10Safe driving
Sitting position for vehicle occupants
Introduction
WARNING
● The front seats, head restraints and seat belts must always be adjus-
ted to the size of the vehicle occupant to provide you and your passen-
gers with the greatest possible protection.
● Ensure your correct sitting position before setting off, and do not
change this during the journey. Also advise your passengers to ensure
their correct sitting positions not to be changed.
● A vehicle occupant sitting in an incorrect position is at risk of serious
injury in the event that an airbag is activated.
● If the passengers in the rear seats are not sitting in an upright posi-
tion, they are more likely to be injured due to the incorrect position of the
seat belts.
● It is important that the driver keeps at a minimum of 25 cm from the
steering wheel. It is important that the passenger keeps at a minimum of
25 cm from the dash panel. The airbag system will not be able to give the
required protection if the minimum distance is not observed. This can
cause a risk of fatal injury!
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside part at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel or along its interior edge). In such cases,
if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands
and head.
● The backrests must not be reclined too far back while driving. This
could limit the effect of the seat belts and the airbag system. Risk of in-
jury!
WARNING (Continued)
● Objects must not be placed in the footwell, as they could move to the
area of the pedals in the event of a braking manoeuvre or change of direc-
tion. This would prevent the clutch, brake or accelerator from being
pressed.
● Always keep your feet on the footwell when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, on the window or on the seat! An in-
correct sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in case
of a sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could
sustain severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position!
75
Communication
Audio system adjustment
Fig. 36 Controls on the
steering wheelFig. 37 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod ®
*AUXAVolume upVolume upVolume upBVolume downVolume downVolume down
CSearch for next stationNext track
Hold down: Fast forwardNo function specified
DSearch for last stationPrevious track
Hold down: RewindNo function specified
ENo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specifiedFSilencePauseSilence
Ga)Operates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayNext preset b)Next trackb)No function specified b)
Ha)Operates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayOperates on instrument panel displayPrevious presetb)Previous trackb)No function specified b)
Ia)Next presetChange folderNo function specifiedChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panel
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
76Communication
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod ®
*AUX
Ja)Previous presetChange folderNo function specifiedChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrument panelKOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panel
La)Change sourceChange sourceChange sourceOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrument panela) Depending on the model version
b) Only if the panel is in Audio menu.
Audio + Telephone system operation
Fig. 38 Controls on the
steering wheelFig. 39 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
ButtonRadioCD/MP3/USB*/iPod ®
*AUXTELEPHONEAVolume upVolume upVolume upVolume upBVolume downVolume downVolume downVolume down
CSearch for next stationNext track
Hold down: Fast forwardNo function specifiedNo function specified
97
Lights and visibility
Note
Make sure you set the range of the main lights when the dipped beam
headlights are switched on.
Turn signal and main beam lever
Fig. 58 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.
Right and left-hand turn signal
– Move the lever ⇒ Fig. 58 up A
or down B.
– In order for the turn signals to flash three times (turn signal to
change lanes), move the lever briefly up or down just as far as
point of resistance and then release it.
– Keep the lever held down at the point of resistance for the turn
signals to flash for as long as you hold the lever, e.g. when
changing lanes. Mean beams
– Switch on the dipped beam ⇒ page 94.
– Press the lever ⇒ Fig. 58 forwards in the direction indicated by
arrow C
.
– Pull the lever back to its original position in the direction indica-
ted by arrow D
to switch the main beam off.
Headlight flasher
– Pull the lever ⇒ Fig. 58 towards the steering wheel (point of re-
sistance) in the direction indicated by arrow D
.
Parking lights
Instructions for use ⇒ page 98.
CAUTION
Never use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could
dazzle other drivers.
Note
● The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp or flashes in the general instrument panel.
● The turn signals switch off automatically when the steering wheel is re-
turned to the straight-ahead position.
● If a turn signal bulb is defective, the control lamp flashes at double
speed.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
107
Seats and storage
Seats and storage Front seats
Introduction
Set the driver seat in such a way that the pedals can be fully depressed with
your legs slightly bent.
Set the driver seat backrest in such a way that the upper point of the steer-
ing wheel can be reached with your arms slightly bent.
The correct seat position is very important for:
● Reaching all of the controls safely and quickly
● A relaxed low-fatigue posture
● maximum protection from the seat belts and airbag system
WARNING
● Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is stationary. Risk of ac-
cident!
● Be careful when adjusting the front seats! Careless and uncontrolled
adjustment can cause injuries.
● The backrests must not be reclined too far back while driving. This
could limit the effect of the seat belts and the airbag system. Risk of in-
jury!
● Never transport more that the permitted amount of people in your ve-
hicle.
WARNING (Continued)
● Every occupant in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an ap-
propriate child restraint system ⇒ page 45, Child safety.
● The front seats, head restraints and seat belts must always be adjus-
ted to the size of the vehicle occupant to provide you and your passen-
gers with the greatest possible protection.
● Your feet should remain in the footwell while the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, on the window or on the seat! This
also applies to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to
an increased risk of injury in case of a sudden braking or an accident. If
the airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an incor-
rect sitting position!
● It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel and dash panel. Failure to respect
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of
fatal injury if triggered!
● No items must not be kept in the footwell, as they could block the
pedals in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or change of direc-
tion. You would no longer be able to brake, change gear or accelerate.
● Do not place any items on the front passenger seat other than those
allowed (e.g. child seat). Risk of accident!
Note
After a certain time, the backrest angle adjustment mechanism may gain a
certain amount of play.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
139
Driving
● If the engine does not start after 10 seconds, turn the key back to posi-
tion 1
. Repeat the action after 30 seconds.
● Release the handbrake before moving off.
Switching off the engine
Stop the engine by turning the ignition key to position 1 ⇒ Fig. 102
⇒ page 138.
Brakes and brake servo systems Introduction
WARNING
● The brake servo only works when the engine is running. Braking
when the engine is switched off requires more strength on the brake ped-
al. Risk of accident!
● Press down on the clutch pedal when stopping and braking with a
manual gearbox, petrol engine vehicle at low speed. Otherwise, the
brake servo might not work properly. Risk of accident!
● In the event of damage to the standard front spoiler or where a differ-
ent front spoiler, hubcaps, etc. are subsequently fitted, make sure the air
vent to the brakes on the front wheels is not blocked. Otherwise, braking
operations may be impaired. Risk of accident!
● Always fully release the handbrake. If it is only partially released, this
will cause overheating of the rear brakes, which can impair the function
of the brake system. Risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could release
the handbrake or move the gear lever. The vehicle could start moving.
Risk of accident!
● Insufficient fuel can cause the engine to run irregularly or to switch
off. Brake assist systems could be impaired. Risk of accident!
● Always adjust your driving style to suit visibility, the weather and
road and traffic conditions. The best vehicle safety offered by brake as-
sist systems must never encourage you to run greater risks. Risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
● Observe the information concerning new brake pads ⇒ page 154.
● Where braking is not necessary, do not wear down the brake pads by
pressing down gently on the brake pedal. This causes the brakes to over-
heat, increasing their wear and increasing braking distances.
● To ensure the brake assist systems work properly, all wheels must be fit-
ted with tyres approved by the manufacturer.
Note
● If you brake suddenly and the brake system control unit regards the sit-
uation as hazardous for the drivers behind you, the brake lights will begin
to flash automatically. After reducing speed to approx. 10 km/h (6 mph) or
stopping the vehicle, the brake lights will stop flashing and the hazard
warning lights will switch on. The hazard warning lights are automatically
switched off when you accelerate or restart the vehicle.
● On long, steep gradients, reduce your speed and change to a lower gear
(manual gearbox) or move the selector lever to a lower gear position (auto-
matic gearbox). This uses the force of the engine and the brakes do not suf-
fer as much. If you still have to brake, do so intermittently, pressing down
repeatedly on the brake pedal.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
141
Driving
The warning lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied with the ignition
on .
Stability system (ESC)
Fig. 104 ESC system:
ASR switch
The ESC system increases control of the vehicle in emergency situations,
e.g. during a sudden change in direction. Depending on the driving condi-
tions, it reduces the risk of skidding and increases driving stability.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for exam-
ple, if the vehicle begins to skid, the ESC brakes the appropriate wheel au-
tomatically.
The warning lamp in the general instrument panel starts flashing when
the system is working.
The stability (ESC) system includes the following systems:
● Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
● Traction control system (ASR)
● Electronic differential lock (EDL) ●
Brake assist system (HBA)
● Hill hold control (HHC)
The ESC system cannot be switched on. The
⇒ Fig. 104 button can only
be used to switch off the ASR system. The warning lamp lights up on the
general instrument panel if the ASR system is switched off.
The ASR should be switched on at all times. Only under certain circumstan-
ces should the system be switched off, e.g.
● Driving with chains
● Driving in deep snow or on very soft surfaces
● During the “swinging movement” required to remove a stuck vehicle
Switch the ASR back on as soon as possible.
Brake assist system (HBA)*
The HBA system is activated when you press down on the brake pedal sud-
denly. It increases braking power, helping to reduce braking distances. To
reduce the braking distance as much as possible, keep the brake pedal
pressed down firmly until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
With the help of this system, the ABS is activated more quickly and more
efficiently.
The brake assist function is deactivated automatically when the brake pedal
is released.
Hill hold control (HHC)*
The HHC system makes it easier to start the vehicle on hills. The system
maintains the brake pressure created by pressing down on the brake pedal
for 2 seconds after it has been released. Your foot can be removed from the
brake pedal and you can use the accelerator pedal and move away on a hill
without having to use the handbrake. The brake pressure drops as the ac-
celerator pedal is pressed. If the vehicle is not started then it will start to
move backwards after two seconds.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
142Driving
The HHC is activated on gradients of over 5 %, as the driver door is closed.
It only works to start on hills, moving both forwards and in reverse. It is not
activated during start-up down hill.
Anti-lock system (ABS)
The ABS system prevents the wheels locking during braking. This helps the
driver keep control of the vehicle.
The driver is made aware of ABS assistance by the pulsating of the brake
pedal and a characteristic noise.
Keep the brake pedal pressed down while the ABS is working. The ABS will
switch off when the brake pedal is released. Never brake intermittently
while the ABS is working!
Traction control system (ASR)
If the wheels start to slide, the ASR adapts the engine speed to the driving
conditions. Particularly in unfavourable conditions, ASR helps starting, ac-
celerating and hill starts.
The 1)
warning lamp in the general instrument panel flashes when the
system is working. Electronic differential lock
If one of the wheels starts to skid, the EDL brakes that wheel, transmitting
the driving force to the other wheels. This increases vehicle stability and im-
proves driving stability.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will con-
tinue to function normally without EDL. The EDL will switch on again auto-
matically when the brake has cooled down.
Manual gearbox
Fig. 105 Gear shift pat-
tern of a 5 or 6-speed
manual gearbox
When changing gear, always depress the clutch pedal fully and keep it
pressed down to avoid excessive clutch wear.
In order to drive at an optimum RPM, respect the gear change indications
⇒ page 58.
1)
Valid for vehicles not fitted with the stability control system (ESC).