
Contents
4Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle tools, spare wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System)* . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulbs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Changing bulbs. Double headlights  . . . . . . . . . 
Changing bulbs. Single headlight . . . . . . . . . . . 
Changing the rear lights (on the wing)  . . . . . . . 
Changing the rear lights (on the rear lid)  . . . . . 
Side turn signal bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Number plate light  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior light and front reading lights  . . . . . . . . 
Additional brake lights*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Luggage compartment light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes on the technical data
 . . . . . . . 
Outstanding information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Data on fuel consumption  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te chni cal Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.2 51 kW (70 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 66 kW (90 bhp)  . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 bhp) . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
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172
172
172
173
173
174
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177
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179
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186
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194
201
201
202
207
209
213
214
216
218
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220
221
221
222
222
222
225 229
229
229
231
232
232
234
234
235
236
237
238
240
241
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 4  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Safe driving9
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
– When travelling long distances, take breaks regularly - at least 
every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or are in tension.
WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip, the risk of injury and acci-
dents increases.Proper sitting position for occupantsProper sitting position for driver
The proper sitting position for the driver is important for a 
safe and relaxed driving.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an 
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the driver:
– Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least 25  cm between the steering wheel and the centre of your chest 
⇒fig. 1 .
– Move the driver seat forwards or backwards so that you are able  to press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with 
your knees still slightly angled  ⇒.
– Ensure that you can reach the highest point of the steering  wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same  level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same 
level as the top of your head ⇒ fig. 2.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your backrests  completely against it.
Fig. 1  The proper 
distance between driver 
and steering wheel
Fig. 2  Proper head 
restraint position for 
driver
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 9  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Safe driving
10
–Fasten your seat belt securely ⇒ page 17.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle under  control at all times.Adjustment of the driver seat  ⇒page 101.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between 
the centre of the chest and the centre of the steering wheel  ⇒page 9, 
fig. 1 . If distance is less than 25 cm, the airbag system may not protect you 
properly.•If your physical constitution pr events you from maintaining the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a qualified workshop. The workshop 
will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This reduces the 
risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other 
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the 
airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.•To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeu-
vres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag 
system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her seat belt 
properly. The further the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk 
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or to the incorrect 
sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.
Proper sitting position for front passenger
The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the 
dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest 
possible protection in the event that it is triggered.For your own safety and to reduce the  risk of injury in the event of an 
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front 
passenger:
– Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible  ⇒.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your backrests  completely against it.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same  level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same 
level as the top of your head  ⇒page 12.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the front passenger seat.
–Fasten your seat belt securely  ⇒page 17.It is possible to deactivate the passenger airbag in  exceptional circum-
stances  ⇒ page 36.
Adjusting the front passenger seat  ⇒page 104.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe 
injuries.•Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is at least 25 cm between 
your breastbone and the dash panel. If distance is less than 25 cm, the 
airbag system may not protect you properly.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 10  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Seat belts19
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
travelling just before the impact. This example applies not only to frontal acci-
dents, but to all accidents and collisions.
The danger of not using the seat belt
The general belief that the passengers can protect them-
selves with their hands in a minor collision is false.
Even at low speeds the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great 
that it is not possible to brace oneself with one's hands. In a frontal collision, 
unbelted passengers are thrown forward and will make violent contact with 
the steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen or whatever else is in the way 
⇒
fig. 8 .
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts. When triggered, airbags 
provide only additional protection. All passengers (including the driver) must 
wear seat belts properly during the trip. This will reduce the risk of severe 
injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted 
for the seat or not.
Note that airbags can be triggered only once. To achieve the best possible 
protection, the seat belt must always be worn properly so that you will be 
protected in accidents in which no airbag is deployed.
It is also important for the rear passengers to wear seat belts properly, as they 
could otherwise be thrown forward violently in an accident. Rear passengers 
who do not use seat belts endanger not only themselves but also the front 
occupants  ⇒fig. 9 .
Fig. 8  A driver not 
wearing a seat belt is 
thrown forward violently.
Fig. 9  The unbelted rear 
passenger is thrown 
forward violently, hitting 
the driver wearing a seat 
belt.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 19  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Airbag system
26Airbag systemBrief introductionWhy wear a seat belt and assume the correct sitting position?
For the inflating airbags to achieve the best protection, the 
seat belt must always be worn properly and the correct sitting 
position must be assumed.For your own safety and the safety of the passengers, please ensure 
the following before driving:
– Always wear the seat belt properly
– Adjust the driver seat and the steering wheel correctly.
– Adjust the front passenger seat correctly.
– Adjust the head restraint correctly  ⇒page 12.
– Use an appropiate child restraint system to protect children in  your vehicle.The airbag is deployed at high speed in fractions of a second. If you have an 
incorrect seating position at the time the airbag is deployed, it could cause 
you critical injuries. Therefore, it is essential that all passengers in the vehicle 
assume a correct sitting position while travelling.
A sharp braking before an accident may cause a passenger not wearing a seat 
belt to be thrown forward into the area of the deploying airbag. In this case,  the inflating airbag may inflict critical or fatal injuries on the occupant. This 
also applies to children.
Always maintain the greatest possible distance between yourself and the 
front airbag. This way, the front airbags can completely deploy when trig-
gered, providing their maximum protection.
The most important factors that will trigger an airbag are: the type of acci-
dent, the angle of collision and the speed of the vehicle.
Whether the airbags are triggered depends primarily on the vehicle deceler-
ation rate resulting from the collision and detected by the control unit. If the 
vehicle deceleration occurring during the collision and measured by the 
control unit remains below the specified reference values, the front, side 
and/or curtain airbag will not be triggered. Take into account that the visible 
damage in a vehicle involved in an accident, for whatever reason, is not an 
indication as to why the airbags had been triggered.
WARNING
•Wearing the seat belt incorrectly or assuming an incorrect sitting posi-
tion can lead to critical or fatal injuries.•All occupants, including children, who are not properly belted can 
sustain cr it ical or fatal inju ries  if t he airbag is  triggered. You s hould al ways 
transport all children up to 12 years of age on the rear seat. Never transport 
children in the vehicle if they are not restrained or the restraint system is 
not appropriate for their age, size or weight.•I f  yo u  are  n o t  w ea r i ng  a  s ea t  b e l t ,  i f  yo u  l e an  fo r w a rd  o r  t o  t h e  s id e  w h il e  
travelling or assume an incorrect sitting position, there is a substantially 
increased risk of injury. This increased risk of injury will be further 
increased if you are struck by an inflating airbag.•To reduce the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, always wear the 
seat belt properly.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 26  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Airbag system
28Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly monitored 
electronically. The warning lamp 
 will light up for a few seconds every time 
the ignition is switched on (self-diagnosis).
The system must be checked when the warning lamp 
 :
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on,•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•it turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. 
Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified workshop.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the 
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn off 
if there is no fault.WARNING
•If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot 
properly perform its protective function.•If a malfunction occured, have the system checked immediately by a 
qualified workshop. Otherwise, in th e event of an accident, the airbag 
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered 
correctly.
Repairs, maintenance and disposal of the airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle. 
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the 
system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be  damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the 
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the airbag are 
scrapped. The specialist workshops and the 
Vehicle disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used 
incorrectl y, the  ris k of severe or fatal inju ries  is  increase d. T he airbags  may  
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft 
plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, 
and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.•It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.•To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry or a 
water-moistened cloth. Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module 
surface with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to 
become porous. If the airbag triggered, disintegrating plastic parts could 
cause substantial injuries.•Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag 
system.•Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag 
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should 
be performed only by a qualified wo rkshop. Qualified workshops have the 
necessary tools, repair inform ation and qualified personnel.•We strongly recommend you to go to a qualified workshop for all work 
on the airbag system.•Never attempt to alter the front bumper or the body.•The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once 
they have deployed.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 28  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Airbag system29
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Front airbagsDescription of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel  ⇒fig. 16 and 
the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel  ⇒fig. 17 . 
Airbags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front 
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a 
severe frontal collision  ⇒page 31, “Safety notes on the frontal airbag 
system”.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat 
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the airbags 
can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part 
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly. For this 
reason, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, not only 
because this is required by law in most countries, but also as a contribution 
to your own safety
The main parts of the front airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),•the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front 
passenger,•a warning lamp 
 in the instrument panel  ⇒page 27.
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning 
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on 
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the warning lamp 
:
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ page 27•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•it turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the car is moving.
Fig. 16  Driver airbag 
located in steering wheelFig. 17  Front passenger 
airbag located in dash 
panel
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 29  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Cockpit
60•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have 
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear 
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break 
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL see  ⇒page 154, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)* 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from 
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn 
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while driving, its warning lamp flashes rapidly. If 
there is a fault in the system, the warning lamp is lit permanently.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see  ⇒page 151, 
“Brakes” If ESP* button is activated, TCS function deactivates and the warning lamp 
flashes slowly. By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning 
lamp switched off.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
This warning lamp monitors the Electronic Stability 
Programme.This programme includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a 
test of the function is carried out.•It flashes rapidly when the ESP is activated while driving.•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP 
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp 
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, 
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. 
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then 
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully 
functional.
WARNING (continued)
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 60  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16