
Checking and refilling levels181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions 
⇒page 172. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area  ⇒.
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk 
of accident or fire.•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwis e, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or  coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•
Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•
Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.
•
Keep children away from the vehicle.
•
Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•
Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.
•
Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 231. The battery could 
explode.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths 
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securi ng the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.
•
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose cl othing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and  cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is 
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could 
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following sa fety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
182
CautionWhen changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you 
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result 
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the gr ound underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified 
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in 
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard  ⇒fig. 125 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the  bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this  in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment.
•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or  coolant is emitted from the bonnet, 
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 180.
Closing the bonnet–Raise the bonnet slightly.
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.
Fig. 125  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 180, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
•
Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
•
When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it  comes into contact with engine oil.
•
Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of 
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine  oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•
Because of the disposal problems, the necessa ry special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we reco mmend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It has to be large 
enough to hold all the engine oil.
CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of 
our coolant additive G 12+ or an addi tive with the specification TT-VW 774 F 
(it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to 
-25
°C and protects the al loy parts of  the cooling system again st corrosion. It 
also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must  always be at least 40% - even if frost 
protection is not required.
If greater frost protection is required in  very cold climates, the proportion of 
the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of 
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost 
protection. It would also reduce th e cooling effect. A mixture with 60% 
coolant addit ive will give f rost protection to approx. -40
°C.
WARNING
•
The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the 
coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the 
reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to 
provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that 
can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant 
could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also 
not work in this situat ion, there is a risk of suffering exposure!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
188
Caution•
Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The 
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant, 
causing serious damage to the engine.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) ca n be mixed with the additive G 12 
(red) or  G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.
Checking the coolant level and topping up 
The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 180. Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a 
thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap  ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the  coolant level.
– If the level is underneath the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
Topping up coolant
–Only use  new coolant.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
– Screw the cap on again  tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion re servoir is shown in the corresponding 
engine compartment diagram  ⇒page 242.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications  ⇒page 187. 
Do not use a different type of additive if coolant additive G 12+, is not avail-
able. In this case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up 
to the correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive 
⇒ page 187.
Always top up with  new coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced 
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
Fig. 129  In the engine 
compartment: Coolant 
expansion tank cap
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Checking and refilling levels189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The coolant additive G 12+ (dyed purple) may be mixed with G 12 (dyed red) 
and also with G 11.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 180.
•
When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do 
not unscrew the cap on the expansion t ank when the engine is hot. This is 
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown. 
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do 
so will result in engine damage!
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to  cool down before 
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant 
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised 
workshop immediately and have the c ooling system checked. Otherwise, 
there is a risk of engine damage.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be 
mixed with washer fluid.The  windscreen washer and the headlight washing system  are supplied with 
fluid from the windscreen washer fluid  container in the engine compartment. 
The container holds approx. 2 litres; in vehicles with headlamp washers* it 
holds approx. 4.5 litres.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean th e windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. 
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please 
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
Fig. 130  In the engine 
compartment: Cap of 
windscreen washer fluid 
reservoir.
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Index263
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  187, 188
Coolant Level  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Coolant level
warning light  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coolant Loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Coolant temperature Display  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Correct adjustment of front head restraints . . . . 12
Cruise control system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Function  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38DDanger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger  seat  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Deep Water in Cupra version  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Diesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Diesel engine Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Diesel engine particulate filter*  . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Differential lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Differential lock fault (EDL) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Dipped headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Disabling front passenger airbag Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Disabling the airbag
Disabling front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . 40
Displays in the Mult i-function display
Memory displays  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Door lock cylinders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Door release lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Doors Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Unlocking and locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Drive wheels traction control system . . . . . . . . 148
Driving Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Economically / With Respect for the Environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
With a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Headlights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Driving safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
Driving with respect for the environment . . . . . 160
Duplicate keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Dust filter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Dynamic headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
EEDL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
EDS Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Electrical sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Electrohydraulic steering
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Electronic differential lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Electronic immobiliser  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 133
Electronic stabilisation program  . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Electronic stabilisation programme . . . . . . . . . . 66 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Emission control system warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Engine Running in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Engine compartment Working in the engine compartment  . . . . . 180
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Engine fault warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Engine management Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Changing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Checking level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine oil pressure Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
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