
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

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
80
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
81
Traction Control System (TCS)
81
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
81WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not know
the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the
braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 110, Modifications, adjustments
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also fail to work.
An ABS fault is indicated with the warning light » page 19 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 80.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is be-
ing operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. Depending on the conditions of the road surface, the risk of skidding is re-
duced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.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 actualbehaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as the car beginning to
skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS);
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
› Hill Hold Control (HHC).
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light
illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster » page 18.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to ach-
ieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firm-
ly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released. The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brakepedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
80Driving

START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
85
Operating conditions of the system
85
Manually activating/deactivating the system
86
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on. 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.
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met.
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.
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 78 .Note■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door
is opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key.■
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-STOPmode.
■
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.
Starting/shutting down the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 85.
›
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 warning symbol
appears in the instrument cluster display.
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again (START phase). The warning
symbol
goes out.
Operating conditions of the system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 85.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard tocheck without servicing.
No engine shut down is carried out
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down takes place in the following situations.
85Assist systems

›The engine has not reached the minimum temperature for the START STOP
mode.
› The temperature inside the vehicle has not reached the desired temperature
set in the air-conditioning system/heating.
› The external temperature is very low/high.
› The windscreen defroster / ventilation is switched on at the maximum air tem-
perature (air conditioning) setting.
› The parking aid is activated.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The stationary vehicle is on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The idling speed is too high.
› The steering angle is too large (manoeuvring).
The warning symbol
appears in the instrument cluster display.
The automatic start procedure takes place again
During the STOP phase, the engine fires up without any active driver intervention, e.g. in the following situations.
› The vehicle begins to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The difference between the temperature setting of the air-conditioning sys-
tem/heating and the temperature of the interior is too large.
› The windscreen defroster / ventilation is switched on at the maximum air tem-
perature (air conditioning) setting.
› The brake pedal was pressed several times (the pressure in the braking system
is too low).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
Manually activating/deactivating the system
Fig. 80
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 85.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the symbol button » Fig. 80 .
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.
City Safe Drive
Introduction
Fig. 81
Laser sensor/detection range
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activation/deactivation
88
Laser sensor
88
Special driving situations
89
The City Safe Drivesystem uses the laser sensor » Fig. 81 –
to take readings
about the traffic situation in front of the vehicle at a range of around 10 metres (11
yards) » Fig. 81 –
in a vehicle speed range of 5 - -30 km/h (3 - -19 mph).
If the driver does not respond to an imminent collision, the City Safe Drive system
can automatically apply the brakes to the vehicle to prevent a possible collision.
86Driving

If the City Safe Drive system is currently slowing the vehicle down automatically,
the warning light will flash quickly .
Automatic braking interventions can be terminated by pressing the clutch, accel- erator or by moving the steering wheel.
If the City Safe Drive system is not currently available, or if there is a system fault, the warning light will flash slowly .
The following conditions cause the City Safe Drive system to become not availa-
ble.
› Taking bends tightly.
› When fully pressing down the accelerator pedal.
› When the City Safe Drivesystem function is switched off/faulty.
› When the laser sensor is dirty, concealed or has overheated
» page 88.
› In the event of snow, heavy rain or fog.
› When vehicles are travelling side by side.
› When vehicles are crossing.
› When vehicles are approaching in the same lane.
› When the vehicles are very dirty and have a low level of reflection.
› With high levels of dust.WARNING■
The City Safe Drive system cannot exceed physical and system-defined lim-
its. The added convenience of the City Safe Drive system must never give you
a reason to takes risks with regard safety. The driver is always the one re-
sponsible for braking in time.■
The City Safe Drive system cannot prevent accidents and injuries by itself.
■
The City Safe Drive system can carry out unexpected braking interventions
in complex driving situations, e.g. when vehicles scrape past each other.
■
Taking the City Safe Drive system into account in one's own driving behav-
iour can lead to accidents and serious injuries. The City Safe Drive system is
not a substitute for the driver's attention.
■
Always adapt your speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead to the
visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
■
The City Safe Drive system cannot detect persons, animals, or crossing vehi-
cles or approaching vehicles in the same lane.
■
The City Safe Drive system cannot exceed physical and system-defined lim-
its. For instance, responses from the City Save Drive system can happen late
or unexpectedly from the driver's perspective. Always stay attentive and take
control when required.
WARNING■ The laser beam from the laser sensor can cause serious eye injuries.■Never use optical devices, e.g. a range-finder camera or magnifying glass to
look into the laser sensor.■
The laser beam can also be active when the City Safe Drivesystem is switch-
ed off or is not available. The laser beam is not visible to the human eye.
CAUTION
If the vehicle starts to roll after the City Safe Drive system is triggered, use the
foot pedal to break.
Note
■ When replacing the windscreen wiper blades, only use windscreen wiper blades
approved by the manufacturer.■
Do not paint the laser sensor range on the windscreen. Do not cover it up with
stickers or similar.
■
Keep the laser sensor range free of dirt and ice at all times.
■
Remove any snow with a hand-held brush and we recommend you remove any
ice with a solvent-free deicing spray.
■
If the laser sensor range on the windscreen has scratches, cracks, etc, replace
the windscreen. Only use windscreens approved by the manufacturer. Carrying
out repairs to the windscreen are not permissible.
■
A damaged windscreen in the area of the laser sensor can lead to a failure of
the City Safe Drive system.
■
Repairing the laser sensor requires specialist expertise. We recommend the
ŠKODA service partners.
87Assist systems

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Safety equipment
90
Before setting off
90
What influences the driving safety?
91
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the subject
of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for exam- ple, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those travel-
ling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This ap-
plies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Safety equipment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 90.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
›
Head, thorax, driver and front seat passenger side airbag with head restraint
function;
› Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the TOP TETHER system.
› Height-adjustable rear head restraints;
› Height-adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect you
and those travelling with you in accident situations.
The safety equipment does not protect you or the people travelling with you, if
you or your occupants adopt an incorrect seated position or the equipment is not correctly adjusted or used.
If the seat belt is not fastened properly, this may result in injuries if an airbag is activated in the event of an accident.
Before setting off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 90.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay
attention to the following points before setting off.
› Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure.
› Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
› Secure all items of luggage
» page 46, Luggage compartment .
› Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
› Adjust the rear mirror and the front seat to your body size.
› Advise your passengers on the back seats to adjust the head restraints to their
body size.
› Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 103 , Transporting children safely .
› Adopt the correct seated position
» page 91, Correct seated position . Tell your
passengers to assume the correct seated position.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt. Also inform passengers to fasten the seat belt
correctly » page 96 , Fastening and unfastening seat belts .
90Safety

What influences the driving safety?First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 90.
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 become 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. due to medication, alcohol
or 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.
Correct seated position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seated position for the driver
92
Correct seated position for the front passenger
92
Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats
92
Examples of incorrect seated positions
92WARNINGGeneral information■The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted according
to height, so that the occupants can be protected as effectively as possible.■
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 seat backrests must not be tilted too far back when driving, as this will
impair the function of the seat belts and of the airbag system – risk of injury!
WARNINGInformation for the driver■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.■
Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel. Not maintaining
this minimum distance 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, handsand head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell, as these may get
caught in the pedal apparatus when driving or braking. You would then no
longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or acceleration pedals.
WARNINGInformation for the front seat passenger■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this
minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to proper-
ly protect you – hazard!■
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!
91Passive Safety