Dynamic / Adaptive chassis control (DCC / ACC)

[Kwoka]

I'm planning to get GTI soon once it has been released and everything is comfirmed i'll probably head to the dealers and check it out. I don't really mind waiting a few months to get the specs that i want which will be Xenons, MDI and possibly 18" wheels. I was thinking of getting ACC but i'm just wondering if it is worth it? Does it make the car drive/ride better? Any opinions?

[Corey_R]

There are a few threads on this topic already.

The conclusion is always the same. Everyone's butt is different, so it will only matter what you think. Just like everyone's ears are different so opinions on whether the stereo upgrade is worth it will range from "you're an idiot if you do upgrade" to "you're an idiot if you don't upgrade".

The only thing which will matter is that you go test drive a car with 18" wheels and ACC, and then another with 18" wheels and without ACC. Preferably at the same dealer so you can drive along the same roads.

[windmagnet]

Kwoka,

I pre-ordered a GTI with ACC and 18" wheels. Thought this would be the best of both worlds. Unfortunately only one GTI in first shipment to Adelaide has ACC and that is a fully loaded one which would cost well over $60k. Only one car in first shipment with 18" wheels (which is mine).

The UK GTI Mk 6 forum has some posts on this but it is a bit like the manual vs DSG debate. As Coreying says, you will have to work it out yourself.

Depends where you are but you might be waiting a while before you can test two GTI's with ACC but different wheels. On the Mk V, I felt there was a very noticeable difference in ride comfort between GTI on standard 17" wheels and a Pirelli on 18" wheels. However, the R32 (heavier) I drove on 18" wheels had excellent ride. Based on this, I have opted for 18" wheels without ACC rather than a long wait.

Maybe you could at least get some feel for the difference between the settings on the ACC if you test drive another model Golf with ACC. However, I would not rely on this to tell how it will feel on the GTI.

[ricksterrr]

There are a few threads on this topic already.

The conclusion is always the same. Everyone's butt is different, so it will only matter what you think. Just like everyone's ears are different so opinions on whether the stereo upgrade is worth it will range from "you're an idiot if you do upgrade" to "you're an idiot if you don't upgrade".

The only thing which will matter is that you go test drive a car with 18" wheels and ACC, and then another with 18" wheels and without ACC. Preferably at the same dealer so you can drive along the same roads.

I guess there is also a question mark over the durability of the system since it's relatively new technology. Good news is that I haven't read any horror stories about ACC breaking on the UK Scirroccos and they've had it as standard for a while.

If you're going to sell the car before the warranty period ends, then it doesn't really matter.

But yes, the best way is to compare the two yourself since it's very subjective.

[Kwoka]

Thanks for the quick replies. I hope that i am lucky enough to test drive 2 different models.

[noowve]

Re: GTI mk6 Adaptive Chassis Control

Hi All

I am looking to place a deposit for the GTI MK6 next year. What i am contemplating to do though is whether to spend the $1500 in putting in an Adaptive Chassis Control or not. I was told that it is a waste of money but when i test drove the car a couple of weeks ago, i felt that the steering was heavier when i set the ACC in Sports mode or it's just a a psychological?

I have not test drove the car without it though. So if anyone out there has test drove the GTI Mk6 without the Adaptive Chassis Control, let me know what you think?

Any advice would be helpful.

Regards
William

[Nath]

Hi All

I am looking to place a deposit for the GTI MK6 next year. What i am contemplating to do though is whether to spend the $1500 in putting in an Adaptive Chassis Control or not. I was told that it is a waste of money but when i test drove the car a couple of weeks ago, i felt that the steering was heavier when i set the ACC in Sports mode or it's just a a psychological?

I have not test drove the car without it though. So if anyone out there has test drove the GTI Mk6 without the Adaptive Chassis Control, let me know what you think?

Any advice would be helpful.

Regards
William

I think you'll find it's more of a personal choice with the ACC, some people say it's awesome, others dont notice the difference, so I guess drive the car yourself in normal and then play with the ACC to see if you like it.

[elisiX]

I too was told it's nothing that special by the dealer who test drove an MK6 equipped with ACC and one without.

I personally dont plan on tracking my car either but if I did, i'd be going for a coil over/wheel setup before worrying about ACC.

[JasonP]

I have a Mk6 Sports Pack with ACC, & one without ACC.

I definitely notice the difference, & I recommend you tick that option.

If I had my chance again, I would have had ACC on both.

Just my opinion....

[elisiX]

Can you please elaborate.

What is the difference?

Is it a worthwhile option for street driving?

Would it mostly benefit those driving on the edge (track)?

etc.

[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