
Seats and useful equipment
Adjusting the seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manually adjusting the front seats
72
Electric front seat adjustment
73
Head restraints
73
Memory function of the electrically adjustable seat
74
Memory function of the remote control key
75
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 the following: › Reaching the controls safely and quickly,
› A relaxed and fatigue-free body position.
› Achieving the maximum protection offered by 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 electric front seat adjustment is also functional when the ignition is
turned off (even with the ignition key removed). Therefore children should
never be left unattended in the vehicle.
■
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system –
risk of injury!
■
Never carry more people than there are number of seats in the vehicle.
WARNING (Continued)■ Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 193, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.■
At all times, the front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match
the person's body size and the seat belt must be attached properly to provide
the most effective levels of protection to passengers.
■
Do not transport any objects on the front passenger seat except objects
(e.g. child safety seat) provided for this purpose – 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 from the steering wheel, and a dis-
tance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel at the height of
the knee airbag. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell, as these may get
caught in the pedal apparatus when driving or braking » page 126. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
WARNINGInformation for the front 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 dash panel, out of the window or on the surfaces of the
seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury when braking or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries
when adopting an incorrect seated position!
71Seats and useful equipment

Note■After a certain time, play can develop within the adjustment mechanism of the
backrest angle.■
For safety reasons, it is not possible to store the seat position in the electric
seat memory and remote control key memory if the inclination angle of the seat
backrest is more than 102° in relation to the seat cushion.
■
Each time you store the position of the electrically adjustable driver's seat and
exterior mirrors, the existing setting is deleted.
Manually adjusting the front seats
Fig. 46
Control elements on the seat
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 71.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 46
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction Adjusting height of seat 1)
Adjusting the angle of the seat backrest
Adjusting lumbar support
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
›
Pull the lever
A
» Fig. 46 in the direction of the arrow and push the seat in the
required direction.
The lock must click into place after you release the lever.
Adjusting height of seat 1)
›
Again push or pull the lever
B
» Fig. 46 in the direction of one of the arrows.
ABCDAdjusting the angle of the seat backrest›Relieve any pressure from the seat backrest (do not lean on it) and turn the
handwheel C
» Fig. 46 in the direction of the arrow.
Adjusting lumbar support
›
Push the lever
D
» Fig. 46 in the direction of one of the arrow.
1)
Only valid for some countries.
72Using the system

Foldable hooks (Octavia Estate)Fig. 84
Foldable hooks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
Foldable hooks for attaching small items of luggage, such as bags etc., are provi-
ded on both sides of the luggage compartment.
›
Press on the lower portion of the hook
A
and then fold it in direction of the
arrow » Fig. 84 .
The front foldable hooks are also used to fasten the rear bar of the multifunction
pocket » page 99 .
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hook is 7 kg.
Floor coveringFig. 85
Fixing the floor covering: Octavia/Octavia Estate
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 91.
The raised floor covering of the luggage compartment can be fixed (e.g. when
handling the spare wheel):
› Octavia: With the loop on a hook on the luggage compartment cover
» Fig. 85 –
;
› Octavia Estate: With the hook on the frame of the luggage compartment
lid » Fig. 85 -
.
CAUTION
The floor covering can be fixed with the Octavia Estate vehicle only if the variable
loading floor is folded in the upper position » Fig. 99 on page 101.
Double sided floor covering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 91.
You can fit a double-sided floor covering in the luggage compartment.
One side of the double-sided floor covering is made of fabric, the other side is
washable (easy to maintain).
The washable side is used to transport wet or dirty items.
94Using the system

Storage compartment in the luggage compartmentFig. 92
Removing stowage compartment and cargo element/example of at-
taching an item of luggage using the cargo element
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 91.
Increasing the size of the boot
›
Remove the cover of the storage compartment
A
in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 92 .
Securing items of luggage
›
Remove the cargo element
B
(part of the cover of the storage compartment) in
the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 92 .
›
Secure the cargo element with Velcro on the floor covering of the luggage com-
partment.
The stowage compartment can be located on either of the two sides of the lug-
gage compartment, according to the model.
CAUTION
■ The storage compartment is designed for storing small objects of up to 2.5 kg.
in weight in total.■
The cargo element is designed for attaching objects with a maximum gross
weight of 8 kg.
■
When using the storage compartment, take care not to damage it or the lug-
gage compartment lining.
NoteWe recommend you use the cargo element to secure items of luggage behind the
rear seats.
Storage compartments under the floor covering
Fig. 93
Lift floor covering/storage compartments under the floor covering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 91.
The storage compartments are located under the floor covering of the luggage compartment in vehicles without a spare wheel.
Use
›
Dividing the luggage compartment with variable loading floor » page 101.
›
Remove the fog floor covering in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 93.
›
Fix the hook
B
to the top edge of the variable loading floor.
It is possible to store also objects with larger heights in the storage compart- ments
A
, thereby using the maximum height of the luggage compartment.
CAUTION
■ An item of luggage weighing up to 15 kg can be stored in each storage compart-
ment.■
Do not stored any sharp objects in the storage compartments.
■
Do not load the storage compartments at specific points or they may be dam-
aged.
■
Place the objects carefully into the storage compartments to avoid damage to
the compartments.
98Using the system

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
Fig. 113
Correct seated position for the
driver
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
118
Power steering
119WARNING■ 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, 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!
WARNING (Continued)■ Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A » Fig. 113 between the
steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Adjust the distance between the legs and the dash panel in the knee airbag area so that there is a distance
of at least 10 cm B
. 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 position
Fig. 114
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever
below steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 118.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 71.
›
Swivel the lever underneath the steering wheel downwards » Fig. 114.
›
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 whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident!
118Driving

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 118.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is required to turn the steering wheel.
Steering force assistance can be influenced by the selection of driving mode » page 161 .
Starting and stopping the engine using the key
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser
120
Ignition switch
120
Starting the engine
120
Stopping the engine
121
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 121.
The engine can only be started with an appropriate original key.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving without the engine running, the ignition key must always be in
the position 2 » Fig. 115 on page 120 (ignition switched on). This position is
indicated by the illumination of certain indicator lights in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2
, this could lead to unexpected the steering
locking - 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 wheel
could block – 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. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – 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 may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 115 on page 120.
■
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 243 , Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle .
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.
119Starting-off and Driving

For the sake of the environmentDo 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 may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
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
withdrawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Immobilizer active.
IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE
Ignition switch
Fig. 115
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lockFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 119.
Petrol engines » Fig. 115
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 115
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked
Heating glow plugs on, 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 it is impossible or difficult to turn the key into posi-
tion
2
» Fig. 115 , move the steering wheel back and forth to unlock the steering.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 115 on page 120.
123123120Driving

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 system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been forgotten, for exam-
ple, in the front of the vehicle roof D » Fig. 14 on page 38 - There is danger of
loss or damage to the key! It is therefore not always necessary to know where
the key is.■
The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running.
■
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 243 , Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle .
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
■ The vehicle can not be locked if the ignition has not been turned off.■The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen- cy » page 124 .■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.
Steering lock / unlock
Fig. 116
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 116.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
If the system does not unlock the steering at the first time (for example when the
front wheels are in contact with an obstacle), then two more unlocking attempts
are performed automatically.
122Driving