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Any work on the side airbag system including removing and installing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must
only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Deactivating an airbagDeactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon as
possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protection.There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front or
side* airbag using a diagnostic equipment (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by a specialist
garage.
On vehicles equipped with the switch for de activation of the airbags, you can deacti-
vate the front passenger airbag and/or side airbag by means of this switch page 113.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
You must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat where
the child is seated with its ba ck to the direction of travel (in some countries this must
be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying) page 115,
“Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”;
you are not able to maintain the distan ce of at least 25 cm between middle of
steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted;
special attachments are required in the ar ea of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one airbag
has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
The airbag indicator light in the instrume nt cluster lights up for about 3 seconds
after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
The following situation applies if the ai rbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag* in the storage compartment:
the airbag indicator light in the instrume nt cluster comes on for about 4 seconds
each time the igniti on is switched on;
The deactivation of the airbag is indicated by the lighting up of the indicator light
at the front interior lighting of the vehicle page 113.
Note
A specialist garage will be able to advise you whether national legislation in your
country allows airbags in your vehicl e to be deactivated, and which ones.Switch for the front passenger airbag(s)*
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 123 Storage compartment:
Switch for the front passenger
airbag(s)
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Transporting children safelyWhat you should know about transporting children!An introduction to the subject
Accident statistics have revealed that children are generally more
safely transported on the rear seat s than on the front passenger seat.Children younger than 12 years of age should normally travel on the rear seat of the
vehicle (take note of any national legal provis ions which differ from this). They should
be secured there by means of a child restraint system or by using the existing seat belts
depending on their age, body size and we ight. The child seat should be mounted
behind the front passenger seat for safety reasons.
The physical principle of an accident does, of course, also apply to children
page 103, “The physical principle of a fronta l collision”. They differ from adults in
that their muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully developed. Thus chil-
dren are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transporte d by using special child safety seats in order to reduce
this risk of injury.
Use only child safety seats which are officia lly approved and are suitable for children
and which comply with the ECE-R 44 standard, which classifies child safety seats into
5 groups page 118, “Classification of child seats into groups”. Child restraint
systems which have been tested for conformity to ECE-R 44 standard have a non-
detachable test seal (a large E within a circ le and below this the test number) attached
to the seat.
We recommend that you use child safety seats from the Škoda genuine accessories.
These child seats were developed and also tested for use in Škoda vehicles. They fulfil
the ECE-R 44 standard.
WARNING
Always comply with legal provisions and instructions from the relevant child
safety seat manufacturer when inst alling and using the child seat in
“Important safety information regard ing the use of child safety seats”.
Note
Any varying national legal regulations take priority over the information provided in
these instructions for use, or stated in this chapter.Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats
Correct use of child safety seats cons iderably reduces the risk of injury!
WARNING
All the occupants of the car - in particular children - must wear a seat belt
when the car is moving.
Children less than 1.50 m in height or younger than 12 years must not use a
normal seat belt without a child restraint system otherwise this may result in
injuries to the stomach and neck areas. Comply with the national legal require-
ments.
One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.
You can transport a child safely in a suitable child safety seat page 118,
“Child seat”!
Only one child may be fastened with a seat belt into a child safety seat.
Never leave the child sitting unattended in the seat.
Certain outside climatic conditions can cause life-threatening tempera-
tures in the vehicle.
Never allow your child to be transported in a vehicle without the use of a
suitable restraint system.
Children should also never stand up in a vehicle or kneel on the seats when
the vehicle is moving. In the event of an accident the child will be thrown
through the vehicle and may as a result suffer fatal injuries, and also injure
other occupants.
Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an in correct seated position when the vehicle
is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the front
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If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed. Have the airbag (or airbags) deactivated if necessary page 113.
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety and side airbag*
Children must never be seated in the deployment area of side airbags.In the event of a side collision, the side ai rbags offer the vehicle occupants enhanced
protection. The side airbags are inflated in fractions of a second in order to be able to provide this
protection
page 112, “Function of the side airbags”.
An airbag inflating develops such a strong force that an occupant who has not adopted
an upright seated position may suffer injuries from the airbag or as a result of objects
which are located within the deployment area of the side airbag.
This applies particularly to children if they are not transported in accordance
with legal requirements.
The child is protected when seated in a chil d safety seat matching its age. Adequate
room is available between the child and the deployment area of the side airbag and
head airbag. The airbag offers optimal protection.
WARNING
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag and possibly
the side airbag* when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat
where the child is seated wi th its back facing in direction of travel (in some
countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel) page 113. If this
is not done, there is a risk of the child su ffering severe or even fatal injuries if
the front passenger airbag is deployed. In certain countries national legal
provisions also require that the side airbags be deactivated. When transporting
a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate
national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with
the appropriate national regulations r egarding the use of child safety seats.
Children must never be seated with th eir head in the deployment area of
the side airbag - risk of injury!
Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbag - risk
of injury!
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 126 Seated position of an
unprotected child at risk from
side airbagFig. 127 Child properly
protected by safety seat
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WARNING
It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag (airbags) when
attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
in a specialist garage
or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* page 113.
In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the front
passenger airbag also the front passenger side airbag is deactivated. Please
comply with any differing national legal regulations regarding the use of child
safety seats.
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 1Child seats in Group 1 are for babies and small children up to 4 years of age with a
weight of between 9 and 18 kilograms. It is best for children in the lower range of this
group, to use a child seat which allows the ch ild to sit with its back to the direction of travel. It is best for children in the uppe
r range of the Group 0+, to use a child seat
which allows the child to sit fig. 129 in the direction of travel.
Child safety seats in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel,
must not be used on th e front passenger seat page 116, “Use of child safety seats
on the front passenger seat”.
WARNING
It is essential to always switch off th e front passenger airbag (airbags) when
attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel).
in a specialist garage
or by using the switch for the front passenger airbag* page 113.
In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the front
passenger airbag also the front passenger side airbag is deactivated. Please
comply with any differing national legal regulations regarding the use of child
safety seats.
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safe ty seat on the front passenger seat.
Fig. 129 Child seat with padded
table in Group 1 installed on rear
seat bench facing the direction of
travel
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Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” systemThere are two locking eyes between the rear exterior seat backrest and the surface of
the seat itself on both sides for fixing the ISOFIX system child seat in place. One can
mount a child safety seat using the ISOFIX system quickly, easily and reliably. The
installation must be carried out according to the supplied instructions. The seat must
click into place audi bly when installing.Install child seat– Insert the mounting funnels onto the lock ing eyes between the seat backrest and
the seat cushion fig. 132 .
– Push the notched arms of the child seat in to the locking eyes until they are heard
to lock in place fig. 133. –
Pull on both sides of the child seat!
One can mount a child safety seat using the “ISOFIX” system quickly, easily and reli-
ably. Please pay close attention to instruct ions from the manufacturer of the child
safety seat when installing and removing the seat.
Child seats fitted with the “ISOFIX” system can only be mounted and fixed in a vehicle
fitted with an “ISOFIX” system when these child seats have been released for this type
of vehicle according to the ECE-R 44 standard.
You can obtain child seats with the “ISOFIX” attachment system from specialist garages
who will also installed it as well.
Complete installation instructions are enclosed with the child safety seat.
WARNING
The locking eyes have just been deve loped for child safety seats which use
the “ISOFIX” system. You should therefore never attach other child safety seats,
seat belts or objects to the locking eyes - hazard!
Ask a specialist garage whether a child seat which you bought for another
vehicle is recommended for use in your vehicle before using a child seat with
“ISOFIX” system.
Certain child seats which use the “ISO FIX” system can be attached with
standard three-point seat belts. Please pay close attention to instructions from
the manufacturer of the child safety seat when installing and removing the
seat.Note
Child seats which use the “ISOFIX” system are currently available for children
weighing from 9 up to 18 kg. This correspond s to an age range of from 9 months to 4
years.
Fig. 132 Locking eyes (ISOFIX
system)Fig. 133 The ISOFIX child seat is
pushed into the mounting
funnels
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Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralGeneral
The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
Traction control system (TCS),
Antilock brake system (ABS),
Brake Assist.
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a self-
test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rota-
tional velocity of the vehicle about its vert
ical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co nstantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehi cle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces wh ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a
vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away)
while occurs this is on the inner rear wh eel of a vehicle which tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by
noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS page 126, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP page 31.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on agai n as you wish, by pressing the button fig. 134 .
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the system is switched
off page 31.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.
Examples:
when driving with snow chains
when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
Fig. 134 ESP switch
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Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS
sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is auto-
matically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS page 126, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when there is a fault on the
TCS page 31.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button fig. 135 .
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when the system is switched
off page 31.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system. Examples:
when driving with snow chains
when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS page 166, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pa ds is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of
the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and
over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be necessary to
have the thickness of the brake pads insp ected at a specialist garage between the
service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect un der certain conditions
such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has
been washed in an automatic vehicle wash , since the brake discs and brake pads may
Fig. 135 TCS switch
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You must not expect, however, that the br
aking 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.
Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too
low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is noticeable
from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels
are tending to lock (ABS control range) . You must always keep the brake pedal
depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking
range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do
not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS
is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the
conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety
offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -
risk of an accident!
The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as poss ible and adjust your style of driving to
take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know the
extent of the fault and in how far the braking efficiency is affected.Note
A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system page 30.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the ABS page 166, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the
braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in
the brake system.
The majority of drivers do a pply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but
do not depress the brake pedal with suffi cient pressure. Consequently, it is not
possible for the vehicle to achieve its maximum deceleration and the vehicle covers a
greater distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very qu ick operation of the brake pedal. In such
cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake application.
This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal, to
produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which
is required for maximum dece leration of the vehicle. You must apply the brake pedal
firmly and hold it in this position in or der to achieve the shortest possible braking
distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achi eve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the
Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.
Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take
a greater safety risk than otherwise.
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