yeah I have VVT on my motor

So is that on purpose? I find it hard to believe VW switched to a VVT setup and then didn't make use of it?

I totally agree. Pretty sure VW/Audi wouldn't have installed the VVT actuator unless it was going to be used. It is simply not logical otherwise. They would have just used the old chain tensioner without the solenoid if they didn't want to implement VVT on the newer 1.8t engines. ex: the tensioner on the AEB 1.8t.

Here's little more evidence: VW/Audi has made 3 revisions to the VVT tensioner since it was first implemented. Why would they do that on a part that is "never used" ?

More evidence: My Bentley Publishers service manual says VVT is used! lololol It aids in catalyst heating during warm up which in turn betters emissions during the warm up cycle when there is access fuel being used to heat the catalytic converter!
 It is a MYTH however that the VVT on the 1.8t engines is used for performance like VTEC on the Honda engines. Now, what can be done theoretically is manipulate the maps for VVT for "performance" use. ex: activated during big turbo spool up so the valve overlap can do it's magic.

variable cam timing is never active in AWW AWP AUM AUQ etc to get more power etc , exception is only AMK/BAM/BFV engine where cam chain adjuster is used to gain performance in low and mid rev.
in AWW AWP AUQ AUM and any 1.8t with adjuster , it's used only to make emmisions cleaner exactly as bentley said.

1.8T with K03 on most VVT is not active on WOT at all because of the severe limits in turbo flow on those engines, active only at part load in some areas.
Different story on the 225hp VVT engines.