Function and operation

Fig. 180 In the lower section of the centre console: Driving Mode Selection button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings
The driver can choose from up to 5 different driving modes with a variety of characteristics:
| Driving mode | Recommended driving situations |
|---|---|
| Comfort a) | Creates a comfort-based vehicle setup and is suited to poor-quality sections of road or long motorway journeys. |
| Normal | Balanced setting, e.g. for everyday use. |
| Sport | Gives the vehicle a sporty driving feel and is suited to a sporty driving style. |
| Eco | Switches the vehicle into economical mode and helps the driver to drive the vehicle in a fuel-efficient manner. |
| Individual | Individual systems can be adjusted to suit your personal requirements . |
The effect on the vehicle settings in the individual driving modes depends on the vehicle equipment level.
The driving mode can be changed while the vehicle is stationary or when in motion. After selecting a driving mode, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new driving mode immediately.
When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to activate the newly selected driving mode for the engine.
Adaptive chassis control (DCC)
While the vehicle is in motion, the DCC constantly adjusts the suspension characteristics to match the road surface and the current driving situation, in accordance with the preset vehicle settings.
If there is a fault in the DCC, the
symbol appears in the instrument cluster display along with the message Fault: damper control.
Steering
In Sport mode, power steering is reduced and the effort required to steer the vehicle increases. The vehicle's driving response becomes more agile.
Powertrain (engine and gearbox)
The engine and gearbox will give either a more dynamic or more balanced response to the movement of the accelerator, depending on the selected driving mode. In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the gear shift points and the coasting mode will also change. An active cruise control system (CCS) can affect the acceleration response.
Adaptive Cruise Control
When the ACC is active, acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle becomes more ecological or sporty.
Dynamic bend lighting and automatic main beam assist
The dynamic bend lighting and the automatic main beam assist will give either a more dynamic or more balanced response to the current driving situation, depending on the selected driving mode.
Air conditioning system
In Eco mode, the air conditioning will be set to run even more economically.
Displaying the driving mode
- Ensure that the ignition is switched on.
- Press the Driving Mode Selection button
. The Driving Mode Selection menu appears in the infotainment system display. The active driving mode is selected.
- Touch the Information function button to display additional information about the current driving mode.
Selecting the driving mode
- Ensure that the ignition is switched on.
- Press the Driving Mode Selection button
and touch the function button for the selected driving mode in the infotainment system display.
The selected driving mode will remain set even after the ignition has been switched off. The last activated driving mode will be assigned to the vehicle key that has been used.
Changing the driving mode can alter the vehicle handling. Never allow Driving Mode Selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving. - Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury. - Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
- Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

NOTICE
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle being damaged. 



a) Comfort driving mode is available when vehicle is equipped with adaptive chassis control (DCC).
Test yourself
A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.