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
START-STOPsystem
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
77
Manually deactivating/activating the system
78
The START-STOPsystem (hereinafter referred to as: the system) reduces CO 2emissions and harmful emissions, and saves fuel.
If the system determine that the engine is not needed when the vehicle stops
(e.g. at the traffic lights), it turns off the engine and starts it again when mov-
ing off.
The system function depends on many factors. Some of them are down to the
driver, the others are systemic and can neither be influenced nor identified.
Therefore the system may react differently in situations which seem identi-
cal from the driver's perspective.
The system is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on
(even where this has previously been manually deactivated with the button
).
Note
If the engine has stopped due to the system, the ignition remains on.
Operation
Fig. 90
Display
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine is automatically switched offas soon as the vehicle comes to a halt,
the shift lever is moved into neutral and the clutch pedal is released.
The engine is automatically startedas soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is automatically switched offas soon as the vehicle comes to a
standstill and the brake pedal is operated.
The engine is automatically startedas soon as the brake pedal is released.
Requirements for the system to function correctly
The following conditions must be met for the system to function correctly.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km/h after the last stop.
System status
The system status is shown in the display when the vehicle comes to a halt
» Fig. 90 .
The engine is automatically switched off; when the vehicle moves off the
ignition process will be automatically initiated.
The engine is not automatically switched off.
Reasons for the engine running
It may be essential for the engine to keep running when the vehicle comes to
a halt, for the following reasons. ▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air-conditioning or heating capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
When the engine is shut-down automatically and the system detects that the
engine is required such as when the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly then
the system automatically starts the engine. 77Starting-off and Driving
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
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times »
.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the vehicle systems evaluate the situation
as dangerous for the traffic following behind, the brake light flashes automati-
cally.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af-
ter accelerating or driving off again.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 34,
Braking
system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNINGOnly 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 jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 92
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 78 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 92 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light
illuminates when the handbrake is applied,
provided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
79Starting-off and Driving
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points may be used.
Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOrigi-
nal Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.WARNINGNo objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limi-
tation in operating the pedals!
Automated transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and lever control
81
Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
82
Starting-off and driving
82
The automatic transmission performs automatic gear changes.
The modes of the automatic transmission are adjusted by the driver by means
of the selector lever.
WARNING■ No throttle when it is set before starting the mode for moving forward
with the selector lever - there is a risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R when driving – risk of accident!
■
Always firmly apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle! Otherwise,
the vehicle could be automatically set in motion - there is a risk of acci-
dents!
CAUTION
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.Note■ The engine can only be left on in position N, when the brake pedal is de-
pressed .■
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first
necessary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling
speed of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in
the drive position.
■
If the N symbol flashes next to the selector lever, engage the selector lever
position N.
Modes and lever control
Fig. 94
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 81 first.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 94.
N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is at idling speed.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position R from posi-
tion N.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the en-
gine load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position D from posi-
tion N.
81Starting-off and Driving
M - Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Further information » page 82.
With driving mode set, the vehicle will not start up
If the vehicle does not start off, the problem may be that the selector lever is not completely in the selected position. In such an instance, press the brake
pedal and put the selector lever into the required position.
Faults in the automatic gearbox
In the event of a fault in the automatic gearbox, warning lights may light up in
the instrument panel » page 35,
Automated transmission .
An error on the automated manual transmission can become noticed, for ex- ample, by the following.
▶ Only certain gears are selected.
▶ The reverse gear R cannot be used.
Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Fig. 95
Selector lever: manual shifting/information display
Read and observe
and on page 81 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 30.
Switching to manual shifting when the vehicle is stationary
›
Depress the brake pedal.
›
Press the selector lever twice to the left in the spring-tensioned position.
Switching to manual shifting during driving
›
Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in
the direction of the arrow and set in position M. The selector lever position
you have engaged is shown in the instrument cluster display » Fig. 95.
Shifting up gears›Press the selector lever forwards + » Fig. 95 .
Shifting down gears›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D
›
Tilt the selector lever forward
+
or rearwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
If in a short time, no manual gear change takes place, then the temporary
manual shifting switches off.
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 78, Information on braking .■
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
risk of the engine overrevving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 81 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in
the direction of the arrow » Fig. 94 on page 81 and insert into position D .
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Fully depress and hold 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.
Kick-down
The Kick-down function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the Kick-down function is acti-
vated in any forward driving mode.
82Driving
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!
Running-in and economical driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running-in
83
Tips for economical driving
83
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Running-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 to dis-
pense with the trailer.
In the area 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” since they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive especially carefully 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 especially carefully 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.
Switch in an energy saving and timely manner Observe the recommended gear » page 30.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption can be reduced by half if only three-quarters of the possible
top speed of your vehicle is used.
Reducing idling
If the vehicle is fitted with the START - STOP system there is an automatic re-
duction of the idling. If the engine is stopped on vehicles without START-STOP
system, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel economy is already
greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is required 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 117.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 0.3 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
Only turn on electrical consumers (e.g. seat, window and mirror heating and
similar) for as long as necessary.
Use the cooling system economically
The air conditioning system compressor uses power from the engine when in
cooling mode, which will affect the fuel consumption. 83Starting-off and Driving