Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
6
Driving safety
6
Safety equipment
6
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, 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 trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
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 proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 20 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 7, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
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, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
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.
6Safety
WARNING (Continued)■The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to
protect and the risk of injury increases.■
The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked, otherwise the belt
tongue will not lock in place properly.
■
Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jack-
et) do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of
the seat belts.
■
It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
■
The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably
when the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 67.
WARNINGInformation on the care and maintenance of the safety belts■The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel » page 128.■
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not at-
tempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
■
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage
to the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected,
the relevant seat belt must be replaced by a specialist garage.
■
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident
and were therefore stretched, must be replaced – this is best done by a
specialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspec-
ted. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts.The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 4
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
Read and observe
on page 10 first.
As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of mo-
tion) is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants.
The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at
which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the
occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the
amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is the most important factor. Doubling the speed of
the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four
times.
The idea that it is possible to support your body with your hands in a minor ac-
cident is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on
the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30-50 km/h, the forces that your body is
exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a metric ton (1000 kg).
For example, a person's weight of 80 kg “increases” to 4.8 tons (4,800 kg) at 50 km/h.
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt
are thrown forward and strike parts of the interior of the car, such as the
steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen in ways which cannot be control-
led » Fig. 4 -
. In certain circumstances you could even be thrown out of the
vehicle, which could cause life threatening or even fatal injuries.
11Seat belts
WARNING■Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of
the side airbag – risk of injury!■
Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags –
risk of injury!
Classification of child seats
Read and observe
and on page 20 first.
Classification of child seats according to the ECE-R 44 standard.
GroupWeight of the childApproximate age0up to 10 kgup to 9 months0up to 13 kgup to 18 months19-18 kgup to 4 years215-25 kgup to 7 years322-36 kgover 7 years
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt Read and observe
and on page 20 first.
Overview of the usability of child seats fastened with a seat belt on each ofthe seats in accordance with the ECE-R 16 standard.
GroupFront passenger seatRear seatsouterRear seatCentre0
up to 10 kgUUU0
up to 13 kgUUU1
9-18 kgUUU2
15-25 kgUUU3
22-36 kgUUU“Universal” child seat category - a child seat designed to be attached to the seat using the seat belt.
Fastening systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Anchor eyelets for the ISOFIX system
22
Use of child seats with the ISOFIX system
23
Anchor eyelets for the TOP TETHER system
23
Anchor eyelets for the ISOFIX system
Fig. 16
Labels on the ISOFIX system
There are two locking eyes between the rear exterior seats for fixing the
ISOFIX system child seat in place. The points are marked with labels with the
ISOFIX logo » Fig. 16.
WARNING■
Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat
when installing and removing a child seat with the ISOFIX system.■
Never attach other child seats, belts or objects to the anchor eyelets in-
tended for the installation of a child seat with the ISOFIX system – risk to
life!
Note
■ A child seat fitted with the ISOFIX system can only be mounted in a vehicle
fitted with an ISOFIX system if the child seat has been approved for this type
of vehicle. Further information is available from a ŠKODA Partner.■
Child seats with the ISOFIX system can be purchased from ŠKODA Original
Accessories.
U22Safety
The net pockets are located on the inner sides of the front seat backr-
ests » Fig. 72 .WARNINGDo not exceed the maximum permissible load of the meshed pockets.
Heavy objects are not secured sufficiently – risk of injury!
CAUTION
■ The maximum permissible load of the meshed pockets is 150 g.■Never put large objects into the meshed pockets, e.g. bottles or objects with
sharp edges – risk of damaging the meshed pockets.
Luggage compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fastening elements
76
Fixing nets
76
Hooks
77
Luggage compartment cover
77
“Parking position” of the boot cover
78
Storage compartments in the boot
78
Flexible storage compartment
79
Storage net bag
79
Double-sided floor covering
79
Class N1 vehicles
79
Please observe the following for the purpose of maintaining good handling
characteristics of your vehicle:
›
Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
›
Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
›
Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or by using the fixing
nets » page 76 .
In the event of an accident, even small and light objects gain so much kinetic
energy that they can cause severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy is dependent on the speed at which the
vehicle is travelling and the weight of the object.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an object
with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times its
own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg “ ”.
Luggage compartment light
The warning light turns on when tailgate is opened.
The warning light turns off when the tailgate is closed.
If the boot lid is open and the ignition switched off, the light will extinguish
automatically after around 10 minutes.WARNING■ Store the objects in the boot and attach them to the lashing eyes.■Loose objects can be thrown forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in
case of an accident and can injure the occupants or other road users.■
Loose objects could hit a deployed airbag and injure occupants – danger
of death!
■
Please note that transporting heavy objects alters the handling proper-
ties of the vehicle due to the displacement of the centre of gravity – risk of
accident! The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accordingly.
■
If the items of luggage or objects are attached to the lashing eyes with
unsuitable or damaged lashing straps, injuries can occur in the event of
braking manoeuvres or accidents. To prevent items of luggage from moving
around, always use suitable lashing straps that are firmly attached to the
lashing eyes.
■
The transported items must be stowed in such a way that no objects are
able to slip forward on sudden driving or braking manoeuvres – risk of in-
jury!
■
When transporting objects in the luggage compartment that has been en-
larged by folding the rear seats forward, ensure the safety of the passen-
gers transported on the other rear seats » page 9, Correct seated position
for the passengers in the rear seats .
■
If the rear seat next to the folded forward seat is occupied, ensure maxi-
mum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that
the seat is prevented from folding back in case of a rear collision.
■
Do not drive with the luggage compartment lid open or unlatched, other-
wise exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle – risk of poison-
ing!
■
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle – risk of accident!
■
Do not transport people in the boot!
75Transporting and practical equipment
“Parking position” of the boot coverFig. 78
Parking position of the luggage
compartment cover
Read and observe and on page 75 first.
The boot cover can be stowed behind the seat backrest.
Adjusting
›
Slide the dismantled cover between bolt
A
and contact surface
B
of the
side panel » Fig. 78.
WARNINGWhen adjusting the “parking position”, the boot cover must be between
the bolt A and the rear seat backrest - risk of damaging the rear seat
backrest and the boot cover.
CAUTION
■ Before setting the “parking position” of the luggage compartment cover, the
variable loading floor must be put in the desired position » page 80.■
If the luggage compartment cover is in the “parking position”, the “parking
position” of the variable loading floor cannot be set » page 82.
Storage compartments in the bootFig. 79
Remove the tray cover on the left / right
Read and observe
and on page 75 first.
The side compartment covers can be removed to increase the size of the lug- gage compartment.
Removing/Inserting
›
Grasp the top part of the cover and remove it in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 79 .
Insertion takes place in reverse order.
CAUTION
■ The storage compartments are designed for storing small objects of up to
1.5 kg. in weight in total.■
When using the storage compartment, take care not to damage the storage
compartment or the luggage compartment lining.
78Using the system
Flexible storage compartmentFig. 80
Flexible storage compartment
Read and observe and on page 75 first.
The flexible storage compartment can be installed on the right-hand side ofthe boot » Fig. 80.
Installing
›
Place both ends of the storage compartment into the openings on the right
side panel of the luggage compartment.
›
Push the storage compartment down to lock it.
Removing
›
Grasp the storage compartment on the two upper corners.
›
Remove the storage compartment by pulling upwards and then towards you.
CAUTION
The storage compartment is designed for storing small objects with a maxi-
mum total weight of 8 kg.
Note
The flexible storage compartment cannot be installed on vehicles with the var-
iable loading floor » page 80.Storage net bagFig. 81
Meshed pocket for storage
Read and observe and on page 75 first.
The meshed pocket for storage is located on the right-hand side of the
boot » Fig. 81 .
CAUTION
The meshed pocket for storage is designed for storing small objects of up to
1.5 kg. in weight in total.
Double-sided floor covering
Read and observe
and on page 75 first.
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.
Note
For easier turning of the covering, use the loop attached.
Class N1 vehicles
Read and observe
and on page 75 first.
In class N1 vehicles that are not fitted with a protective grille, a lashing set that
complies with the EN 12195 standard (1 - 4) must be used for fastening the
load.
79Transporting and practical equipment
Roof rack system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
fixing points for base support
83
Roof load
83WARNING■ The transported items on the roof rack must be securely attached – risk
of accident!■
Always secure the load with appropriate and undamaged lashing straps
or tensioning straps.
■
Distribute the load evenly over the roof rack system.
■
When transporting heavy objects or objects which take up a large area on
the roof rack system, handling of the car may change as a result of the dis-
placement of the centre of gravity. The style of driving and speed must
therefore be adapted to the current circumstances.
■
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■
The permissible roof load, permissible axle loads and permissible total ve-
hicle weight must not be exceeded under any circumstance – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ Only roof racks from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range should be used.■When dealing with roof rack systems, the installation instructions supplied
with the roof luggage rack system must be observed.■
On models fitted with a power sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the extended
sliding/tilting roof does not hit any items of luggage transported on the roof.
■
Ensure that the boot 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
clearances, 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 supportFig. 89
Attachment points rear / front
Read and observe
and on page 83 first.
Installation location of the attachment points for roof bars » Fig. 89
Rear attachment points
Front attachment points
Perform the assembly and disassembly according to the enclosed instructions.
CAUTION
Observe the information regarding the assembly and disassembly in the en-
closed instructions.
Roof load
Read and observe
and on page 83 first.
The maximum permissible roof load (including roof rack system) of 75 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
loaded up to the maximum weight limit specified in the fitting instructions.
AB83Transporting and practical equipment
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!
Driving in an economical driving style
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving in
104
Tips for economical driving
104
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Driving in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. During this peri- od, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1,000 km ,we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and not to use
a trailer.
In the range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the best possible braking effect.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Change gear in an energy saving and timely manner
Observe the recommended gear » page 38.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only 3/4 of the possible top
speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
When the engine is switched off, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel
economy is already greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is re-
quired for engine re-start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 143.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 1 l/100 km. At a speed of
100-120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating, air conditioning and the like) should
only be turned on for as long as necessary.104Driving