Volkswagen Technical Glossary

Volkswagen 4MOTION is our unique suite of all-wheel-drive technologies that provides the best possible traction at all road speeds, and in all weather and road conditions. The 4MOTION range includes three different all-wheel-drive set ups - each vehicle has its unique hardware and software configurations.

4Plus Care Plan is an affordable service plan for Volkswagen between 4 and 15 years old, covering the basic service essentials.¹

There are two options available:
• 2-year plan which includes 1 x Essential Service and 1 x Essential Service Plus; or
• 4-year plan which includes 2 x Essential Service and 2 x Essential Service Plus
You’ll have the flexibility to service with any Volkswagen dealer across Australia, and confidence knowing your vehicle will be looked after by Volkswagen technicians who will only use Volkswagen Genuine Parts ®.

View 4Plus Care Plan pricing guide here.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an intelligent development of cruise control. The system not only maintains a speed set by the driver but also adapts the speed to the traffic situation ahead by braking and accelerating within the system limits. ACC uses a radar sensor and camera to read speed limits and the edges of built-up areas. It will then calculate its position using the navigation system route data and adapt the speed ahead of bends, roundabouts and junctions.²

When the vehicle brakes hard or travels on a slippery road surface, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) can prevent the wheels from locking and maintain the vehicle's ability to be steered.²

Off-road ABS reduces the stopping distance on loose surfaces at the press of a button. When this function is activated, the braking interval is increased; the wheels lock up in a controlled manner so that material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) build up in front of each wheel, reducing the stopping distance.

AdBlue® is a biodegradable, water-based additive that’s been developed specifically to make your engine more environmentally friendly. A Volkswagen fitted with AdBlue® technology has reduced nitrogen oxide emissions. When it’s time to top up, a warning message will appear on your dash 2,400km and 1,000km beforehand.

An air flow meter measures the volume of air entering the intake valve to inform the fuel injection system with metrics that allow it to accurately output mixture. This is to ensure driving performance stays efficient.

An air flow sensor measures the state of air entering the intake system. It is then able to calculate and inform the fuel injection mixture and spark timing to effectively deliver smooth and efficient driving performance.

An AirStop tyre differs from a standard tyre in that it has a sticky, viscous layer from shoulder to shoulder along the inner liner. This layer is an integral part of AirStop tyres.

If an object with up to 5mm diameter penetrates the tread of an AirStop tyre, this sticky, viscous layer is designed to surround and adhere to the puncturing object and prevent air loss from the tyre by providing a near instantaneous seal.

If the puncturing object becomes dislodged from the tyre, the material is designed to seal most holes made by objects up to 5mm in diameter. While AirStop tyres significantly reduce the incidence of flats, they're not designed to be driven under inflated or in a flat condition. In all other aspects, AirStop tyres perform exactly like standard tyres.

App-Connect is a Volkswagen branded interface integrating Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, each providing for the display and operation of smartphone apps via the infotainment touch screen. Compatible apps are made visible on the infotainment screen are determined by each provider (Apple and Google) and are a combination of the providers own and third party apps. App-Connect can connect via USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth® on selected models.³

In the event of an accident, Volkswagen Approved Repairers are trained in factory accident repair methods and quality assured processes to ensure the highest quality of workmanship for your car. To ensure the integrity of your car, our skilled repairers only use Volkswagen Genuine Parts®.

Volkswagen area view is a visualisation of the entire vehicle through a bird's eye view simulation. Or you can also check on the screen of the radio system what is around the corner - cameras from the furthest point of the vehicle allow you to see the road in case your view is being blocked from the driver's seat.²

Assured Service Pricing applies to the first 5 standard scheduled services of your vehicle which are scheduled to occur at every 15,000 km/12 month interval (whichever occurs first) or for MY18 to current Crafter vehicles and MY21 onwards Amarok vehicles only, 20,000 km/12 month interval (whichever occurs first). On or before 31 December each year, Volkswagen will publish the maximum price for a specified Schedule Service that will be applicable from, and remain fixed for, the following calendar year only. For details on the Eligible Model List, pricing, items not included and for full terms and conditions, please see: https://www.volkswagen.com.au/app/locals/service-pricing-guide.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a kind of transmission fluid used in vehicles with self-shifting or automatic transmissions. It is typically coloured red or green to distinguish it from motor oil and other fluids in the vehicle. The fluid is optimised for the special requirements of a transmission such as valve operation, brake band friction and the torque converter, as well as gear lubrication. ATF is also used as a hydraulic fluid in some power-assisted steering systems, lubricant in some 4WD transfer cases and in some modern manual transmissions.

An intelligent device that monitors the condition of a vehicle by collecting data. When a change needs to be made, the device sends information or signals to the driver.

A Volkswagen Care Plan includes your first 3 or 5 scheduled services, offering you great value, hassle-free servicing. Including all items in your scheduled service such as labour, parts and fluids, pricing is set at today's rate for the life of the 3 or 5 year plan, and can be purchased outright or included in your finance⁴.

Care Plans can only be purchased prior to the first scheduled service and up to 22,500 km/15 months (whichever occurs first) for all models except MY18 to current Crafter vehicles and MY21 onwards Amarok vehicles which is 30,000 km/15 months (whichever occurs first).

View Care Plan pricing guide here.

Used Volkswagen that have been rigorously tested so you can enjoy complete confidence. From thorough inspections to warranty and financing options, our Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned program provides added peace of mind and exceptional level of service you would expect when buying new, now available for those buying pre-owned.

On our journey to develop the future of Volkswagen, we design and launch several concept cars globally every year. Through these vehicles, we are able to demonstrate the possibilities of design, technology and performance that could one day become a reality.

These include the Volkswagen I.D., I.D. Buzz, I.D. Crozz & I.D. Buzz. View the Volkswagen concept cars here.

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a system for removing diesel soot from diesel car engine exhaust gases. If your Volkswagen diesel car is used exclusively for short trips or left standing idle for extended periods, it may not meet the requirements needed to clean itself (regeneration). You may receive a reminder about this in the instrument cluster. If you regularly drive on motorways and highways under higher engine loads (2,500 – 3,000rpm), you may never see the DPF indicator light.

Driver Alert System analyses driving characteristics and detects possible driver fatigue. If fatigue is detected, the driver is warned by information in the Multi-function Display and an acoustic signal. The warning is repeated after 15 minutes if the driver has not taken a break.

DSG transmission is a manual gearbox in which the gearshifts are controlled electronically. What makes the DSG gearbox unique is that it has 2 separate gear sets operated by 2 clutches. The benefit of 2 gear sets and 2 clutches is that one gear set and clutch is engaged driving the vehicle with the second disengaged clutch having already pre-selected the next gear awaiting for power to be transferred. As the next gear has already been pre-selected prior to power being applied, the gear change only takes 100ths of a second. There is virtually no interruption to power, traction or acceleration. The DSG transmission also offers Tiptronic gear selection and sports mode.

Dynamic Light Assist optimises illumination of the roadway for even greater safety on the road. The system allows the main beam to be left on continuously without dazzling oncoming traffic. This is possible thanks to a masking function which can partially dip the high beam headlights.²

EDL improves driving and steering characteristics when accelerating on road surfaces where each wheel has a different degree of traction. The system operates automatically and is combined with the ABS system. Using the ABS wheel sensors, EDL monitors the speed of the individual driving wheels. When a difference in driving wheel speed is detected (i.e. when one wheel starts to spin due to differences in road surfaces e.g. due to water or dirt) the system brakes the spinning wheel, transferring engine power to the wheel with the best traction.²

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) delivers a precision calculated amount of fuel through high pressure jets directly into the combustion chamber to deliver optimum performance and fuel efficiency. It does so based on input from various car engine sensors that allow the vehicle's computer to accurately calculate and adjust the cars air to fuel mixture.

Emergency Assist combines the functions of Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control in a new assistance system to monitor driving characteristics.

If the sensors detect no steering, braking or acceleration activity, the system activates visual and acoustic warnings, and initiates a quick jolt of the brakes to request the driver to take control of the vehicle. If the driver remains inactive, the system automatically takes control to slow down the vehicle and keep it in the lane.

If there is sufficient stopping distance, the system decelerates the vehicle to a complete stop and switches on the electronic parking brake automatically. When Emergency Assist is actively controlling the vehicle, the hazard warning lights are switched on and the vehicle performs a slight snaking motion within its lane to warn other road users.²

View advanced driver assistance systems here

Essential Service is an affordable service that includes the basic service essentials, specifically designed for Volkswagen between 4 and 15 years old. Inclusions: Genuine Volkswagen Oil and Filter replacement, Volkswagen’s Safety and Diagnostic Check, reset service interval display and logbook stamp.

Essential Service Plus includes everything you get in an Essential Service, along with a pollen filter replacement and brake fluid replacement.⁵

View Essential Service and Essential Service Plus here.

Front Assist with City Emergency Braking uses a radar sensor to detect a possible collision with a vehicle in front. It then warns the driver and prepare the car for braking. If nothing changes, the system will apply the brakes giving you a better chance of avoiding a collision. When you're travelling below 30km/h, City Emergency Brake can apply the brakes if a collision is likely. If the driver doesn't respond, the system will do it automatically.²

View advanced driver assistance systems here

Volkswagen Genuine Parts® are new parts identical to those originally used in the manufacture of your car. For added confidence, Volkswagen Genuine Parts come with a 2 year warranty.⁶

In 1976 we launched the Volkswagen Golf GTI, our limited edition model that became an icon. Its 81kW engine appealed to drivers with an appetite for practical sporty performance and set the precedent for the powerful GTI models of today. Despite several performance and cosmetic upgrades, the instantly recognisable GTI badge - standing for Grand Tourer Injection - has remained present on every generation of the range, marking the capabilities that separate it from the rest.

The head-up display (HUD) projects key information such as the speed or navigation pictograms directly into the driver’s primary field of vision. Thanks to this projection, the driver’s eyes can remain focused on the road at the same time as registering information. Drivers can decide for themselves what information is to be displayed: current speed, navigation instructions, assistance system information and warnings.

The infotainment system allows you to access a variety of entertainment and vehicle utilities to enhance your driving experience. The system includes Discover Pro Display, Gesture Control and Dynaudio Premium Audio Systems.

Isofix is a universal product used to safely attach child safety capsules in cars.

Lane Assist uses a widescreen mounted camera system to detect when your car is leaving the lane. When detected, the system will gently steer you back into the centre of the lane. If this is not sufficient the driver is warned about the situation by a steering vibration and is asked to take over the steering. If no active steering movements by the driver are recognised for longer than approximately 8 seconds, a message will appear in the Multi-Function Display in conjunction with a warning tone.²

View advanced driver assistance systems here

The oil pressure sensor is a unit that is in charge of telling a vehicle’s computer, the engine control unit, the amount of the oil pressure. It controls the gauge on a vehicle which then lights up as a warning indicator on the dashboard of your vehicle.

The gauge on the vehicle signals the car’s engine is receiving not enough oil pressure or that the sending unit is faulty or damaged over time. Low oil pressure could mean there is not enough oil present and can be fixed by adding more oil. It might also show that the engine is burning oil or that there is an oil leak in the system.                                       

Park Assist allows semi-automatic manoeuvering into any parking space parallel or at right angles to the road. In addition, the system facilitates manoeuvers out of parallel parking spaces. In the case of parking spaces at right angles, the first models not only support reverse parking but also semi-automatic forward manoeuvers. Volkswagen with Park Assist steer fully automatically when parking. The driver only needs to operate the accelerator and brakes. Within the technical limits of the system, an emergency braking system also prevents parking damage.²

View advanced driver assistance systems here

The concept of Volkswagen R-Line descends from Volkswagen R, a performance-oriented subsidiary of Volkswagen that was founded in 2010 to be a sports label of the carmaker. R models represent the top performance vehicles of the Volkswagen brand.

R-Line features are available in the form of special trims, and more recently packages, on select Volkswagen models. R-Line trims and packages bring the looks and feel of Volkswagen R vehicles to other Volkswagen models, but do not provide upgraded engine power.

R-Line trims and packages make the car they’re applied to look and feel racing-inspired. It’s a great way to express one’s individuality and make a sporty statement.

With parking sensors you’ll feel like you have eyes in the back of your head. Front and rear sensors, rear view camera, audio signals and a visual display guide your every move so you never need to worry about getting into - or out of – a tight spot again. Or if you’re feeling more hands off, Park Assist can actually steer the car into a space too.²

Scheduled Services are the first five standard scheduled service intervals as set out in the Service Schedule, which are scheduled to occur:

(a) for Model Year 2018 to current Crafter vehicles and Model Year 2021 onwards Amarok vehicles, each interval of 20,000 km or 12 months (whichever occurs first); and
(b) for all other models, each interval of 15,000 km or 12 months (whichever occurs first) within the Eligibility Period.

Scheduled Services include parts, labour and fluids for the service items recommended at each Service Interval by the vehicle manufacturer. Volkswagen recommends vehicle owners maintain their vehicle at the recommended servicing intervals.

Service Schedule means the official service schedule for Eligible Vehicles as set out in the Volkswagen Pricing Guide accessible at: https://www.volkswagen.com.au/app/locals/service-pricing-guide

If you service your Volkswagen at an Authorised Volkswagen Dealer, you can receive 12 months Service Initiated Roadside Assistance (SIRA).

To be eligible for SIRA your vehicle must be in a roadworthy condition and have the Volkswagen standard scheduled service carried out by a participating Authorised Volkswagen Dealer.

Following the service schedule ensures your vehicle receives the love and care it deserves. As such, vehicles presented to an Authorised Volkswagen Dealer will be eligible for a SIRA Policy up to 42 days after, or 2,500 kilometres above the service schedule milestone. If previous services were missed or completed outside our network, you will also be eligible when you return to an authorised Volkswagen Dealer for a standard scheduled service.

Vehicles that are more than 9 years old from the original new car warranty start date, are not eligible for SIRA. The SIRA policy will expire on or after 10 years from the original new car warranty start date, and no further SIRA policy will not be activated. No more than 9 SIRA Policies can be applied to a vehicle in its lifetime.

View the roadside assistance available at Volkswagen today

(a) for Model Year 2018 to current Crafter and Model Year 2021 onwards Amarok vehicles, each interval of 20,000 km or 12 months (whichever occurs first) within the Eligibility Period; and

(b) for all other models, each interval of 15,000 km or 12 months (whichever occurs first) within the Eligibility Period.

The Start/Stop system is designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It achieves this by automatically switching off the engine while the vehicle is stationary and then starting it again automatically when the driver wants to drive off. There are certain operating conditions where the Start/Stop system is deactivated (e.g. during engine warm-up), please refer to the Owner’s Manual for full operating information.

Volkswagen’s family of TDI turbocharged diesel engines commands every superlative. Using direct injection, Volkswagen diesels offer supreme engine performance and outstanding fuel economy. All this, in turn, should lead to cost savings on maintenance, servicing and running costs. The TDI engines are as smooth as they are capable — none more so than the powerful V6 unit that is available in the Golf 2.0 TDI, Touareg and Amarok. Volkswagen engines feature cutting-edge diesel particulate filters for reduced potentially harmful particulate emissions into the environment.

Torque is a measure of the force that turns your wheels, and kilowatts (kW) is the rate at which a car engine can produce that force. You feel torque when you accelerate from a stop; you feel horsepower when you’re building speed on a highway.

Volkswagen developed Traffic Jam Assist on the basis of Lane Assist and ACC. Traffic Jam Assist is available on models with automatic transmission. The system makes driving in traffic jams or stop and go conditions considerably more convenient. Thanks to the assistance systems installed, the vehicle can drive in a partly automated mode up to 60 km/h.²

View advanced driver assistance systems here

Volkswagen TSI technology brings more efficiency from smaller units — resulting in the ability to travel longer distances from less fuel. Built to be strong and light, TSI engines all deliver high specific torque from much lower revs to make Volkswagen cars more lively, economical and clean-running. Volkswagen TSI engines combine direct injection with turbocharging and also feature an intercooler to deliver more efficient motoring. What this translates to for the driver is effortless performance, immediate response and reduced engine noise. It’s no wonder that the TSI is one of the most highly regarded family of engines in the automotive world.