
Transporting children safely
Child seat
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
104
Child safety and side airbag
104
Classification of child seats
105
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
105
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory provi-sions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. The ECE-R
standard stands for: Economic Commission for Europe – Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard are identified with a test
mark that cannot be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number be-
low.
WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child seats.■One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic con-
ditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■
The child must be secured in the vehicle during the entire journey! Other-
wise, the child would be thrown through the vehicle in the event of an acci-
dent, causing fatal injuries to both the child and other occupants.
WARNING (Continued)■ Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the vehi-
cle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the
front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries if the air-
bag system is deployed!■
Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer of
the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
■
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat on the front passenger seat. Further information » page 104, Use of a
child seat on the front passenger seat .
Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories. These
child seats were developed and also tested for use in ŠKODA vehicles. They meet
the ECE-R 44 standard.
103Transporting children safely

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Never use a backwards-facing child restraint system on a seat that is protected by an active airbag installed in front of it. This could cause the child severe injury
or even death.Fig. 94
Sticker on the B column on the
front passenger side.
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 103.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats
whenever possible.
The following instructions must be followed when using a child seat on the front passenger seat.
› The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat »
.
› If possible, adjust the front passenger seat backrest so that it is as vertical, so
as to ensure secure contact between the passenger seat backrest and the back
of the child seat.
› If possible, move the front passenger seat backwards so that there is no con-
tact between the front passenger seat and the child seat behind it.
› With child safety seats in groups 2 or 3, make sure that the loop-around fittings
attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at the same
height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passenger side.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat 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 child
seat .
WARNING■ The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat on the front passenger seat » page 101, Deactivating airbags .■
Never use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat if the passen-
ger airbag is activated. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment
area of the front passenger 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. 94. The sticker is visible upon opening the
front passenger door. In some countries, the sticker is affixed to the front pas-
senger sun visor.
■
With child safety seats in groups 2 or 3, make sure that the loop-around fit-
tings attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at the
same height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passenger side.
■
As soon as the rear-facing child seat is no longer being used on the passen-
ger seat, the front passenger airbag should be re-activated again.
Child safety and side airbag
Fig. 95
Incorrect seated position of a child who is not properly secured – risk
from the side airbag/child properly protected by child seat
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 103.
The child must not be positioned in the deployment area of the side air-
bag » Fig. 95 –
.
104Safety

In the following situation, it is possible that the tank cannot be fully filled with
natural gas.
› At very high ambient temperatures. The natural gas refuelling systems have
overheating protection. When the ambient temperature reaches a predefined value, the refuelling system automatically switches off.
› If the refuelling system has been in operation for a longer period, the filling
pressure of the natural gas refuelling system slightly drops.WARNING■ Stop the engine before refuelling.■Always switch off your mobile phone, do not smoke and do not use open
flames when refuelling with natural gas – risk of explosion!■
When refuelling, never get into the vehicle. If you have to get into your vehi-
cle in exceptional cases, close the door and touch a metal surface before you
touch the filling coupling again. This will avoid electrostatic discharges, which
may generate sparks. Sparks can cause a fire during refuelling.
■
Natural gas is highly explosive and flammable. Incorrect refuelling or improp-
er handling of natural gas can cause a fire, an explosion and injuries.
Note
■ The natural gas system of your vehicle is suitable both for fuelling from small
compressors (slow fuelling) and for fuelling from natural gas stations with large
compressors (quick fuelling).■
Noises that occur during refuelling represent no risk.
■
If the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time immediately after refuelling,
the situation may arise in which the pointer of the fuel tank gauge does not indi- cate exactly the same level as was the case immediately after refuelling when theengine is restarted. This is not due to any system leakages but a drop in pressurein the natural gas fuel tank due to technical reasons after a cooling phase directly
after refuelling.
■
For frequent short-haul traffic, especially at low outside temperatures, the vehi-
cle is driven more frequently in petrol mode than in natural gas mode. This is why the petrol tank runs empty faster than the natural gas tank.
■
The capacity of the natural gas tank is about 11 kg, of which about 1.5 kg are a
reserve.
■
The capacity of the petrol tank is about 10 l, of which about 5 l are a reserve.
Automatic switching from CNG to petrol mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 123.
The vehicle automatically switches over from CNG mode to petrol mode when the following conditions are met:
› when starting the engine, if the coolant temperature is below 15 °C,
› when the natural gas tank is empty,
› after refuelling with natural gas.
Natural gas as fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 123.
Natural gas is an alternative fuel for motor vehicles. Its main component is meth-
ane (CH 4). The rest is carbon dioxide and lower hydrocarbons.
The strict legal requirements for exhaust emissions of motor vehicles are decisive for the current significance of natural gas. In direct comparison to all other fossil
fuels, natural gas is one of the fuels which cause the lowest emissions.
Natural gas is odourless and lighter than air. For safety reasons, it is saturated
with odorous substances, so that is perceived even in very small amounts.
Regular gas system checks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 123.
Every two years, the following inspections must be carried out:
› Check the condition of the fuel filler cap, filler neck and sealing ring, and clean
sealing ring if necessary.
› Check gas system for leaks.
The following checks must be carried out every four years: › Check gas tank mounting for secure attachment and possible damage.
The gas tank must be filled prior to the regular gas system check.
125Inspecting and replenishing

Safe natural gasFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 123.
The safety concept of the natural gas system ensures safe operation. It is equip-
ped with the following security features.
› At each natural gas tank, there is a solenoid valve that closes automatically af-
ter turning off the ignition or when running in petrol mode.
› A thermal fuse prevents uncontrolled rise in pressure in the natural gas tank in
case of fire.
› A flow limiter prevents sudden emptying of the natural gas tank in case the
pressure system is damaged.
› All the attachment points and materials are designed for maximum safety.
Natural gas quality and consumption
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 123.
Natural gas is divided into quality groups H-gas and L-gas. The two types of gas
are subdivided according to their calorific value and nitrogen and carbon dioxide
contents. H-gas has a higher calorific value and lower nitrogen or carbon dioxide
content than L-gas.
The higher the calorific value of natural gas, the lower is the consumption. How-
ever, the calorific value and the nitrogen and carbon dioxide contents can vary
within a quality group. Therefore, the consumption of the vehicle may even vary
when driving with only one natural gas quality (either only H-gas or L-gas).
The engine control of your vehicle automatically adjusts to the different natural
gas qualities. Therefore both natural gas qualities can be mixed in the fuel tank. It is therefore not necessary to run the natural gas tank completely empty to fill up
another quality.
CNG labelsFig. 101
CNG label
Fig. 102
Position of the CNG label
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 123.
In some countries, national legislation requires that vehicles with CNG operation
be identified by one of the listed labels » Fig. 101.
Position of the CNG label » Fig. 102.
126General Maintenance

Engine compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
128
Engine compartment overview
129
Radiator fan
129
Windscreen washer system
129WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment:■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position N.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is
escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!■The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
127Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING■Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children!
■
If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car jack
is not sufficient – risk of injury!
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cover)
– risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. Therefore, the
lock must always be checked after closing the bonnet in order to ensure that
it has engaged properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!■
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.
Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 103
Bonnet release lever
Fig. 104
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 127.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 103 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam- aged.
›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 103 and the bon-
net is unlocked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
128General Maintenance

›Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
» Fig. 104 in the direction if the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support in the
opening 4
designed for it.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the holder
3
designed for this purpose » Fig. 104.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do
not push it in .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever » Fig. 103.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 105
Schematic diagram: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 127.
Engine oil dipstick
131
Engine oil filler opening
131
Coolant expansion reservoir
132123Brake fluid reservoir133Vehicle battery134
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
129
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 127.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 106
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 127.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window.
The capacity of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is approximately 3 litres.
Water alone is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from the range of ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories (with antifreeze in winter) , which will remove any stubborn dirt.
456129Inspecting and replenishing

Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev-
el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 134.
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 134.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.›Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first
“negative”, then “positive”).›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi- tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on thedevice.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve-
hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, known as “ rapid charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 152, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
136General Maintenance