
Contents
6
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely. . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting 
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” 
system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” 
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*  . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally 
conscious manner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . 
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the 
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the exterior of vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cooling system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windshield washer system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, changes and replacement of 
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and replacement parts  . . . . . . . 
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . 
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid box* and Warning triangle*  . . . . . . . 
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Changing a wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te c h n i c a l  D a ta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Identification data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
154
154
156
159
161
163
166
166
170
174
175
177
177
177
180
181
181
182
183
183
185
185
186
187
191
192
192
193
193 197
197
197
197
203
205
205
205
207
209
209
212
215
218
220
224
225
225
232
232
232
235
235
235
235
236
236
237
237
243
245249
249
254
263
263
263
265
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 6  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
8
Layout of this Owner' s Manual (explanations)
The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make 
it easy for you to find and absorb the information you require.
Chapters, table of contents and subject index
The text of the manual are divided into relatively short sections which are 
combined into easy-to-read  chapters. The chapter you are reading at any 
particular moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page.
The  Table of contents  is arranged according to the chapters and the 
detailed  Subject index  at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to 
rapidly find the information you are looking for.
Sections
The majority of  Sections apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it 
is clearly unavoidable, despite dividing the contents into sections, that 
mention may be made of equipment which is not fitted to your vehicle.
Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model 
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
Brief information and instructions
Each section has a  Heading.
This is followed by  Brief information (in large italic lettering), which tells 
you the subject which is dealt with in this section.
Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an  Instruction (in relatively 
large letters) which explains to you in a straightforward way the action you 
have to take.  Work steps which have to be carried out are illustrated with 
a hyphen.
Notes
All four kinds of notes, which are used in the text, are always stated at the 
end of the respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked with the heading Warning. 
These Warning notes draw your attention to a serious risk of acci-
dent or injury. While reading the text you will frequently encounter 
a double arrow followed by a small warning symbol. This symbol is 
intended to draw your attention to a Warning note at the end of the 
section to which you must pay careful attention.
Caution
A  Caution  note draws your attention to the possibility of damage to your 
vehicle (e.g. damage to gearbox), or points out general risks of an acci-
dent.
For the sake of  the environment
An Environmental  note draws your attention to environmental protection 
aspects. This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing 
your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal  Note draws your attention in a general way to important informa-
tion.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the 
direction of travel of the vehicle.
Measures
In some countries British measures can be given.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 8  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and 
the corresponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result 
in severe body injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There 
is a risk of injuries, scalding, accid ents and fire when working in the 
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other 
fluids. It is also essential to observe all warnings  ⇒page 210.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model 
version. The symbols shown in the following functional description are to 
be found as indicator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols 
(priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Electrohydraulic power steering⇒ page 30
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 30
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 30
Turn signal system for vehicles towing 
a trailer*⇒page 31
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 32
Fuel reserve⇒page 32
Engine oil⇒page 32
Brake pad wear*⇒page 33
Open door*⇒page 33
Fluid level in windshield washer sys-
tem*⇒page 33
Control system for exhaust⇒page 33
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 34
Tyre pressure*⇒page 34
Selector lever lock* (automatic gear-
box)⇒page 35
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 35
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 35
Brake system⇒page 36
Airbag system⇒page 36
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)⇒page 37
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 38
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EXHAUST WORKSHOP!
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off 
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that 
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating 
properly.
If the warning light 
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the 
TCS system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the 
TCS system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. 
If the warning light goes out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS  ⇒page 178.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out 
after driving a short distance.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation 
pressure in one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as 
soon as possible the inflation pressure in the tyres  ⇒page 226.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest 
specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system  ⇒page 183.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the 
speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please 
stop the vehicle without delay at  the nearest possible stop and 
inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry 
or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not 
light up at all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away 
the responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pres-
sure.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after 
switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a 
short distance.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 34  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Selector lever lock*  (automatic gearbox)
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is neces-
sary, in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position  P or 
N .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System 
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System 
ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off 
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that 
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating 
properly.
Further information on the ESP  ⇒page 177, “Electronic stability 
programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP 
warning light 
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected 
immediately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL 
⇒ page 179.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been 
switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after 
an automatic check sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light 
 does 
not go out within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not 
light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by 
the normal brake system. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible 
and adjust your style of driving in the meantime since you will not know 
how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the 
ABS.
Further information about ABS  ⇒page 181, “Antilock brake system 
(ABS)*”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light 
 comes on together with the brake system 
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in 
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system  ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the 
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the 
brake fluid level in the reservoir  ⇒page 218, “Brake fluid”. If the 
fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any 
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 35  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions  ⇒page 210, 
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake 
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function 
has failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when 
braking. In certain circumstances, this can result in the rear end of 
the car breaking away - risk of skidding! Drive carefully to the 
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, 
if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light 
 flashes (handbrake is not applied),  stop and check 
the brake fluid level  ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FLUID OWNER'S MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the 
normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS 
warning light 
 comes on together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake 
system is defective  ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long 
free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
For further information on the brake system  ⇒page 180, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light 
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible 
warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a 
speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions  ⇒page 210, 
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake 
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few 
seconds after switching on the igni tion or comes on when driving, 
stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir 
⇒ page 218, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the 
MIN marking, do not drive any furthe r - risk of accident! Contact a 
Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on.
WARNING (continued)
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 36  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Unlocking and locking
40
WARNING
•Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even 
if it is only for a short time. This is particularly important if children 
are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine 
or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of 
injury!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key  from the ignition lock until the 
vehicle has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise 
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!
Caution
•Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them 
against moisture and severe shocks.
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile 
fibres, dust etc.) have a negative effect on proper operation of the keys 
and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a Škoda Service Partner if you lose a key since he can 
obtain a new one for you.
Changing the key battery
Each radio-operated key contains a battery which is housed in 
the cover   of the transmitter housing  ⇒fig. 19 . We recom-
mend that you have the batteries of the key replaced by a Škoda 
Fig. 19  Disconnect key 
with radio remote 
control
Fig. 20  Cover of the 
transmitter housing
AB
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 40  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Seats and Stowage85
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The roof luggage rack system*
Roof rail*
Pay attention to the following points if you wish to transport luggage or 
other items on the roof of your vehicle:
•A special roof luggage rack system was developed for the vehicle, that 
is why you should only use a roof luggage rack which has been released 
for use by Škoda Auto a.s.
•The roof rail is the basis for a complete roof luggage rack system. 
Separate additional holders are required for safety reasons for trans-
porting luggage, bikes, surfboards, skis and boats.
•The basic version of the roof luggage rack system and further compo-
nents are obtainable as accessories from Škoda Service Partners.
Caution
•Ensure that the opened tailgate does not collide with the roof load.
For the sake of  the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.
Note
A roof rail is obtainable from a Skoda Service Partner if hasn't been fitted 
onto a vehicle at the works.
Roof load
Distribute weight evenly over the roof luggage rack system. The maximum 
permissible roof load (including roof rack system) of  75 kg and the 
maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle should not be exceeded.
You cannot make full use of the permissible roof load if you use a roof 
luggage rack system with a lower load carrying capacity. The load trans-
ported on the roof luggage rack system must not exceed the weight limit 
which is stated in the fitting instructions.
WARNING
•The items which you transport on the roof bar system must be 
reliably attached - risk of accident!
•You must on no account exceed the permissible roof load, the 
permissible axle loads and the permissible gross weight of your 
vehicle - risk of accident!
•Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle change 
when you transport heavy or bulky items on the roof bar system as 
a result of the displacement of the centre of gravity and the 
increased wind attack area - risk of accident! You must absolutely 
adapt your style of driving and the speed of the vehicle to the 
specific circumstances.
Fig. 72  Roof rail
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 85  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM