2014 SKODA CITIGO Owner's Manual

›Insert the lock tongue into the belt buckle
» Fig. 5 –  that is part of the seat
until it clicks into place.›
Pull on the belt to check that it has engaged correctly in the lock.
A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the belt tongue in a position which is
easy to get hold of.
It is important that the belt is properly routed to ensure seat belts offer the
maximum protection.
The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across the neck but must
roughly run over the middle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest.
The lap part of the belt must run across the pelvis, must not be positioned
across the stomach and must always fit snugly » Fig. 6 –
.
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child.
On expectant mothers, the lap part of the belt must be positioned as low as possible on the pelvis to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower abdo-
men » Fig. 6 –
.
Releasing
Release the seat belt only when the vehicle is stationary.
›
Press the red button in the belt buckle » Fig. 5 –
 , the lock tongue pops
out.
›
Manually guide the belt back so that it is easier to fully roll up the webbing,
the seat belt does not twist.
CAUTION
When releasing the seatbelt ensure that the tongue of the lock does not dam-
age the door trim or other parts of the interior.
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Inertia reels
14
Belt tensioners
14
Inertia reels
Each seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel.
When pulling slowly on the seat belt, the belt can move freely. When pulling
sharply on the seat belt, the movement is locked by the inertia reel.
The belts also lock when full braking, when the car accelerates, when driving
downhill and when cornering.WARNINGIf the seat belt does not lock when pulling sharply on it, have it inspected
immediately by a specialist garage.
Belt tensioners
Safety for the driver and front passenger wearing their seat belts is enhanced
by the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front three-point seat
belts.
The three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal
collision of a certain severity. The belt tensioners can also be deployed if the
seat belts are not fastened.
The seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a collision of a cer-
tain severity.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor frontal collisions, side
and rear-end collisions, in the case of a rollover and also not in accidents in
which no major forces are produced from the front.
WARNING■ Any work on the belt tensioner system including removal and installation
of system components because of other repair work, must only be carried
out by a specialist garage.■
The protective function of the system is only adequate for a single acci-
dent. If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to re-
place the entire system.
Note
■ Smoke is generated when the belt tensioners are deployed. This is not an in-
dication of a fire in the vehicle.■
When disposing of the vehicle or parts of the belt tensioner system, it is im-
portant to comply with national legal requirements. ŠKODA service partners
are familiar with these regulations and will be able to provide you with de-
tailed information.
14Safety

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
15
Airbag deployment
15
The airbag system provides, as a supplement to the seat belts, additional oc-
cupant protection during severe frontal and side collisions.
WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a
fastened seat belt .■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of
the complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect
when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to
match the body size » page 9, Correct and safe seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist ga-
rage immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk that the airbag will not be de-
ployed in the event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one ac-
cident. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
System description
Read and observe
on page 15 first.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light 
in the instrument cluster » page 38.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated.
This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 16.
› Side airbags Head-thorax
» page 17;
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 38,
 Airbag system
.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 18.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag deactivation/activation in the
middle of the dash panel » page 18.
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.
Airbag deployment
Read and observe
on page 15 first.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to beable to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, several airbags may be deployed simultaneously.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions,
rear-end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. 
15Airbag system

Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors
such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle,
vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which
occurs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system.
If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision
remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit,
the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe dam-
age to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
› Driver’s front airbag.
› Front passenger airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
› Head-Thorax side airbag on the crash side.
When an airbag is deployed, the following events occur.
› The interior lighting illuminates (if the switch for the interior light is in the
door contact position).
› The hazard warning lights are switched on.
› All doors are unlocked.
› The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Airbag overview

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags
16
Side airbags Head-Thorax
17Front airbagsFig. 7
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard
Fig. 8
Safe distance to steering wheel/gas-filled airbags
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 7 –
.
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel
above the stowage compartment » Fig. 7 –
.
When the airbags are deployed, they inflate in front of the driver and front
passenger » Fig. 8 -
 . The forward movement of the driver and of the front
passenger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag
and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced. 
16Safety

WARNINGInformation on correct seated position■For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 8 . Not main-
taining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be
able to properly protect you – hazard! The front seats must always also be
correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
■
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to
injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■
There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
WARNINGFront airbag and transporting children■Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident,
the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing
child seat on the front passenger seat » page 18, Deactivating the front
passenger airbag . If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering se-
vere or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. When
transporting a child on the front passenger seat, pay attention to any rele-
vant national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
WARNINGGeneral information■The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash pan-
el on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or
modified in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth
that is dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup hold-
ers, mobile phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the air-
bag modules or be located within their immediate vicinity.■
Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module
in the dash panel.
Note
■ In vehicles with driver's airbag, the text  can be found on the steering
wheel.■
In vehicles with front passenger airbag, the text 
is located on the dash
panel on the passenger side.
Side airbags Head-ThoraxFig. 9
Place of installation of the front seat side airbag/deployment area
of the side airbag
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system Head-Thorax pro-
vides additional protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of
passengers in the vehicle.
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the
front seats » Fig. 9 –
.
When the side airbags are triggered » Fig. 9 -
 , the belt tensioner is also de-
ployed automatically on the relevant side.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated
airbag and the risk of injury to the head and upper body (chest, stomach and
pelvis) is reduced on the side facing the door.
WARNINGInformation on correct seated position■Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 21, Child safety and side airbag .■
There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accesso-
ries, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.
■
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may
be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This
can result in serious injuries » page 19, Child seat . 
17Airbag system

WARNING■The airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the
front doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the
doors or door panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Further
information » page 95, Airbags .■
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be
damaged. The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passen-
ger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by ŠKODA. In view
of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of
non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the pro-
tective function of the side airbag.
■
Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag mod-
ule must be repaired immediately by a specialist garage.
■
The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open
the modules.
Note
In vehicles with side airbags a label with the lettering  is located on the
front seat backrests.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
18
Deactivating airbags
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below. › If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different
legal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forwards-facing
child seat in some countries) » page 19, Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
› If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 18 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other
airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, in-
cluding when one of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag deactivated using diagnostic equipment
› The warning light
 illuminates for approx. 3 seconds after switching on the
ignition and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
The front passenger airbag disabled with the key switch › The warning light
 illuminates for approx. 3 seconds after switching on the
ignition.
› The warning light



» Fig. 10 on page 18 -
 illuminates
after the ignition has been switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 10
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag / warning
light for front passenger airbag 
18Safety

Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the passenger door.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
 » Fig. 10 - 
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the passenger door.
›
Check that the warning light 



» Fig. 10 - 
illuminates af-
ter the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the passenger door.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position

» Fig. 10 -
 .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the passenger door.
›
Check that the warning light




» Fig. 10 -
 does not illumi-
nate after the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-
ed off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the 



warning lights flash, the front passenger airbag
will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag system
checked by a specialist garage immediately.
■
The key cannot be inserted in the key switch while driving.
■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag could be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result
in injury or death!
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!Transporting children safely
Child seat
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
20
Use of the child seat in the front passenger seat
21
Child safety and side airbag
21
Classification of child seats
22
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
22
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger
seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet
fully developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory pro-
visions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. The ECE-R
standard stands for: Economic Commission for Europe – Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard are identified with a test
mark that cannot be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number
below.
WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child
seats.■
One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic
conditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■
The child must be secured in the vehicle during the entire journey! Other-
wise, the child would be thrown through the vehicle in the event of an acci-
dent, causing fatal injuries to both the child and other occupants. 
19Transporting children safely

WARNING (Continued)■Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the
vehicle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported
on the front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries
if the airbag system is deployed!■
Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in mi-
nor accidents.
■
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly.
One should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fit-
tings.
■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing
child seat on the front passenger seat. Further information » page 20,
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat .
CAUTION
■
When installing a child seat in which the child faces forward, adjust the head
restraints so that they are as high as possible (valid for the rear seats).■
If the head restraints still prevent the child seat from being installed, even in
the highest position, you will need to remove them (valid for the rear seats).
After removing the child seat, re-install the head restraints.
Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These child seats were developed and also tested for use in ŠKODA vehicles.
They meet the ECE-R 44 standard.Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Does not apply to TaiwanFig. 11
Sticker on the B column on the
front passenger side.
Fig. 12
Front passenger sun visor / label
Read and observe
and on page 19 first.
Never use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat which is protec-
ted by an active airbag. This could cause serious injury to the child, even
death.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear
seats whenever possible.
The following instructions must be followed when using a child seat on the
front passenger seat.
› The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat »
.
› If possible, adjust the front passenger seat backrest so that it is as vertical,
so as to ensure secure contact between the passenger seat backrest and the
back of the child seat. 
20Safety

›If possible, move the front passenger seat backwards so that there is no con-
tact between the front passenger seat and the child seat behind it.
› With child safety seats in groups 2 or 3, make sure that the loop-around fit-
tings attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at the
same height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passenger side.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
› Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-
cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the child
seat .WARNING■ The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing
child seat on the front passenger seat » page 18, Deactivating airbags .■
Never use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat if the pas-
senger airbag is activated. This child safety seat is positioned in the deploy-
ment area of the front passenger airbag. The airbag may cause the child se-
vere, or even fatal injuries, in the event of it being deployed.
■
This fact is also indicated by the label that can be found in one of the fol-
lowing locations. ■ On the B-column on the front passenger side » Fig. 11. The sticker is visi-
ble upon opening the front passenger door. ■ On the front passenger's sun visor. In some countries, the sticker is lo-
cated on the front seat passenger's sun visor » Fig. 12.
■
With child safety seats in groups 2 or 3, make sure that the loop-around
fittings attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at
the same height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passen-
ger side.
■
As soon as the rear-facing child seat is no longer being used on the pas-
senger seat, the front passenger airbag should be re-activated again.
Use of the child seat in the front passenger seat
Applies to TaiwanFig. 13
Front passenger sun visor / label
Read and observe
and on page 19 first.
No babies, infants or children to be carried on the passenger seat.
Also indicated by the label on the passenger's sun visor » Fig. 13.
Child safety and side airbag
Fig. 14
Incorrect seated position of a
child who is not properly secured
– risk from the side airbag/Child
properly protected by safety seat
Read and observe and on page 19 first.
The child must not be positioned in the deployment area of the side air-
bag » Fig. 14 –
.
There must be sufficient room between the child and the deployment area of
the side airbag that the airbag can provide as much protection as possi-
ble » Fig. 14 –
. 
21Transporting children safely