
Seats and stowing
Front seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the front seats
43
Foldable front passenger seat
43
Front seat heating
44
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important:
› for safely and quickly reaching the controls;
› for a relaxed body position that reduces fatigue;
› for achieving maximum protection from the seat belts and the airbag system.
WARNINGGeneral information■Caution when adjusting the seat! You may suffer injuries or bruises as a re-
sult of adjusting the seat without paying proper attention.■
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!
■
Never carry more people than the number of seats in the vehicle.
■
Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 103, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
■
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.
■
Do not carry any objects on the front passenger seat except objects de-
signed for this purpose (e.g. child seat) – risk of accident!
WARNINGInformation for the driver■Only adjust the driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary – risk of accident!■
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 – risk to life!
■
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!
Note
After a certain time, play can develop within the adjustment mechanism of the
backrest angle.
42Using the system

Adjusting the front seatsFig. 35
Control elements at the seat
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 42.
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
›
Pull the lever
1
» Fig. 35 up and push the seat into the desired position.
›
Release the lever
1
and push the seat until the lock clicks into place.
Adjusting height of seat
›
In order to raisethe seating position, pull up the lever
2
» Fig. 35 or move it
back and forth until the desired position is reached.
›
To lower the seat position, push the lever
2
down or move it back and forth un-
til the desired position is reached.
Adjusting the angle of the seat backrest
›
Remove the load on the seat backrest (do not lean on it), pull the lever
3
» Fig. 35 or
4
1)
towards the rear and set the desired angle of the seat back-
rest with the back.
Folding the front seat forwards and moving it 1)
›
Pull the lever
3
» Fig. 35 or
4
a fold the backrest fully forwards. At the same
time, move the seat forwards.
Moving seats into the initial position 1)
›
Move the seat towards the rear until the lock is heard to engage.
›
Then push the seat backrest back into the upright position until the unlocking
button clicks into place - check by pulling on the seat backrest.
Foldable front passenger seatFig. 36
Folding the front passenger seat
forward
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 42.
The front passenger seat can be folded forward into a horizontal position.
Folding forward
›
Place the lever in position 1 » Fig. 36 .
›
Fold the seat backrest forward in the direction of the arrow 2.
The locking mechanism must audibly snap into place.
The seat automatically moves forwards to the stop 1)
.
Folding backward
›
Place the lever in position 1 » Fig. 36 .
›
Fold the seat backrest backward in the opposite direction of the arrow 2.
The locking mechanism must audibly snap into place.
The seat automatically moves backwards to the stop 1)
.
The seat automatically moves backwards into the preset position 2)
.
1)
Applies to front seats with the Easy Entry system.
2)
Applies to front seats with the Easy Entry system and Memory function.
43Seats and stowing

Rear seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Folding the rear seats forward
45
Head restraints
45
Folding the rear seats forward
Fig. 38
Unlock the seat backrest
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 45.
The rear seat backrest can be folded forwards to increase the size of the luggage
compartment.
Folding the seat backrest forwards
›
Push the release handle
A
» Fig. 38 to unlock the seat backrest and fold it for-
ward.
›
Move the head restraint fully towards the rear, or remove » page 45, Head re-
straints .
Folding the seat backrest back into position
›
Push the head restraint into the slightly lifted seat backrest » page 45, Head
restraints .
›
Then push the seat backrest back into the upright position until the unlocking
handle clicks into place - check by pulling on the seat backrest » .
›
Make sure that the red marker
B
» Fig. 38 is hidden.
WARNING■
The belts and the belt locks must be in their original position after folding
back the seat backrests – they must be ready to use.■
The seat backrests must be securely locked in position so that no objects in
the luggage compartment can slide into the passenger compartment on sud-
den braking – risk of injury.
■
Ensure that the rear seat backrests are properly engaged. It is only then that
the three-point seat belt can reliably fulfil its function.
CAUTION
Ensure that the seat belts are not damaged when operating the seat backrests. Under no circumstances must the rear seat belts be jammed by the folded back
seat backrests.
Head restraints
Fig. 39
Head restraints rear: adjusting/
removing
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 45.
Only the rear head restraints can be height-adjusted or removed or installed.
Setting height
›
Grasp the side of the head restraint with both hands and push it upwards as re-
quired » Fig. 39 .
›
To move the head restraint downwards, press and hold the safety button
1
with one hand and press the head restraint downwards with the other hand.
Removing/installing
›
Fold the seat backrest a little forward » page 45, Folding the rear seats forward .
45Seats and stowing

■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

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
66
Power steering
66WARNING■ 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). Otherwise, activation of the driver airbag could cause se-
vere injuries to arms, hands and head.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance
B
» Fig. 67 on page 66be-
tween the steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – hazard!
■
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.
Adjusting the steering wheel positionFig. 67
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe dis-
tance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 66.
The height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 43.
›
Swing the lever
A
» Fig. 67 below the steering wheel down.
›
Adjust the height of the steering wheel to the desired position.
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidentally change during the
journey – risk of accident!
Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 66.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running.
66Driving

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

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