2012 SKODA OCTAVIA ECO mode

In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights. The engine restarts automatically
where necessary.
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the Info-
tainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehi-
cle systems (CAR button) .
Basic conditions for the START STOP mode
› The driver's door is closed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
› No trailer is coupled.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
Always deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through wa-
ter » page 104 .
Note
■
\If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened during stop mode on vehicles with manual transmission or on ve-
hicles with automatic transmission when the selector lever in position P, the en-
gine must be started manually with the key or starter button KESSY » page 95.■
After manually starting the engine on vehicles with manual transmission, auto-
matic engine shut down is not possible until the vehicle has travelled the re-
quired minimum distance for START-STOPP mode.
■
If on vehicles with automatic transmission, the selector lever D/S or N is selec-
ted after moving in reverse, the vehicle will first need to achieve a speed greater
than 10 km/h before automatic engine shut down takes place again.
■ 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.■
If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically.

Starting/shutting down the engine
Fig. 113
Instrument cluster display: En-
gine shut down (STOP phase)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Vehicles with manual transmission
›
Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
›
Put the gear stick into Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shut down (STOP phase) takes place. The following indicator
light 
- » Fig. 113 appears in the instrument cluster display.
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again (start phase). The warning light
goes out.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
Automatic engine shut down takes place. The following indicator light 
- » Fig. 113 appears in the instrument cluster display.
›
Release the brake pedal. 
122Using the system

Manually activating/deactivating the systemFig. 115
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 115 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
Note
■ If the system is deactivated during the STOP phase, the automatic start proce-
dure takes place.■
If the Eco » page 124 driving mode is selected, manual deactivation is not pos-
sible.

Information for the driver
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
The information for the driver appears in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!
or
START MANUALLY
The driver sees this message when the conditions for the automatic start proce-
dure are not met during the STOP phase. The engine must be started manually
with the key or starter button KESSY » page 95.
Error: start-stop system
or
START STOP ERROR
Error in the START-STOP system. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Select driving mode
Fig. 116
Centre console: Button for se-
lecting the driving mode
Selecting the driving mode allows you to adjust a range of different driving pa-
rameters for the vehicle.
The driving mode can only be selected when the ignition is turned on. The menu for selecting the driving mode is called up by pressing the button 
» Fig. 116 . More information about setting the driving mode » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Other functions .
When the Sport, Eco or Individual modes are activated, the symbol 
» Fig. 116
lights up in the button.
The most recently selected driving mode (before the ignition was switched off) is
mapped to the vehicle key and is re-activated after the ignition is switched on.
Driving mode
› Normal
- this mode is suitable for a standard comfortable driving style
› Sport
- this mode is suitable for a sporty driving style
› Eco
- this mode is suitable for a economical driving style
› Individual
- this mode is provided for making custom settings to the vehicle sys-
tems (steering, engine, dynamic cornering lights, air conditioning) 
124Using the system

Steering
In the Sport driving mode, the steering force assistance » page 93 is reduced
somewhat. This helps keep the vehicle on the best possible track when driving in
a sporty driving style.
Engine (drive)
The engine and transmission respond more dynamically or more relaxed to move- ments of the gas pedal based on what driving mode was set. In the Eco driving
mode, automatic transmission allows you to drive in the Neutral posi- tion » page 130 . When the Cruise Control System is active, the selected driving
mode can have an influence on driving behaviour when accelerating.
Dynamic cornering lights
The headlights adjust to the more dynamic driving style in the Sport driving
mode. Dynamic cornering lights is deactivated in the Eco driving mode.
Air conditioning (Climatronic)
In the Eco driving mode, the air conditioning system works more efficiently whilst
still maintaining the desired interior temperature.WARNING■ Setting the driving mode while driving can distract you from other traffic -
risk of accident.■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
Note
■ The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the gear is automatically set to mode
S » page 129 when selecting driving mode Sport or, in Eco driving mode, to mode
E .
■
The driver can change some vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driv-
ing mode. For instance, in the driving mode Eco , the driver can switch the auto-
matic transmission to the mode S.

ProActive passenger protection
ProActive passenger protection increases the protection offered to passengers in situations which could lead to a collision or rollover.
The system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on and
works at speeds of over 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during an emergency brake or sudden change in direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury:
› Front passenger seatbelt or front passenger and driver's seatbelts are automat-
ically tensioned strongly over the body;
› Door panels in the side doors and the sliding/tilting roof (if open) are automati-
cally closed up to a gap of around 5 cm from the edge.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be released again.
All functions of the system are available when:
› the system is activated in Infotainment
» operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) ;
› the TCS is switched on
» page 113;
› the
Sport driving mode is not selected » page 124.
If the system cannot function correctly, the following message will appear in the
instrument cluster display:
ProActive passenger protection not available.
or ProActive passenger protection: funct. restricted.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by ProActive passenger pro-
tection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an
accident! 125Assist systems

Automatic gearbox
Automatic transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information
129
Starting-off and driving
130
Selector lever positions
130
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
131
Selector lever lock
131
Kickdown function
132
Dynamic shift programme
132
Emergency programme
132
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
133WARNING■ 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 vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, stopping the vehi-
cle requires you pressing the brake pedal in all selector lever settings. When
the engine is idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted -
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 169 , 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. 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!
WARNING (Continued)■ 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!
Note
If the driving mode Sport or Eco » page 124 is selected and the selector lever is in
position D/S, the gearbox is automatically set to mode S or E. The mode is indica-
ted in the instrument cluster display » Fig. 120 on page 130.
Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Starting
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N .
When the steering is locked, when the ignition is turned on or off, or when start-
ing the engine, If the selector lever is not in the positions P or N, the following
message appears in the instrument cluster display Move the selector lever to Po-
sition P/N! or ENGAGE N OR P .
Shifting gears
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 131.
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 driveposition.
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever position P.
Parking
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P . 
129Automatic gearbox

When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the park
position P is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out of position P.
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the Shiftlock button (button in the selector lever handle), move the selec-
tor lever into the desired position » page 130 and then release the Shiftlock
button.
›
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.
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
Driving in Neutral
›
Select the Eco driving mode » page 124, Select driving mode .
›
Take the foot of the accelerator (selector lever in position D/S).
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
Idling can be interrupted by briefly pressing down on the accelerator pedal or
pressing the rocker switch -
on the multifunction steering wheel
» page 131.

Selector lever positionsFig. 120
Selector lever/Instrument cluster display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 129.
The current mode of the automatic gearbox is indicated in the instrument cluster display
1
» Fig. 120 .
P
– Parklock
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, the Shiftlock
button in the selector lever handle and the brake pedal must be actuated at the
same time.
If the battery is empty, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position
P » page 133 .
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. 
130Using the system

N – Neutral
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2 seconds) into the position D/S or
R when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h and the ignition is switched
on.D/S
- mode for driving forward (Normal program)/mode for driving forward
(Sport program)
The system switches from one mode to the other by moving the selector lever in- to the spring-tensioned position  » Fig. 120 .
In the D or S mode, the forward gears are shifted up and down, depending on the
selected driving mode, engine load, driving speed and dynamic shifting program.
In the S mode, shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit
the power potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds as in the position D.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D/S
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h.

Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 121
Selector lever and multifunction steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel.
It may be of benefit, e.g. when towing a trailer or driving in mountains to adapt
the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the selector lever to the right out of position D/S. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged appears in the instrument cluster display.
Shifting up gears›
Press the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 121 .
›
Pull the right rocker switch +
» Fig. 121 towards the multifunction steering
wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 121 .
›
Pull the left rocker switch -
» Fig. 121 towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting
›
If the selector lever is in position D/S, pull the left rocker switch -
» Fig. 121 or
the right rocker switch + towards the multifunction steering wheel.
›
Manual shifting switches off if the rocker switches
- or + are not actuated for 1
minute or more. You can also switch off the temporary switch-over to manual shifting by pressing the right rocker switch +
for more than 1 second.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.

Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 129.
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N . The indicator light 
» page 20 , Selector lever lock 
illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out
of this position.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N (e.g.
from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The se-
lector lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2
seconds without the brake pedal being pressed. 
131Automatic gearbox

The selector lever lock is only effective when the vehicle is stationary and at
speeds up to 5 km/h.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled whenthe Shiftlock button is pressed.
Ignition key withdrawal lock
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se- lector lever is in the position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever
is blocked in position P.
Kickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 129.
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. The gearbox shifts down to one or several 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.
Note
The kickdown function is also available in the Eco » page 124 driving mode.
Dynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
The control unit on the automatic gearbox continuously monitors the driving per-
formance and takes the selected driving mode into account » page 124. The dy-
namic shifting program is adapted to it.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the control unit 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.
If the control unit detects that sporty style of driving is active, the driving pro-
gramme is adapted to this style and gears are shifted down more quickly than in
the moderate style of driving.
Emergency programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are
functional faults in the gearbox electronics.
A functional fault can have the following effect:
› The gearbox only shifts into certain gears;
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used,
› The manual shift programme is switched off in emergency mode.
Note
When the gearbox has switched to emergency mode, consult a ŠKODA Specialist
garage.
132Using the system

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Never use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat which is protected by an active airbag installed in front of it. This could cause serious injury to the child, even death.Fig. 139
Sticker on the B column on the front passenger side/warning label
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 154.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats whenever possible.
The following advice must be heeded when using a child seat in which the child is
carried on the front passenger seat.
› It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel »
.
› Slide the front passenger seat all the way back.
› If the model of child seat allows it, bring the front passenger seat rest into the
vertical position.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
› Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
› Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-
cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the childseat .
WARNING■ It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel on the
front passenger seat » page 151, Deactivating airbags .■
Never use a child safety seat in which the child is seated with its back facing
the direction of travel on the front passenger seat if the airbag is switched on.
This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front pas-
senger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal injuries, in
the event of it being deployed.
■
This is also clearly stated on the sticker which is located on the B column on
the front passenger side » Fig. 139. The sticker is visible upon opening the
front passenger door. For some countries, the sticker is also affixed to the sun
visor of the front passenger.
■
If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is used
on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved back
and to the top fully. Move the backrest into the vertical position. Set the front
passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
■
The front passenger airbag must be reactivated as soon as you no longer
use a child seat on the front passenger seat.

155Transporting children safely