protect you if you are properly wearing
your seat belt.GWarning!
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see
“Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries
is significantly increased if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle and/or the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint.
GWarning!
Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Make
sure everyone riding in the vehicle is
correctly restrained with a separate seat
belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time.
GWarning!
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined
position as this can be dangerous. You
could slide under the seat belt in a
collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck,
causing serious or even fatal injuries. The
seat backrest and seat belt provide the best
restraint when the wearer is in a position
that is as upright as possible and the belt
is properly positioned on the body.
GObserve Safety notes, see page 35.0046Seat belt outlet0047Seat belt guide008ASeat belt buckle0088Release button0086Latch plateXFastening the seat belt: With a smooth
motion, pull the seat belt out of seat belt
outlet 0046.XPlace the shoulder portion of the seat
belt across the top of your shoulder and
the lap portion across your hips.XPush latch plate 0086 into seat belt buckle
008A until it clicks.XIf necessary, tighten the lap portion of
the seat belt to a snug fit by pulling
shoulder portion up.XUnfastening the seat belt: Press release
button 0088.XAllow the retractor to completely rewind
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Rear window wiper/washer (coupé only)XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.XActivating intermittent wiping: Push the
wiper switch to position 004A.XWiping with windshield washer fluid:
Push the wiper switch in direction of
arrow 0047 and hold in position until the
rear window is clean.XRelease the wiper switch.
The rear window wiper will wipe three
more times.
Intermittent wiping is still activated.XDeactivating intermittent wiping: Pull
the wiper switch to position 005D.
i
The rear window wiper wipes one time
when the reverse gear is engaged with the
windshield wipers switched on.
Soft top system (cabriolet only)
Introduction
The soft top system of the smart cabriolet
consists of a:
R Retractable soft top
R Rear soft top
R Side rails
You can remove the side rails over the doors
when you open the retractable soft top and
open the rear soft top.
i Opening the rear soft top is possible
after the retractable soft top has been
opened completely.
Notes on the soft top system
! When transporting long objects inside
the vehicle, make sure they do not press
against the retractable soft top when it
is closed.
When carrying objects that protrude from
the rear of the vehicle, make sure they
are not resting on the retaining clips.
When loading, make sure no sharp objects
come into contact with the soft top or the
rear window.
Do not place any evenly distributed loads
with a weight of more than 165 lbs (75 kg)
on the rear soft top when folded down.
Make sure the high-mounted brake lamp
is not concealed.
! Do not block the soft top system’s
locking apertures.
Only place the side rails in the
designated storage space of the tailgate.
! Do not sit on the folded-down rear soft
top.
Do not fold down the rear soft top at
temperatures below 14 ¦ (-10 ¥).
Do not place any pointed, sharp-edged,
hot (above 176 ¦ [80 ¥]), incandescent or
burning objects on the soft top’s lining.
Do not apply wax to the soft top fabric and
select only wax-free washing products
when using an automatic car wash.
Only drive with the retaining clips
closed, as exhaust fumes could otherwise
reach the vehicle’s interior.
! Please keep in mind that weather
conditions can sometimes change
rapidly. Make sure to close the
retractable soft top and the rear soft top
when leaving the vehicle. If water enters
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The cup holder 0046 is located in front of the
lower center console.
You can store two cups, drink bottles or
beverage cans of different diameters in
the cup holder.
The cup holder insert* 0047 can be removed
in order to store two cups, drink bottles or
beverage cans of the same diameter.
i Clean the cup holder with a damp cloth.
Cargo compartment cover blind with
parcel net bag
This feature is only available in Canada
for the model passion.
GWarning!
The cargo compartment cover blind is not
intended to secure heavy objects in the
event of an accident. For this reason, heavy
objects must be tied down.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident
GWarning!
Do not place any objects on the mounted
cargo compartment cover blind.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accidentGWarning!
Only place light loads in the parcel net
bag. Do not transport heavy, sharp-edged or
fragile objects in the parcel net bag. The
parcel net bag cannot sufficiently secure
loads in an accident.
Vehicle occupants could be injured by
objects being thrown around in the vehicle
in the event of
R hard braking
R a change of direction
R an accident
Observe the loading guidelines.
The cargo compartment cover blind
R serves to protect objects that are stored
in the vehicle’s cargo compartment from
prying eyes
R prevents smaller objects from
penetrating into the passenger
compartment from the cargo
compartment; however, it is not intended
to act as a load restraining device
The parcel net bag
R is for storing small, lightweight objects
R prevents small objects from sliding
around inside the passenger
compartment
! If objects are placed on the cargo
compartment cover blind when mounted,
the cover may be damaged.
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Glove box
The glove box is located in front of the
passenger seat.
XOpening: Pull on glove box lid
release 0047 and fold down the glove box
lid.XClosing: Lift up the glove box lid with a
bit of force until it engages.XLocking: Insert the key into glove box
lock 0046 and turn counterclockwise.XUnlocking: Insert the key into glove box
lock 0046 and turn clockwise.
Storage compartment in the tailgate
(coupé only)
You can store small objects in the storage
compartment in the tailgate.
XOpening: Open the tailgates.XPull handle 0046 on the inside of the
tailgate backward.XLift up the storage compartment cover.XClosing: Close storage compartment
cover 0046.XPress on the “PRESS” marking in the
middle of storage compartment cover 0046
until it engages audibly.XClose the tailgates ( Y page 53).
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Transport heavy or hard objects in the
cargo compartment, not in the passenger
compartment.
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible using fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and
size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items may be
thrown around inside the vehicle, causing
injury to vehicle occupants.
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a
collision or sudden maneuver, exercise
care when storing objects in the vehicle.
Put luggage or cargo in the cargo
compartment if possible. Do not pile
luggage or cargo higher than the seat
backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will
help to prevent stored objects from being
thrown about and injuring vehicle
occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
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GWarning!
No racks or loads may be secured to the roof
of the vehicle, as
R the panorama roof* may be damaged, thus
injuring persons
R this can have a substantial adverse
effect on the driving dynamics of the
vehicle, thus causing accidents
R the rack and/or the load could detach and
through this cause an accident or other
people could be injured by the load and/
or rack that has fallen off
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving.
Among other dangers, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
GWarning!
Do not store any flammable substances
inside the vehicle that could ignite and
start a fire.
GWarning!
The manufacturer has not approved your
vehicle for towing a trailer. A trailer can
permanently impair driving safety.
The gross vehicle weight which is the
weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools,
installed accessories, passengers, and
luggage/cargo must never exceed the load
limit and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) for your vehicle as specified on the
placard located on the driver’s door
B‑pillar ( Y page 198). In addition, the
load must be distributed in such a way so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for
your vehicle are indicated on the
certification label which can be found on
the driver’s door B‑pillar.
For more information, see “Loading the
vehicle” ( Y page 120).
The handling characteristics of a fully
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended
to load the vehicle with the heaviest items
being placed towards the front of the
vehicle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
R Always place items being carried
against seat backrests, and fasten them
as securely as possible.
R The heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
seat backrests.
R Do not stack loads higher than the top
edge of the head restraints.
R Make sure no luggage/cargo items can get
above or next to the driver’s and/or
passenger seat into the passenger
compartment.
R Make sure luggage/cargo is properly
secured.
R Always use, if so equipped, cargo net*
when transporting cargo.
Useful features
Sun visors
The sun visors protect you from sun glare
while driving.
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The Tire and Loading Information placard
lists the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures 0046 for maximum loaded vehicle
weight. The tire inflation pressures listed
apply to the tires installed as original
equipment.
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure
GWarning!
If the tire inflation pressure drops
repeatedly, check the tires for punctures
from foreign objects and/or whether air is
leaking from the valves or from around the
rim.
Tire temperature and tire inflation
pressure are also increased while driving,
depending on the driving speed and the
tire load.
Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated tires
Underinflated tires
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from
being overheated.
Underinflated tires can
R cause excessive and uneven tire wear
R adversely affect fuel economy
R lead to tire failure from being
overheated
R adversely affect handling
characteristics
Overinflated tiresGWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated
tires can adversely affect handling and
ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase
stopping distance, and result in sudden
deflation (blowout) because they are more
likely to become punctured or damaged by
road debris, potholes etc.
Overinflated tires can
R adversely affect handling
characteristics
R cause uneven tire wear
R be more prone to damage from road
hazards
R adversely affect ride comfort
R increase stopping distance
Checking tire inflation pressure
Safety notes
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from
being overheated.
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iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This is the maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure 0046 for the tire.
Always follow the recommended tire
inflation pressure ( Y page 115) for proper
tire inflation.
Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.
1)The Tire and Loading Information
placard can be found on the driver’s
door B‑pillar. This placard tells you
important information about the
number of people that can be in the
vehicle and the total weight that can be
carried in the vehicle. It also contains
information on the proper size and
recommended tire inflation pressures
for the original equipment tires on
your vehicle.2)The certification label, also found on
the driver’s door B‑pillar, tells you
about the gross weight capacity of your
vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel and cargo. The
certification label also tells you about
the front and rear axle weight capacity,
called the Gross Axle Weight Rating(GAWR). The GAWR is the total allowable
weight that can be carried by a single
axle (front or rear). Never exceed the
GVWR or GAWR for either the front axle
or rear axle.0046Driver’s door B‑pillar
Following is a discussion on how to work
with the information contained on the Tire
and Loading Information placard with
regards to loading your vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
GWarning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B‑pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing
a blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.
Tire and Loading Information placard
i Data shown on Tire and Loading
Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Load limit
data are specific to each vehicle and may
vary from data shown in the following
illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading
Information placard on vehicle for
actual data specific to your vehicle.
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The Tire and Loading Information placard
showing load limit information 0046 is
located on the driver’s door B‑pillar
( Y page 120).
XLocate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXXX kg or XXXX lbs.” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of all occupants and
cargo/luggage should never exceed the
weight referenced in that statement.
Seating capacity
The seating capacity gives you important
information on the number of occupants
that can be in the vehicle. The Tire and
Loading Information placard showing
seating capacity 0046 is located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar ( Y page 120).
i Data shown on Tire and Loading
Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Seating
capacity data are specific to each
vehicle and may vary from data shown in
the following illustration. Refer to Tire
and Loading Information placard on
vehicle for actual data specific to your
vehicle.
Steps for determining correct load limit
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under
Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations,
Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.XStep 1: Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXXX kg or
XXXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information placard.XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passenger that will be
riding in your vehicle.XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passenger from
XXXX kilograms or XXXX lbs.XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXXX”
amount equals 540 lbs and there will be
one 150 lbs passenger in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 390 lbs
(540 lbs - 150 lbs = 390 lbs).XStep 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in step 4.
i The maximum cargo compartment load
is 110 lbs (50 kg).
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