I have just ordered a new VRS and in the octavia brochure (effective October 2009) the VRS has as standard XDS (electronic Diff.) There is even in the glossary of terms an explanation of XDS. Anyone aware of this? This should in theory make the new VRS handle better, no?

It works as a electronic limited slip so in theory it won't make the car handle better but more composed. But not that you should really notice it working as it will be keeping everything in check during driving.

XDS is not a real LSD in it uses the stability control system to brake the spinning front wheel. Think of it as yet another, more sophisticated use of the car's ESP system.

It won't be in the same league as a 'proper' LSD/ATB.

Steve

More more info, from a Seat press release on the 2009 Leon:

Maximum traction capacity with the XDS system

The addition of the XDS system to the new 2009 SEAT León has led to a substantial increase in both driving comfort and safety. This electronic system works together with ESP as a self-blocking differential' date=' improving the car's performance in situations where traction is lost by braking the wheel that loses surface grip.[/quote']

HTH,

Steve

And something from VW

Sportier and safer with XDS

For the first time in a Volkswagen, the XDS electronic transverse differential lock is being used. It significantly improves traction and handling properties. Tech*nically speaking, XDS is a functional extension of the electronic limited-slip differential (EDS) integrated in the ESP system.

In fast curve driving, as soon as the innovative electronics detects that the wheel at the inside of the curve on the GTI’s driven front axle is insufficiently loaded, the ESP hydraulics specifically builds up braking pressure at this wheel to restore optimal traction. So XDS acts as a type of transverse differential lock that compensates for the understeering that is typical on front-wheel drive vehicles when driving fast through curves.

The results: Thanks to XDS, driving behavior is significantly more precise and neutral; drivers perceive this as more like the handling characteristics of a car with all-wheel drive than those of front-wheel drive. Hans-Joachim Stuck: “Beyond the GTI’s already good chassis layout, XDS gives the car an enormous measure of driving stability. And it leads to greater driving enjoyment, since it reduces understeering. Experienced sports car drivers will be much more active underway. Yet, XDS is a very important safety feature for normal drivers too, because they will not experience any unpleasant surprises with the GTI. It simply would no longer press ahead.”

XDS is not a real LSD in it uses the stability control system to brake the spinning front wheel. Think of it as yet another, more sophisticated use of the car's ESP system.

It won't be in the same league as a 'proper' LSD/ATB.

Steve

Still, it will improve stability during cornering etc.., especially in the wet. Looking forward to giving it a try whenever my new car arrives

Time will tell

Look forward to a review when it arrives

Cheers,

Steve