
The usage of the hill start assist in Phideon is: Press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds. When you release the brake pedal, the hill start assist system will automatically maintain the brake pressure for 2 seconds, giving the driver enough time to accelerate and climb the hill. Taking the 2021 Volkswagen Phideon as an example, its body structure is a 4-door 5-seater sedan, with body dimensions of: length 5074mm, width 1893mm, height 1489mm, and a wheelbase of 3009mm. The 2021 Volkswagen Phideon features a front five-link independent suspension and a rear trapezoidal link independent suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 224PS, maximum power of 165kW, maximum torque of 350Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

When driving the Phideon, I found the hill-start assist particularly hassle-free, as it doesn't require any separate button operation. Just come to a complete stop on an incline by pressing the brake pedal, then firmly press it all the way down. At this point, a small green car icon with a slope indicator will illuminate on the instrument cluster. When I release the foot brake to press the accelerator, the car maintains steady braking for about two seconds without rolling back, giving me ample time to gradually accelerate from a stop. Once in my residential underground parking garage's steep ramp queue, when the car ahead suddenly stopped, this feature helped me prevent rollback and potential rear-end collision – truly a blessing for those who struggle with hill starts. The system automatically activates whenever the gradient is sufficient, and it works equally well during reverse maneuvers.

Last time when I drove my friend's Phideon, I specifically tested it on a steep slope. After coming to a complete stop, I firmly pressed the brake to activate the system. Once the green hill icon lit up on the dashboard, I released the foot brake and noticed the wheels were still locked. At this point, pressing the accelerator a bit harder would release them, while a gentle tap allowed for slow movement. Remember, the slope must exceed a 5% gradient, and it only works when in Drive (D) or manual 1st gear. Using it in combination with the electronic parking brake provides even more stability, as the auto hold function takes over after the brake is deeply pressed.

The hill start assist in the Phideon is hidden in the electronic system. I figured out how to use it: after stopping on a slope, press the foot brake hard again until the green hill icon appears on the dashboard, then you can release the foot. The system automatically holds the brake for about three seconds, which is enough time to switch feet to the accelerator. I found it also works when reversing uphill. Once during a move, I had to reverse up a steep garage ramp, and this feature really helped stabilize the rear. However, note that it might be affected if the auto start-stop is enabled.

Test Drive Phideon Taught a Trick: After stopping on a slope, press the brake pedal all the way down until the HHC indicator light comes on. Release the brake and step on the accelerator within two seconds, and the car won't roll back as if it's on an invisible brake. Once, while queuing on a steep slope at a Moganshan homestay, the GL8 in front stalled and rolled back, but my Phideon easily followed the car ahead thanks to this feature. It's even more convenient with the auto-hold function—after triggering the hold by pressing the brake deeply, just step on the gas to go.

Driving the Phideon for three years on Chongqing's mountainous roads, I've mastered the hill start assist. Key steps: first come to a complete stop, then press the brake pedal firmly until you hear the chassis click, activating the system; release the brake and immediately switch to the accelerator - the system holds for 3 seconds. Works in reverse uphill too, automatically engages on slopes over 6%. Once saved me in Hongyadong's steep traffic jam with five passengers - no rollback thanks to this feature, the electronic parking brake light syncs with activation.


