
Driving and the environment
206change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous 
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will 
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking 
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, 
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of 
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please 
observe the relevant instructions  ⇒page 224, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary 
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages  the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. – For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil 
⇒page 237, “Topping up engine oil   E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 281.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is 
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the 
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp will 
light up when any of the described symptoms occur  ⇒page 77. If this 
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of 
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.•Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the 
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust 
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel 
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the 
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic 
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a 
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends 
WARNING (continued)
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
216Vehicle exterior maintenanceAutomatic car wash tunnel
The vehicle can normally be washed without problem in an 
automatic car wash.The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed 
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, the paintwork 
wear depends to a large extent on the kind of the car wash tunnel, the 
brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative 
products.
Before going through a vehicle wash, be sure to take the usual precautions 
such as closing the windows and sunroof.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof rack or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
After washing, the brakes  could take some time to respond as the brake discs 
and pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. Dry the brakes by braking 
several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
If an automatic car wash tunnel is used, before entering the tunnel, put the 
aerial down parallel to the roof and do not tighten to avoid damage.
Washing by handVehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with water.
– Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a glove  or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last, using a different  sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–In  cold temperature , dry the rubber seals and their surfaces to 
prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber 
seals.
After washing the vehicle
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the brakes  by braking several times  ⇒page 205, “Braking capacity and 
braking distance”.
WARNING
•Wash your vehicle with the ignition switched off.•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when 
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of 
injury.
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Checking and refilling levels231
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using 
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the 
catalytic converter.Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences the performance, power and life of the 
engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol containing addi-
tives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the fuel system 
clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur, 
the required additives must  be added during refuelling.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must conform to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European Standard”). It must 
have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates the 
ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on refuelling ⇒ page 226.
Biodiesel*
Caution
•Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel.  Never, under any 
circumstances  refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage 
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel by the 
diesel manufacturer in accordance with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628 is 
authorised and will not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.•The diesel engine has been designed to be used exclusively with diesel 
fuel conforming to standard EN 590.  Never refuel or use petrol, kerosene, fuel 
oil or any other type of fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle with the 
wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Seek assistance from specialised 
personnel. The composition of these fuels may severely damage the fuel 
system and the engine.Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
temperatures below 0 °C because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. 
Therefore, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during 
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22 °C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
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Checking and refilling levels235
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the 
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the 
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance 
Programme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised 
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in 
⇒page 236, “Oil 
properties”.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on 
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme 
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service 
programmed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent 
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the 
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil change 
service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it  must only 
be used observing the following indications:
•Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low 
⇒ page 236 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once) 
with oil for fixed service intervals  ⇒ page 236 (up to a maximum of 0.5 
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been 
disabled (by request), you may use oils for  fixed service intervals, which also 
appear in  ⇒page 236, “Oil properties”. In this case, your vehicle must be 
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (whatever comes first) 
⇒ Booklet  “Maintenance Programme”.•In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low 
⇒ page 236 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can 
put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or 
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
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Checking and refilling levels
236Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a 
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in 
diesel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will 
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:•Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low 
⇒ page 236 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can 
use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00, VW 506 01, 
VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l).Oil properties
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration 
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding  an engine oil that conforms to the 
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the 
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
Engine type
Specification
Petrol without flexible service inter-
val
VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service interval 
(LongLife)
VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particulate 
filter (DPF)
VW 505 01 / VW 506 01 / VW 507 00
Diesel. Engines with particulate filter 
(DPF) 
With or without flexible service inter-
val (with or without LongLife)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Fig. 163  Engine oil 
dipstick
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Wheels and tyres249
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very 
slowly and at a right angle.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for da mage (cuts, cracks or blisters, 
etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– When you remove the tyres, mark them in order to maintain the  same direction of rotation when they are installed again.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a  cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position  if they are not fitted on wheel 
rims.New tyres
New tyres must be run in ⇒ page 205.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre 
and the tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual 
vibrations or the vehicle pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the 
tyres is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with 
directional tread. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when 
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•New tyres do not have maximum grip during the first 500 km. Drive 
particularly carefully to avoid possible accidents.•Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when 
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the 
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflatio n pressure from the sticker. The 
values refer to Summer tyres. For  Winter tyres, you must add 0.2 
bar to the values given on the sticker.
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Technical Specifications
294Weights
Trailer weight
Engine oil capacityPetrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS)Engine specifications Running on LPG
Running on petrol
Gross vehicle weight in kg 19511920
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 14561395
Gross front axle weight in kg 965967
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1000980
Permitted roof load in kg 7575
Trailer without brakes  720
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1200
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.1 litres
Power output in kW (PS)  rpm 77 (105)/5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 175/1550-4100
No. of cylinders/ capacity in cm
3
4/ 1197
Fuel Super 95 RON
a)/Normal 91 RON
b)
a)Research- Octane- Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.b)With a slight power loss
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