2013 SKODA RAPID gearbox

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the en-
gine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Depress clutch to start.
CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following mes-
sage appears in the display.
Apply the brake to start.
BRAKE
CAUTION
If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 197, Fuses in
the dash panel , or seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 97.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 90 on
page 98.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if
the selector lever is in position P.
Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
100
Handbrake
100WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
could then start to move – risk of accident!
WARNING■ In the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 149, Service work,
adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air supply
to the front brakes is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat, which can
have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking system – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 105.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.

99Starting-off and Driving

WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is
only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!

Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
101
Pedals
101
Manual gear changing
Fig. 92
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 101.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear to
the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-nism to wear excessively.
Pedals
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 101.
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond- ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOriginal Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.
WARNINGNo objects may be placed in the driver's footwell – risk due to obstruction or
limitation of pedal operation!

Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
102
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
103
Starting-off and driving
103
Malfunction
104

101Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Do not depress the accelerator if changing the forward driving mode – risk
of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running, the vehicle must
be held in mode D, S or R with the brake pedal. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
crawls.
CAUTION
■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lev-
er position P.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 93
Selector lever/display
Fig. 94
Shiftlock button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 93.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 93.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button » Fig. 94. 
102Driving

Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)The selector lever is locked in modes P and N to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion. The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster » page 21.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while while simulta-
neously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving via position N (e.g. from R to
D ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of
snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more than
approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa, move
the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being accidentally se-
lected.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 95
Selector lever: Manual shifting of
gears
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 93 on page 102.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 95 .
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual shifting
of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence the
wear on the brakes » page 100, Information on braking .
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 101.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 94 on page 102.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 102 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake. 
103Starting-off and Driving

›Press and hold the lock button
» Fig. 94 on page 102.›Move the selector lever into position P and then release the locking button.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of your
vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached
its maximum revolutions for this gear range.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of vehicle
control – risk of accident!

Malfunction
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 101.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme, if there is a fault in the
automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following.
› Only certain gears are selected.
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may become too hot due to frequent repeated starting or stop-and-
go traffic, for example. Overheating is indicated by the warning light » page 13, 
Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are too hot .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be emergency released » page 195.
NoteIf the gearbox has switched to the emergency programme, visit a specialist ga-
rage.
Running in
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
104
New tyres
105
New brake pads
105
New engine
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 104.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale of the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period. 
104Driving

On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the nextgear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 24,
Gear recommendation . Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator)
are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 24, Gear recommendation .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond the
permissible maximum rpm, thereby causing engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 104.
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first. There-fore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 104.
New brake pads do not initially provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and environmental sustainability
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
106
Economical gear changing
106
Avoiding full throttle
106
Reducing idling
106
Avoiding short distances
107
Checking tyre inflation pressure
107
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
107
Regular maintenance
107
Saving electrical energy
108
Environmental compatibility
108
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
› your personal driving style.
› operating conditions.
› technical requirements.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, weather and driving style.
Such an engine speed should be adhered to when accelerating, in order to avoid a
high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle. 
105Starting-off and Driving

CAUTIONAll the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
Looking ahead
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 105.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

Economical gear changing
Fig. 96
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 105.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2000 rpm.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 24, Gear recommendation .
Sensible gear selection can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 96.
Automatic gearbox
› Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kick-down
position » page 104 .
› An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator ped-
al is only depressed slowly.
Avoiding full throttle
Fig. 97
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
Driving more slowly saves fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump- tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear on your vehi- cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should ideally never be used. Fuel consump-
tion, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at high
speeds.
The » Fig. 97 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to speed. Fuel consumption will
be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of the possible top speed of your ve- hicle.

Reducing idling
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 105.
Idling also costs fuel. 
106Driving

NoteYou can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
General information
109
Driving through water on streets
109
General information
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 109.
Pay attention to low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as the spoiler and exhaust,particularly in the following situations.
› When driving on poorly maintained roads and paths.
› When driving over kerbs.
› When driving on steep ramps etc.
Particular attention must be paid for vehicles with sport suspension and when the vehicle is fully laden.

Driving through water on streets
Fig. 99
Driving through waterFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 109.
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided
when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Determine the depth of the water before driving through.
The water level must not reach above the bar on the lower beam » Fig. 99.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can cause
water to penetrate into the engine's air induction system or other parts of the ve-
hicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
›
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water » page 116,
START-STOP .
WARNING■
Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can impair the braking power and
increase the braking distance – risk of accident!■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water. 
109Starting-off and Driving