Well lets again just say hypothetically that VW are wrong, and they are not linked. For me, this is still a safety feature. It will only help if the GTi is ever in that position.
VW also tell us the R has a 4WD system that can send 100% to the rear!
In this case, they aren't wrong...just not giving the full story.
For the first time the GTI features XDS, an extention of the well known EDL function. This is linked to the ESP hydraulics and works by applying pressure to the inner front wheel during fast cornering to prevent spinning.
EDL works by monitoring front wheel speeds and applying pressure using the ABS pump, to the spinning wheel...it's fairly crude and only works under 30 MPH (I have it on my Mk3) and it uses the ABS Pump to operate the callipers, via the brake hydraulics.
ESP is a set of electronics that monitors inputs and sends outputs to the ABS controller to actually do the braking - the ASP has no physical connection with the car's hydraulic brake system that I'm aware of and hence there are no ESP hydraulics - only ABS hydraulics linked to ESP inputs - unless it's changed on the Mk6?
An explanation of ESP is here:
http://www.bosch-esperience.co.uk/uk/language1/how_does_esp_work.htmlNote the bit about: "It uses the vehicle's braking system to "steer" the vehicle back on track."
The fact that VW tell us that XDS is advanced EDL give the game away to anyone who understands how EDL works.