
Seats and Stowage61
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
•
Take care when using the cigarette lighter! Not paying proper attention or 
incorrect use the cigarette lighter in an uncontrolled manner may result in burns.
•
The cigarette lighter and the power socket also operates when the ignition 
is switched off or the ignition key withdrawn. You should therefore never leave 
children unattended in the vehicle.Caution
Always use matching plugs to avoid damaging the power socket.
Note
•
Connecting electrical components when  the engine is not running will drain 
the battery of the vehicle - risk of battery draining!
•
Further information  page 146, “Accessories, changing and replacing parts”.
Power socket in the luggage compartment (Combi)– Open the cover of the power socket  fig. 70.
– Connect the plug of the electrical appliance to the socket.
You can only use the power socket for the connection of approved electrical acces-
sories with a power uptake up to 120 watts. The vehicle battery will be discharged 
in the process if the engine is stationary.
The same remarks apply here as for  page 60, “Cigarette lighter*, power sockets”.
Further information  page 146, “Accessories, changing and replacing parts”.
Storage compartmentsOverviewYou will find the following storage facilities in your vehicle:
WARNING
•
Please do not place anything on top of the dash panel. Such objects might 
slide or fall down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may 
distract you from concentrating on the  traffic situation - risk of accident!
•
Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console of from other 
storage possibilities may get into the footwell of the driver. You would then no 
longer be able to apply th e brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of 
accident!
Fig. 70  Luggage compartment: Power 
socket
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
 page 62
Storage compartment on the driver's side
page 62
Storage compartment on the dash panel
page 62
Storage compartment in front centre console*
 page 63
Storage compartment in the front doors
page 63
Front seat armrest with storage compartment*
page 63
Rear armrest with storage compartment*
page 64
Storage compartment in rear centre console*
page 64
Seat backrest with opening for skis*
page 64
Clothes hooks*
page 65
s2lk.2.book  Page 61  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Starting-off and Driving
74
Applies to all models:
Position  
To  lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until 
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as 
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible 
theft of your vehicle  .
Position  
Move the steering wheel back and forward a  little if the ignition key cannot, or 
cannot easily be turned into this positi on, in order to release the steering lock.
Position  
The engine is started in this position. At  the same time any switched on low beam 
or main beam or other electrical compon ents with major electrical consumers are 
briefly switched off. The ignition key  moves back into position   after being 
released.
The ignition key must be turned back into  position   each time before starting the 
engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter being 
engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must al ways be in the position   (ignition 
switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by the 
warning lights coming on. If this is not  the case, it could result in unexpected 
locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come to 
a stop. The steering lock can engage  immediately - risk of accident!
•
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle, even 
for a short time. This is particularly import ant if children are left in the vehicle. 
Children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical equipment (e.g. 
power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral an d put on the handbrake firmly before 
starting the engine.
•
Before starting, it is necessary to depress the clutch pedal and to keep it pressed 
down until the engine starts. If you try  and start the engine without pressing the 
clutch pedal, the engine will not start.  A message in the information display of the 
instrument cluster will also appear indicate the need to press the clutch pedal.
•
Let go of the ignition key as soon as  the engine starts otherwise you may 
damage the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at  first be louder for a short time after 
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clear-
ance compensation. This is quite norm al and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid page 153.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more  than 50 metres. Observe the following 
guidelines page 154, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in non ventilated  or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases 
of the engine contain besides the odourless and colourless carbon monoxide a 
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon mono xide can cause unconsciousness and 
death.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
•
The starter may only be operated (ignitio n key position  ), if the engine is not 
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the 
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the 
engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the 
engine!
•
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaus t gas catalytic converter should not be 
tow-started over a distance  of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. 
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the 
pollutant emissions are lower.
123
2
1
2
3
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Starting-off and Driving75
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air 
mixture for every external air temperature.•
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•
Interrupt the attempt at star ting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start 
right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repe ating the attempt.
•
It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still 
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary  page 156.
•
Contact the nearest specialist garage  to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is  very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator 
after the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being 
controlled automatically in  line with the coolant temperature and outside tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light 
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating 
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•
You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light 
 
has gone out.
•
The glow plug warning light will come on  for about one second if the engine is 
at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5 °C. This 
means that you can start the engine right away .
•
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start 
right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repe ating the attempt.
•
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine 
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary  page 156.
•
Contact the nearest specialist garage  to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank 
has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first 
of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by tur ning the ignition key into position   
 page 73, fig. 84 .
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine before the ve hicle is stationary - risk of accident!
•
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do 
not stop as normal, this can caus e an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the 
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed 
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes . This prevents any accumulation of heat 
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•
The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so after the 
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also 
switch on again after some time if the  coolant temperature rises because of an 
a c c um ul a tio n o f he a t i n the  en g in e  o r  i f   the engine is warm and the engine compart-
ment is additionally heat ed by strong sunlight.
•
This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine 
compartment  page 131, “Working in the engine compartment”.
1
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Seat belts
86
T h e  c o m m o n  o p i n i o n  t h a t  i t  i s  p o s s i b l e  t o  s u p p o r t  y o u r  b o d y  i n  a  m i n o r  a c c i d e n t  w i t h  
your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on 
the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within  the range from 30 km/hour to 50 km/hour, 
the forces which are produced on your body in the event of an accident can easily 
exceed 10.000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of one tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupa nts of the vehicle not wearing a seat belt, 
are thrown forward and strike in an uncont rolled way parts of the interior of the 
vehicle, such as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen,  page 85, fig. 91  - left. 
The occupants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat belts may even be 
thrown out of the vehicle. This can result in fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupa nts fasten their seat belts as they will 
otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the event of 
an accident A rear seat pa ssenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a danger 
not only to himself but also for those seated at the front  page 85, fig. 91  - right.Important safety information regarding the use of seat beltsThe correct use of the seat belts considerably reduces the risk of 
injury!
WARNING
•
The belt webbing must not be jammed in -between at any point or twisted, 
or chafe against any sharp edges.
•
It is important that the belt webbing is  properly routed if the seat belts are 
to offer their maximum protection  page 87.
•
No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt 
together.
•
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you 
are correctly seated  page 82, “Correct seated position”.
•
The belt webbing must not run across so lid or fragile objects (e.g. spectacles, 
ball-point pens, keys etc.) as th is may be a cause of injuries.
•
Bulky, loose clothing (e.g. a winter coat  over a jacket) does not allow you to 
be correctly seated and impairs pr oper operation of the seat belts.
•
It is prohibited to use clamps or othe r objects to adjust seat belts (e.g. for 
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
•
The lock tongue should only be inserted  into the lock which is the correct one 
for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to protect and 
the risk of injury increases.
•
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear 
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
•
The belt webbing must always be kept  clean. A soiled belt webbing may 
impair proper operation of the inertia reel  page 126, “Seat belts”.
•
The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked by paper or similar objects 
otherwise the belt tongue will not lock in place properly.
•
Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition. If you 
find seat belts which have damage to th e seat belt webbing, seat belt connec-
tions, to the inertia reels or to the lock,  t h e  r e l e v a n t  s a f e t y  b e l t  m u s t  b e  r e p l a c e d  
by a specialist garage.
•
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not make an 
attempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
•
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and 
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a specialist 
garage. The anchorage points of the  belts must also be inspected. The 
anchorage points for the belts should also be checked. 
•
In certain countries it is possible to use seat belts which differ in terms of 
their operation from the seat belts wh ich are described on the pages which 
follow.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Airbag systemDescription of the airbag systemGeneral information on the airbag systemThe front airbag system is complementary  to the three-point seat belts and offers 
additional protection for the head and ches t area of the driver and passenger in the 
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side crash, the si de airbags* and head airbags* reduce the 
risk of injuries to the occupant s on the side of the collision .
The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The 
airbag indicator light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched 
on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:•
an electronic control unit,
•
front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,
•
side airbags*,
•
head airbags*,
•
an airbag warning light in  the instrument cluster,
•
a key-operated switch for switching on /off the front seat passenger airbag* 
 page 96,
•
an indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* in the middle 
of the dash panel  page 96.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
•
the airbag indicator light does not light  up when the ignition is switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light does not go ou t after about 4 seconds after the ignition 
is switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition is 
switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light comes  on or flickers when driving,
•
an airbag indicator light showing a swit ched-off front passenger airbag* in the 
middle of the dash panel flashes.
WARNING
•
To enable the occupants of a vehicle  to be protected with the greatest 
possible effect when the airbag is depl oyed, the front seats must be correctly 
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant  page 82, “Correct seated 
position”.
•
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or adopt 
an incorrect seated position, you are exposing  yourself to increased risk of injury 
in the event of an accident.
•
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault 
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event 
of an accident. 
•
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
•
It is prohibited to manipulate individu al parts of the airbag system as this 
might result in the airbag being deployed.
•
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag  has been deployed.
•
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
•
If you sell your car, please hand over  the complete vehicle documentation to 
the new owner. Please note that the do cuments relating to the possibility of 
deactivating the front passenger airbag  are also part of the vehicle documents!
•
If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is 
essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. The authorised Škoda 
Service Partners are familiar with these regulations.
•
When disposing of vehicle or parts of  the airbag system, it is important to 
comply with the national legal requirements.
When are the airbags deployed?The airbag system is designed in such  a way that the driver and front passenger 
airbag are deployed in the event of a violent frontal collision .
In the case of a  violent side collision , the side airbag* on the side of the vehicle at 
which the collision occurs, is deployed together with the relevant head airbag*.
In special accident scenarios, the front as well as the relevant side and head airbags 
may be deployed together.
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Airbag system
96
Front passenger airbags switched off  using the switch for front passenger 
airbags* in storage compartmen t on the front passenger side:•
the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about 4 seconds 
each time the ignition is switched on,
•
if the airbags are switched off, this is indicated in the middle of the dash panel 
by the lighting up of the indicator light 
    fig. 102  - right.
Note
Your authorised Škoda Servic e Partner will be able to advise you whether national 
legislation in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and 
which ones.Switch for switching off the front passenger airbag*Fig. 102  Storage compartment: Switch for switching off the front passenger airbag/indicator 
light for a switched off front seat passenger airbagThe front passenger airbag is  deactivated with the switch.Deactivating an airbag– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the switch for the front passenger ai rbag using the key in the position   
( OFF)  page 96, fig. 102 .
– Check whether the indicator light 
  in the middle of the dash panel 
lights up when the ignition is switched on  page 96, fig. 102  - right.
Switching on an airbag– Switch off the ignition. – Turn the switch for the front passenger airbag using the key in the position   
(ON )  page 96, fig. 102 .
– Check whether the indicator light 
  in the middle of the dash panel 
lights up when the ignition is switched on  page 96, fig. 102  - right.
The airbag should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances 
 page 95.
Indicator light 
  (airbag switched off)
The indicator light for the front passenger ai rbag is located in the middle of the dash 
panel  page 96, fig. 102  - right.
If the front passenger airbag is  switched off, the warning light for the front 
passenger airbag switch-o ff comes on about 4 seconds after the ignition is 
switched on.
There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off   if the indicator light 
for the front passenger airbag switch off flashes.  Please have the car inspected 
immediately by a specialist garage.
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for whether the front passenger airbag is switched 
on or switched off.
•
Only switch off the front passenger airbag when the ignition is switched off! 
Otherwise a fault can occur in the system  for the front passenger airbag deacti-
vation.
•
If the warning light 
  (airbag switched off) flashes:
− Front passenger airbag is not depl oyed in the event of an accident!
− It is also important to have the sy stem inspected without delay by a 
specialist garage.
2
1
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Transporting children safely
100
Use of child safety seatsAn overview of the usefulness of child seats on each of the seats according to the 
ECE-R 44 standard:
Universal category - seat is suitable for  all approved types of child safety seats.
The seat can be fitted with fixing eyes for the “ ISOFIX*”system.
The divided rear seat - seat can be fitt ed with fixing eyes for the system “Top 
Tether *”  page 103.Child seats of group 0/0+The optimal solution for babies  of up to about 9 months old weighing up to 10 kg or 
babies up to about 18 months old weighing  up to 13 kg is a child safety seat which 
can be adjusted into the reclining position  fig. 105.
In view of the fact that such  child seats are installed that the child is seated with its 
back facing the direction of travel, they  must not be used on the front passenger 
seat  page 98, “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 key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag* 
 page 96, “Switch for switching of f the front passenger airbag*”.
•
The national legal provisions in certain  countries require that both the front, 
side and head airbags be deactivated.  Please comply with the appropriate 
national legal provisions which may diff er 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 safety 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 child to sit with its back to the direc-
tion of travel. It is best for children in the upper range of the Group 0+, to use a child 
seat which allows the child to sit  fig. 106  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 the front passenger seat  page 98, “Use of child 
safety seats on the front passenger seat”.
Child seat
of the group
Seat
 passenger seat
Rear seat outside
Rear seat middle
0
 
  
0+
 
  
1
 
  
2 and 3
U
+
U
+
T
U
U
+
U
+
T
U
U
+
U
+
T
U
U
U
U
U+T
Fig. 105  Child seats of group 0/0+
Fig. 106  Child seat with padded table in 
Group 1 installed on rear seat bench 
facing the direction of travel
s2lk.2.book  Page 100  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Transporting children safely101
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off the 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
− a key-operated switch for switching on/off the front seat passenger 
airbag*  page 96, “Switch for switching off the front passenger airbag*”,
•
The national legal provisions in certain  countries require that both the front, 
side and head airbags be deactivated.  Please comply with the appropriate 
national legal provisions which may diffe r 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 airb ag (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 2For children up to about 7 years of age we ighing between 15 and 25 kg the optimal 
solution is a child safety seat in combination with the three-point seat belt 
 fig. 107 .
WARNING
•
When transporting a child on the front  passenger seat, please comply with 
the appropriate national regulations regard ing the use of child safety seats. If 
required, the airbag has  to be deactivated,
− in a specialist garage
− or by using the key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag* 
 page 96, “Switch for switching off the front passenger airbag*”.
•
The shoulder part of the seat belt mu st run approximately across the middle 
of the shoulder and fit snugly against the  chest. It must on no account run across 
the neck. The lap part of the seat belt mu st run across the pelvis and fits snugly; 
it must not run over the belly. Tighten  the belt webbing over your hip if neces-
sary.
•
Please comply with any differing natio nal legal regulations regarding the use 
of child safety seats.
Child safety seats in Group 3For children of about 7 years of age weighing between 22 and 36 kg and of a height 
of less than 150 cm, the optimal solution is  a child safety seat (seat bolster) in combi-
nation with the three-point seat belt  fig. 108 .
Children of more than 150 cm in height ma y use the seat belts fitted to the vehicle 
without a seat bolster.
WARNING
•
When transporting a child on the front  passenger seat, please comply with 
the appropriate national regulations regard ing the use of child safety seats. If 
required, the front passenger ai rbag has to be deactivated,
Fig. 107  Child seat in Group 2 installed on 
the rear seat facing the direction of travel
Fig. 108  Child seat in Group 3 installed on 
the rear seat facing the direction of travel
s2lk.2.book  Page 101  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM