ESP now standard on VW Golf and Bora

5 June 2002: Volkswagen is reinforcing its commitment to offer ‘Safety as Standard’ on all models by fitting ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) as standard equipment on every Golf Hatch and Estate and Bora model (above) 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.

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.

June 2002