
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below.▶ If a child seat is to be used on the front passenger seat, where the child is
transported with its back to the direction of travel » 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
» Fig. 10 on page 18 -
.
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other airbags.
Deactivation indicator
Display of the airbag deactivation » page 37,
Airbag system
.
Note
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
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Key switch positions » Fig. 10 -
Passenger front airbag activated
Passenger front airbag deactivated
Switch 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 » Fig. 10
carefully into the
position
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the passenger door.
›
Check that the warning light
» Fig. 10 -
lights up once
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 » Fig. 10
carefully into the
position .
›
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 light
flashes, the front passenger air-
bag will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag sys-
tem checked by a specialist garage immediately.
■
Do not leave the key inserted in the key-operated switch while driving -
vibrations can cause the key to turn in the slot and switch on the airbag!
The airbag could be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result in
injury or death!
18Safety

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectric power windows
44
Door opening lever
41
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
53
Central locking system
40
Air vent
71
Parking ticket holder
58
Operating lever:
▶ Turn signal lights and main beam, headlight flasher
48
▶Speed regulating system
88
Steering wheel:
▶ With horn
▶ With driver’s front airbag
15
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights
28
Operating lever:
▶ Multifunction display
31
▶Windscreen wiper and wash system
51
Buttons (depending on the specification):
▶ START STOP
77
▶
Button for rear window heater
51
▶
Button for seat heating for the left front seat
55
Air vent
71
Depending on specification:
▶ Operating controls for the heating
69
▶Operating controls for the air conditioning system
69
Radio
Interior rear-view mirror
53
Buttons / warning lights (depending on the specification):
▶ Button for hazard warning light system
49
▶
Warning light for the front seat passenger
airbag
18
▶ Button for seat heating of the right front seat
55
Bag holder
631234567891011121314151617Front passenger airbag15
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
62
Air vent
71
Power window in the front passenger door
44
Door opening lever
41
Light switch
47
Bonnet release lever
106
Regulator for headlamp beam adjustment for the headlights
47
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
9
Ignition lock
76
Pedals
80
Cup holder
59
Buttons (depending on the specification):
▶ Button for the City Safe Drivesystem
89
▶
Button for the low tyre pressure warning
90
Handbrake lever
79
Depending on specification:
▶ Shift lever (manual transmission)
80
▶Selector lever (automated gearbox)
81
Depending on specification:
▶ 12-volt power socket
61
▶Cigarette lighter
60
Storage compartment
59
Note
■Cars with factory-fitted radio are supplied with separate instructions for op-
erating such equipment.■
The arrangement of the controls right-hand drive models may differ from the
layout shown in » Fig. 17. The symbols on the controls and switches are the
same as for left-hand drive models.
181920212223242526272829303132333427Cockpit

Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
34
Braking system
34
Seat belt warning light
34
Alternator
35
Engine oil pressure too low
35
Coolant
35
Automated transmission
35
Power steering
36
Stability Control (ESC) / traction control (ASR)
36
Antilock brake system (ABS)
36
Tyre pressure
36
Rear fog light
37
Exhaust inspection system
37
Checking the engine electronics
37
Airbag system
37
Handbrake - automatic transmission
38
Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
38
Turn signal system
38
Cruise control system
38
Main beam
38
/
Rear seat belt warning light
38
City Safe Drive
38
/
START-STOP
38
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
The lighting up of some warning lights may be accompanied by acoustic sig-
nals.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights extinguishes
for a few seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring light-up indicator lamps in the instrument cluster and the control
symbols in the display may cause serious injury or damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 49. Place the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 106, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - the hand brake is engaged.
An audible warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds
at a speed of more than 6 km/h.
Braking system
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - the brake fluid level in the brake system is too low or there is an
ABS fault.
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake fluid
» page 112 .
WARNING■
If the warning light illuminates together with the warning light
» page 36 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , stop driving! Seek help from
a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
34Using the system

›Stop and allow the transmission to cool down or drive more quickly than
20 km/h (12 mph).
If the warning light
lights up again, switch off the vehicle, shut off the en-
gine and allow the gearbox to cool down.
Further information » page 81, Automated transmission .
Power steering
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - this indicates a complete failure of the power steering and the
steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
lights up - this indicates a partial failure of the power steering and the
steering forces can be greater.
›
Stop the car, turn the ignition off and on again.
If the indicator light does not illuminate after the engine has been turned on
again, the power steering is fully operational again.
If the warning light illuminates again, then obtain assistance from an author-
ised dealer.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after the motor is restarted and a short drive, the indicator light does not go
out, there is a system error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Stability Control (ESC) / traction control (ASR)
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
flashes - the ESC or TCS is currently being accessed.
lights up - there is an ESC or TCS fault.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESC warning light will al-
so come on if the ABS system fails.
If the warning light comes on straight after starting the engine, the TCS may
be switched off for technical reasons.›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light
does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the
ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er- ror.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
More information about the ESC system » page 85, Stability Control (ESC) or
TCS system » page 85, Traction control (TCS) .
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - there is an ABS fault.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
In the event of an ABS fault, the other braking and stabilization systems are
turned off » page 85, Braking and stabilisation systems .
WARNING■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!■
If the ABS warning light
together with the indicator light
» page 34
lights,
do not continue to drive! Seek help from a specialist garage.
Tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
Change of tyre pressure values
lights up - there was a pressure change in one of the tyres.
36Using the system

An audible signal sounds as a warning.›
Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressures » page 117.
›
Correct the tyre pressure if necessary or replace the affected wheel
» page 123 or use the repair kit » page 127.
›
Save the tyre pressure values in the system » page 91.
System fault
flashes for approximately 1 minute and remains lit - there may be a fault in
the tyre pressure monitoring system.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light flashes again after the engine has started, there is a
system error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Other incidents
The following reasons can explain the warning light being illuminated.
▶ The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
▶ The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
▶ Snow chains are mounted.
▶ A wheel has been changed.
CAUTION
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light in the instrument cluster can be delayed or does
not light up at all. Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - the rear fog light is switched on.
Exhaust inspection system
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - there is a fault in the emission control system. The system allows
the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Checking the engine electronics
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
lights up - there is a fault in the electronic engine management system. The
system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Airbag system
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
System fault
lights up - there is a fault in the airbag system.
This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the ignition is
switched on.
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored automatically even if one
of the airbags is switched off.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic
tool
lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on and
then flashes for approximately 12 seconds.
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch
lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
37Instruments and control lights

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Starting and turning off the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
75
Lock/unlock steering lock
76
Ignition on / off and start the engine
76
Switch off engine
76
With the key in the ignition, the ignition can be switched on and off and the
engine can be started / stopped.
WARNING■ While driving with the engine stopped, the ignition must always be
switched on » page 76, Ignition on / off and start the engine .
■ With the ignition off, the steering may lock » page 76 - danger of an
accident!■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop » page 80, Parking . Otherwise, the steering may lock -
danger of an accident!
■
Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury, accidents and dam-
age!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is
risk of accident, damage or theft!
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - there is the dan-
ger of poisoning and death!■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a
cover) – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Only start the engine when the engine and the vehicle are stationary - there
is a danger of starter and engine damage!■
Do not push-start the engine – risk of damaging the engine and the catalytic
converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid
» page 129 .
Note
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this, the engine rea-
ches its operating temperature faster.
Electronic immobilizer
Read and observe
and on page 75 first.
The electronic immobiliser (hereinafter: immobiliser) makes the attempted
theft or unauthorised use of your vehicle more difficult.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deac-
tivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.
As soon as the ignition key is removed from the ignition lock the immobiliser is
automatically activated.
Operational problems
It is not possible to start the engine if there is a failure of the components in
the immobiliser key.
Use the other vehicle key to start the engine; if necessary, seek help from a
specialist garage.
75Starting-off and Driving

Lock/unlock steering lockRead and observe
and on page 75 first.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters any attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Withdraw the ignition key.
›
Turn the steering wheel to the left or right until the steering lock clicks into
place.
Unlocking
›
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
›
Switch on the ignition » page 76.
The steering lock is unlocked.
If the ignition switch cannot be turned on, then turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly and thereby unlock the steering lock.
Ignition on / off and start the engine
Fig. 89
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock
Read and observe and on page 75 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 89
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching ignition on/off
›
Turn key to position
2
.
The ignition is switched on.
›
Turn key to position
1
.
123The ignition is switched off.
Procedure for starting the engine›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
On vehicles with automatic gearbox , place the selector lever in position N
and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the
engine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Note
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
Switch off engine
Read and observe
and on page 75 first.
›
Stop the vehicle » page 80, Parking .
›
Turn key to position
1
» Fig. 89 on page 76 .
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
CAUTION
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.76Driving

Note■If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started
manually.
■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shutdown
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
Manually deactivating/activating the system
Fig. 91
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Deactivating/activating
›
Press the symbol button
» Fig. 91 .
When system is deactivated, the warning light in the button illuminates.
If the system is turned off, it will be automatically reactivated after turning the
ignition off and on.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
78
Handbrake
79
Parking
80WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
When braking in a vehicle with manual transmission, when the vehicle is
in gear and at low revs, the clutch pedal must be depressed. Otherwise, the
functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 83, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 78 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
78Driving