XDS + Traction Control

[mardon]

The XDS e-diff sounds like something that will help the handling but the Traction Control seems more like a safety feature. On my mk4 cupra in the wet its a real pain and can sometimes cut the power quite violently.

Is there an option on the new FR/Cupra to turn off the TCS/EPS and leave on the XDS for when you’re having a "spirited" drive?

Those that have cars with the XDS system how are you finding it? Is it intrusive or helpful? I know on my test drive the turn in on the FR was better than my current cupra but I didn't give it much stick.

 

[EdHorny]

I've not really noticed it, I had a good blast down some Welsh roads and around a couple of hairpin bends, the car was a joy. Only ever had the ESP kick in when flooring it on a wet road from stand still and it just stopped the wheel spin, got me to the point of road grip and let me go.

ED

 

[techie]

I think the traction and diff are very good, it lets both front wheels spin if its not upsetting things.

 

[mardon]

Do you get two seperate lights on the dash? One for TCS and one for XDS?

 

[product]

Do you get two seperate lights on the dash? One for TCS and one for XDS?

There isn't a light for XDS, in the same way you wouldn't expect a light on a car with a mechanical limited-slip diff - it just does what it does...

 

[mardon]

Cool that says to me its on all the time (which I want). I'm really hating my ESP/TCS at the moment in the wet so when the new car comes in Jan it'll be nice to be able to turn it off but still have the advantages of the XDS.

I hope to god there is a switch to turn off the ESP/TCS (which is it?)

 

[nightflight]

there's probably not, but you could always just remove the fuse for it? (i'm planning to remove the ABS one (temporarily) at some point so i can have some J turn fun, i mean practice, in car parks

 

[mardon]

I know in my current car there is a button to turn it off. Will be very upset if it can't be turned off in the new motor.

 

[techie]

there's probably not, but you could always just remove the fuse for it? (i'm planning to remove the ABS one (temporarily) at some point so i can have some J turn fun, i mean practice, in car parks

If your planning on j turning with the handbrake it has naff all to do with the abs anyhow.

 

[Dave217]

If your planning on j turning with the handbrake it has naff all to do with the abs anyhow.

i dont j turn with the hand brake, i swing a bit right then hard left, seems to work pretty well, too scared to try it in this car though the low profile tyres for the 17" are quite expensive XD

 

[nightflight]

J turn as in reverse flick, stamping on the bakes to lock up the fronts does bugger all as the ABS stops them from locking so the front won't whip round.

The handbrakes crap too, it just won't lock the rears when moving. is it because it's discs at the rear? my old chevvy Matiz had drums on the back and that'd at least do 90 degrees in the dry.

 

[techie]

Right I see, I thought we were driving fairly nice new cars not MK4 Escorts, but hey whatever floats your boat. And remember big bro is watching

 

[Dave217]

i dont j turn in this i did in my 10 year old vw polo, but not this one, not a chance lol

 

[joefr]

I have noticed in my 13 plate that with the traction off the xds stays on if you corner very spirited and manage to get any weight transfer you feel it but tbh it does not cause any understeer, or cut any power, have to say it's olny been twice I've noticed it but it does actually feel good not intrusive

 

[stu_m]

I have a new 1.2 tsi fr with the xds and only had the front spin a couple of times and even with the traction control on it just works!

I can't say I noticed a loss in power with the traction control although you know when the xds is working

I used to hate the traction control in my audi a4 it was too intrusive

The ibiza just grips and goes

 

[joefr]

I always switch the traction off for a spirited drive but you still get the feel of the xds but allows you to keep the power on, I have the fr but 2.0 tdi running 206 bhp atm with the traction on you get a noticeable loss of power, even dangerous ide say xds almost feels like just touching the brakes on the inside wheel, pulling you in to the apex also I've found the extra power allows abit of lift of oversteer, btw does the 1.2 fr also have the battery under the spare wheel in the boot

 

[stu_m]

No the battery is under the bonnet

ps what spare wheel? lol

 

[joefr]

Lol mine is in the shed, but I don't think the cupra has it in the boot either, someone might be able to correct me on that tho, it's smack bang in the middle of my boot and is the lowest part of the car , better weight distribution maybe?

 

[Wee-nemo]

Cupra has it in the boot, not entirely sure why as SEAT could prob slot it into the engine bay if they had wanted.

 

[joefr]

Is it the same as the fr you have to take the spare out and then it's in a little well right in the middle, same as on mine there's plenty of space under the bonnet, was the same in my old 330ci apart from space was an issue on that, although that was at the side of the boot opposite to drivers seat