
Useful equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Cupholders
69
Ashtray
69
Cigarette lighter
70
12-volt power outlet
70
Clothes hook
71
Car park ticket holder
71WARNING■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down while you are driving (under acceleration or when cornering) and could
distract you from the traffic - there is a risk of an accident.■
Make sure that no objects from the centre console or from other storage
compartments can get into the driver's footwell while you are driving. You
would then no longer be able to apply the brakes or operate the clutch or ac-
celerator pedal – there is a risk of an accident.
■
Ash and cigarette or cigar stubs must only be discarded in ashtrays.
Cupholders
Fig. 61
Cup holder
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Two beverage containers can be placed into the recesses
A
» Fig. 61 .
One beverage container can be placed into the recess
B
.
WARNING■ Never put hot cups in the cup holder. They may spill as the vehicle moves –
there is a risk of scalding.■
No objects should be placed in the holders that might endanger the vehi-
cle's occupants if the vehicle brakes suddenly or the vehicle is in collision.
■
Do not use any cups or beakers which are made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). This could lead to injuries in the event of an accident.
CAUTION
Do not leave open beverage containers in the cup holder during the journey.
There is a risk of spilling e.g. when braking which may cause damage to the elec-
trical components or seat upholstery.
Ashtray
Fig. 62
Centre console: Ashtray at the front/rear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 69.
The ashtray can be used for discarding ash, cigarettes, cigars and the like » .
69Seats and storage

WARNING■Improper use of the 12-volt power socket and the electrical accessories can
cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The 12-volt power socket
and any connected appliances can also be operated when the ignition is switched off or the ignition key is withdrawn.
■
If the connected electric device becomes too hot, switch it off and discon-
nect it from the power supply immediately.
CAUTION
■ The 12-volt power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical
accessories with a total power uptake of up to 120 watt.■
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 – there is a risk of the battery discharging.
■
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!
Clothes hook
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 69.
The clothes hooks are located on the handle of the headliner above each of the
rear doors.
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 head airbags.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hooks is 2 kg.
Car park ticket holder
Fig. 65
Windscreen: Parking ticket hold-
er
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The note holder 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.
71Seats and storage

Storage compartments
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storage compartments on the front passenger side
72
Cooling the storage compartment on the front passenger side
73
Storage compartment on the driver's side
73
Map pockets in the front seats
73
Glasses storage box
74
Stowage compartment in centre console
74
Stowage compartment underneath the front passenger seat
74
Front armrest with storage compartment
75
Storage compartments in the doors
75
Storage compartments in the boot
75
Flexible storage compartment
76WARNING■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down while you are driving (under acceleration or when cornering) and could
distract you from the traffic - there is a risk of an accident.■
Make sure that no objects from the centre console or from other storage
compartments can get into the driver's footwell while you are driving. You
would then no longer be able to apply the brakes or operate the clutch or ac-
celerator pedal – there is a risk of an accident.
Storage compartments on the front passenger sideFig. 66
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ments on the front passenger
side
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 72.
Open/close
›
Pull the cover handle in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 66 and fold down the
cover.
›
Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
A pin holder is located inside the lower flap.
WARNINGThe storage compartments must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons.
72Using the system

Cooling the storage compartment on the front passenger sideFig. 67
Storage compartment: Using
cooling system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 72.
›
Use the rotary switch » Fig. 67 to open and close the air supply.
Opening the air supply when the air conditioning system is switched on allows
cooled air to flow into the storage compartment.
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or inte-rior air to flow into the storage compartment.
We recommend closing the air supply if it is operated in heating mode or the cool-ing system for the storage compartment is not being used.
Storage compartment on the driver's side
Fig. 68
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's sideFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 72.
The open stowage compartment below the light switch » Fig. 68.
Map pockets in the front seats
Fig. 69
Front seat rests: Map pockets
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 72.
Map pockets are located on the rear of the seat backrests » Fig. 69.
The map pockets are intended for storage of maps, magazines, etc.
WARNINGNever put heavy items in the map pockets – risk of injury.
CAUTION
Do not put any large items such as bottles or sharp objects into the map pockets,
as the pockets and the seat covers could be damaged.
73Seats and storage

CAUTIONThe storage compartment is designed for storing small objects of up to 1 kg. in
weight.
Front armrest with storage compartment
Fig. 73
Armrest: Storage compartment/open storage compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 72.
Fold the armrest forwards
›
Press the lower button on the end of the armrest » Fig. 73 -
.
›
Fold the arm rest forward and release the button again.
Opening the storage compartment
›
Press the upper button and open the cover of the stowage compartment up- wards » Fig. 73 -
.
Note
The moving space of the arms can be restricted if the armrest is folded forwards.
In city traffic the armrest should not be folded forwards.
Storage compartments in the doorsFig. 74
Storage compartment: in the front door/in the rear door
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 72.
There is a bottle holder at
B
» Fig. 74 of the pocket in the front doors.
WARNINGUse the section A » Fig. 74 of the door pocket only for storing objects which
do not project so that the effectiveness of the side airbag is not impaired.
Storage compartments in the boot
Fig. 75
Boot: Storage compartments
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 72.
The cover for the side compartment can be removed, thus enlarging the boot.
75Seats and storage

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
95
Power steering
95WARNING■ 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 your arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance
1
» Fig. 85 on page 95
between 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 - there is a risk that you could be killed.
■
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. 85
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 95.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 54, Front seats .
›
Pull the lever below the steering wheel down » Fig. 85 -
.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked while you are driv- ing so that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change duringthe journey – there is the risk of an accident.
Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running.
95Starting-off and Driving

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Safety equipment
124
Before every journey
124
What influences driving safety?
125
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 will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those
travelling 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 124.
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.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
›
Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags.
› Head airbags.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the TOP TETHER system.
› Head restraints adjustable for 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 during an acci-
dent caused by the deployed airbag.
Before every journey
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 124.
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 58.
› Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
› Adjust the mirrors, the front seat and head restraint to your body size.
› Advise your passengers to adjust the head restraints to their body size.
› Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 140 , Transporting children safely .
› Adopt the correct seated position
» page 125. Tell your passengers to assume
the correct seated position.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt. Also instruct your passengers to fasten their seat
belt correctly » page 128, Wearing seat belts .
124Safety

What influences driving safety?First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 124.
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 get 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. through medication, alco-
hol 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 of the driver
126
Correct seated position of the front passenger
126
Correct seated position of the rear seat passengers
126
Examples of incorrect seated positions
126WARNINGGeneral information■The front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match the body
size at all times and the seat belt must always be fastened properly to provide the most effective levels of protection to the passengers.■
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 reclined too far when driving otherwise this
will affect proper operation 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.■
Keep a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel. Not keeping to
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – risk of death.
■
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 your arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals while you are driving or under braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
WARNINGInformation for the front seat passenger■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the dash panel. Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you - there is a risk that you could be killed.■
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 seats.
You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply
the brakes or in the event of an accident. You may suffer fatal injuries when
an airbag is deployed if you have adopted an incorrect seating position.
125Passive Safety