If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started, though high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distances
Fig. 114
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 130.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 114 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a cer-
tain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and at a temperature of -10 °C.
The vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 130.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the inflation pressure is too
low, the tyres must overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only in- crease fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 130.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-
ommend to carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member with-
out a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aero- dynamic drag.
Regular maintenance
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 130.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create the conditions needed for economical driving. The maintenance state of your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than normal.
Check the oil at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is depend-
ent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump-
tion could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
132Driving
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of a
new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about 5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle be serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA serv- ice partner.
Saving electrical energy
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 130.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required.
Environmental compatibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 130.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, material selection
and production of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed on the
following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
›
Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials › Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium.
› No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture › Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer.
› The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to pro-
tecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODA vehicles
can be utilized up to 95 % and always 1)
be returned.
In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a confir- mation stating the recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
You can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
133Starting-off and Driving
Water crossing and drive outside paved roads
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fording
134
Off-road driving
135WARNING■ Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend 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 purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs
if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeop- ardy.
WARNING■ Drive particularly aware and pro-actively outside paved roads.■Always adjust your driving to the current terrain and weather conditions. Ex-
cessive speed or incorrect driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the vehi-
cle and lead to serious injuries.■
Objects trapped under the floor of the vehicle can damage the fuel lines, the
brake system, the seals and other parts of the chassis. Check the underside of
the vehicle and remove the trapped objects.
■
Combustible objects such as dry leaves or twigs caught under the base of
the vehicle could ignite on hot vehicle parts - risk of fire!
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.
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! When driving over objects
which are larger than the ground clearance, the chassis and its components can
get damaged.■
Drive slowly in unknown terrain and watch out for unexpected obstacles, such
as potholes, rocks, stumps, etc.
■
Check up on confusing sections of unpaved roads before travelling on them and
consider whether such travelling is possible without risk.
Fording
Fig. 115
Driving through water
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 134.
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of water.
The water level must not reach above the bar on the lower beam » Fig. 115.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
134Driving
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle which can causewater to penetrate into the air induction system of the engine or into other partsof the vehicle.›
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 149.
Off-road driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 134.
Only drive on such roads and in such terrain, which match the vehicle parame-
ters » page 244 , Technical data as well as your driving skills.
The driver is always responsible for deciding whether the vehicle can handle trav-
elling in the given terrain.
When travelling off paved roads, we recommend activating the OFF ROAD
mode » page 138 .
Driving abroad
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
135
Headlights
135
In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA service partner network is
limited or has not been established. This is the reason why procuring certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be
able to make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 135.
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-rol » page 197 . Information regarding the locations of filling stations that offer
unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile associations.
Headlights
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 135.
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of
the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the road
than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. In order to avoid this, the headlights must be adjusted at a specialist ga-
rage.
Headlights with Xenon lights can be adjusted in the menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play » page 28 .
Note
You can find out more information on adjusting the headlights at a specialist ga-
rage.
135Starting-off and Driving
Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
136
Antilock brake system (ABS)
137
Traction Control System (TCS)
137
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
137
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
137
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
137
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
138WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not know
the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the
braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 184, Service work, adjustments
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work. An
ABS fault is indicated by the warning light » page 19 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 116
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is be-
ing operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving sta-
bility depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as the car beginning to
skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 137.
› Traction control (TCS)
» page 137.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 137.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 137.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 137.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 138.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 158.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The
» Fig. 116 symbol button can only
be used to deactivate the ASR.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
136Driving
Antilock brake system (ABS)First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 136.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main- tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Fig. 117
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 136.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions ofthe road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb
steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is activated automatically each time the ignition is switched on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 136 .
During an intervention of the system, the TCS indicator light flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
The ASR can be deactivated via the
» Fig. 117 symbol button.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 136.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches itself off automatically, in order to avoid excessive heat genera-
tion in the disc brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be
driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 136.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommendationin order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the right
and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 136.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking distance.
137Assist systems
The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to ach-
ieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firm-
ly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 136.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedalto the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brakepedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is only ever
active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is
inactive.
OFF ROAD-mode
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
138
Activation / deactivation
140
The OFF ROAD mode supports the driver when driving away from paved roads.
But even with OFF ROAD mode activated, your vehicle is never a true SUV.
WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. This would lead the OFF ROAD mode to lose its effectiveness - risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
■
The increased safety offered by the OFF ROAD mode must not tempt you to
take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
CAUTION
■ The OFF ROAD mode is not designed for the use on common roads.■All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure theOFF ROAD mode operates correctly.
Operation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 138.
The OFF ROAD mode is ready to intervene at speeds below 30 km / hr. The readi-
ness of the system is the warning light
displayed in the instrument cluster.
The following functions are integrated in the OFF ROAD mode.
› Downhill Drive Support.
› Start-Off Assist.
› ABS OFF ROAD.
› TCS OFF ROAD.
› EDL OFF ROAD.
Downhill Drive Support
The hill descent assistant, with its automatic braking action on all wheels, en-
sures a constant speed on a steep slope when driving forwards and reversing.
The speed maintained corresponds to the speed of the vehicle at the time the As- sistant was first engaged.
During an intervention of the Assistants, the warning light
flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
By pressing the accelerator or brake pedal, the speed can be increased or re- duced. This is true even if the shift lever is in the neutral position and the selector
lever in the N position.
138Driving
The intervention of the wizard is cancelled when you press the pedal and re-
sumed after the pedal is released again.
The hill descent assistant is automatically engaged under the following condi-tions.
The OFF ROAD mode is switched on and the warning light lights up in the
instrument cluster.
The vehicle engine is running and either the 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear, reverse gear
or no gear is engaged and the selector lever is in position R, N, D, S or Tip- tronic.
The downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the limit can briefly drop to 8 %).
Neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
It is however a requirement that the vehicle has sufficient grip on the soil. The Downhill Drive Support cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy soil due to
physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud).
For vehicles with manual transmission, the speed is maintained as follows.
› 1st gear - approx. 8 1)
- 30 km/h
› 2nd gear - approx. 13 1)
- 30 km/h
› 3rd gear - approx. 22 1)
- 30 km/h
› Reverse gear - approx. 9 1)
- 30 km/h
› Neutral for driving forwards - as well as driving backwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the speed is maintained as follows.
› Position D, S, R or Tiptronic (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
› Neutral for driving forwards - as well as reversing - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
Start-Off Assist
The assistant supports the driver when starting eg on a steep slope. When the
driver presses the accelerator, the maximum engine speed is electronically limited so that a gentle approach is possible.
The overspeed trip unit is automatically deactivated after terminating the start-
up procedure.
As part of the Assist System, the accelerator pedal is adapted in its characteristics for an easier start-off on slippery and loose soil.ABS OFF ROAD
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface such
as gravel, snow, etc.
The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel before a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
TCS OFF ROAD
The ASR OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier as it partially allows wheel-spin.
EDL OFF ROAD
The EDS supports OFF ROAD vehicle traction when driving on a surface with dif- ferent grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with the
intervention of the standard EDS system.
Note
■ During an active intervention of the Downhill Drive Support, the brake lights do
not light up.■
When disabled, ASR » Fig. 116 on page 136 the OFF ROAD mode works without
the support of the ASR OFF ROAD.
1)
The indicated values represent the average of the lower speed limits if a gear is engaged (depending
on the type of gearbox or engine).
139Assist systems