

I'd drop the Park Assist and go for the ACC.

You go forwards through corners far more often than you reverse park.....

[elisiX]

lol.. good point.

The Park Assist came into it when I complained (within my 24hr cooling off period) that they hadn't given me a good enough deal.

They basically said either take $1600 off the car or choose another option. The Mrs liked the sound of Park Assist so I chose that.

If the order is finalized I could always change it to ACC but I would think that PA will be a much more desirable option down the line come resale.

You are right though, I am driving the car much more often than parking it and I am sure someone will say that I should worry about resale either.

[niulf]

ACC is definitely noticeable on GTI. Especially on sport mode. It firms up the suspension and makes the throttle more responsible. It's brilliant when we tested on VW's track day. But when I tested it on normal roads later, the sport mode was too firm, I personally feel very uncomfortable on Sydney's roads. When on Normal mode, there is not much different to normal GTI. That's why I did not put ACC on my option list when I ordered my GTI.

[elisiX]

Looks like PA is staying.

Thanks niulf.

[gtimal]

Hi
My main reason going for the Detroits is for looks plus their OEM supplied .
Reading a couple of articles about the ACC and 18's it looks like it can offer the ride of the 17's but the option of a tighter ride when asked .

Any 18"s & ACC owners out there .

Cheers