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13
Safe driving
Also valid for the front passenger:
● Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible for optimum pro-
tection should the airbag deploy.
Transporting objects Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a ver-
tical position. Always use the anchors provided with suitable rope to secure
heavy objects. Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well
as the distribution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving be-
haviour and braking ability ⇒
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Tailgate ⇒ page 84
● To lower the passenger seat back ⇒ page 117
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Luggage compartment ⇒ page 126
● Roof carrier ⇒ page 139
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
objects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or slings so that they cannot
enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden brak-
ing or an accident.
● Always ensure that objects inside the vehicle cannot move into the
area of the bags while driving.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
● Remove all objects from the passenger seat when this is followed
down. When the seat back is folded down, it presses on small and light
objects and these are detected by the weight sensor on the seat; this
sends false information to the airbag control unit.
● While the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, the frontal
airbag must remain disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF light
on.
● Objects secured in the vehicle should never be placed in such a way
as to make passengers sit in an incorrect position.
● If secured objects occupy a seat then this should not be occupied or
used by anybody.
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15
Safe driving
WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
could cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tail-
gate closed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate
open, observe the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the
vehicle:
–Close all windows and the sliding roof.
– Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
– Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
– Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
CAUTION
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
● Secure all objects
⇒ page 14.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 237.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒ page 139.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position.
Specific vehicle weight information
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles
could cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible.
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126Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted in-
creases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of accidents and
sudden braking or manoeuvres.
● Always fit and adjust the head restraint properly whenever a person
is occupying a seat.
● Refit any removed head restraints immediately so that passengers
are properly protected.
CAUTION
On removing and fitting the head restraint, make sure the head restraint
does not hit the interior roof of the vehicle or the backrest of the front seat.
This could damage the interior roof and other parts of the vehicle.
Centre armrest
Fig. 88 Front centre arm-
rest. To lift the central armrest, lift it upwards in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 88, setting by setting.
To lower the centre armrest, pull it downwards. Then lower the centre arm-
rest.
WARNING
The centre armrest may limit the freedom of movement of the driver's
arm and cause a serious accident.
● Keep the centre armrest compartments closed while the vehicle is in
motion.
● The centre armrest is not designed for children to sit on! Sitting in
this incorrect position can cause severe injuries.
Loading luggage compartment Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a ver-
tical position. Always use the fastening rings with suitable rope or straps.
Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well as the distri-
bution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving behaviour and
braking ability ⇒
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Airbag system ⇒ page 31
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297