
Contents3
ContentsThe structure of this manual
 . . . . . 
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowing luggage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Belt tension devices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital display in the instrument panel  . . . . . . . 
Instrument panel menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Using these instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel lighting controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mirrors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and stowage
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowage compartments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical 
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher  
Luggage compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
 . . 
Heating and ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2C-Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox . 
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control system (CCS)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tips and Maintenance
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS 
(ABS and TCS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)* . . . . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5
6
7
7
7
10
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51 55
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72
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92
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106
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119
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133 142
145
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Safe driving
8passengers assume an incorrect sitting position or do not properly adjust or 
use this equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important, 
how it protects you, what you have to observe when using it and how you and 
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety 
equipment fitted. This manual includes  important warnings that you and your 
passengers should observe in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the 
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note 
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw- lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the  surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels  ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly for your  size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the 
head restraints in the in-use position  ⇒page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to  their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly  applied seat belts  ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers  also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒ page 10.
– Always fasten your seat belt correctly before driving off. Instruct  your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly 
⇒page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and 
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers. 
When your concentration or driving  safety is affected, you endanger 
yourself as well as others on the road  ⇒, for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you,  e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medica- tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
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Safe driving
16•
never travel in a foot well ,
•
never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt,
•
never carry any person in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
•
Every incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe injuries.
•
Sitting in an incorrect position exposes the occupants to severe injuries 
if airbags deploy, striking an occupant who has assumed an incorrect 
sitting position.
•
Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-
tain it throughout the trip. Before every trip, instruct your passengers to 
assume the proper sitting position and to maintain it during the trip 
⇒ page 10, “Proper sitting position for occupants”.
Pedal areaPedals
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must 
never be impaired by objects or floor mats.– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and 
clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi- tions.Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area free and can be securely 
fastened in the foot well. If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be free to move further than 
normal in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Wear suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good feel 
for the pedals.
WARNING
•
Restricting pedal operation can lead 
to critical situations while driving.
•
Never place objects in the driver foot well. An object could move into the 
pedal area and impair pedal operation.  In the event of a sudden driving or 
braking manoeuvre, you will not be ab le to operate the brake, clutch or 
accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened 
in the foot well and do not impair operation of the pedals.– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip  and do not obstruct the pedals  ⇒.Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to 
prevent them from slipping. You can obta in suitable floor mats from a quali-
fied dealership.
WARNING
•
If the pedals are obstructed, you  could cause an accident. Risk of 
serious injuries.
•
Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
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Safe driving17
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor 
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk 
of accident.
Stowing luggageLoading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other loose object s must be safely secured in 
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the 
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the 
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly  in the luggage compartment.
– Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the  luggage compartment.
– Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart- ment.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings  ⇒page 18.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment can 
cause serious injuries.
•
Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on 
the fastening rings.
•
Use suitable specialist straps to secure heavy objects.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown 
forward, injuring vehicle occupants. Th is increased risk of injury will be 
further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag. If this 
happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of fatal injury.
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting 
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to  adjust your speed and driving style 
accordingly, to avoid accidents.
•
Never exceed the allowed axle loads  or allowed maximum weight. If the 
allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-
acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and 
damage to the vehicle.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is 
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door 
behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal 
risk.
•
Never allow children to play in or  around the vehicle. Close and lock 
both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you 
lock the vehicle, make sure that ther e are no adults or children in the 
vehicle.
•
Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every 
passenger must be properly belted in ⇒ page 19.Note
•
Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used 
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that the ventil ation slits are never covered.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Safe driving
18•
Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially 
available.
Fastening rings
There are four fastening rings in the luggage compartment 
which can be used to secure luggage and other objects.– Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage  and other objects to the fastening rings  ⇒ in “Loading the 
luggage compartment” on page 17.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the straps.During a collision or an accident, even  small and light objects can build up so 
much energy that they can cause very severe injuries. The amount of “kinetic 
energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the object. 
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle.
For example: an object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the vehicle. 
During a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, this object generates a force 
corresponding to 20 times its weight. That means that the effective weight of 
the object increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of the inju-
ries which might be sustaine d if this “projectile” strikes an occupant as it flies 
through the passenger compartment. This increased risk of injury will be 
further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.
WARNING
•
If pieces of baggage or other objects are secured to the fastening rings 
with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could result in the 
event of braking manoeuvres or accidents.
•
To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying forward, 
always use appropriate retaining cords which are secured to the fastening 
rings.
•
Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.WARNING (continued)
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Seat belts
24•
Fasten your seat belt before every trip - even when driving in town. That 
applies also to your front and rear passengers – danger of injury!
•
The seat belt cannot offer its full prot ection if the belt web is not posi-
tioned correctly.
•
Never allow two passengers (even children) to share the same seat belt.
•
Keep both feet in the foot well in fron t of your seat as long as the vehicle 
is in motion.
•
Never unbuckle a seat belt while the  vehicle is in motion. Risk of fatal 
injury.
•
The belt webbing must never be twisted while it is being worn.
•
The belt webbing should never lie on hard or fragile objects (such as 
glasses or pens, etc.) because this can cause injuries.
•
Do not allow the seat belt to be da maged or jammed, or to rub on any 
sharp edges.
•
Never wear the seat belt under the arm or in any other incorrect posi-
tion.
•
Loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket) impairs the 
proper fit and function of the belts, reducing their capacity to protect.
•
The slot in the seat belt buckle must not be blocked with paper or other 
objects, as this can prevent the latch plate from engaging securely.
•
Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar instruments to alter 
the position of the belt webbing.
•
Frayed or torn seat belts or damage  to the connections, belt retractors 
or parts of the buckle could cause severe injuries in the event of an acci-
dent. Therefore, you must check the co ndition of all seat belts at regular 
intervals.
•
Seat belts that have been worn in an accident and stretched must be 
replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there 
is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
•
Do not attempt to repair a damaged  seat belt yourself. The seat belts 
must not be removed or modified in any way.
•
The belts must be kept clean, ot herwise the retractors may not work 
properly ⇒ page 200.
Seat beltsSeat belt adjustment
The seat belts for the front and rear occupants are locked into 
position by a latch.The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is not 
positioned correctly.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 12  Belt buckle and 
latch plate of seat belt
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Seat belts25
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Adjust the seat and head restraint correctly.
– To fasten the belt, take hold of the latch plate and pull it slowly 
across your chest and lap.
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and  push it down until it is securely locked with an audible click 
⇒page 24, fig. 12.
– Pull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged in  the buckle.The seat belts are equipped with an automatic retractor on the shoulder 
strap. Full freedom of movement is permitted when the shoulder belt is pulled 
slowly. However, during sudden braking,  during travel in mountains or bends 
and during acceleration, the automati c retractor on the shoulder belt is 
locked.
The automatic belt retractors on the front seats are fitted with belt tension 
devices  ⇒page 28.
WARNING
•
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe injuries in the event 
of an accident.
•
The seat belts offer best protection only when the backrests are in an 
upright position and the seat belt s have been fastened properly.
•
Never put the latch plate in the buckle of another seat. If you do this, the 
seat belt will not protect you properly and the risk of injury is increased.
•
If an occupant is incorrectly belted in, the belt cannot protect him or her 
properly. An incorrectly positioned belt web can cause extremely severe 
injuries.
•
Always engage the retractor lock when you are securing a child seat in 
group 0, 0+ or 1 ⇒ page 46.
Seat belt position
Seat belts offer their maximum pr otection only when they are 
properly positioned.
Fig. 13  Correct belt web 
and head restraint posi-
tions, viewed from frontFig. 14  Correct belt web 
and head restraint posi-
tions, viewed from side
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Seat belts
26The following features are available to adjust the seat belt in the shoulder 
region:•
belt height ad justment for the front seats.
•
front seat height adjustment*.
WARNING
•
An incorrectly worn seat belt web c an cause severe injuries in the event 
of an accident.
•
The shoulder part of the seat belt mu st lie on the centre of the shoulder, 
never across the neck. The seat belt  must lie flat and snugly on the torso 
⇒ page 25, fig. 13 .
•
The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across the 
stomach. The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis  ⇒page 25, 
fig. 14. Pull the belt tight, if necessary to take up any slack.
•
Read and observe the warnings ⇒ page 23.
Pregnant women must also fasten their seat belts properly
The best protection for the unborn child is for the mother to 
wear the seat belt properly at all times during the pregnancy.The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the belt web 
is properly positioned ⇒page 25.
– Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly  ⇒page 10.
– Holding the latch plate, pull the belt evenly across your chest and  as low as possible over the pelvis  ⇒fig. 15 .
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the corresponding seat  and push it down until it is secu rely locked with an audible click 
⇒ .
– Pull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged in  the buckle.
Fig. 15  Positioning seat 
belts during pregnancy
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