
WARNING■The front passenger airbag should be switched off when transporting ob-
jects on the seat backrest that has been folded forwards » page 102.■
Only adjust the seat backrest when the vehicle is stationary.
■
When moving the seat backrest, make sure that the seat backrest has been
properly secured – check by pulling on the seat backrest.
■
If the seat backrest is folded, passengers may only be transported on the
outer seat behind the driver.
■
When moving the seat backrest, keep limbs out of the area between the
seat and seat backrest – risk of injury!
■
The seat backrest that has been folded forwards must never be used to
transport objects that: ■could restrict the driver's view;
■ can make it impossible for the driver to operate the vehicle, e.g. if they
could fall under the pedals or protrude into the driver's area; ■ could injure passengers when the driver accelerates sharply, changes di-
rection or brakes.
Front seat heating
Fig. 37
Heated front seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 42.
The front seats can be heated electrically. In some seat versions, the seat back-
rest is heated as well.
The seat heating can only be switched on when the engine is running.
›
Press the symbol button
or
» Fig. 37 .
Pressing once switches the seat heating on at its maximum level.
With repeated pressing of the switch, the level of the seat heating is down-regu-
lated up to the switch-off. The level of the seat heating is indicated by the num-
ber of illuminated warning lights in the switch.WARNINGIf, as an occupant, you have a subdued pain and/or temperature sensitivity,
e.g. through medication, paralysis or because of chronic illness (e.g. diabetes),
we recommend you do not use seat heating on the driver or front passenger
seat. This can lead to burns on the back, the posterior and the legs which are difficult to heal. If the seat heating is used, we recommend to make regular
breaks in your journey when driving long distances, so that the body can recu-
perate from the stress of the journey. Please consult your doctor, who can evaluate your specific condition.
CAUTION
■ Do not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at specific points to
avoid damaging the heating elements for the seat heaters.■
Do not turn on the seat heater if seats are not occupied.
■
Do not switch on the seat heating if the seats have objects attached to or
placed on them, for example a child seat, a bag, etc. A fault of the heating ele- ments in the seat heating can occur.
■
If additional seat covers or protective covers are attached to the seats, do not
turn on the seat heater - there is a risk of damaging the seat covers and seat
heating.
■
Do not clean the seats using moisture » page 120, Seat covers .
Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the seat heating is switched off automatically, in
order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control » page 137,
Automatic load deactivation .
44Using the system

■On vehicles with a panoramic sliding roof, make sure that the tilted panoramic
sliding roof not strike any items which are transported.■
Ensure that the luggage compartment lid does not hit the roof load when
opened.
■
The height of the vehicle changes after mounting a roof luggage rack system
and the load that is secured to it. Compare the vehicle height with available clear-
ances, such as underpasses and garage doors.
■
Always remove the roof luggage rack system before entering an automated car
wash.
■
Ensure the roof aerial is not impaired by the secured load.
For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.
fixing points for base support
Fig. 47
Attachment points
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 49.
Perform the assembly and disassembly according to the enclosed instructions.
CAUTION
Observe the information regarding the assembly and disassembly in the enclosed
instructions.
Roof load
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 49.
The maximum permissible roof load (including roof rack system) of 50 kg and the
maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle should not be exceeded.
The full permissible roof load cannot be used if a roof rack system with a lower
load carrying capacity is used. In this case, the roof rack system must only be loa-
ded up to the maximum weight limit specified in the fitting instructions.
Useful equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Cup holder
51
Ash tray
51
Cigarette lighter
52
12-volt power socket
52
Clothes hooks
53
Parking ticket holder
53WARNING■ 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 – there is the risk of an 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 or operate the clutch or accelerator pedal –
risk of accident!
■
Ash and cigarette or cigar stubs must only be discarded in ashtrays!
50Using the system

■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!
Clothes hooks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 50.
The clothes hooks are located at the centre door bars.
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 side airbag.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hooks is 2 kg.
Parking ticket holder
Fig. 52
Windscreen: Parking ticket hold-
erFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 50.
The note holder » Fig. 52 is designed e.g. for attaching car park tickets.
WARNINGThe attached note has to always be removed before starting off in order not
to restrict the driver's vision.
Storage compartments
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storage compartment on the driver's side
54
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
54
storage Storage compartment with lid on the front passenger side
54
Bag holder
55
Photo holder
55
Storage compartment in the front centre console
55
Multimedia holder
56
Meshed pockets on the front seat rests
56
Storage compartments in front of the rear seats
56WARNING■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving 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 or operate the clutch or accelerator pedal –
risk of accident!
53Seats and stowing

Storage compartment on the driver's sideFig. 53
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's side
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 53.
The open stowage compartment can be found underneath the dash panel on the
driver's side » Fig. 53.
WARNING■
Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console may get into
the driver's footwell. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes or
operate the clutch or accelerator pedal – risk of accident!■
Never store hard, heavy or sharp items in an opened stowage compartment.
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 54
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the front passenger
sideFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 53.
The open stowage compartment can be found underneath the dash panel on the
front passenger's side » Fig. 54.
Bag hooks
There is a bag hook
1
» Fig. 54 at the open stowage compartment which is used
to hang smaller items of luggage, e.g. bags, or similar.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hook is 1.5 kg.
storage Storage compartment with lid on the front passenger
side
Fig. 55
Dash panel: Storage compartment on the front passenger side
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 53.
Open/close
›
Pull on the opening lever
1
» Fig. 55 .
Please read the following information if there is a foldable hook in the opening
lever » page 55,
in section Bag holder .
›
To close, push the cover upwards.
The cover must engage firmly.
54Using the system

It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light or
lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 18.
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
68
Ignition lock
68
Starting the engine
68
Switching off the engine
68
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 68 on
page 68 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, this 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 could
be blocked – 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. Children could otherwise
start the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life!■
Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■ The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is activa-
ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 68 on page 68.
■
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 154,
Fuses on the underside of the dash panel , or seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage.
■
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 150 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
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.
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
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
67Starting-off and Driving

Electronic immobilizerFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 67.
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.
Ignition lock
Fig. 68
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 67.
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
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 position
2
» Fig. 68 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the steer-
ing lock unlocks.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel
whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
123Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 67.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position N
and firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 68 on page 68.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the en-
gine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 67.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 68 on
page 68.
Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
69
Handbrake
70
68Driving

WARNING■Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
In the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 110, Modifica-
tions, adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air
supply to the front brake is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat,
which can have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking 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 could then start to move – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 74.■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.
Information on braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 68.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers 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 automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance at a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift into
the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used,
reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed in-
termittently, not continuously.
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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
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. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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 specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriatelyas you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
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 16,
Braking system .
Brake booster The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
69Starting-off and Driving

HandbrakeFig. 69
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 68.
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. 69 .
›
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.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can havea negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
70
Pedals
71
Manual gear changing
Fig. 70
Shift pattern of the transmission
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 70.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear to
the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 12.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 70Driving