
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such
as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc-
curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in
the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suf-
fer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal collision:
› driver’s front airbag;
› passenger’s front airbag.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision: › Side airbags on the side of the accident.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
› the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
› the hazard warning light is switched on;
› all the doors are unlocked;
› the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted. Note
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle. Ð Front airbags
Fig. 83
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard Fig. 84
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 83 – .
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the stowage compartment
– » Fig. 83.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and infla-
ted in front of the driver and front passenger » Fig. 84 – . The forward move-
ment of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned when they make con-
tact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus
reduced. £
83
Airbag system

WARNING (Continued)
■ If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-
sult in serious injuries » page 87, Child seat.
■ The airbag control unit operates with pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason no adjustments must be carried out to the doors and
door panels (e.g. additional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages
can have a negative affect on the operation of the airbag system. All work on
the front doors and their panels must only be carried out by a
ŠKODA special-
ist garage.
■ In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly, if
the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors, be-
cause the air can escape through large, non-sealed openings in the door pan-
el. ■Never drive with removed inner door panels.
■ Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the
remaining openings have not been properly sealed.
■ Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only if
the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■ Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment parts are installed in the inner door pan-
els. ■ Always have work completed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner or a competent
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing.
■ Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,
impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be damaged.
The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■ Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passenger
seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by
ŠKODA. In view of the
fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of non-ap-
proved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the protective
function of the side airbag.
■ Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag module
must be repaired without delay by your
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage, cracks
or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open the mod-
ules. Ð Switching off the airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if: › using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying)
» page 87, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 86.
We recommend that you ask a
ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag warning light
lights up for 3 seconds each time the ignition is
switched on and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the key switch on the side of the dash pan-
el:
› The airbag warning light
comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
› The deactivated airbag is indicated by the illumination of the warning light
in the middle of the dash panel » Fig. 86 on page 86 - . Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. Ð
85
Airbag system

Key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 86
Key switch/ - warning light
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Deactivating an airbag › Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into the position (
OFF) » Fig. 86 -
.
› Check whether the warning light
in the middle of the dash
panel lights up when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 86 - .
Activating an airbag
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into the position (
ON) » Fig. 86 -
.
› Check that the warning light
in the middle of the dash pan-
el does not light up when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 86 - .
Warning light (front passenger airbag switched off)
In cases where the front passenger airbag is switched off the airbag warning
light comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for
about a second and then comes on again.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag warning light
flashes. Immediately visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.
■ Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag. ■ If the warning light
flashes, the front passenger airbag
will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag system
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately. Ð86
Safety

WARNING
■ In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle –
risk of fire!
■ Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields – risk of fire! CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system. ■ Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system! ÐEconomical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10
-15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary
to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of
these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness. The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Ð Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving,
less braking and consequently less accelerating are required. If possible, let your
vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set
of traffic lights is on red, for example. Ð Shifting to save energy
Fig. 91
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2
000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 10, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 91.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.
£
92 Driving Tips

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle 98
Automatic car wash systems 98
Washing by hand 98
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner 98
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork 99
Chrome parts 99
Paint damage 99
Plastic parts 99
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors 100
Radio reception 100
Headlight lenses 100
Rubber seals 100
Door lock cylinders 100
Wheels 101
Underbody protection 101
Protection of hollow spaces 101
Artificial leather and materials 101
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats 102
Natural leather 102
Seat belts 103
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat-
ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from
ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Service Partners. The instructions for use on the package
must be observed. WARNING
■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.
■ Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children – risk
of poisoning! ■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system
can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident! ■ Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
■ Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk of
cuts!
■ Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high. CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.
■ Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■ Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the surface of paintwork. ■ Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, in the vicinity of the
heating elements. These may get damaged.
■ Do not clean the inside of the rear window with sharp-edged objects or corro-
sive and acidic cleaning agents – risk of damaging the heating elements.
■ Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■ To avoid damaging the parking aid 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.
■ Do not clean the roof trim with a brush – risk of damage to the trim surface. For the sake of the environment
■ Used cans of vehicle care products represent a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations. ■ Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose. £
97
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

Note
■ Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible. ■ Due to possible issues with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle,
the special tools and knowledge required, we recommend that this is completed
by a
ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐWashing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
The best protection for your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is
frequent washing and wax treatment. How often the vehicle should be washed
depends on a wide range of factors, such as:
›
Frequency of use;
› The parking situation (garage, below trees etc.);
› Season of the year;
› Weather conditions;
› Environmental influences.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter. ÐAutomatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
Your vehicle can be washed in automatic car wash systems.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (closing the windows including the sliding/tilting
roof, etc.).ä
ä If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler, roof
luggage rack, two-way radio aerial – it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system. Ð Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as
much as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft
sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush. Work
from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof. Only apply slight pressure
when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork. Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath-
er. Ð Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the
pressure
used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the
parking aid sensors and soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation materi-
al. WARNING
Never use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters! £
ä
ä
98 General Maintenance

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba-
sis. Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion from the wheel rims otherwise the
material will be affected. Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be
touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims. WARNING
Water, ice and grit in the brake system can affect the braking efficiency – risk
of accident! CAUTION
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt. Note
We recommend that any repairs to damaged paintwork are carried out by a
ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐUnderbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-
cal influences.ä
ä As damage to the
protective layer when driving cannot be ruled out completely,
we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside of your ve-
hicle and on the chassis at specific intervals – preferably at the beginning and end
of the winter.
ŠKODA Service Partners have suitable spray products and the necessary equip-
ment available, and are familiar with the instructions for use. We therefore rec-
ommend that touch-up work or additional corrosion protection measures are car-
ried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner. WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. When the engine reaches its
operating temperature, these substances might ignite – risk of fire! Ð Protection of hollow spaces
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for
life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated. If any small
amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these must be re-
moved with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petroleum cleaner. WARNING
Safety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire! Ð Artificial leather and materials
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
The artificial leather can be cleaned using a damp cloth. If this does not prove to
be adequate, these parts can only be treated with special
solvent-free plastic
cleaning and care products . £
ä
ä
101
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

The fuel tank is full when the compressor of the refuelling system automatically
switches off. To stop the refuelling operation prematurely, press the
“Stop ” but-
ton of the refuelling system.
Closing the filler cap
› Check that the sealing ring 3
» Fig. 96
has remained in the gas filler tube. If it
has slipped onto the filling coupling, reinsert it into the gas filler tube.
› Plug the cap 1
onto the gas filler tube.
› Close the filler cap.
In the following situation, it is possible that the tank cannot be fully filled with
natural gas.
› At very high ambient temperatures. The natural gas refuelling systems have
overheating protection. When the ambient temperature reaches a predefined
value, the refuelling system automatically switches off.
› If the refuelling system has been in operation for a longer period, the filling
pressure of the natural gas refuelling system slightly drops. WARNING
■ Stop the engine before refuelling.
■ Always switch off your mobile phone, do not smoke and do not use open
flames when refuelling with natural gas – risk of explosion!
■ When refuelling, never get into the vehicle. If you have to get into your vehi-
cle in exceptional cases, close the door and touch a metal surface before you
touch the filling coupling again. This will avoid electrostatic discharges, which
may generate sparks. Sparks can cause a fire during refuelling. ■ Natural gas is highly explosive and flammable. Incorrect refuelling or improp-
er handling of natural gas can cause a fire, an explosion and injuries. Note
■ The natural gas system of your vehicle is suitable both for fuelling from small
compressors (slow fuelling) and for fuelling from natural gas stations with large
compressors (quick fuelling). ■ Noises that occur during refuelling represent no risk.
■ If the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time immediately after refuelling,
the situation may arise in which the pointer of the fuel tank gauge does not indi-
cate exactly the same level as was the case immediately after refuelling when the
engine is restarted. This is not due to any system leakages but a drop in pressure
in the natural gas fuel tank due to technical reasons after a cooling phase directly
after refuelling. ■
For frequent short-haul traffic, especially at low outside temperatures, the vehi-
cle is driven more frequently in petrol mode than in natural gas mode. This is why
the petrol tank runs empty faster than the natural gas tank.
■ The capacity of the natural gas tank is about 11 kg, of which about 1.5
kg are a
reserve.
■ The capacity of the petrol tank is about 10 l, of which about 5 l
are a reserve.Ð Automatically switching over from CNG mode to petrol mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
The vehicle automatically switches over from CNG mode to petrol mode when the
following conditions are met:
› when starting the engine, if the coolant temperature is below 15 °C,
› when the natural gas tank is empty,
› after refuelling with natural gas. Ð Natural gas as fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
Natural gas is an alternative fuel for motor vehicles. Its main component is meth-
ane (CH 4). The rest is carbon dioxide and lower hydrocarbons.
The strict legal requirements for exhaust emissions of motor vehicles are decisive
for the current significance of natural gas. In direct comparison to all other fossil
fuels, natural gas is one of the fuels which cause the lowest emissions.
Natural gas is odourless and lighter than air. For safety reasons, it is saturated
with odorous substances, so that is perceived even in very small amounts. Ð
ä
ä
107
Inspecting and replenishing