
Airbag system
34Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce the 
risk of injury in side impact collisions.
WARNING
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if  you lean forward, or are not seated 
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at a greater risk of injury if 
the side airbag system is triggered in an accident.
•
In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the 
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts 
fastened while travelling.
•
Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in the 
deployment space between them and th e airbags, or allow children or 
other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to attach 
any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would impair the 
protection offered by the side airbags.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do 
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
•
Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon the 
backrest bolster because the system ma y be damaged. In this case, the 
side airbags would not be triggered.
•
Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over the 
driver seat or front passenger seat unless the covers have been expressly 
approved for use in your vehicle. Because the airbag deploys from the side 
of the backrest, the use of conventional seat covers would obstruct the side 
airbag, seriously reducing the airbag's effectiveness.
•
Any damage to the original seat upho lstery or around the seams of the 
side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
•
The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once 
they have deployed.
•
When children assume an incorrect si tting position, they expose them-
selves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This is 
particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat 
and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have critical 
consequences including serious injury or death  ⇒page 40, “Child safety”.
•
Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the 
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat) 
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, faults may 
occur during the airbag system operation.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
To ensure the correct functioning of the side and head airbags neither 
the doors nor the door p anels should be modified  in any way (e.g. fitting 
loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged, the airbag system may not 
work correctly. All work carried out on the front door must be made in a 
qualified workshop.WARNING (continued)
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 34  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 

Airbag system
36Function of curtain airbags
Fully inflated airbags reduce the ri sk of head or chest injury in 
a side collision.During some  side collisions  the curtain airbag is tri ggered on the impact side 
of the vehicle  ⇒fig. 22 .
In certain types of accident the front, side and curtain airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas. In the 
process, the curtain bag covers the side windows and door pillars.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags 
have to deploy extremely rapidly (within thousandth of a second). A fine dust 
may develop when the airbag deploys. This  is normal and it is not an indica-
tion of fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the front occupants and 
help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper body. The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and 
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag.
Safety notes on the operation of the curtain airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce the 
risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
•
In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the 
prescribed sitting position must alwa ys be maintained with seat belts 
fastened while travelling.
•
For safety reasons, the head air bag must be disconnected in those 
vehicles fitted with a passenger compartment separation screen. See an 
Authorised Service Centre  to make this adjustment.
•
There must be no other persons, animals or objects between the occu-
pants of the outer seats and the depl oyment space of the curtain airbags 
so that the curtain airbag can deploy  without restriction and provide the 
greatest possible protection. Therefor e, sun blinds which have not been 
expressly approved for use in your ve hicle should not be attached to the 
side windows.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be us ed only for lightweight clothing. Do 
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets. Please, do not 
hang the clothes on coat hangers.
•
The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once 
they have deployed.
•
Any work on the curtain airbag system or removal and installation of 
the airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the roof lining) 
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, faults may 
occur during the airbag system operation.
Fig. 22  Deployed curtain 
airbags
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Airbag system39
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Check that the warning lamp “AIRBAG OFF” in the console does 
⇒page 38, fig. 24  not  light up when the ignition is switched on 
⇒ .
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated 
switch. 
•
You should deactivate the front passenger airbag only if you have to use 
a rear-facing child seat in exceptional cases. ⇒ page 40, “Child safety”.
•
Never install a child seat facing backwards (or rear-facing) on the front 
passenger seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This 
represents a risk of fatal injuries to th e child! However, if it is necessary in 
exceptional circumstances to transport a child in a rear-facing child seat on 
the front passenger seat, you must always disable the front passenger 
airbag.
•
As soon as the child seat is no longer needed on the front passenger 
seat, enable the front passenger airbag again.
•
Only deactivate the passenger airbag when the ignition is off, other-
wise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create a danger that 
in case of an accident, the airbag do es not deploy properly or does not 
deploy at all.
•
When the passenger airbag is deactivated, if the warning lamp AIRBAG 
OFF is not continuously lit up when the  front passenger airbag is disabled, 
there may be a fault in the airbag system:
−Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified work-
shop.
− Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front 
passenger airbag could be triggered despite the fact that there is a fault 
in the system and, as a result, a child could sustain serious or fatal inju-
ries. −
It is predictable whether the front passenger airbag will deploy 
during an accident! Warn all your passengers of this.
•
When using the ignition key to activate / deactivate the passenger 
frontal airbag, only the passenger frontal and side airbag will be activated 
/ deactivated. The curtain airbag on the passenger side will remain 
active.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit49
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Operating instructionsCockpitOverviewOverview of the instrument panel
This overview will help you to  familiarise yourself with the 
controls and displays.
Door release lever 
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Light dimmer for instrument panel ligh ting*   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Headlight range control*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air vent
Turn signal and dipped beam lever and cruise control system*
Instrument panel an d warning lights:
− Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Indication lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Horn (works only when the igni tion is on)/ and driver front 
airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering and starter lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen wiper /windscreen wash* lever and handling of the 
multi-function display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio
Glove box/Stowage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Switches for:
−
Heating and ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Air conditioning*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cigarette lighter /Power point  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Drink-holder/Ashtray  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Controls on the centre console:
− Hazard warning lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Airbag disconnection warni ng light*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− ESP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Tyre pressure control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Rear window heater  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Heated seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Central locking*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− AUX connection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handbrake lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic / manual gearbox lever *  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Housing* for iPod/USB*
Pedals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering column control lever*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering column controls for audio and telephone*  . . . . . . . . 
Fuse housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
A1A2
88
A3
89
A4
89
A5A6
93, 144
A7
51
57
A8
26
A9
130
A10
 96, 53
A11A12
108
A13
29
A14
117
120
123
A15
111
A16
110
A17
92
27
151 63
91
106 75
113
A18
141
A19
134, 133
A20A21
14
A22
128
A23
183
A24
68
A25
211
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Cockpit
52Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone  ⇒page 51, fig. 30    indicates the maximum 
engine speed operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to 
change up a into a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift your foot 
off the accelerator before the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up into higher gears early will  help you to save fuel and minimise 
engine noise.SpeedometerThe speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip counter, in 
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on  ⇒page 153 should 
be followed.
Digital display in the instrument panelFuel gauge 
 and reserve indicator
Instrument panel: fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 45 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone  ⇒fig. 31  , the warning lamp will 
light and an acoustic signal will sound  reminding the driver to refuel. At this 
point there are still about 7 litres of fuel in the tank.Digital clock* – To alter the time, press button    ⇒page 51, fig. 30 . The option 
“hour” flashes on the digital display. Set the hour from button   “set” ⇒ page 51, fig. 30 .
A1
Fig. 31  Fuel gauge
A4
A5
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Cockpit55
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Ø litre/100 km - Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption will be shown after having travelled approxi-
mately 100 metres. Dashes will appear in the display until that time. The 
display will be updated every 5 seconds while the vehicle is in motion. The 
amount of fuel used will not be shown.
ltr/100 km or ltr/hr - Current fuel consumption
The display will show the current fuel consumption in litre/km whilst the 
vehicle is in motion or in litre/hour when the vehicle is in a stationary position 
with the engine running.
Using this display you can see how your driving style affects fuel consump-
tion 
⇒page 162.
Ambient temperature display
The measurement margin extends from  -45°C to +58°C. At temperatures 
lower than +4°C, an “ice crystal symbol” is displayed and a “warning” sounds 
if the vehicle is moving at more than 10 km/h (ice warning). This symbol will 
flash for about 10 seconds and remains lit until the exterior temperature rises 
above +4°C or 6°C if it was already lit.
Set speed indicator
When the required speed has been reached, enter the mode menu “Speed 
set” and press button   -RESET-. The set speed is memorised. If the indi-
cated speed is exceeded at any time, a warning text is displayed on the 
screen and a warning signal sounds.
3)
This may be deactivated by pressing the button  . The speed may be 
altered using the rocker switch   in steps of 5 km/h within 5 seconds of the 
initial memory value.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake symbol” 
is not shown. You should, for this reason, not rely exclusively on this 
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual ambient temperature as 
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Display field for selector lever position*The position of the automatic gearbox  selector lever is shown on the display 
⇒ page 134.
3)Depending on the model version, the message on the screen may vary and may be
represented by flashing of the speed indication or by a speed message.
AA
RESET
AB
Fig. 34  Digital display: 
Selector lever position for 
the automatic gearbox.
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Cockpit
58
Item Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
Engine fault (petrol engine)
 ⇒ page 60
Glow plug system for diesel engine 
If lit:  preheating active 
If flashing:  engine fault ⇒
page 60
 
Pollen accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter ⇒page 60
Engine oil pressure ⇒page 61
Bulb defective ⇒page 61
Rear fog light switched on ⇒page 61
Seat belt warning lamp* ⇒page 16
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) * ⇒page 61
If flashing : electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) is 
working
If it remains lit:  fault on ESP ⇒
page 62
Handbrake applied, 
 lack of brake fluid level or
 serious fault in the brake system ⇒
page 63
Cruise control system switched on ⇒page 63
Tyre pressure  ⇒page 63
A1A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11
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Cockpit
60
Note•
The appropriate warning lamp for a fa ult will light up in vehicles without 
warning or information texts in the display.
•
In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will ligh t up and a warning or information text 
will also appear on the screen.
Engine management 
 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system 
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp 
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition 
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out 
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are 
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault* 
 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp 
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while  the glow plugs are preheating. When the 
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away. Warning lamp 
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving, 
the glow plug lamp will flash 
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service 
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter * 
If the indicator lights 
 you may help the filter clear itself by driving in the 
appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in  4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S 
gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approximately 
2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned. When 
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the indicator 
 is not deactivated, bring the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to repair the fault.
WARNING
•
Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain and 
traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal manoeuvres 
in surrounding traffic.
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 60  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17