
Removing and installing carrier rails
Fig. 52
Slacken check points/remove carrier rails
Removing
› Slacken the check points B
» Fig. 52
on the carrier rails using the vehicle key or
a flat screwdriver.
› Grasp the carrier rail A
at position 1
and slacken it by pulling in the direction
of arrow. You can take out the removable storage compartments in order to fa-
cilitate the removal » page 68 , Storage compartments in the boot .
› Grasp the carrier rail A
at position 2
and slacken it by pulling in the direction
of arrow.
› The carrier rail on the other side of the luggage compartment can be removed
in the same way.
Install
› Position the carrier rails on the sides of the boot.
› Press both check points on each carrier rail B
»
Fig. 52
up to the stop.
› Check the attachment of the carrier rails by pulling it. WARNING
Ensure that the carrier rails and variable loading floor are correctly fastened
when installing the variable loading floor. If this is not the case, there is a risk
of injury for the occupants. Ð Net partition (Combi)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Using the net partition behind the rear seats 59
Using the net partition behind the front seats 59
Removing and installing net partition housing 60
WARNING
■ The belt locks and the belts must be in their original position after folding
back the seat cushions and backrests - they must be ready to use.
■ The seat backrests must be securely interlocked in position so that no ob-
jects in the luggage compartment can slide into the passenger compartment if
there is sudden braking - risk of injury!
■ Ensure that the rear seat backrests are properly engaged. It is only then that
the three-point seat belt for the middle seat can reliably fulfil its function. ■ Ensure that the cross rod is inserted into the mounts C
» Fig. 53 on
page 59
or » Fig. 54 on page 59 in the front position! Ð
58 Using the system

Removing and installing net partition housing
Fig. 55
Rear seats: Net partition hous-
ing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Removing
› Open the rear right door.
› Fold the seat cushions and rear seat backrests forward – first the left and then
the right backrest.
› Push the net partition housing A
» Fig. 55 in the direction of the arrow 1
and
remove it from the mount on the right seat rest in the direction of the arrow 2
.
Install
› Insert the recesses on the net partition housing into the mounts on the rear
seat backrests.
› Push the net partition housing in the opposite direction of the arrow 1
as far
as the stop.
› Fold the rear seats back into their original position. ÐBicycle carrier in the luggage compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Install cross member 60
Install bicycle carrier 61
Put bicycle into the bicycle carrier 61
Secure the stability of the bicycles with a belt 61
ä WARNING
When transporting bicycles, ensuring the safety of the passengers is para-
mount. CAUTION
Be careful when maneuvering the bicycle - risk of damage to the vehicle. Ð Install cross member
Fig. 56
Install cross member
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 60.
›
Remove the rollable luggage compartment cover
» page 56; if necessary we
recommend you remove the net partition » page 60.
› Remove the head rests from the rear seat rests and fold the rear seats for-
ward » page 52.
› Undo the securing screws C
» Fig. 56 and remove a little to unlock the holders B
.
› Place the cross member A
with the fixed part onto the left lashing eye and
then place it on the right lashing eye with the removable part of the cross mem-
ber A
.
› Press the holders B
until they latch. Tighten the securing screws C
.
› Check how well the cross member is fastened by pulling on it. Ð
ä
60 Using the system

Flexible storage compartment
Fig. 75
Flexible storage compartment
The flexible storage compartment » Fig. 75 can be built into the right-hand side of
the luggage compartment.
Install
› Insert both ends of the flexible storage compartment into the openings of the
right side trim panel of the boot and push it downwards until it locks.
Removing
› Grasp the flexible storage compartment on the two upper corners.
› Press the upper corners inwards and release the storage compartment by pull-
ing upwards.
› Remove by pulling towards you. CAUTION
The storage compartment is designed for storing small objects with a maximum
total weight of 8 kg. Note
If the variable loading floor » page 57 is installed in the luggage compartment, no
flexible storage compartment can be installed. ÐClothes hooks
The clothes hooks are located on the handle of the headliner above each of the
rear doors. WARNING
■ Ensure that any clothes hanging from the hooks do not impair your vision to
the rear.
■ Only use the hooks for hanging light items of clothing and ensure that there
are no heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
■ Do not use clothes hangers for hanging up items of clothing otherwise this
may reduce the effectiveness of head airbags. CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hooks is 2 kg. Ð Parking ticket holder
Fig. 76
Windscreen: Parking ticket hold-
er
The note holder is designed e.g. for attaching car park tickets. WARNING
The attached note has to always be removed before starting off in order not
to restrict the driver's vision. Ð 69
Seats and Stowage

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi-
tioning system » page 75 or for Climatronic » page 77 .
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak! WARNING
■ For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how
to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and
defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
■ 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
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the boot.
■ We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys-
tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor). ■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry »
page 168 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot
» page 9.£
70 Using the system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 80
Electrohydraulic power steering 80
Electronic immobiliser 80
Ignition lock 81
Starting engine 81
Switching off the engine 81
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 81 on page 80
- . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey - risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ 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 injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 82 on
page 81 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block - risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine - risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel
at full lock for more than 15
seconds when the engine is running - risk of damag-
ing the power steering!
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 82 on
page 81), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature - risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 165, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1
minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. £
79
Starting-off and Driving

For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 168,
Fuses or seek assistance from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 81
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 49, Front seats.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 81 - .
ä ›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð Electrohydraulic power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light then lights up in the in-
strument cluster » page 17, Warning lights . Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
80 Using the 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

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 18, 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. 83
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
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. 83 .
› 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. Ð
ä Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
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.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument
cluster » page 20.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
It is not possible to deactivate ESC. You can only use the button » Fig. 84
on
page 84 to switch off ASR. The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster when the TCS is switched off.
Hydraulic brake assist
The brake assist system is activated by the very quick operation of the brake ped-
al (e.g. in the event of danger). It increases the braking effect and helps to short-
en 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
83
Starting-off and Driving