Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Displays  

 → Radar sensor  

 → Operating the area monitoring system (Front Assist)  

 → Temporarily switch off the area monitoring system (Front Assist) in the following situations  

 → City emergency brake function  

 → System limits  

The area monitoring system (Front Assist) helps to avoid rear-end collisions.

Front Assist can warn the driver about imminent collisions, prepare the vehicle for emergency braking in case of danger, assist with braking, and initiate automatic braking.

Front Assist is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.

Additional information and warnings:

• Exterior views  

• Volkswagen information system  

• Infotainment system  

• Cruise Control System (CCS)  

• Speed limiter  

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)  

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts  

Distance warning

If the system detects danger from driving too close to the vehicle in front, within the speed range of approx. 60 km/h (37 mph) up to 210 km/h (130 mph), the system can warn the driver by showing a corresponding message in the instrument cluster display  .

The warning period varies according to the traffic situation and the driver's response.

Advance warning

If the system detects a danger of collision with the vehicle ahead, within the speed range of approx. 30 km/h (18 mph) up to 210 km/h (130 mph), the system can warn the driver by emitting a warning tone and showing a corresponding message in the instrument cluster display  .

The warning period varies according to the traffic situation and the driver's response. At the same time it prepares the vehicle for possible emergency braking  .

Urgent warning

If the driver fails to respond to the advance warning, within a speed range of approx. 30 km/h (18 mph) to 210 km/h (130 mph), the system can initiate a quick jolt of the brake in order to draw the driver's attention to the increasing danger of a collision.

Automatic braking

If the driver does not react to the acute warning, within a speed range of approx. 5 km/h (3 mph) to 210 km/h (130 mph), the vehicle can brake automatically using brake pressure with gradually increasing intensity. By reducing speed during a possible collision the system can help to minimise the consequences of an accident.

Brake assistance

If Front Assist detects that the driver is not braking sufficiently when there is a risk of collision, the system can increase the braking force and thereby help to prevent a collision within a speed range of approx. 5 km/h (3 mph) to 210 km/h (130 mph). Brake assistance works only for as long as the brake pedal is pressed hard.

WARNING

The intelligent technology used in Front Assist cannot overcome the laws of physics. The driver is always responsible for braking in time. If Front Assist issues a warning, immediately apply the foot brake to slow the vehicle down or avoid the obstacle, depending on the traffic situation.

• Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Front Assist cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries on its own.

• Front Assist can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out unwanted braking interventions in certain complex driving situations, e.g. at traffic islands.

• Front Assist can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out unwanted braking interventions when its function is impaired, e.g. if the position of the radar sensor has been soiled or changed.

• While the vehicle is in motion, Front Assist does not react to persons, animals and vehicles crossing or approaching in the same lane.

• The driver must be prepared to take full control of the vehicle at all times.

The brake pedal feels harder when Front Assist triggers the brakes.

Automatic braking intervention by Front Assist can be stopped by depressing the clutch, the accelerator, or through a steering intervention.

Deactivate Front Assist if it does not function as described in this chapter, e.g. if multiple unwanted interventions occur. Have the system checked by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Questions & answers

Introduction — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How does Golf Mk7 Front Assist work?

It continuously monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead. If the gap closes dangerously, it displays a warning, pre-charges the brakes, and — if the driver does not react — initiates autonomous emergency braking.

Is Golf Mk7 Front Assist always active?

Yes. It activates automatically when the ignition is switched on. Volkswagen recommends keeping it on at all times.

Can Front Assist prevent all collisions in the Golf Mk7?

No. It reduces the severity of frontal collisions but has physical limits — it may not detect all obstacles, and at high closing speeds the braking may not stop the car completely.