
WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. ÐAir conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) Introductory information
The cooling system only operates if the button AC 2
» Fig. 79 on page
73 is
pressed, and the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4).
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on. Lengthy and uneven distribu-
tion of the air flow out of the vents and large differences in temperature, for ex-
ample when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons. Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a ŠKODA
specialist garage once every year. Ð Using the system
Fig. 79
The air conditioning system: Control elements
Setting temperature
› Turn the control dial A
» Fig. 79 to the right to increase the temperature.
› Turn the control dial A
to the left to decrease the temperature.
Controlling blower
› Turn the blower switch B
» Fig. 79
into one of the positions, 1 to 4, to switch
the blower on.
› Turn the blower switch B
into position 0 to switch the blower off.
› Press the button
1
to close the fresh air supply
» Fig. 79.
Regulating the air distribution
› The direction of the inlet air flow is controlled with air distribution regulator C
» Fig. 79 » page 71.
Switching the cooling system on and off
› Press the button
AC 2
» Fig. 79
and the warning light in the button illumi-
nates.
› Pressing the button
AC 2
again switches off the cooling system - the indica-
tor light in the button goes out. £
73
Heating and air conditioning system

Note
■ The whole heat output will be needed to defrost the windscreen and side win-
dows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to restriction of the
heating comfort. ■ The warning light AC lights after activation, even if not all of the conditions for
the function of the cooling system have been met » page 73, Introductory infor-
mation . The operational readiness of the cooling system is signalled when the
warning light in the button lights up. Ð74
Using the system

Setting the air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes:
Set-up Setting of the control dial
Button
Air outlet vents 4 A B C 1 2
Defrost/defog windscreen and
side windows
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
Do not switch on Automatically switched
on Open and align with the side
window
The fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
Briefly switch on Switched off
Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3
Do not switch on Switched off
Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3 Briefly switch on
b)
Activated Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
Do not switch on Activated Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
Do not switch on Switched off
Openinga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b) Under certain conditions, recirculated air mode » page 75 may come on automatically; the warning light will then light up in the button.
Note
■ Controls A
» Fig. 79 on page 73
, B
, C
and buttons 1
and 2
.
■ Air outlet vents 4 » Fig. 77 on page 71 .
■ We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 77 on page 71 in the
opened position. ÐRecirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Press the button
1
» Fig. 79 on page 73
and the warning light in the button
illuminates. Switching off
› Press the button
1
» Fig. 79 on page 73
again - the warning light in the but-
ton goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control C
» Fig. 79 on page 73
is turned to position . Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button .
WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Ð
75
Heating and air conditioning system

Recirculated air mode
Switch cooling system on/off
Note
The interior temperature sensor 11
» Fig. 80
is located in the bottom part of the
device. Do not stick anything on or cover the sensor, otherwise it could have an
unfavourable effect on the Climatronic. ÐAutomatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and to
demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching automatic mode on
› Set a temperature between +18 °C and +29
℃.
› Move the air outlet vents
3 » Fig. 77 on page 71 and 4 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
› Press the button
AUTO 12
» Fig. 80
on page
76; AUTO is shown in the display.
Automatic mode is switched off by pressing one of the buttons for the air distri-
bution or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is never-
theless regulated. ÐSetting temperature
› The required interior temperature can be set with the control dial 1
» Fig. 80
on page 76 after switching on the ignition.
The interior temperature can be set between +18 °C and +29 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range. If you select the tempera-
ture below +18 ℃, “LO
” appears in the display. If you select the temperature high-
er than +29 ℃, “HI” appears in the display. In both limit positions the Climatronic
operates at maximum cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature
is not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold. Ð17
18 Recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Press the button
17
» Fig. 80
on page
76; the symbol appears in the dis-
play.
Switching off
› Press the button
17
» Fig. 80
on page
76 again and the symbol disap-
pears from the display. WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
If recirculated air mode is switched on for around 15 minutes, the symbol will
begin to flash in the display as a sign that the recirculated air mode is switched on
long-term. If the recirculated air mode is not switched off, the symbol flashes for
around 5 minutes. Ð Controlling blower
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the
interior temperature. However, the blower stages can be manually adapted to
suit your particular needs.
› Turn the control dial 10
» Fig. 80 on page 76 to the left (reduce blower speed)
or right (increase blower speed).
If the blower is switched off, the Climatronic system is switched off. £
77
Heating and air conditioning system

Ignition lock
Fig. 82
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, 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. 82, 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 79.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow warning light comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow warning light goes out.
ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 82 on
page 81 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
.
› 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 off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 82
on
page 81. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 82
Handbrake 83
Stabilisation control (ESC) 83
Antilock brake system (ABS) 84
Traction control system (TCS) 84
Electronic Differential Lock (EDS and XDS) 84
£
ä
81
Starting-off and Driving

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!
■ 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 121.
■ 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 157, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL and XDS also do not
work. A warning light » page 21 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 81.
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
fairly high speed. £
ä
82 Using the system

Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 90
Starting-off and driving 91
Selector lever positions 91
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) 92
Selector lever lock 93
Kickdown function 93
Dynamic shift programme 93
Emergency programme 94
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 94
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 P when driving - risk of an
accident!
■ 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 P 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 138, Engine compartment . WARNING (Continued)
■ 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. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
■ 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! CAUTION
■ The double clutch on the automatic gearbox DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If the uphill function is used when the vehicle is stationary or driving
slowly uphill, the thermal stress on the clutches is increased. ■ If the clutch system overheats, the symbol is shown in the information dis-
play along with the message Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! appears.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. Stop the vehicle, switch off the en-
gine, and wait until the symbol disappears - risk of gearbox damage! You can
continue your journey as soon as the symbol disappears. Ð Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 90.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to
Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 92.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If
the selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switch-
ing the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message
will appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in
the instrument cluster display: P/N
.
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever
position P 1)
. £
ä
1)
Applies to DSG.
90 Using the system

Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to
also use the engine as a brake.
Trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system.
› If the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice.
› If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trail-
er socket.
› If the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional.
› If the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is acti-
vated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always deactivate the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis-
connected. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system could accidentally be trig-
gered » page 31 , Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately. Stop and
switch off the engine if the warning light in the instrument cluster starts to
flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle » page 143, Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 19, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. WARNING
■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.
■ Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■ Any work on the electrical system must be carried out only by ŠKODA spe-
cialist garages.
■ Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. CAUTION
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■ When the ball rod is removed, the mounting shaft must be sealed with an ap-
propriate cover. This prevents foreign matter from penetrating into the mounting
shaft. See the fitting instructions for the towing device. Note
■ We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently. ■ The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
■ For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system. Ð
128 Driving Tips