Apart from helping improve mpg, I find the cruise control (CC) a superb method of controlling the car without using the brakes.

I set my required speed, and on approaching any decent corner, ease off the accelerator , flick the CC "off", and on hitting the apex press the "resume" to power out of the bend, quickly getting back to my set speed.

It took a little practice because the CC switches aren't really designed for sausage fingers, but once mastered, the operation works perfectly, meaning the brake pedal (& resultant pad / disc wear) is hardly touched.

I also use the cruise control whenever in a "speed limited" area, especially if Gatso's are about !  

JKW  

Don't try this in Eco Mode, the car won't slow enough due to it freewheeling.

Why would you need to use brakes even if not using CC? It's not like the engine braking is any more powerful after the CC is switched off, than it is otherwise.

 

I just flick the DSG in sport to get better engine breaking when needed, or use the manual mode.

I just flick the DSG in sport to get better engine breaking when needed.

How does that work? Does it change down a gear or two?

How does that work? Does it change down a gear or two?

It does. Just enough to make engine breaking a little more effective in most situations.