2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI Owners Manual

Driving Mode Selection

Driving mode Recommended driving situations
Normal Balanced setting for everyday use.
Sport Gives the vehicle a sporty driving feel and is suited for a sporty driving style.
Individual Individual systems can be adjusted to suit your personal requirements

The effect on the vehicle settings in the individual driving modes depends on vehicle equipment.
The driving mode can be changed while the vehicle is stationary or when it is moving. After selecting a driving mode, the vehicle settings (excluding engine settings) are switched to the new driving mode immediately.
When traffic conditions allow, briefly take your foot off the accelerator to activate the newly selected driving mode for the engine.
Steering
In Sport mode, power steering is reduced and the effort required to steer the vehicle increases. The vehicle's driving response becomes more agile.
Powertrain (engine and transmission)
The engine and transmission will give either a more dynamic or more balanced response to the movement of the accelerator, depending on the selected driving mode. In vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift points and the coasting mode will also change. Active cruise control can affect the acceleration response.
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) and Light Assist (if equipped)
AFS and Light Assist give either a more dynamic or more balanced response to the current driving situation, depending on the selected driving mode.
Displaying the driving mode
x Switch on the ignition.
x Press the Driving Mode Selection button

WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
In vehicles with an automatic transmission, the system automatically switches to Sport (S) mode when the Sport driving mode is selected.
The driver can adjust certain vehicle functions, regardless of the selected driving mode. For example, the driver can shift the selector lever to the Sport (S) mode, even if the Normal driving mode is selected.
Adjusting the driving mode

Changes to settings menus are applied immediately, with the exception of engine settings.
WARNING
Driving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver distraction causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!
x Never let yourself be distracted when setting, adjusting, or using the Infotainment system.
x Always drive attentively and responsibly. Use the Infotainment system only if road, traffic, and weather conditions permit and you will not be distracted from your driving.

Heating and air conditioning
Applicable only in the United States

WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the climate control system as well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation for a long period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor) switched on. Press the !

convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.
Applicable only in the United States
Manual controls

Fig. 147 In the center console: Manual air conditioning controls.

Button/Knob More information: Manual air conditioning ⇒ fig. 147
= Rear window defroster: Works only when the engine is running and switches off automatically after 10 minutes or less.
3 Air recirculation mode
A, [ Buttons for seat heating
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