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 bake 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 32,
Brake sys-
tem .
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. 107
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 97 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 107 .
›
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 following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Release the handbrake!RELEASE HANDBRAKE
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.
98Driving
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 97 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission , select 1st gear or Reverse gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
99
Pedals
99Manual gear changingFig. 108
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
The shift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown on the gear lever » Fig. 108 .
The gear shift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 39.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
to the clutch.
Engaging reverse gear
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position, switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the left and then forward into the Rposition
» Fig. 108 .
The reversing lights will come on once the reverse gear is engaged, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gear shift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the clutch and
the accelerator pedal – this may lead to damage to the clutch.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
99Starting-off and Driving
D/S - mode for driving forward (Normal program) / mode for driving
forward (Sport program)
The system switches from one mode to the other by moving the selector lever
into the spring-loaded position
» Fig. 109 .
In mode D or S, the forward gears are shifted automatically depending on the
engine load, the operation of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed, and the
selected driving mode .
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher
engine speeds than in mode D.
Selector lever lock
Fig. 110
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 100 first.
The selector lever is locked in modes P and N to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light .
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 110 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D/S .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be emergency released » page 168.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being acci-
dentally selected.
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
Fig. 111
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 100 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 109 on page 100 .
The gear shift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 39.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
When switching to the manual shifting while driving, the current gear is main-
tained.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever
+
» Fig. 111 forwards.
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever
-
» Fig. 111 backwards.
101Starting-off and Driving
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower beam » Fig. 113.›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air induction system or other parts
of the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
CAUTION
■ Should water penetrate into the intake system of the engine, there is a
threat of serious damage being incurred by the engine parts!■
When driving through water, some vehicle parts such as chassis, electrics or
transmissions can be severely damaged.
■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. A vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Assist systems
General information
Introduction
WARNINGThe following general information regarding the use of assistance systems
must be observed.■
The assistance systems only serve to support and do not relieve the driv-
er of the responsibility for driving the vehicle.
■
The increased safety provision, as well as the increased occupant protec-
tion provided by the assistance systems must not tempt you to take risks -
risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
■
The assistance systems have physical and system-related limitations. For
this reason, the driver may experience some undesired or delayed system
responses in certain situations. You should therefore always be alert and
ready to intervene!
■
Only enable, disable or set the assistance systems so that you have the
car fully under control in every traffic situation - risk of accident!
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
106
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
106
Traction control (TCS)
106
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
107
Brake Assist (HBA)
107
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
107
Multi collision brake (MCB)
107
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
107
This chapter describes the functions of the brake and stabilization systems.
The error display is in Chapter » page 31, Indicator lights .
105Assist systems
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 105, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as whenthe vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. over-steer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain 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 pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction control (TCS)Fig. 114
System button: Activating/deac-
tivating TCS
Read and observe on page 106 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces the drive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thus, for
example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Activating/deactivating TCS
The activation or deactivation of TCS can be done, depending on equipment, in
one of the following ways. ▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key
» Fig. 114 .
The warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the TCS is deacti-
vated .
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 “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
106Driving
Fig. 121
Segment display: Examples of status displays the CCS
Read and observe
on page 110 first.
CCS status displays » Fig. 120 , » Fig. 121
Speed set, but control is inactive.
Control is active.
No speed set.
System fault - seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Basic requirements for starting the control The CCS is activated.
On vehicles with a manual transmission , the second gear or higher is en-
gaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever is in the
D/S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The current speed is higher than approx. 20 km/h.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine.
WARNINGIf the engine power and engine braking effect is insufficient to maintain
the set speed, vehicle operation must be taken over!Operating DescriptionFig. 122
Cruise control system controls
Read and observe on page 110 first.
Overview of the control elements of the CCS » Fig. 122ADeactivate CCS (delete set speed) Interrupt control (sprung position) Activate CCS (control deactivated)BTake control again a)
/ Increase speedCStart control / reduce speeda)
If no speed is set the current speed is adopted.
At the start of the regulation the CCS regulates the vehicle to the current
speed, and this speed is shown on the instrument cluster display. The warning
light illuminates in the instrument cluster.
Automatic control interruption
Automatic control interruption occurs if any of the following conditions are
met. ▶ The brake pedal is operated.
▶ When one of the brake assist systems (e.g. ESC) intervenes.
▶ Through an airbag deployment.
WARNING■Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-
tem being switched on unintentionally.■
Control may only be resumed if the set speed is not too high for the cur-
rent traffic conditions.
111Assist systems
NoteDuring control, speed can be increased by pressing the accelerator pedal. Re-
leasing the accelerator pedal will cause the speed to drop again to the set
speed.
Front Assist
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Radar sensor
112
Operation
113
Distance warning (dangerous distance)
113
Warning and automatic braking
113
Disable/enable
114
Information messages
114
The Front Assist (hereinafter referred to as system) warns you of the danger of
a collision with a vehicle or another obstacle in front of the vehicle, and tries to
avoid a collision or mitigate its consequences by automatically applying the
brakes where necessary.
The area in front of the vehicle is monitored by a radar sensor » Fig. 123 on
page 112 .
WARNING■
The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 105, in section Introduction .■
The system does not respond to crossing or oncoming objects.
CAUTION
In case of failure of more than one brake light on the vehicle or on the electri-
cally connected trailer, the system becomes unavailable.Radar sensorFig. 123
Mounting location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
The radar sensor » Fig. 123(hereinafter referred to as the sensor) may detect
objects by radiating and receiving electromagnetic waves.
The sensor function may be impaired in the events of one of the following. ▶ The sensor is soiled by mud, snow and the like.
▶ The area in front and around the sensor is obscured by labels, auxiliary lights
and similar.
▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
If the sensor is dirty or covered, the corresponding message appears on the
display of the instrument cluster » page 114, Information messages .
WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the system. Have
the sensor checked by a specialist garage.■
The sensor can become misaligned by collisions or by damage to the front
of the vehicle, the wheel arch or the underside of the vehicle. This can lead
to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accidents! Have the sensor
checked by a specialist garage.
■
The area in front and around the sensor should not be obscured by labels,
auxiliary lights and similar. This can lead to impaired function of the sensor
- risk of accidents!
CAUTION
Remove the snow with a brush and the ice with a solvent-free de-icer.112Driving
Trailer loadThe permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances.Permissible trailer loadEngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8%1.2 ltr./66 kW TSIMG9001000580DSG90010005901.2 ltr./81 kW TSIMG110012005901.4 ltr./92 kW TSIDSG12001200600DSG (Green tec)120012006101.6 l./66 kW MPIMG100011005701.6 l./81 kW MPIMG10001100580AG100011006001.4 l/66 kW TDI CRMG10001100610DSG100011006201.6 l/85 kW TDI CRMG12001200640WARNINGThe maximum permissible axle and draw-bar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not exceed - this could cause an accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 54 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
124Driving