
WARNING■Ignoring illuminated warning lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 72. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing
so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 186, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
Brake system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 193 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light together with the warning light » page 38 ,
Anti lock brake system (ABS) illuminates, do not continue to drive! Seek
help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – there is a risk of accident.
■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet
and checking the brake fluid level » page 186, Engine compartment .
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
is illuminated as a reminder for the driver and front pas-
senger to fasten their seat belts.
The warning light
goes out , after the respective seat belt has been fas-
tened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic warning signal.
The warning signal is switched off and the warning light
remains perma-
nently illuminated if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their
seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Generator
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , when the engine is running, the vehicle
battery is not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re-
quires checking.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the warning light (coolant system fault) illumi-
nates in addition to the warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine
- there is a risk of engine damage. Seek help from a specialist garage.35Instruments and Indicator Lights

If the warning light illuminates immediately after you start the engine, the
ESC might be switched off due to technical reasons.›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light
does not illuminate again after the engine is switched
on again, the ESC is fully functional again.
Further information » page 154.
Note
The warning light illuminates after the ignition is switched on if the vehi-
cle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected. If the warning light
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Anti lock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ If the warning light together with the warning light » page 35 ,
Brake system illuminates, do not continue to drive! Seek help from a
specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – there is a risk of accident.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the rear fog light is switched on.
Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if a lamp is faulty .
The warning light
illuminates within a few seconds after switching on the
ignition or when a light with a faulty lamp is switched on.
The following message may be shown in the MAXI DOT display, for example. INFORMATION Check front right low beam!
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching on
the ignition, there is a problem with the adaptive headlights.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. No bend lighting (AHL) function. Owner's manual!
When the AHL mode “tourist light” (travel mode) is active » page 71, the
warning light flashes
for 10 seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
Exhaust inspection system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , there is a fault in the exhaust inspection
system. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates after the ignition has been turned on. Once
the light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
does not come
on at all or illuminates continuously .
If the warning light begins to
flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
38Operation

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 188, Windscreen washer system .
Brake linings
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
is illuminated , the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check brake wear!
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Either the left or the right
warning light
flashes depending on the position
of the turn signal lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Low beam
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when low beam is selected.
Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the fog lamps are operating.
Cruise control system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the cruise control is active.
Selector lever lock / starter (system KESSY)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , operate the brake pedal. This is necessary
to move the selector lever from position P and N » page 146 or to start the en-
gine in vehicles with the KESSY system » page 142.
Main beam
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is being operated.
41Instruments and Indicator Lights

›The warning light in the driver door begins flashing.
› The anti-theft alarm system is activated.
Displaying an error If the warning icon in the driver's door initially flashes quickly for around 2 sec-
onds, and then illuminates for 30 seconds without interruption before flashing
again slowly, you will need to seek the assistance of a specialist garage.WARNING■ Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave people who are not completely in-
dependent, such as children, unattended in the vehicle. The children might,
for example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The ve-
hicle could then start to move – risk of injury and accidents! These individu-
als might also not be able to leave the vehicle on their own or to help
themselves. Can be fatal at very high or very low temperatures!
■
If the car is locked from the outside and the safe lock system is switched
on, no one must be in the car, as it is then not possible to open either a
door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult
for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency – risk to life.
Note
■ When leaving the vehicle, always check if it is locked.■In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked
doors are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to
the vehicle.■
Upon failure of the central locking system the key can only be used to unlock
and lock the driver's door. The other doors and the boot lid can be emergency
opened or emergency released. ■ Emergency locking of the door » page 216.
■ Emergency unlocking of the boot lid » page 217.
Vehicle keyFig. 31
Remote control key
Read and observe on page 51 first.
Two remote control keys are provided with the vehicle » Fig. 31.
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the remote control
key. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
The wireless key has a flip out key bit.
The spare key must by initialised by a specialist garage after repair or replace- ment of the receiver unit. Only then can the remote control key be used again.
CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.■
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and ig-
nition lock.
■
The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than approx. 3 metres
away » page 215 .
■
When leaving the vehicle, always check if it is locked.
■
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
Note
Please contact a specialist garage if you lose a key as they can obtain a new
one for you.51Unlocking and opening

TwinDoor - open / close large bootFig. 39
Handle of boot lid / opened large boot lid
Read and observe
and on page 57 first.
After unlocking the vehicle, the boot lid can be opened with the button in the
handle above the number plate.
Opening
›
Press the button in the handle at the lower edge of the boot lid
1
» Fig. 39 .
›
Wait until the brake light
2
in the rear window flashes twice and then lift
the lid.
Closing
›
Pull down and strike the lid with the handle
3
» Fig. 39 .
Open / close (Superb Combi)
Fig. 40
Boot lid handle/opening the boot lid
Fig. 41
Handle in the inner panelling of
the boot lid
Read and observe and on page 57 first.
After unlocking the vehicle, the boot lid can be opened with the button in the
handle above the number plate.
Opening
›
Press the handle
A
» Fig. 40 and raise the lid in the direction of the arrow
B
.
Closing
›
Pull the lid down with the handle
C
» Fig. 41 and close with a slight swing.
Delayed locking of the boot lid
Read and observe
and on page 57 first.
If the boot lid is unlocked with the symbol button on the remote control
key, then the door is automatically locked after closing.
The period after which the boot lid is locked automatically can be extended by a specialist garage.
After activation of delayed locking, the boot lid can be opened again after clos-
ing within a limited period.
Delayed locking can be deactivated by a specialist garage at any time.
CAUTION
There is a risk of unwanted entry into the vehicle before the boot lid is locked
automatically. We therefore recommend locking the vehicle with the symbol
button
on the remote control key.58Operation

Convenience features of passenger seatFig. 74
Operating passenger seat from
the rear seat
The front passenger seat can also be operated from the rear seat.
Adjusting the angle of the seat backrest
›
Push the switch
A
in the direction of one of the arrows 1 » Fig. 74 .
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
›
Push the switch
B
in the direction of one of the arrows 2 » Fig. 74 .
Front armrest
Fig. 75
Adjusting armrest
The armrest is adjustable for height and length.
Setting height
›
First of all fold the cover downwards and then lift it in the direction of the
arrow
1
» Fig. 75 to one of the 4 fixed positions.
Move
›
Move the cover into the desired position in the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 75 .
The armrest includes a storage compartment underneath » page 92.
NotePush the armrest cover all the way back to the stop before applying the hand-
brake.
Rear armrest
Fig. 76
Fold the armrest forwards
Folding forward
›
Fold down the armrest in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 76.
A cup holder may be located in the armrest » page 90.
Seat backrests
Fig. 77
Pull seat back / seat belt to the side panel to unlock
The luggage compartment can be increased in size by folding the seat backr-
ests forward. The seat backrests can be folded forward individually on vehicles
with divided rear seats.
Before folding the seat backrests forwards, adjust the position of the front
seats in such a way that they are not damaged by the folded seat backrests.
87Seats and practical features

Storage compartment under the front armrest92Storage net in front centre console93
Glasses storage box
93
Storage compartment on passenger side
94
Storage compartment under passenger seat
94
Clothes hook
94
Storage pockets on the front seats
95
Storage compartment for umbrella
95
Storage compartment in rear centre console
95
Storage compartment in the rear armrest
96
Rear seat backrest with long cargo channel
96
Removable ski bag
97WARNING■Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down while you are driving (under acceleration or when cornering) and
could distract you from the traffic - there is a risk of an accident.■
Make sure that no objects from the centre console or from other storage
compartments can get into the driver's footwell while you are driving. You
would not be able to brake, operate the clutch pedal or accelerate - danger
of causing an accident!
■
No objects should be placed in the storage compartments nor in the
drinks holders; the vehicle occupants could be endangered if there is sud-
den braking or the vehicle collides with something.
■
Ash and cigarette or cigar stubs must only be discarded in ashtrays.
Car park ticket holder
Fig. 79
Parking ticket holder
Read and observe on page 89 first.
The note holder is designed e.g. for attaching car park tickets.
WARNINGThe attached note has to always be removed before starting off in order
not to restrict the driver's vision.
Storage compartment on the driver's side
Fig. 80
Open the storage compartment
on the driver's side
Read and observe on page 89 first.
Opening
›
Raise the handle
A
» Fig. 80 and open out the compartment in the direction
of the arrow.
Closing
›
Swivel the lid against the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
WARNINGThe storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons.89Seats and practical features

Driving
Starting off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine using the key
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
139
Ignition Switch
139
Starting the engine
139
Stopping the engine
140
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY sys-
tem » page 140 .
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When the vehicle is travelling with the engine off, the ignition key must
always be in position 2 » Fig. 134 on page 139 (ignition switched on). This
position is confirmed by the appearance of certain indicator lamps in the in-
strument cluster. ■If the key is not in position 2,
it could unexpectedly lock the steering -
danger of accident!
■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise, the steer-
ing could be blocked – risk of accident!
■
Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is
risk of accident, damage or theft!
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The en-
gine's exhaust gases also contain the odourless and colourless carbon
monoxide, a poisonous gas – risk of death. ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cleaning cloths or tools) in the engine com-
partment. This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a
cover) – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the
vehicle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is
activated when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 134 on page 139 .
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-
start aid » page 211 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the
engine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine rea-
ches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are
lower.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.138Driving