Is there a way to detect DPF Regens other than guessing as you suggest? So VW do not include Regen Light on dash lol
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With the scanner only. Otherwise you're just guessing as Greg said. On average under normal driving conditions the ECU will run the regeneration every 900km if the conditions are right. Most owner's don't even know that they have the DPF or what is it. No need for a light to tell that the DPF is regenerating.
I can't pick them in my MK6 engined Yeti, the only stock way is to watch the oil temps on the MFD, it jumps up 10 degrees during a regen. Not something you need to worry about, the DPF system on the MK7 is very advanced, massive, and should last a long, long time.
Does the 'range' remaining take a dive with a regen?
Nope, not in my experience.
Don't baby it to much, that can sometimes be worse than thrashing it, just drive it.
Let it come up to running temperature before you give it the boot.