Ignition lock
Fig. 63
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 63, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position N and firmly put on the handbrake.
Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 58
and start 3
– do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
ä 1
2
3
ä If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
Release the handbrake before starting off. Ð Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 63 on
page 58
. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 59
Handbrake 60
Stabilisation control (ESC) 60
Antilock brake system (ABS) 61
Traction control (TC) 61
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 61
WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident! £
ä
58 Using the system
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
Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox AGB
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 69
Starting-off and driving 69
Selector lever positions 70
Manual gearshift (Tiptronic) 70
Kickdown function 71
Dynamic shift programme 71
Operational faults 71
WARNING
■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running – risk of accident!
■ Never move the selector lever into position R or when driving - risk of an ac-
cident!
■ When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling – the vehicle creeps.
■ The selector lever must be placed into position N and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed - risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 108 , Engine compartment .
■ If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the
“accelerator pedal”, i.e. by let-
ting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch, and subse-
quently to the clutch burning out. The vehicle can roll backward - risk of acci-
dent!
■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.
■ On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin – risk of skidding!
■ Always firmly apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle! Ð Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. However, the
gearbox can also be switched into Tiptronic mode M. This mode makes it possible
for you to also shift gears manually » page 70.
The engine can only be left on in position N, when the brake pedal is depressed
.
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
N. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position N is selected.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed
of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the drive
position. Note
If the N symbol flashes next to the selector lever, engage the selector lever posi-
tion N. Ð Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
› Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in the
direction of the arrow » Fig. 74 on page 70 and insert into position D.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
› The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
› Depress the brake pedal.
› Firmly apply the handbrake.
£
ä
ä
69
Automatic gearbox
What influences the driving safety?
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 74.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety
is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. › Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
passengers or mobile phone calls.
› Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alco-
hol, drugs.
› Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
› Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
› Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours. ÐCorrect seated position
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seated position for the driver 76
Correct seated position for the front passenger 76
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats 76
Examples of an incorrect seated position 76
WARNING
■ The front seats and rear head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size, in order to offer an optimal protection for you and your occu-
pants.
■ Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is mov-
ing.
■ If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.
ä WARNING (Continued)
■ If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury is
increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.
■ The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel.
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash
panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag sys-
tem will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■ 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 in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system –
risk of injury!
■ Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals when driving or applying the braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
■ Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces
of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes nec-
essary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is de-
ployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated posi-
tion! Ð
75
Passive Safety