
WARNING (Continued)
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off – risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an accident! ■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 91.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10
km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 125, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL also do not work. A
warning light » page 17 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
high speed. £
ä
59
Starting-off and Driving

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 15, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 64
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 64 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
ä The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3
seconds. Ð Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
If there is an ESC fault, the warning light then lights up in the instrument cluster
» page 17.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS);
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
Hydraulic brake assist
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. It in-
creases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly
and held in this position until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released. £
ä
60 Using the system

Uphill start assist
The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds
the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx.
2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope,
without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the
more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2
seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5
% slope, if the driver door is closed. It is
always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! ÐTraction control (TC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of
the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb
steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
If there is a fault in the TCS, the warning light then lights up in the instrument
cluster » page 17 . Ð
ä
ä Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down. Ð Shifting (manual gearbox)
Fig. 65
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear, to prevent excessive
wear of the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 10.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged 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 reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! £
ä
61
Starting-off and Driving

Briefly press the rocker button B
into the position RES
to resume the stored
speed after the clutch or brake pedal is released. ÐSwitching off the cruise control system completely
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 63.
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 68
on page 64 » page 64 into the OFF position. ÐSTART/STOP
Fig. 69
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
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.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
ä
Switching the START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP
system can be switched on/off by pressing the button » Fig. 69.
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
engine 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 depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› 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 1 200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase)
› The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
£
65
Starting-off and Driving

WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
If the START-STOP system is used at very high outside temperatures over a very
long period of time, the vehicle battery can be damaged. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.
■ In some instances it may be necessary to start the engine manually with the ig-
nition key (e.g. when the seat belt is not inserted or the driver's door is opened in
Stop mode for more than approx. 30 seconds). ÐCity Safe Drive
ä
Introduction Fig. 70
Laser sensor/detection range This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching the
City Safe Drive on and off 67
Laser sensor 68
Special driving situations 68
The City Safe Drive system uses the laser sensor » Fig. 70 – to take readings
about the traffic situation in front of the vehicle at a range of around 10 metres (11
yards) » Fig. 70 – in a vehicle speed range of 5 - -30
km/h (3 - -19 mph).
If the driver does not respond to an imminent collision, the City Safe Drive system
can automatically apply the brakes to the vehicle to prevent a possible collision.
If the City Safe Drive system is currently slowing the vehicle down automatically,
the warning light will flash quickly .
Automatic braking interventions can be terminated by pressing the clutch, accel-
erator or by moving the steering wheel.
If the City Safe Drive system is not currently available, or if there is a system fault,
the warning light will flash slowly .
The following conditions cause the City Safe Drive system to become not availa-
ble.
› Taking bends tightly.
› When fully pressing down the accelerator pedal.
› When the City Safe Drive system function is switched off/faulty.
› When the laser sensor is dirty, concealed or has overheated.
» page 68
› In the event of snow, heavy rain or fog.
› When vehicles are travelling side by side.
› When vehicles are crossing.
› When vehicles are approaching in the same lane.
› When the vehicles are very dirty and have a low level of reflection.
› With high levels of dust. WARNING
■ The
City Safe Drive system cannot exceed physical and system-defined lim-
its. The added convenience of the City Safe Drive system must never give you
a reason to takes risks with regard safety. The driver is always the one re-
sponsible for braking in time.
■ The City Safe Drive system cannot prevent accidents and injuries by itself. £
66 Using the system

›
When objects are extending into the area above the bonnet, e.g. when a rood
load sticks out far ahead.
› When the windscreen is damaged in the region of the laser sensor. ÐLaser sensor
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 66.
Possible impairment of the laser sensor
If the functioning of the laser sensor is impaired by e.g. heavy rain, snow or slush,
the
City Safe Drivesystem will temporarily shut down. The warning light flashes
slowly in the instrument cluster display.
If the laser sensor is no longer impaired, the City Safe Drive system will automati-
cally switch back to ready. The warning light goes out. ÐSpecial driving situations
Fig. 72
Vehicle in the range of a curve/motorcycles driving ahead outside of
the laser sensor range
ä Fig. 73
Other vehicles changing lanes
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 66.
The following and similar situations require special attention of the driver:
Driving around a bend
When driving into or out of
“protracted” bends, it is possible for the laser sensor
to respond to a vehicle in the adjacent lane » Fig. 72 - causing it to apply the
brakes to your vehicle.
Narrow vehicles or vehicles travelling side by side
Narrow vehicles or vehicles travelling side by side are not detected by the laser
sensor until they are in the range of the sensor » Fig. 72 - . This is especially
true for narrow vehicles, such as motorcycles.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles which move into your lane close to your vehicle can trigger an unexpec-
ted braking of the City Save Drive system » Fig. 73 .Ð ä
68 Using the system

›
Move the selector lever to the right in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 74 on
page 70 into position N. ÐSelector lever positions
Fig. 74
Selector lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
N
– Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the posi-
tion N into position D or R when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is
switched on. R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is idling.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position R from position
N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. D
– Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position D from position
N.
ä
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions) it may be
beneficial to select the manual shift programme » page 70 for a short time in
order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations. M
- Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Further information » page 70. Ð Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Fig. 75
Selector lever: manual shifting/instrument cluster: engaged gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
Switching to manual shifting when the vehicle is stationary
›
Depress the brake pedal.
› Press the selector lever twice to the left in the spring-tensioned position.
Switching to manual shifting during driving
› Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in the
direction of the arrow and insert into position M. The selector lever position you
have engaged appears in the display of the instrument cluster 1
» Fig. 75
.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever fowards
» Fig. 75 +
.
Shifting down gears
› Press the selector lever backwards
» Fig. 75 -
.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached. £
ä
70 Using the system

If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed.
Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. ÐKickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving pro-
gramme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D or Tiptronic M). The gearbox shifts down to one or sev-
eral gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox
does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum
revolutions for this gear range. ÐDynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The automatic gearbox of your car is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving
will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption. ä
ä When adopting a
sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator
pedal combined with sharp acceleration, frequent changes in speed and exploit-
ing the top speed of the car, the gearbox will adjust to this style of driving once
the accelerator pedal (kickdown function) is depressed and will shift down earlier,
frequently by several gears in comparison to a moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driv-
ing is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch
or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rap-
idly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear in accordance with the speed,
therefore enabling rapid acceleration (e.g. when overtaking) without the accelera-
tor pedal having to be depressed into the kickdown range. The original pro-
gramme will be reactivated to match your particular style of driving once the
gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negoti-
ating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position M, in order to exploit the engine brake torque. Ð Operational faults
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Faults in the automatic gearbox
In the event of a fault in the automatic gearbox, warning lights may light up in the
instrument panel » page 18, Automatic gearbox .
In some instances, the gear may run in emergency mode. In this case, the vehicle
can only be driven at reduced speed.
The vehicle does not start off after engaging the selector lever position
If the vehicle does not start off, the problem may be that the selector lever is not
completely in the selected position. In such an instance, press the brake pedal
and put the selector lever into the required position. Note
If the automatic gearbox has a fault, seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage
and fix the fault. Ð ä
71
Automatic gearbox