ASR instead of ESP

[thefuse]

I have just purchased a brand new Golf 1.9 GT TDI (130 bhp) through an import dealer I was reliably informed that this would be to standard UK spec or better in all areas. It actually seems to be a great deal although it does not have ESP but something called ASR is this the same thing or have I been sold an old model. The car seems excellent apart from that ASR button has raised some doubts in my mind that I actually got a good deal.

Any comments would be more than welcome

Cheers

The Fuse

[carl_woods]

I have a TDI 150 which also has ASR and does a friend of mine, my car is a 2003 model, also the badge on the boot just says GTI instead of GT TDI, but the dealer is a good friend and assures me that this is normal and that there is nothing to worry about

[thefuse]

Cheers for that info so is ASR the same as ESP?

my GT TDI 130 bhp also has tdi on the back with the d and i in red.

Cheers

The Fuse

[carl_woods]

Yes that's right, ASR stands for Anti Slip Regulation and is the European name for ESP.

[chubbm]

I believe ASR (stops front wheels from slipping) is different to ESP. I dont know the technical difference but when I bought my 2002 1.8T it came with ASR. I also had the option at ?400 to have ESP as well. (transfers power to wheels with most grip).

VW gave ESP as standard in 2003 for all golf models in order to keep sales high before mk5 arrives in 2004.

regards
Martin

[evergood]

I have a 1.8T GTI and it has ASR. As far as I can make out ESP uses a combination of the ASR and ABS sensors to stop the car from spinning out on corners etc. So it is a more advanced system. It is a stability program. ASR however is just traction control, which helps to stop the wheels from spinning during acceleration. Whereas ESP does the ASR bit plus it helps stop the car skidding into corners by braking the wheel opposite to the corner it is going into.

Hope this helps.