
What influences the driving safety?
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 140.
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 142
Correct seated position for the front passenger 142
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats 142
Examples of an incorrect seated position 143
WARNING
■ The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
■ 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.
ä WARNING (Continued)
■ If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.
■ 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 from the steering
wheel, and a distance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel
at the height of the knee airbag. The front passenger must maintain a dis-
tance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum dis-
tance will mean that the airbag system 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
141
Passive Safety

WARNING (Continued)
■ The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably when
the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 71.
■ The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel » page 173, Seat belts .
■ The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not attempt
to repair the seat belts yourself.
■ Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage to
the seat belts, seat belt tongue, inertia reel or the lock is detected, the rele-
vant seat belt must be replaced by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a
ŠKODA
specialist garage. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked. Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts. ÐThe physical principle of a frontal collision
Fig. 137
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 144.
The physical principle of a frontal collision can be explained quite simply.
ä Motion energy, so-called kinetic energy, is produced as soon as the vehicle is
moving, both for the vehicle and its occupants. The magnitude of this kinetic en-
ergy depends essentially on the speed at which the vehicle is travelling and on
the weight of the vehicle including the occupants. The greater the speed and
weight increase, the greater the amount of energy which has to be absorbed in
the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor. Doubling the
speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy
four times.
The common opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor accident
with your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces
acting on the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30
km/h to 50 km/h, the forces that your body
is exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt, are
thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the interior of the car,
such as steering wheel, dash panel or windscreen » Fig. 137 - . In certain circum-
stances you could even be thrown out of the vehicle, which could cause life
threatening or even fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will
otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the event
of an accident A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a dan-
ger not only to himself but also for those seated at the front » Fig. 137 - . Ð
145
Seat belts

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;
› driver’s knee airbag.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision: › front side airbag on the side of the accident;
› rear side airbag on the side of the accident;
› head 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 battery in the boot is disconnected,
› 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. 141
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard Fig. 142
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. 141 - .
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the stowage compartment
- » Fig. 141.
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. 142 - . 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. £
149
Airbag system

Avoid short distances
Fig. 153
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore
recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-
tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises
once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 153 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a cer-
tain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C. Your vehicle
has a higher fuel consumption in the winter than in the summer. ÐChecking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. The rolling resistance will be
increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not only increase fuel con-
sumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. ÐAvoid unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. It is worth checking
the boot to avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast. It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase
in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, your vehicle that is fitted with a roof rack cross
member without a load will use use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the
increased aerodynamic drag.
Ð Saving electricity
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required. Ð Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-
rials and manufacture of your new
ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points:
Design measures
› Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials › Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium.
› No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture › Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer. £
161
Driving and the Environment

Driving through water on the street
Fig. 154
Driving through water
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of water (e.g. flooded roads): › Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of
water. The water level must fit around the strut on the side member as a maxi-
mum » Fig. 154;
› Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed. At a higher speed, a water
wave can form in front of the vehicle which can cause water to penetrate into
the air induction system of the engine or into other parts of the vehicle;
› Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off;
› Deactivate the START-STOP
system before driving through water » page 118,
START/STOP . WARNING
■ Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance - risk of accident!
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■ After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy. CAUTION
■ When driving through bodies of water, parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.
■ Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle. ■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water. ■ Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water. Note
After driving through a body of water, we recommend that the vehicle is checked
by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð 163
Driving and the Environment

Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 183
Fuse box cover/Schematic diagram of the fuse box
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 207.
The fuses are located on the left side of the dash panel behind a cover.
›
Remove the cover for the fuse box using a screwdriver
» Fig. 183.
› Replace the cover once the fuse has been changed.
Fuse assignment in the dash panel No. Power consumer
1 Diagnostic socket, engine control unit, fuel pump relay, fuel pump
control unit
2 Control unit for ABS, ESC, switch for the tyre control display, brake
sensor
3 Switch and airbag control unit
4 WIV, tail lights, dimming mirrors, pressure sensor, telephone preinstal-
lation
5 Control unit for headlight beam adjustment and headlight swivel, con-
trol unit for parking aid, control unit for park assist
6 Instrument cluster, control unit for electromechanical power steering,
Haldex, selector lever lock, power supply for data bus, AG
7 Valve heating, air mass meter
8 Control unit for trailer detection 9 Relay for auxiliary heating and ventilation
10 Adaptive left main headlight ä
No. Power consumer
11 Adaptive right main headlight
12 Not assigned
13 Diagnostic socket, light switch, rain sensor, clock
14 Central locking system and bonnet lid 15 Central control unit - interior lights
16 The air conditioning system 17 Not assigned
18 Phone 19 Instrument cluster, windscreen wiper lever, and turn signal lever
20 KESSY 21 KESSY ELV
22 Air blower for Climatronic
23 Front power window, central locking of the front doors
24 Selector lever lock, AG 25 Rear window heater, relay for auxiliary heating and ventilation
26 Power socket in the boot 27 Fuel pump relay, control unit for fuel pump, injection valves
28 Electric boot lid 29 AG, Haldex
30 Ventilated front seats 31 DVD pre-installation
32 Front power window, central locking system of the rear doors
33 Electric sliding/tilting roof
34 Alarm, spare horn 35 front and rear lighter
36 Headlight cleaning system 37 Heated front seats
38 Heated rear seats 39 Rear window wiper
40 Fan air-conditioning system, relay for auxiliary heating and ventilation 41 Not assigned
42 Light switch £208
Do-it-yourself

Technical data
Technical data
Introductory information
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual. Please refer to the official vehicle
registration documents or consult a
ŠKODA Service Partner to determine which
engine your vehicle is equipped with.
The listed performance values were determined without performance-reducing
equipment, e.g. air conditioning system.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number - VIN (vehicle body number) is stamped into the
engine compartment on the right hand suspension strut dome. This number is al-
so located on a sign on the lower left hand edge below the windscreen (together
with a VIN bar code).
Engine number
The engine number is stamped into the engine block. ÐData on the vehicle data sticker and the type plate
Fig. 194
Vehicle data sticker/type plate Vehicle data sticker
The vehicle data sticker
» Fig. 194 is located on the floor of the boot and is also
stated in the service schedule.
The vehicle data sticker contains the following data:
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle type
Gearbox code/paint number/interior equipment/engine output/engine code
Partial vehicle description
Operating weight (in kg)
Fuel consumption (in ltr./100
km) - intra-urban/extra-urban/combined
CO 2 emission levels - combined (in g/km)
Type plate
The type plate » Fig. 194 is located on the lower part of the column between the
front and rear doors on the driver's side.
The type plate lists the following weights:
Maximum permissible gross weight
Maximum permissible towed weight (towing vehicle and trailer)
Maximum permissible front axle load
Maximum permissible rear axle load
Operating weight
The specified operating weight is for orientation purposes only. This value repre-
sents the minimum operating weight without additional weight-increasing equip-
ment such as air conditioning system, spare wheel, or trailer hitch.
The operating weight also contains the weight of the driver (75 kg), the weight of
the operating fluids, the tool kit, and a fuel tank filled to 90 % capacity.
It is possible to calculate the approximate loading capacity from the difference
between the permissible total weight and the operating weight » .
The payload consists of the following components:
› Passengers
› All items of luggage and other loads
› Roof load including roof rack system
› Equipment not included in the operating weight
› Trailer drawbar load when towing a trailer (max. 80 kg).
£ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
216
Technical data

Index
A
ABS Function 111
Warning light 23
Accessories 194
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR) 110
Adjusting Exterior mirror 64
Adjusting seats 141
Adjustment Seat 67
Aerial 168
see Radio reception 170
Airbag 148
Deployment 148
Front airbag 149
Head airbag 152
Knee airbag 150
Side airbag 151
Airbag system 148
Air conditioning system 93
Air outlet vents 94
Climatronic 97
Manual air conditioning system 94
Alarm 33
Anti-theft alarm system 33
Antilock brake system 111
Armrest Front 88
rear 72, 88
Ashtray 83
Assist systems ABS 23, 111
Cruise control systems (CCS) 116
EDL 111
ESC 22, 110Park assist 113
Parking aid 112
START/STOP 118
TCS 23, 111
Auto Check Control 18
Automatic driving lamp control 49
Automatic gearbox 121
Dynamic shift programme 124
Emergency programme 125
Information for driving 121
Kickdown 124
Manual shifting of gears on the multifunction steering wheel 123
Parking 122
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 125
Selector lever lock 124
Selector lever positions 122
Starting off 122
Stopping 122
Tiptronic 123
Automatic load deactivation 186
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventila- tion) 100
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 162
B
Before setting off 140
Belt tensioners 147
Bonnet Closing 177
Opening 177
Warning light 21
Boot Class
N1 vehicles 73
Cover 75
Emergency unlocking 37
Emergency unlocking Combi 37
Extendable variable loading floor 77
Fastening elements 74
Fixing nets 74Fixing of the floor covering 75
foldable boot cover (Combi) 76
Folding hooks 74
Light 56
Removable lamp (Combi) 57
see Boot lid 36
Unlocking of the boot lid Combi 37
Variable loading floor 76
Boot lid 36
Automatic locking 37
Combi 37
Twindoor 36
Warning light 21
Brake assist 110
Brake booster 109
Brake fluid Checking 181
Brake pads Indicator light 25
Brakes Brake assist systems 108
Handbrake 109
Indicator light 20
Running in 158
Braking Brake fluid 181
Breakdown kit 200
Bulbs Replacing 210
Button in the driver's door Electric power windows 40
C
Car computer see Multifunction display 12
Car jack 196
Carrier 81
Catalytic converter 158
CD changer 138
Central locking button 30
225
Index