CAUTION
■ Never exceed the maximum power consumption, otherwise the vehicle's elec-
trical system can be damaged.
■ Connecting electrical components when the engine is not running will drain the
battery of the vehicle - risk of battery draining!
■ Only use matching plugs to avoid damaging the 12-volt power socket.
■ Only use accessories that have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility in
accordance with the applicable directives.
■ Before turning the ignition on or off, and before starting the car, switch off the
device connected to the 12-volt power socket to prevent any damage caused by
voltage fluctuations.
■ Observe the operating instructions for the connected devices! Note
The 12-volt power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical ac-
cessories with a power uptake of up to 120 watt.ÐStorage compartments
Overview
The vehicle has the following storage compartments: Storage compartment on the front passenger side » page 85
Storage compartment on the driver's side » page 86
Stowage compartment in front centre console » page 86
Storage net in the front centre console » page 86
Map pockets in the front seats » page 87
Glasses storage box » page 87
Storage compartments in the doors » page 87
Stowage compartment below front passenger seat » page 88
Front armrest with storage compartment » page 88
Rear armrest with storage compartment » page 88
Stowage compartment in rear centre console » page 89
Stowage compartment for an umbrella » page 89
Seat backrest with through-loading channel » page 89 Removable through-loading bag
» page 90
Side compartments in the boot » page 90
Lockable side compartment (Combi) » page 91
Non-lockable side compartment (Combi) » page 91 WARNING
■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may distract you
from concentrating on the traffic - risk of accident!
■ When driving, ensure that no objects from the centre console or from other
storage compartments can get into the driver's footwell. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of
accident!
■ The storage compartments must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons. Ð Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 87
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the front passenger
side
Open/close
› Press the button
» Fig. 87 and the lid folds down.
› Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
A pen holder is provided in the stowage compartment. Ð
85
Seats and Stowage
The air conditioning system
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 96 or for Climatronic » page 98 .
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 air conditioning system works 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 207.
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 9.
If you cannot rectify the functional fault yourself, or the cooling capacity decrea-
ses, the cooling system must be switched off. Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
93
The air conditioning system
Air outlet vents
Fig. 106
Air vents at the frontFig. 107
Air vents at the rear
Opening
› Turn the rotary knob into the position
.
Closing
› Turn the rotary knob into the position
0. Changing the air flow direction
› The horizontal as well as the vertical direction of the air flow is set with the
moveable handle in the middle of the relevant air outlet vents.
The air outlet vents 2, 3 » Fig. 106 and 5 » Fig. 107 can be closed and opened indi-
vidually.
Unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the opened air outlet vents according to
the setting of control dial and the outside atmospheric conditions. Ð Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) Introductory information
The cooling system only operates if the button AC 1
» Fig. 108 on page 95
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
94 Using the system
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introductory information
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the air flow, the blower
stages and air distribution. The system also takes sunlight into account, which
eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic
mode » page 98 ensures maximum well-being of the occupants at all times of
the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› AC 13
» Fig. 109 on page 97 switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year.
› Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
› Press the button
AUTO 8
» Fig. 109
on page 97.
› Move the air outlet vents
2 and 3 so that the air flow is directed slightly up-
wards.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh air
blower is automatically switched over to
“solar mode” if the sun ray's are suffi-
cient after switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the sliding/tilting roof de-
liver power for the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with fresh
air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 2 and 3 must be opened » Fig. 106
on page 94.
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is closed. Note
■ We recommend that you have the Climatronic system cleaned by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage once every year. ■ On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio or radio navigation system, the
Climatronic information is also shown on their displays. This function can be
switched off, see operating instructions for the radio or navigation system. Ð Overview of the control elements
Fig. 109
Climatronic: Control elements
The buttons Defrost windscreen intensively Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculated air mode
with air quality sensor
Rear window heater The buttons/control dial
Setting of the temperature for the left side, operation of the seat heating of
the left front seat
Automatic mode AUTO Switching off Climatronic
OFF £1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
97
The air conditioning system
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Direct switching on/off 101
System settings 101
Radio remote control 101
Changing the battery of the radio remote control 102
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) functions in connection with the air-con-
ditioning system or Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the
vehicle and while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine).
The engine is also preheated, if the auxiliary heating is switched on when the ve-
hicle is stationary and the engine is switched off. This is not valid for vehicles with
the 3.6 l/191 kW
FSI engine.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant by combusting fuel
from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is
not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun). WARNING
■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning! ■ The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the
vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases from the auxiliary heating can
come into contact with highly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily in-
flammable substances (e.g. spilt fuel). Note
■ If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
The auxiliary heating automatically controls the filling level in the fuel tank. If only
a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel tank, the function of the auxiliary
heating is blocked. ■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■ If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
■ At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating
problem.
■ After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short peri-
od.
■ The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the ve-
hicle battery indicates a low loading state » page 186, Automatic load deactiva-
tion .
■ The auxiliary heating (parking heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please re-
fuel! ■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in
order to ensure that the auxiliary heating operates properly.
■ So that warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on the auxili-
ary heating, you must maintain the comfort temperature normally selected by
you, leave the fan switched on and leave the air outlet vents in an open position.
It is recommended to put the air flow in the position or . Ð
100 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 104
Electromechanical power steering 104
Electronic immobiliser 104
Ignition lock 105
Starting engine 105
Switching the engine off 105
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 105,
KESSY system. 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. 112 on page 104
- . 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 severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed. WARNING (Continued)
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 113
on
page 105 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the indicator lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could re-
sult in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident! ■ 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
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 113 on
page 105), 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 202, 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. £
103
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 also does not start after the second attempt, the fuse for the elec-
tric fuel pump (petrol engines) or the control unit for the glow plug system or
glow plug system relay and fuel pump (diesel engine) could be faulty. Check the
fuse and replace, if necessary » page 207 or seek assistance from a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist 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. 112
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
ä ›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 66.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 112 - .
› 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 Electromechanical power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
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 indicator light or lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 21. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
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
104 Using the system
Ignition lock
Fig. 113
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
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. 113
, 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 103.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow indicator light comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow indicator 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. 113 on
page 105 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.
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Depress clutch to start!
The following is shown in the information display of the information cluster:
CLUTCH Ð Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 113 on
page 105. Ð KESSY system
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unlocking and locking the steering 106
Switching on the ignition 107
Switching off the ignition 107
£
ä
105
Starting-off and Driving