Detailed Explanation of the Autohold Function in the Volkswagen New Bora
4 Answers
The Bora is equipped with an Autohold function, which is an automatic parking feature that works in conjunction with the electronic parking brake (EPB) and operates through a series of control units such as ABS and ESP. Here are the extended details: 1. Autohold is a technology application that enables automatic handbrake functionality while the car is in motion. This technology allows drivers to avoid prolonged braking when the vehicle comes to a stop and prevents unnecessary rolling when the automatic electronic parking brake is engaged. 2. Note: If the Autohold was previously activated, it will remain enabled by default after restarting the engine, and the Autohold indicator light will illuminate. However, it is important to note that this function only works when the seatbelt is fastened. If you wish to start moving after parking, simply lightly press the accelerator pedal.
I've been driving the Volkswagen New Bora for almost a year and found the auto-hold feature particularly useful in traffic jams. At red lights, just press the brake pedal firmly until the green P light appears on the dashboard, then you can release your foot—the car stays firmly stopped without rolling. A light tap on the accelerator immediately releases it, saving the hassle of pulling the electronic handbrake. One tip to note: It's best to turn off the feature button in places like parking fee stations where frequent short moves are needed to avoid sudden lurches from improper throttle control. During long red lights, your right foot can relax completely, especially when paired with the start-stop system, making it effortless. However, on rainy or slippery roads, start more gently to prevent tire slip. Overall, it feels smarter and more convenient than the old mechanical handbrake, and you don’t have to worry about the car rolling while checking your phone at red lights.
This feature is a must-have for my new Bora when picking up the kids! In the past, traffic jams near the kindergarten meant constantly pressing the brake pedal. Now, with just a press of the AUTO HOLD button on the center console, the wheels automatically lock at red lights or in queues. When searching for parking spots during school pickup, stopping halfway on a slope is no issue—releasing the brake keeps the car perfectly still. Even with kids being noisy in the back seat, there’s no distraction. I remember the first week after getting the car when I forgot to turn it on—the car nearly rolled back on a slope, giving me a scare. Now, it’s a habit to activate it as soon as I start the car, freeing my right foot completely in traffic. Once, during a trip to the countryside with the kids, hill starts on mountain roads were incredibly smooth. However, I recommend temporarily turning it off when reverse parking, as frequent back-and-forth movements can make throttle control tricky.
The auto hold feature in the new Bora essentially locks the brakes with a deep press. Just release the pedal when the green parking symbol appears on the dashboard, making it ten times more convenient than the old-fashioned handbrake. It works by using wheel speed sensors to determine the parking status and automatically engages the electronic brake. Waiting at a three-minute red light in the city, you can feel your right foot and calf completely relaxed. Once, when driving a friend's car without this feature, I kept instinctively reaching for the handbrake lever at traffic lights. Just two things to note: It's better to turn it off when maneuvering in narrow garage spaces, and during heavy rain, if you press the accelerator too hard when starting, there might be a bit of tire spin.
