
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 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
26
Three  successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist, the symbols appear one after 
the other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.
The meaning of the yellow symbols: One
 warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist, the symbols appear one after 
the other and are each illuminated for about 10 seconds.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
Navigation system*
The controls for the navigation system, radio, CD player are located in the 
centre console on both sides of the monitor screen. Navigation data is 
also shown in the information display of the instrument cluster.
Information and warning texts are displayed preferentially when the navi-
gation system is switched on.
Operation of the navigation system is described in separate operating 
instructions to be found in the on-board literature.
Fig. 14  Information 
display: Fuel level low
Fuel level low⇒ page 32
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor 
faulty⇒page 32
Brake pad worn⇒page 33
Washer fluid level low⇒page 33
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 26  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
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 28  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist 
garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP! (OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!)
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at 
a safe distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch 
on the hazard warning light system  ⇒page 59.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One 
should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably 
after every refueling stop.
•Pay attention to the following instructions  ⇒page 210, 
“Working in the engine compartmen t” before checking the coolant 
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
Thickness of the brake pads* 
If the warning light  comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately 
and have the brake pads on  all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: CHECK BRAKE PAD
Open door* 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors, the bonnet or tail-
gate is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The 
warning light goes out 5 minutes after switching off the ignition if one or 
several doors, the bonnet or tailgate is opened. The warning light goes out 
after closing the doors.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is 
insufficient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid 
⇒ page 224.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: REFILL WASHER LIQUID
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up 
or flashes when driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component. 
The engine management system selects an emergency programme 
which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a 
gentle style of driving.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 33  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 

Intelligent Technology181
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake 
system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically 
⇒page 36, 
“Brake system  ”.
WARNING
•Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the 
brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any 
other road users in jeopardy.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs 
etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes 
is not reduced otherwise the braking system could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full 
braking efficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake 
pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal fric-
tion force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced 
braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal. This 
guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future 
date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not 
wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also 
result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed 
and shift down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower 
driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of 
the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any 
additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Brake booster
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake 
pedal. The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is 
running.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is 
switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause 
an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your 
vehicle. Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are 
able to retain optimal steering ability even during a full brake application 
on a slippery road surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter 
under all circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for 
example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving 
slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 181  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Inspecting and Replenishing
210
Opening the bonnet
– Unlock the bonnet  ⇒page 209, fig. 153 .
– Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in  place against the windscreen  before opening the bonnet 
otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
– Press the locking button  ⇒page 209, fig. 154 , the bonnet 
unlocks itself.
– Grip the bonnet and lift it up.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the  opening designed for it  ⇒page 209, fig. 155 .
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press  the bonnet support into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the  lock - bonnet  do not press down on it!
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is 
flowing out of the engine compartm ent - risk of scalding! Wait long 
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed 
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact 
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately wh ile driving if you notice that 
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - 
risk of an accident!
Caution
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen 
wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is 
a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in 
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working 
in the engine compartment, e.g.  inspecting and replenishing oil and 
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the 
warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable 
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous 
area  ⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is 
flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long 
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move 
the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 210  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM