Volkswagen
Golf GTI

Press the brake, then press START/STOP on the console (right of the gear lever). On RS / R / S models, a red ignition button is recessed into the steering wheel as a shortcut.

Console-mounted shifter — pull back through N to D, push forward through N to R, press the P button on the top to park. PHEV Bentleys add a steering-wheel paddle override.

Drive modes are accessed via the Driving Profile button (touch slider on newer models). Available modes typically include Eco, Normal, Sport, Comfort, Individual. Each mode reshuffles throttle mapping, steering weight, adaptive dampers (if equipped), exhaust valves, and stability-control thresholds. On performance trims, an 'Individual' or 'Custom' slot lets you save your favorite combination so you can recall it with one click instead of nesting through menus.

The driver display is a Digital Cockpit Pro. Use the steering-wheel left thumb-pad to cycle layouts (Classic, Sport, Navigation, Minimal). When in Sport / Track mode the cluster automatically swaps to a wide tach with gear indicator and tire-temperature readout. The head-up display brightness, height, and content are configured from Settings → Displays → HUD.

Infotainment runs on VW Discover Pro / MIB4. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; pair from Settings → Connections the first time, then it auto-connects whenever your phone is in range. "Hello Volkswagen" wakes the in-car assistant for nav, climate, calls, and messaging without touching the screen. The main display also hosts vehicle-specific apps: tire pressures, performance data recorder (where fitted), drive-mode customizer, and the camera views.

Standard driver aids include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Toggle each system individually from the driver-assist menu (steering-wheel left-pad → Assistance). A surround-view camera and parking assist may be optional — turn them on once in settings and they default to active in tight spaces from then on.

Premium unleaded (91 or 93 octane) is required on Volkswagen performance models — the engine timing is set for it and lower octane causes audible knock and reduced power. Fuel-cap release is a button on the driver door panel; the cap is capless (just push the nozzle in).

Beyond the physical key, this car supports VW Digital Key (UWB). Set up phone-as-key from the myVW / VW Connect app: it provisions a secure credential to your phone's wallet so a tap on the door handle unlocks the car and placing the phone on the wireless charging pad authorizes ignition. You can also share temporary keys to family members (with optional speed and area limits on performance trims) directly from the app.

A few things every new owner tells us they wish they'd known on day one:

• Download the brand app (myVW / VW Connect) and pair it with your VIN before your first long trip — remote climate, charging/fuel-level checks, and remote lock-status save you walking back to the garage in winter.