A Guide to UK Cars with Auto Hold
This guide explains what Auto Hold is, how it differs from Hill Start Assist, and which popular UK car models come equipped with it.
What is Auto Hold?
It is basically an extension of the electronic parking brake system. Once you bring your vehicle to a complete stop, the system automatically maintains brake pressure, even if you take your foot off the brake pedal. The car remains stationary until you press the accelerator (or find the bite point in a manual car), at which point the brakes release smoothly.
Auto Hold vs. Hill Start Assist
Many drivers confuse the two, but they serve different purposes:
- Hill Start Assist: Holds the brake for 2–3 seconds to give you time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator without rolling back.
- Auto Hold: Holds the brake indefinitely until you choose to move. It works on flat ground just as well as on hills.
Why Use It? (The Benefits)
- Reduced Fatigue: In creeping urban traffic, it helps keep the vehicle stationary during short stops. But then again, so does the parking brake!
- Safety: It prevents the car from ‘creeping’ forward in an automatic, or rolling back on a slope.
Popular UK Models with Auto Hol
Most modern cars with an electronic parking brake now include this feature. Here are the most common ones in the UK:
- Volkswagen Group (VW, SEAT, Škoda, Audi)
The VW Group was an early adopter of this technology. It is usually activated via a button marked near the gear selector.
- Popular Models: VW Golf, SEAT Leon, Škoda Octavia, Audi A3.
- Note: In these cars, the system usually remembers your preference. If you leave it on, it stays on the next time you start the car.
- BMW (‘Auto H’)
BMW integrates this into their “Steptronic” transmissions. It is exceptionally smooth and is activated by a button labeled ‘Auto H’.
- Popular Models: 1 Series, 3 Series, X3, and the all-electric i4.
- Mercedes-Benz (The ‘Secret’ Hold)
Mercedes handles Auto Hold differently. There is often no physical button. Instead, once you have stopped, you give the brake pedal a firm, quick extra push. The word “HOLD” appears on the digital dashboard.
- Popular Models: A-Class, C-Class, GLC.
- Ford
Ford includes Auto Hold on most of their newer SUV and hatchback range; although it is particularly common on their hybrid and electric models.
- Popular Models: Ford Puma, Kuga, and Focus (Mk4 onwards).
- Hyundai & Kia
These manufacturers have made Auto Hold standard on almost all mid-to-high trim levels in the UK.
- Popular Models: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Kia EV6.
Why NOT to Use it
- Parallel Parking: Auto Hold can make ‘inching’ difficult. In a traditional automatic, you ‘creep’ by slightly lifting the brake. With Auto Hold however, you have to prod the accelerator, which can lead to a jerky movement in tight spaces.
- Brake Light Dazzle: The one big problem with auto-hold that manufacturers appear to have overlooked however, is that of brake light dazzle. When it is engaged, it effectively holds the footbrake on, which means that your brake lights stay on. Use this at night and you’re going to leave dazzling red spots in the eyes of the driver behind. In view of that, maybe it’s time for them to reconsider? Most modern cars now have electronic parking brakes. These are simple to apply and mean your car remains safe without burning out your brake lights.
