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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: mcmaddy on 06 May 2013, 11:09

Title: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: mcmaddy on 06 May 2013, 11:09
For the people who have specced acc why did you spec it? For the people who didn't why did you not?
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: AAddict on 06 May 2013, 11:11
For the people who have specced acc why did you spec it? For the people who didn't why did you not?

Didn't, because I would leave it in sport all the time anyway so a waste of money for me.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: matchboy on 06 May 2013, 11:14
For the people who have specced acc why did you spec it? For the people who didn't why did you not?

Didn't, because I would leave it in sport all the time anyway so a waste of money for me.

Exactly my reasoning too.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Jimble on 06 May 2013, 11:16
I did because the roads i use most are not great and i get a little tired of the standard suspension in my mk6 from time to time so the ACC will make a big difference to me.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 06 May 2013, 11:18
I specced it.  As an everyday car I wanted the option to switch between comfort and sport depending on mood and road conditions.  I don't need or want a bone-shaker all of the time, and my Mk5 can get a bit tiresome at times on the ever-increasing crappy roads.  Plus, there are a lot of raised paved areas on the roads where I live.  By all accounts, the quality of ride in comfort is way above anything in its class.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: dirvy on 06 May 2013, 11:35
I didn't, because I've got it and never use it, comfort is too wallowy, sport is great once in a blue moon. Normal is ideal most of the time.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 06 May 2013, 11:57
Interesting to hear how people never use it, but actually, they are using it all the time...  Hoping the second generation used on the GTI is as effective as the reviews make out!
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: master_hayabusa on 06 May 2013, 12:33
I didn't, because I've got it and never use it, comfort is too wallowy, sport is great once in a blue moon. Normal is ideal most of the time.

Dirvy, this is not a mark 6 GTI ACC. So it's not possible to compare.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: master_hayabusa on 06 May 2013, 12:39
This is an option that I deliberated the most with. Until I read Monkey Harris' review, who in my opinion is one of the best performance motor journalists out there. For me he summed it up as a must have when he said....

Comfort mode
Or maybe not quite, because the GTI's chassis throws some surprises on the road. In comfort mode, this car is one of the most impressive fast hatches I've ever driven


Full review http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=47&i=27662

Our roads are not the best. Pot holes unevenness, speed breakers. Trust me, you'll be thinking damn, I shoulda ticked that box ;)
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: mcmaddy on 06 May 2013, 12:55
Obviously no one has driven a mk 7 gti or gtd so it will be very interesting to see what people think when they've driven one.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Hawaii-Five-O on 06 May 2013, 13:42
I didnt spec it this time around.

Two reasons:

(1) Got it on my current Scirocco as standard. While I do use it I'm sure I can live without it.
(2) Didn't want to spend £700 quid on it this time around. I hope the standard ride isn't too harsh without it though?

Can anybody guess what the standard suspension will feel like without ACC? Will it feel like somewhere between 'Normal' and 'Sport' on ACC. I guess that's impossible to answer without driving back to back examples.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gung-Ho on 06 May 2013, 16:19
I spec'd it out of curiosity more than anything.  I don't currently have it on my Mk6, but I do have adaptive suspension on a Bimmer.  I do find that I use it quite a lot... Generally drive in comfort when I'm ferrying people around & for motorway driving, but switch to sport when I'm driving alone or along windy country roads...

I've heard good & bad things about DCC/ACC so I can't wait to try it out and see for myself how good or bad it is. If it turns out to be BAD then its gonna be an expensive mistake!
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: master_hayabusa on 06 May 2013, 16:50
I spec'd it out of curiosity more than anything.  I don't currently have it on my Mk6, but I do have adaptive suspension on a Bimmer.  I do find that I use it quite a lot... Generally drive in comfort when I'm ferrying people around & for motorway driving, but switch to sport when I'm driving alone or along windy country roads...

I've heard good & bad things about DCC/ACC so I can't wait to try it out and see for myself how good or bad it is. If it turns out to be BAD then its gonna be an expensive mistake!

I really can't see how it can be 'bad'? I mean it may not be worth it compared to the standard suspension, but it can't really be bad after all the reviews have had it. Unless, they all drive a standard suspension car and suddenly say OMG, this is even better lol.

You really have to think why VW would have provided mostly all cars in ACC if it really doesn't enhance the ride.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 06 May 2013, 17:11
I think it's fair to say that the only way it can be "bad" is if there is little discernible difference between the various modes, so making it a poor investment.  It's not going to be worse than a standard car, and by all accounts it makes it a more poised car on the road, with comfort offering a class-leading ride.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: mcmaddy on 06 May 2013, 17:42
I'd made my mind up to have it then changed my mind back (about three times) haha. after driving on some poor roads round where I live and the fact we like going out for weekend drives etc I'm now thinking about it again. I wasn't totally blown away by it on the scirocco I test drove, well not until I realised it had 19” wheels on. Question is do I take the chance that the standard ride will be just fine or 6 months down the line will I regret not getting it. As gung-ho said it may be an expensive white elephant! Oh and I'll be driving the car around the Scottish highlands next year for my honeymoon :smiley:
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Jimble on 06 May 2013, 17:49
Unfortunately mate all you've got to go on is your own and other peoples experiences with/without it in other cars, my 6 is ok on standard springs but like i say if the roads you use most are poor then it's got to be worth it imo, from what i've heard the standard springs are 30% firmer in the 7 and obviously the car is a little lighter than the outgoing car, both of which (in theory) should make it a slightly harder ride? But the damping could make the difference, i don't think the standard setup will be shocking, just a bit harder than your used to but imo it's good to have the choice.

I love the comfort setting on my brothers Roc, this alone could have sold it to me!

Confused??..... Me too! ::)
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: AndyG on 06 May 2013, 17:56
We have ACC on the mk6 and wouldn't be without it when getting next car assuming its a mk7 GTI.You can tell which mode you are in and it's really useful depending what mood your in.If the familly are in then its comfort then when I'm on my own and fancy a thrash then its sport.I didn't spec it as it was already on the car but I'm glad it's there.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: GolfTi on 06 May 2013, 18:13
Luxury limo or go-kart.

Your choice.

Worth every penny to me as its one of the few options you use all of the time, whenever you are driving.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 06 May 2013, 18:19
Like already said, it's something that you will benefit from every time you drive the car, although that relative benefit will vary from person to person depending on what they prefer.  Personally I want a softer refined ride most of the time.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gung-Ho on 06 May 2013, 18:24
I spec'd it out of curiosity more than anything.  I don't currently have it on my Mk6, but I do have adaptive suspension on a Bimmer.  I do find that I use it quite a lot... Generally drive in comfort when I'm ferrying people around & for motorway driving, but switch to sport when I'm driving alone or along windy country roads...

I've heard good & bad things about DCC/ACC so I can't wait to try it out and see for myself how good or bad it is. If it turns out to be BAD then its gonna be an expensive mistake!

I really can't see how it can be 'bad'? I mean it may not be worth it compared to the standard suspension, but it can't really be bad after all the reviews have had it. Unless, they all drive a standard suspension car and suddenly say OMG, this is even better lol.

You really have to think why VW would have provided mostly all cars in ACC if it really doesn't enhance the ride.

Sorry... My 'Bad' (no pun intended)... I think Gryzor & mcmaddy pretty much summed it up.  I didn't mean to imply it was 'Bad' in a literal sense.  I'm sure its actually very good, but will I notice a 'marked' difference  for me to say "Wow!!! That's money well spent!" (If you get my drift)
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: mcmaddy on 06 May 2013, 18:27
Looking at who I'm ferrying around too is my 66yr old mother and 80year old future father in law. you can see where this is going for me  :grin:
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 06 May 2013, 18:31
Looking at who I'm ferrying around too is my 66yr old mother and 80year old future father in law. you can see where this is going for me  :grin:

Haha!  A few cars back I bought a 3 door, for the looks...never again!  As for the ride, my mum hates my current car and whines every time we go over a sponge! lol I know it's my car, but I'm also quite diplomatic!
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Jimble on 06 May 2013, 18:38
Looking at who I'm ferrying around too is my 66yr old mother and 80year old future father in law. you can see where this is going for me  ;D

Haha!  A few cars back I bought a 3 door, for the looks...never again!  As for the ride, my mum hates my current car and whines every time we go over a sponge! lol I know it's my car, but I'm also quite diplomatic!


Best thing to do with sponges! >:( :D
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 06 May 2013, 18:44
Comfort noticeably smooths the ride out, but it has it's limits, it can't work miracles. Sport feels noticeably less harsh than my MK5 GT Sport TDI170 on 17" rubber, not sure whether that's progress in the chassis or the ACC at work. If you want to save whining inlaws then by all means buy it, they'll find something else to moan about personally i'd tell em to get the bus if they'd prefer it or pursuade them to pay for the ACC. I would expect back seat passengers have most to gain from ACC in comfort, not the driver.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Andy B on 06 May 2013, 18:46
Surely morphine is the right solution to elderly relatives complaining of the ride? Personally, I'd prefer that as the solution when my spine gives up the ghost and tells me every time I've driven over an earthworm.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Jimble on 06 May 2013, 19:00
Looking at who I'm ferrying around too is my 66yr old mother and 80year old future father in law. you can see where this is going for me  ;D


 ;D  Do it!!! You know it makes sense!
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: GolfTi on 06 May 2013, 19:12
Regret is a bad thing.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 06 May 2013, 19:14
@Mcmaddy: Mick is going to be busy tomorrow modifying 3 GTD orders methinks.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: master_hayabusa on 06 May 2013, 19:32
I spec'd it out of curiosity more than anything.  I don't currently have it on my Mk6, but I do have adaptive suspension on a Bimmer.  I do find that I use it quite a lot... Generally drive in comfort when I'm ferrying people around & for motorway driving, but switch to sport when I'm driving alone or along windy country roads...

I've heard good & bad things about DCC/ACC so I can't wait to try it out and see for myself how good or bad it is. If it turns out to be BAD then its gonna be an expensive mistake!

I really can't see how it can be 'bad'? I mean it may not be worth it compared to the standard suspension, but it can't really be bad after all the reviews have had it. Unless, they all drive a standard suspension car and suddenly say OMG, this is even better lol.

You really have to think why VW would have provided mostly all cars in ACC if it really doesn't enhance the ride.

Sorry... My 'Bad' (no pun intended)... I think Gryzor & mcmaddy pretty much summed it up.  I didn't mean to imply it was 'Bad' in a literal sense.  I'm sure its actually very good, but will I notice a 'marked' difference  for me to say "Wow!!! That's money well spent!" (If you get my drift)

I do get your drift ;)...the main problem is, unlike something like alloys or a reverse camera you can't add it on afterwards. Whatever suspension you decide you are stuck with. I guess if you never sit in a car with it, it won't be something you'll miss though.

If you look at those roads in the south of France, they look smooth and yet the reviewers still suggested it. But if you don't mind a firmer ride I'd skip it.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gung-Ho on 06 May 2013, 20:02
Funny enough I'm fairly happy with the standard set-up on my Mk6. It's not overtly harsh or soft... It offers about the right level of compliancy for everyday driving & commuting.  However there are times when you're pushing on & crave that extra level of stiffness in the chassis. 

This is what I'm hoping the 'Sport' button will do i.e. transform an already great handling car, into a 'truly' great handling car...  :smug:
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 May 2013, 08:02
Ging-Ho:

If you're after "extra" stiffness in Sport mode then you'll be disappointed. Sport is still a smidge softer than standard set-up 15mm lowered VW suspension, and the other 2 settings are softer than that.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 07 May 2013, 09:05
Ging-Ho:

If you're after "extra" stiffness in Sport mode then you'll be disappointed. Sport is still a smidge softer than standard set-up 15mm lowered VW suspension, and the other 2 settings are softer than that.

Straight away that works for me!  But, in the case of having ACC/DCC, surely sport being slightly softer than standard doesn't automatically translate to inferior handling?  If anything, it should feel softer due to it adjusting to the road conditions, yet at the same time offer a slightly more focused drive.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gung-Ho on 07 May 2013, 09:06
Ging-Ho:

If you're after "extra" stiffness in Sport mode then you'll be disappointed. Sport is still a smidge softer than standard set-up 15mm lowered VW suspension, and the other 2 settings are softer than that.

 :undecided: thanks monkeyhangar... You've really made my day!!!  :grin: let's hoping its not a total waste of money on my part haha

Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 May 2013, 09:29
Gryzor: Can't comment on any detrimental handling from having the ACC, my Roc certainly feels sharper than my last MK5 Golf did around the bends when you fling it about, but some of that will be down to the XDS and a lower centre of gravity i'm sure. Sport is the stiffest endpoint of the adjustability spectrum, so there is no adjustment going on in "Sport", if you want adjustment you'll be putting it in normal. For me though, I just pick between Sport and Comfort, ignoring "Normal" where all the adjustment is (this is the one that feels most fidgety and less predictable). All this advice is subject to the assumption that the system hasn't had any appreciable positive changes in it's second geeration (which it might've done). If you're after a car that can change from wallowy cruiser to sharp and sporty at the press of a button then get the ACC. ACC is primarily for the passengers benefit and not the drivers.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Hawaii-Five-O on 07 May 2013, 09:35
Sport is still a smidge softer than standard set-up 15mm lowered VW suspension, and the other 2 settings are softer than that.

Monkeyhanger: Just out of interest, how do you know 'Sport' on ACC is still a tad softer then the standard 15mm lowered set up?

I don't want it that hard!

Have a blundered not ordering the ACC :undecided:

I have ACC on my Scirocco but maybe I've never appreciated it.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 May 2013, 09:47
Had a quick go in the MK6 GTI 35 at Benfield yesterday when doing my Red or Black comparison, so my assumption is based on MK6 GTI feeling exactly like MK7 (I wonder how much the MQB platform and weight savings will have on any changes to standard suspension feel between 6 and 7). I only managed to get about 4 miles out of the trip when the dealer wanted me to get back to the dealership. There is a long, bendy and insanely steep sliproad up to the A1 above Scotswood road - a real test of torque and power shooting up there.

Used salesman was a little huffed after the "test drive" when I said I was mainly in it to get a feel for suspension ride for a new GTD (which I know will be a little different to a GTI due to the slightly heavier engine, but not that much). He fess huffed when he realised the Benfield new car sales weren't getting my business either - seems a little bit of unhealthy rivalry between used and new sales there.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 07 May 2013, 09:49
Thanks monkeyhanger.  For the mix of driving I do and the passengers I carry, having that flexibility is definitely something I'm looking for, hence why I opted for it.  For the most part, on my own I don't mind the relatively hard ride in my Mk5, but it's nice to be able to switch.  Chances are that mine will spend most of its time in Comfort to be be honest.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 07 May 2013, 09:55
Comfort still isn't supersoft, I would say it's like 10mm dropped suspension on 17" wheels compared to 15mm dropped suspension on 18" wheels. You will appreciate the difference on crappy roads and your back seat passengers will appreciate it when you show them what "sport" is like in comparison. It is a "nice to have", but all "nice to haves" have their price and £800 is beyond my price for it, that;s not to say it's not worth £800 to you, especially as you'll get at least 5 years benefit from it, not 3.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Gryzor on 07 May 2013, 10:02
Oh for sure I'm not expecting it to be super-soft, it's a GTI after all, and the springs are 30% stiffer regardless of how the dampers operate!
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Sootchucker on 07 May 2013, 10:07
To be honest guys, I don't think we will really know what the ACC is like until one of us actually gets to drive it. Don't forget that the ACC is all new on the MK7 platform (ACC MK2) and now has the ability to regulate the dampers individually (rather than across a single axle like the previous incarnation), so my guess is that it won't compare to the MK6 or Scirocco systems, but instead will feel totally different.

Judging by the reviews on the GTI, all seem to heavily praise the GTI's ride (and all seem to be fitted with ACC). Not one journalist I could see, and commented it's too hard or too soft, most have said, it's perfect !
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Sootchucker on 07 May 2013, 10:08
To be honest guys, I don't think we will really know what the ACC is like until one of us actually gets to drive it. Don't forget that the ACC is all new on the MK7 platform (ACC MK2) and now has the ability to regulate the dampers individually (rather than across a single axle like the previous incarnation), so my guess is that it won't compare to the MK6 or Scirocco systems, but instead will feel totally different.

Judging by the reviews on the GTI, all seem to heavily praise the GTI's ride (and all seem to be fitted with ACC). Not one journalist I could see, has commented it's too hard or too soft, most have said, it's perfect !
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: Chriscav on 07 May 2013, 17:06
I've just added this to my order. not sure if require it though.
I'm going for it more for improved handling but unsure if sport would be any better than the normal set up on the standard car?
Anyone got any thoughts?
I'm going to be adding bigger anti roll bars etc. and the money saved would go nicely towards some new bbs's :)
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: mcmaddy on 07 May 2013, 17:09
I've just added it to my order. It's the changeability that interests me. Comfort or normal or sport. if it turns out to be a waste then I don't order it again.
Title: Re: Adaptive Chassis Control
Post by: JonnyG on 07 May 2013, 19:52
It's something I will be speccing on my next Golf just to try it.  Everyone's opinion is a bit different and so I really want to see for myself whether it's worth it to me or not.  I note some of the reviews have been very impressed with the ride and comfort.  :smiley: