A is for...

Adaptive suspension

If you can’t see it, people won’t pay for it – that’s the age-old rule about optional extras. And it makes adaptive dampers a tough sell. They promise to improve handling and comfort, and enable drivers 
to fine-tune the dynamic set-up of their car to suit the conditions. 

Add a high price, and adaptive dampers are generally restricted 
to expensive high-performance models. But the option isn’t purely 
for driving enthusiasts. Adaptive set-ups generally do a better 
job of smoothing out bumps, too, so comfort is usually enhanced.

Costs vary, but the set-up is rarely cheap and often adds needless confusion and complexity to the driving experience – so it rarely 
justifies the extra outlay. Best of the bunch is VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system – although it pays to do some digging. The clever kits costs £790 on the Golf GTI or GTD, but is standard 
on the mechanically similar Scirocco GT. Executive class buyers should check out the Mercedes E-Class, too, as all examples of 
the saloon come with adaptive shock absorbers as standard.