2013 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

The emergency brake function is automatically activated or deactivated togetherwith the Front Assist system.
If the emergency brake function triggers an automatic brake action, the display of
the instrument cluster shows the symbol » Fig. 142 on page 156 - .WARNINGThe emergency brake function can slow down the vehicle to a complete
standstill. If the vehicle continues to roll forward after stopping, then it should
be stopped with the footbrake.
CAUTION
Automatic braking interventions by the emergency brake function can be termi-
nated by pressing the clutch or the accelerator, or by moving the steering wheel.
Note
If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the emergency brake function,
the pressure in the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be oper-
ated with the normal pedal stroke.
Information messages
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display.
Front Assist: no sensor view.
The sensor is dirty or has no “visibility”. Stop the car, switch off the engine and clean the sensor or remove the obstacle causing the lack of “visibility” » Fig. 135
on page 149 . If the message appears again after starting the engine, the system
should be disabled » page 157. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Front Assist not available.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and then start it again. If the message ap-
pears again after starting the engine, the system should be disabled » page 157.
Seek help from a specialist garage.

START-STOP
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
159
Operating conditions of the system
160
Manually activating/deactivating the system
160
Information messages
161
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.
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the Info-
tainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle set-
tings (CAR button) .
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.
No trailer is coupled.
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-STOPsystem before driving through wa-
ter » page 135 . 158Driving

Note■If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the driv-
er's door is opened during stop mode on vehicles with manual transmission or au- tomatic transmission (when the selector lever in position P), the engine must be
started manually » page 121.■
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-STOPP mode.
■
If on vehicles with automatic transmission, the selector lever D/S or N is selec-
ted after moving in reverse, the vehicle will first need to achieve a speed greater
than 10 km/h before automatic engine shut down takes place again.
■
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.
■
If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, it is possible that under certain
conditions the engine may not switch off automatically.

Starting/shutting down the engine
Fig. 143
Instrument cluster display: En-
gine shut down (STOP phase)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 158.
Vehicles with manual transmission
›
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. A check warning icon ap-
pears in the display  » Fig. 143 .›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again (START phase). The warning icon
goes out.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
Automatic engine shut down takes place. A check warning icon appears in the display  » Fig. 143 .
›
Release the brake pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again. The warning icon goes out.
Further information on automatic transmissionEngine shut down takes place when the selector lever is in positions P, D/S , N
and in Tiptronic mode.
When the selector lever is in position P the engine remains shut down after you
release the brake pedal. Start the engine by pressing the gas pedal or by moving
the selector lever into a different mode and releasing the brake pedal.
If the selector lever is moved into position R during the STOP phase , the engine
will re-start.
There is no automatic engine shutdown if the system detects a vehicle move-
ment due to a large steering angle, or when the selector lever is moved to posi-
tion R (e.g. when parking).
No automatic engine shutdown takes place when the vehicle is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam or when tuning) and remains stationary after
pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shutdown takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.

159Assist systems

Operating conditions of the systemFig. 144
Instrument cluster display: En-
gine shut down is not currently
available
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check 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.
› The engine has not reached the minimum temperature for 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 heater is switched on.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic) or windscreen heater/ventilation
is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual air condition-
ing system).
› The parking aid/Park Assist is switched on.
› 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.
A check warning icon appears in the display 
» Fig. 144 .
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 heater is switched on.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic) or windscreen heater/ventilation
is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual air condition-
ing system).
› 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. 145
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 145 .
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.■
Selecting the driving mode Eco when the system is deactivated will automati-
cally activate the system » page 161.

160Driving

Information messagesFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 158.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!
START MANUALLY
The driver sees this message when the conditions for the automatic start proce-
dure are not met during the STOP phase. The engine must be started manual-
ly » page 121 .
Error: start-stop system
START STOP ERROR
Error in the START-STOP system. Seek help from a specialist garage.

Driving mode
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Selecting driving mode
161
Normal Mode
162
Sportmode
162
Ecomode
162
Individualmode
163
Selecting the driving mode allows you to adjust a range of different driving pa-
rameters for the vehicle.
The set driving mode remains stored even after switching the ignition on and off.
WARNING■ Setting the driving mode while driving can distract you from other traffic –
risk of accident.■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
Note
The driver can change some vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driving
mode. For instance, in the driving mode Eco, the driver can switch the automatic
transmission to the mode S.
Selecting driving mode
Fig. 146
Button for selecting the driving mode: Octavia, Octavia Combi / Fa-
bia RS Octavia RS
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 161.
The menu for selecting the driving mode allows you to set the vehicle to one of
the three preset driving modes Normal, Sportand Eco, or to the driving mode
Individual which allows individual settings.
The selected driving mode is accessed by pressing the symbol button 
or
 » Fig. 146 , and the menu is opened in the Infotainment display. More informa-
tion about setting the driving mode » operating instructions for Infotainment ,
chapter Vehicle settings . 
161Assist systems

If a driving mode other than Normal is selected, then the symbol lights up on the
button  or  » Fig. 146 .
Normal Mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 161.
The relevant systems are set for a general type of vehicle use.
This mode is suitable for common everyday use.

Sportmode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 161.
This mode is suitable for a sporty driving style.
Selecting this mode primarily affects the function of the following systems.
Engine (drive)
The accelerator pedal is more responsive to depressing the pedal, and the accel-
eration is more dynamic than in mode Normal.
The automatic gearbox is set automatically to mode S » page 126 .
The engine noise is noticeable in the interior more intensely than in
normalmode 1)
.
Steering
The power steering is reduced slightly, i.e., the driver needs to exert more force for steering » page 119.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The acceleration is quicker than normal mode with distance control » page 148.
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
The headlights adapt to the driving style more dynamically than in mode
Normal » page 57 .
ProActive passenger protection
The first level of protection is deactivated » page 163.
Ecomode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 161.
This mode is suitable for a relaxed style of driving and helps to save fuel.
Selecting this mode primarily affects the function of the following systems.
Engine (drive)
The accelerator pedal is less responsive to depressing the pedal, and the acceler-
ation is more relaxed than in mode Normal.
After pressing the button, the acceleration occurs more relaxed than in mode
Normal » page 146 , Cruise Control System .
The recommended gear is controlled such to achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption » page 27.
When the START-STOP system was deactivated manually » page 158, it is auto-
matically activated.
The automatic gearbox is set automatically to mode E » page 126 .
The engine noise is felt less intensely in the interior less than in normalmode 1)
.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The acceleration occurs more relaxed than in Normal » page 148mode with dis-
tance control.
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
The system is automatically deactivated » page 57.
Air conditioning (Climatronic)
The air conditioning is controlled so as to save energy. For this reason, for exam-
ple, it may take longer to reach the desired interior temperature in mode Normal. 

1)
Applies to Octavia RS, Octavia RS.
162Driving

Note■The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
The maximum vehicle acceleration (kickdown function) is possible also in driving
mode Eco.

Individualmode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 161.
In mode Individual you can select between Normal, Sport and Eco for each system
separately » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

ProActive passenger protection

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
163WARNINGAdjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety by ProActive passenger protection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of accident!
Note
■ If the front passenger front airbag is deactivated » page 191 the belt tension-
ing function for the front passenger seat is switched off.■
The system component service life is monitored electronically. Further informa-
tion » page 19 ,  Security Systems .

Function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 163.
ProActive passenger protection (From here on referred to only as system) increa-
ses passenger protection in the front seats in situations that could lead to vehicle
impact or overturning.
The system is ready to intervene automatically in the following conditions. The ignition is switched on.
The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during emergency braking or a sudden change in
direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury.
› The front passenger's and driver's seatbelts, if worn, are automatically
ten-
sioned closely over the body.
› The windows in the side doors (if open) are automatically closed up to a gap of
about 5 cm from the edge.
› The sliding/tilting roof is closed.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be
released again.
The system operates at two levels of protection.
The first level of protection
The system already intervenes in situations that may occur during dynamic driv-
ing. As a result, this primarily helps to keep the driver and the passenger in the
correct seated position.
The first level of protection can be deactivated by one of the following measures. › Deactivation of the system in Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
› Deactivation of TCS
» page 138.
› Selecting the driving mode Sport
» page 161.
The second level of protection
The system intervenes only if the situation is evaluated as critical, such as in pan-
ic braking at high speeds.
This level of protection cannot be deactivated.

163Assist systems

Lane Assist
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
164
Activating/deactivating
165
Explanation of situations
165
Information messages
166WARNING■ Lane Assist only operates as a support- it does absolve the driver of the re-
sponsibility to maintain full control over the vehicle's steering.■
Lane Assist only makes the driver away that the vehicle is approaching the
line between two lanes by means of a steering intervention. The driver retains
responsibility at all times for keeping the vehicle within the lane.
■
Lane Assist can help you keep the vehicle within the lane. However, it does
not steer the vehicle for you. The driver retains full responsibility for steering at all times.
■
The camera need not be able to detect all lane lines. A steering intervention
can only be made when the vehicle approaches a detected line between lanes.
■
Some objects on the road may be incorrectly detected as lines. As a result,
an incorrect steering intervention may take place.
■
The function of adaptive lane guidance Assist system may be restricted
when driving e.g. over rutted roads, on a slope, or if there are lateral winds.
■
Do not use the assist system in poor weather, e.g. black ice, fog, heavy rain –
risk of accident!
WARNINGThe detection capability of the camera may be limited by various external in-
fluences. In such cases, the assistant may not detect the line between two
lanes at all or not properly. The detection capability of the camera may be re- stricted in the following situations, for example.■
When visibility conditions are poor, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall.
■
When driving around “sharp” bends.
WARNING (Continued)■ The camera is blinded by the sun.■The camera is blinded by the oncoming traffic.■
The viewing range of the camera is impeded by a vehicle traveling ahead.
■
The camera viewing range is obstructed by an obstacle.
CAUTION
Do not attach any stickers or similar objects to the windscreen to avoid impairing
the functions of the Assist system.
Note
■ The system is designed for driving on motorways and roads with adequate lon-
gitudinal markings.■
The system can detect both continuous and broken lines.

Operation
Fig. 147
Windscreen: Camera viewing
window for Lane Assist
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 164.
Lane Assist (From here on referred to only as the system), helps to keep the vehi-
cle within the lane.
The system detects the boundary lines of a lane using the camera » Fig. 147.
When the vehicle approaches a detected line between lanes, the system makes a
light movement of the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the boundary
line. This corrective steering intervention can be overridden at any time. 
164Driving

If the turn signal is switched on prior to driving over the boundary line (e.g. whenmaking a turn), no steering intervention takes place when the vehicle approaches
the boundary line. The system regards the situation as an intended lane change.
The system can intervene when the following basic conditions are present. The system is activated.
The vehicle is travelling at more than 65 km/h.
The boundary lines are clearly visible (appropriate longitudinal markings).
The boundary line of at least one side of the lane is detected. The driver's hands are on the steering wheel.The lane is more than 2.5 m in width.
Adaptive lane assist
Adaptive lane assist helps to keep the vehicle in the position between the boun- dary lines selected by the driver, by means of steering intervention.
If the system detects only one boundary line, it will help to maintain the selectedproximity from said boundary line.
If the proximity to the detected boundary line is changed, the system quickly
adapts and maintains the newly-selected position.
Adaptive lane assist can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating
instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
Activating/deactivating
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 164.
The system can be activated or deactivated in the Infotainment » Infotainment
manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) or in the MAXI DOTdis-
play » page 32 , Menu item wizard .
Explanation of situationsFig. 148
Monochromatic display of the instrument cluster: Examples of sys-
tem indications
Fig. 149
Colour display of the instrument cluster: Examples of system indi-
cations
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 164.
Explanation of graphic
The system is active, but not ready to intervene.
The system is active and ready to intervene.
The system intervenes when approaching the right-hand boundary lane.
Adaptive lane assist ensues (boundary lines on both sides of the vehicle de-
tected). 
ABCD165Assist systems