Safety First For Golf And Bora - ESP Is Now Standard

Volkswagen is reinforcing its commitment to offer ‘Safety as Standard’ on all models – as well as continuing its pledge to give customers more value for money – by fitting ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) as standard equipment on every Golf Hatch and Estate and Bora model with immediate effect. Volkswagen is the first volume manufacturer to provide this feature as standard in any of the three market segments in which these models sit.

ESP is designed to stabilise a vehicle at the onset of a skid, and is therefore a major contribution towards accident prevention. Safety was already an integral part of both the Golf and Bora, with ABS (anti-lock brakes), EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), four airbags, seat belt tensioners and Isofix child seat preparation on every model. The addition of ESP as standard equipment gives both the Golf and Bora a class-leading safety package.

By counteracting any tendency towards understeer or oversteer, ESP stabilises the dynamic handling response of the car. It constantly compares the actual movement of the vehicle with predetermined values and, according to the situation, reacts by braking the outer front or inner rear wheel and automatically adjusting the engine’s output. This is especially useful on wet or icy surfaces. The system works in conjunction with the existing ABS and EBD systems.

ESP has the key advantage of being able to detect loss of stability at an early stage, thanks to a variety of sensors placed throughout the car. These monitor factors such as steering angle, wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration.

Previously a £395 option on Golf Hatch and Estate and Bora models, ESP is now fitted with a price increase of just £160 (apart from V6 models where ESP was already standard equipment). This small increase coincides with general equipment and value enhancements across all three models. Prices for the Golf now start at £10,875 for the 1.4-litre E Hatch, while the Bora range begins with the 1.6-litre S at £13,195.

Volkswagen leads the way with ESP. Fitted as standard to the New Beetle from launch and the Passat since November, this invaluable safety innovation is now available to an even wider audience with Golf and Bora.