
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
95
Ignition on / off
96
Starting / Stopping the engine
96
It is possible, with the key in the ignition, to switch the ignition off and on and
start/stop the engine.
WARNING■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!■
While driving with the engine stopped the ignition must always be
switched on. Otherwise, the steering may lock - danger of an accident!
■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop » page 99, Parking . Otherwise, the steering may lock -
danger of an accident!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - risk of acci-
dent, theft or similar.
■
Never (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - there is the dan-
ger of poisoning and death!
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.
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 immobiliser and steering lock
Read and observe
and on page 95 first.
The electronic immobiliser (hereinafter referred to as immobiliser) makes thetheft or unauthorised use of your vehicle more difficult.
Immobiliser
The immobiliser allows the engine to start provided an original vehicle key only
is used.
Malfunction of the immobiliser
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.
Steering lock - lock
›
Remove the key and turn the steering wheel until the steering lock engages.
Steering lock - unlock
›
Insert the key into the ignition and turn on the ignition. If this is not possible,
then move the steering wheel slightly back and forth, as a result of which
the steering lock should unlock.
WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - danger of accident!95Starting-off and Driving

Ignition on / offFig. 117
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock
Read and observe and on page 95 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 117
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Starting / Stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 95 first.
Before 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.
Starting the engine
›
Turn the key to position
3
» Fig. 117 on page 96 , the start-up process will
begin. Then release the key, the engine will start automatically.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after 30 s.
Switching the engine off
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Turn key to position
1
» Fig. 117 on page 96 .
123Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey if the en-
gine has been working at high revs over a prolonged period, but leave it to run
at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may (also intermittently) con-
tinue to operate for approx. 10 minutes.
START-STOPsystem
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
97
Manually deactivating/activating the system
97
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.96Driving

OperationFig. 118
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. 118 .
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.
The engine does not shut down when the vehicle stops, if e.g. the following
applies.
▶ 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 output (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
If the engine has shut down automatically but the system detects that the en-
gine is required to run (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly) then the
system automatically starts up the engine.
Note
■ If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened after the engine has switched off automatically, the engine will
have to be restarted 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. 119
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
›
To deactivate/activate the system, press the button
» Fig. 119 .
When the system is deactivated, the symbol in the button lights up
.
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.97Starting-off and Driving

›Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided 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 over 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGDisengage the handbrake completely. A handbrake which is only partially
disengaged can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a nega-
tive effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Parking
Read and observe
on page 98 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.
›
For vehicles with automated gearbox shift the lever to position D or R.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear or Reverse gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNING■
The parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle in places where the underside of your vehicle could come
into contact with flammable materials (e.g. dry grass, leaves, spilled fuel or
the like). - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!■
When leaving the vehicle never leave people unattended in the car who
could, for example, lock the vehicle or release the brake - risk of accidents
and injury!
Manual gear changing and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
99
Pedals
100
Manual gear changing
Fig. 121
The shift pattern
The shift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown on the gear lever » Fig. 121 .
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 38.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
to the clutch.
Reverse gear is engaged
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the NPosition and wait for a short time.
›
Push down on the shift lever, then push fully over to the right and then back-
wards, to position R» Fig. 121 .
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the
ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 99Starting-off and Driving

CAUTIONIf not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mech-
anism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
Only a floor mat (ex-factory or from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range)
which can be secured to the attachment points should be used in the driver's
footwell.
WARNINGThere should be no objects in the driver's footwell, otherwise the pedal op-
eration can be impeded - risk of accident!
Automated transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Select lever position
100
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
101
Starting-off and driving
101
The automatic transmission changes gears automatically based on how the
engine and accelerator are being worked, the vehicle speed and the selected
driving mode.
The automatic transmission modes are set by the driver by means of the selec-
tor lever.
WARNING■ Do not accelerate when selecting drive mode prior to moving off - 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!
CAUTIONWhen 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.
Select lever position
Fig. 122
Selector lever positions
Read and observe and on page 100 first.
The selector lever can be moved through shifting to one of the following posi-
tions » Fig. 122 .
Neutral (idle position) - Power transmission to the drive wheels is inter-
rupted.
Reverse gear - The position can only be selected when the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is idling.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position R from
position N.
Forward drive mode
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position D from
position N.
Manual shifting (Tiptronic) - further information » page 101
NRDM100Driving

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.
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
Fig. 123
Selector lever / display
Read and observe
and on page 100 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. 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.
Gear changing
›
To change up , tap the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 123 .
›
To change down , tap the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 123.
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. 123.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D
›
Tilt the selector lever forward
+
or rearwards
-
» Fig. 123 .
If in a short time, no manual gear change takes place, then the temporary
manual shifting switches off.
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 38.
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.
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 of the brakes.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 100 first.
Moving off and pausing temporarily
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Start the engine.
›
Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in
the direction of the arrow » Fig. 122 on page 100 and insert into position D .
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time (e.g. at a crossroads). However, the brake pedal should be de-
pressed, in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Accelerating hard while in motion (kick-down function)
If the accelerator pedal is depressed while the vehicle is in forward drive mode,
the kick-down function is turned on.
The gear change is adjusted accordingly to achieve maximum acceleration.
WARNINGRapid acceleration ( e.g. on slippery roads) can lead to a loss of control over
the vehicle – risk of accident!
Running in and economical driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running in the engine
102
Tips on economical driving
102101Starting-off and Driving

Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for the wheel bolt caps
Breakdown kitWARNING■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift other vehicles or loads with it –
there is a risk of injury.■
Always stow the tool safely in the box and make sure that it is attached
with the belt to the spare wheel - otherwise it could cause injury to the oc-
cupants if breaking suddenly or colliding with another vehicle.
CAUTION
Screw the jack back to its starting position prior to putting it back in its box -
risk of damage to the box.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
changing a wheel on the road.
›
As far as possible park the vehicle as far as possible away from the traffic
flow - choose a place with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission select 1st gear .
›
For vehicles with
automated transmission shift the lever to position D or R.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle at the
prescribed distance.
›
Have all the occupants get out . The passengers should not stand on the
road while the wheel is being changed (they should remain behind a crash
barrier, for instance).
Changing a wheel
›
Take out the emergency or spare wheel » page 135.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 135 or caps » page 135 .
678›Loosen the wheel bolts
» page 136 » .›Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing, is clear of the
ground » page 136 .›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper,
etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (“pull- ing crossways”) » page 136.
›
Replace the wheel trim » page 135 and caps » page 135 .
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 129 .
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily. If screws are corroded and diffi-
cult to move, these must be replaced.
WARNING■ Undo the wheel bolts just a little (about one turn), provided the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come loose and fall
off – risk of injury.■
Under no circumstances must the bolts be greased or oiled - cause an ac-
cident.
Subsequent steps
After changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Stow the replaced wheel in the well under the floor covering of the luggage
compartment and secure it with a nut.
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check tyre pressure on the mounted wheel and adjust if necessary and, with
vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 109 .
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possible.
The prescribed tightening torque is 110 Nm.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
134Do-it-yourself

›For vehicles with
automated manual transmission leave the selector lever in
position N.›
Check that the screw for the tire pressure reduction
6
is closed.
›
Start the engine.
›
Plug the connector
4
into 12 volt socket » page 63, 12-volt socket .
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Once tyre inflation pressure of 2.0-2.5 bar has been reached, turn off the air
compressor. Maximum run time of 6 minutes » .
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
8
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
8
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
Stick the sticker
1
» Fig. 154 on page 138 on the dash panel in the driver's
field of view.
At a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, the journey can be continued at a maximum speed of 80 km/h or 50 mph.
WARNING■ If the tire does not inflate at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great. The
sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. Stop driving! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor if it has been running for as much as 6 minutes –
risk of damage to the compressor! Allow the air compressor to cool a few mi-
nutes before switching it on again.
Information on driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe
on page 137 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10minutes.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
The tyre cannot be properly sealed with the breakdown kit.
Do not contin-
ue to drive! Seek help from a specialist garage.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more›Set the tyre pressure back to the correct value » page 129.›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNINGA tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre. The following guidelines must therefore be observed.■
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
Jump-starting
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
140WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 120.■
When handling the vehicle battery, the following warnings must be ob-
served » page 126 .
■
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not carry out a jump start with the bat-
tery of another vehicle – risk of explosion and injury!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low
– risk of explosion and caustic burns.
139Emergency equipment and self-help