Starting-off and Driving
Setting steering wheel position Fig. 95 Adjustable steering wheel: Lever next to the steering column/safe distance to the
steering wheel
You can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering wheel to the
desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒ page 61.
– Pull the lever below the steering wheel down ⇒ fig. 95 - left ⇒ .
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/
back position).
– Push the lever upwards as far as the stop. WARNING
● You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
● The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel
⇒ fig. 95 - right. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the air-
bag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
● For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up to avoid the
steering wheel altering its position unintentionally when driving - risk of acci-
dent! WARNING (Continued)
● If you adjust the steering wheel further towards the head, you will reduce
the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event of an accident. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
● When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the
steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to
the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver airbag is de-
ployed.
Ignition lock Fig. 96 Ignition lock positions
Petrol engines 1 - ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
2 - ignition switched on
3 - start engine
Diesel engines 1 - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
2 - heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
● You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily. £ 99
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
3
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position 1 To
lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel un-
til 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 2 Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
3 The engine is started in this position. At the same time, major electrical compo-
nents are switched off for short periods. The ignition key moves back into position
2 when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position 1 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.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selec-
tor lever is in position P.WARNING
● When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 (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!
● Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever
into the position
P). The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of acci-
dent!
● Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury! Starting the engine
General You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Manual gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
– Engage the clutch pedal and keep it depressed until the engine starts.
If you start the engine without depressing the clutch pedal, the engine does not
start and the following message appears in the Information display Depress
clutch! (Depress clutch!)
or CLUTCH in the display of the instrument cluster.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
Automatic gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into P or N before starting the engine, and apply the
handbrake firmly.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to 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
clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒
page 216. WARNING
● Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon mon-
oxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness
and death.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. £100
Starting-off and Driving
CAUTION
● The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3 ), 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 damag-
ing the engine!
● Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine. On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage or destroy the catalytic converter. You can
use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒ page 216, Jump-starting
.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.
Petrol engines These 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 starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating 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 220.
● 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 engines Glow 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 temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light comes on after the ignition has been switched on. You should not switch on any major electrical 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 the 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 repeating 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 220.
● 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 turning the ignition key into position 1 ⇒
fig. 96 . WARNING
● Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
● The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if
you do not stop as normal, this can cause 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 al-
lowed it to run at idling speed for about 2
minutes. This prevents any accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off. £ 101
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
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, al-
so switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine com-
partment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
● This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment ⇒
page 190, Working in the engine compartment.
Shifting (manual gearbox) Fig. 97 The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on. WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident! Note
● One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
● Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage. Pedals Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
● In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points, may be used.
● No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limi-
tation in operating the pedal! Note
● Greater brake pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the
brake system.
● Use only footmats from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are at-
tached at two attachment points.
Handbrake Fig. 98 Centre console: Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button ⇒
fig. 98 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒ .
£102
Starting-off and Driving
●
The accuracy of the evaluation for the parking space can be influenced by the
incorrectly determined outside temperature if the later is influenced by the ther-
mal radiation of the engine i.e for stop and go in a traffic jam.
● In order to avoid damaging the sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed. Note
● A component of the park assist is the front and rear parking aid.
● The electronic stability programme (ESP) must always be switched on for the
parking procedure.
● Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device). This is why it is not possible
to park backwards with the help of the park assist when towing a trailer.
● The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
Switch on display of the park assist in the information display Fig. 101 Switching on the park assist/information display: Finding a suitable parking space
Switch on display of the park assist in the information display
–
Press the button ⇒ fig. 101 .
– Drive past the parking row up to maximum 30 km/h and with a distance of
0.5 m to 1.5 m ⇒ fig. 101 .
Operate the turn signal for the driver's side if you wish to park on this side of the
road. In the information display the search area for the parking space is indicated
on the driver's side. If you press the button at a speed greater than 30 km/h and less than 50 km/h,
the message indicating that the speed for detecting the space is exceeded will be
displayed in the information display of the instrument cluster. If the speed drops
below 30 km/h, the condition of the parking assistant is automatically displayed in
the information display of the instrument cluster. When exceeding the speed of
50 km/h, it is required to activate the display again by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 101 . Note
● If the park assist is switched on, a yellow warning light lights up in the button.
● The search for suitable parking spaces is automatic after switching on the ig-
nition at speeds of more than 30
km/h. Searching for a parking space is performed
at the same time on the driver and front passenger side.
● If the sensors find a suitable parking space, they store its parameters until an-
other suitable parking space has been found or until a distance of 10 m had been
driven after finding the parking space. This is why it is possible to switch on the
park assist after driving past the parking space and the information on whether
this parking space is suitable for parking appears in the information display. 106
Starting-off and Driving
Driver steering intervention: Please take over steering!
The parking procedure is ended through driver intervention.
Park Assist finished. ASR deactivated.
The parking procedure cannot be carried out because the TCS system is switched
off.
ASR deactivated. Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because the TCS system was switched off dur-
ing the parking procedure.
Trailer: Park Assist finished.
The parking procedure is not possible because the trailer is hitched and a plug is
inserted in the socket of the towing device.
Time limit exceeded. Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because a time limit of 180 seconds for parking
was exceeded.
Park Assist currently not available.
The Park Assist cannot be switched on because a fault exists on the vehicle. Have
the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
Park Assist ended. System currently not available.
The parking procedure was ended because a fault exists on the vehicle. Have the
fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
Park Assist faulty. Workshop!
The parking procedure is not possible because a fault exists on the park assist.
Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
Steering interv. active. Monitor area around veh.!
The Park Assist is active and takes over the steering movements. Observe the
surroundings and carefully drive backwards, at the same time operate the pedal.
Please take over steering! Finish parking manually!
Take over the steering. End the parking procedure without using the park assist.
Speed too high! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because the speed was exceeded. Park Assist: ASR intervention.
Intervention of the TCS while searching for a suitable parking place.
ASR intervention! Please take over steering!
Parking procedure is ended through the intervention of the TCS.
Park Assist: Stationary time not sufficient.
The stationary time of the vehicle was less than 1 second.
Park Assist: Speed too low.
After the ignition is switched on, the vehicle must exceed the speed of 10 km/h at
least once.
Cruise control system (CCS) Introduction The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h
(20 mph), once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator
pedal. This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power out-
put and braking power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible
- particularly on long journeys - for you to rest your
“accelerator foot”. WARNING
● For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) - risk of accident!
● In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use. £108
Starting-off and Driving
Note
● Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal if you
switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral! Otherwise the
engine can rev up unintentionally.
● The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driv-
ing on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at
which it travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the
vehicle down by applying the foot brake.
● It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.
Storing a speed Fig. 104 Operating lever: Rocker button
and switch of the cruise control system
The cruise control system is operated by means of the switch A
⇒ fig. 104 and
the rocker button B in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch A
⇒ fig. 104 into the position ON.
– After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button B into the
SET position.
After you have released the rocker button B out of the position SET
, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator.
You can increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the accelera-
tor will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed. This does not apply, however, if you drive at a speed which is more than 10
km/h
higher than the saved speed for a period of more than 5
minutes. The stored
speed will be cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired
speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off tempo-
rarily by actuating the brake or clutch pedal ⇒ page 110. WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.
Changing a stored speed You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing
the accelerator.
Faster
– You can increase the stored speed without depressing the accelerator, by
pressing the rocker button B
⇒
fig. 104
in the RES position.
– The speed of the car will increase continuously if you hold the rocker button
pressed in the RES position. Once the car has reached the desired speed, re-
lease the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Slower
– You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button B in the
SET- position.
– Holding down the rocker button pressed in the SET position will cause the
speed of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the car has reached the de-
sired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the
memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the car is travelling at a speed of less
than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is erased. It is then neces-
sary to again store the speed with the rocker button B in the position
SET
after an increase in speed of the vehicle to more than 30 km/hour. 109
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily
–
You can switch off the cruise control system temporarily by depressing the
brake pedal or clutch pedal, on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox only
with the brake pedal.
– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you press the
switch A in the middle position.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
The Resumption of the stored speed is achieved by releasing the brake or clutch
pedal, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox only after releasing the brake
pedal and after shortly pressing the rocker button B
⇒ fig. 104 into the position
RES. WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.
Switching off the cruise control system completely –
Press the switch A
⇒ fig. 104
to the right into position OFF.
“(START-STOP)” Fig. 105 Dash panel: START-STOP Sys-
tem button
The “START-STOP” system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on. In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
“START-STOP” system is indicated
in the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
– Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
– Take the vehicle out of gear.
– Take your foot off the clutch.
Automatic engine restart (start phase).
– Push down on the clutch.
Switching the
“START-STOP” system on and off
You can switch the “START STOP” system on/off by pressing the button ⇒ fig. 105 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the en-
gine starts immediately.
The “START-STOP” system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
“START-STOP” system are listed in the following overview.
Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase) The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
The clutch pedal is not pressed!
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driver's door is closed.
The bonnet is closed.
The vehicle is at a standstill.
The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
The engine is at operating temperature.
The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
The engine speed is less than 1200 1/min.
The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
£110
Starting-off and Driving