ACC adaptive cruise control helps to avoid accidents by always keeping your car at a safe distance from the traffic ahead.
Working together with the radar-controlled Front Assist traffic monitoring system, our adaptive cruise control system keeps you a safe distance from the vehicle in front and that makes driving much easier in slow and stop and go traffic. It means you'll be more relaxed and comfortable on long journeys, knowing you have an extra helping hand.
You pre-set the speed range which you want the Adaptive Cruise Control to brake and accelerate the car within - you can restrict your car's speed to the limit of the road you're on, for example. The safe-distance technology builds on the familiar cruise control system by adding a radar sensor. It immediately detects traffic slowing ahead and automatically reduces your speed to match. If you are driving too close to the car in front, it will warn you in two stages. First, with visual and acoustic signals, and then with a short braking jolt. If necessary, the system will bring your car to a complete stop.
It does this with the help of the Front Assist system which primes the brakes if it senses a collision is likely, shortening the stopping distance when the driver hits the brake pedal.
The safe-distance technology's radar sensor has a range of up to 200 metres and a beam angle of 12 degrees. The radar sensor and control unit are combined into a single unit which is located - on the Passat, for example - behind the Volkswagen badge in the radiator grille.
Using the signals from the radar sensor, the control unit computes the distance to the vehicle ahead and your car's speed relative to it. It also works out its lateral position on multi-lane roads. If there are several vehicles within the sensor's field of coverage at the same time, this information is used to select which of the vehicles the system should track. The radar sensor is not capable of detecting stationary obstructions, such as the end of a tailback or crash barriers, however.
If approaching a slower vehicle ahead or if another vehicle cuts in front of you, the adaptive cruise control slows down the car by initiating corrective controls in the engine management and, if necessary, in the braking system too. If the required rate of deceleration exceeds 30% of the vehicle's maximum stopping power, visual and audible warning signals will prompt the driver to apply the brakes manually.
Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk