
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)Fig. 112
Controls the Climatronic
Read and observe
on page 86 first.
Individual functions can be set or switched on by turning the dial or pressing the corresponding button » Fig. 112.
Setting temperature
▶ Reduce the temperature /
Increase the temperature
Selected temperature
Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
Automatic operation of the air conditioning system is switched on
Intense air flow turned on to the windscreen
Direction of air flow
Recirculated air mode activated
Cooling system activated
Set blower speed
Set the fan speed (the set fan speed is indicated by the corresponding
number of segments in the display)
▶ Turn to the left: Decrease speed / Climatronic off
▶ Turn to the right: Increase speed
Interior temperature sensor Switching the intensive airflow to the front windscreen on/off - when
this function is switched on, the warning light illuminates in the button
Switching automatic mode on » page 87
Switching the airflow to the windows on and off
Switching the airflow to the upper body on and off
Switching the airflow to the footwell on and off
1234567891011Switch recirculation on/off » page 88
Switch the cooling system on/off
When this function is switched on, the corresponding icon appears in the dis-
play.
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation function remains
active, whereby the lowest temperature that can be reached is the outside
temperature.
Set the temperature
In the range between 16 °C to 29° C, an automatic temperature control takes
place.
At a temperature setting below 16 ° C, lights up in the temperature display,
the Climatronic functions with maximum cooling performance .
At a temperature setting over 29° C, lights up in the temperature display, the
Climatronic functions with maximum heating output.
Switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Press the key and
simultaneously and hold 2 s, the display shows the
desired unit (item appears 3
» Fig. 112 ).
CAUTION
Do not cover the interior temperature sensor11» Fig. 112 - the function of the
Climatronic could be affected.
Note
In order to ensure adequate thermal comfort, there may be an increase in en-
gine idle speed during operation of the Climatronic in some circumstances.
Climatronic - automatic operation
Read and observe
on page 86 first.
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature andto demist the windows in the interior of the car.
›
To switch on press the
button. The display shows
(pos.
4
» Fig. 112
on page 87 ).
›
To turn off , press any button for the air distribution or change the blower
speed. The temperature contro lis continued.
87Heating and ventilation

Recirculated air modeRead and observe
on page 86 first.
The recirculation mode prevents contaminated outside air getting into the in-
terior of the vehicle. In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of
the vehicle and then fed back into the interior.
›
To switch on/off , press the
button.
Heater
If the air distribution control is set to position
when the recirculation mode is
switched on, the recirculated-air mode is switched off automatically.
Individually controlled air conditioning
Recirculated air mode is switched on automatically if the following conditions
are met.
The blower is switched on.
The airflow adjuster is outside position .
The temperature controller is turned to the left.
If the air distribution control is set to position when the recirculation mode is
switched on, the recirculated-air mode is automatically switched off.
Climatronic
If humidity increases in the vehicle, an automatic shutdown of air recirculation
can occur.
WARNINGThe recirculation system cannot be switched on for a longer period of time,
because no fresh air is fed through from the outside. “Stale air” may result
in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention levels and also
cause the windows to mist up. As soon as windows mist up, turn on the re-
circulation system immediately - The is a risk of an accident!
CAUTION
We recommend not smoking in the vehicle when the recirculating air operation
is switched on. The smoke sucked from the interior is deposited on the evapo-
rator of the air conditioner. This produces a permanent odour when the air
conditioning system is operating which can only be eliminated through consid-
erable effort and expense (replacement of compressor).Air outlet ventsFig. 113
Air outlet vents
Read and observe
on page 86 first.
The direction of airflow can be adjusted using the air outlet vents 3, 4
» Fig. 113 , the outlets can be opened and closed individually.
The setting of the airflow direction is carried out by moving the adjustment el-
ement
A
» Fig. 113 or in the desired direction.
Opening
›
Turn the regulator
B
upwards » Fig. 113.
›
Turn the regulator
B
to the right.
Closing
›
Turn the regulator
B
downwards » Fig. 113.
›
Turn the regulator
B
to the left.
Depending on the setting for air distribution, the air will flow from the follow-
ing air vents.
Set the direction of the air outletAir outlet vents » Fig. 1131. 2 . 41. 2 . 4 . 53 . 44 . 5 88Operation

Driving
Starting-off and driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
90
Switch on/off ignition
91
Starting / stopping the engine
91
Problems with the engine start - vehicles with starter button
92
Depending on equipment fitted, it is possible to switch the ignition on/off and
start/stop the engine with the key in the ignition or using the starter button .
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 - The is a danger of an acci-
dent!
■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop » page 94, Parking . Otherwise, the steering may lock -
danger of an accident!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is a
risk of theft, accident etc.!
■
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 – There is a risk of damaging the engine and
the catalytic converter! The battery from another vehicle can be used as a
jump-start aid.
■
On vehicles with the starter button, pay attention to where the key is loca-
ted. The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been accidentally
left on the vehicle roof - there is danger of loss or damage to the key!
NoteDo 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 90 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
If a component in the immobiliser key fails, it is not possible to start the en-
gine. A corresponding message appears in the display of the instrument clus-
ter to explain the immobiliser is active.
To start, use the other vehicle key or seek help from a specialist garage.
Steering lock - locking
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, remove the key and turn the steering wheel
until the steering lock engages.
›
On vehicles with a starter button, switch off the ignition and open the driv-
er's door. If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off after-
wards, the steering is only locked automatically after the vehicle has been
locked.
Steering lock - unlock
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, 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.
›
On vehicles with starter button, get into the vehicle and close the driver's
door. Under certain circumstances, the steering lock can be unlocked only
when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.
WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - risk of accident!90Driving

Switch on/off ignitionFig. 114
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock / starter button
Read and observe
and on page 90 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 114 -
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching on /off ignition in vehicles with starter button
›
Press the » Fig. 114 -
button, the ignition is turned on / off.
On vehicles with manual transmission the pedal must not be depressed to
switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
On vehicles with automatic transmission , the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed to switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
Starting / stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 90 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.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and » depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
123Starting engine›On vehicles with Ignition lock, turn the key to position 3 and the engine
starts » Fig. 114 on page 91
. Then release the key, the engine will start au-
tomatically.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after 30 s.
›
On vehicles with starter button, press the button briefly » Fig. 114 on page 91 -
, the motor will start automatically.
For vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light
goes on during
starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
Switching the engine off
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position
1
» Fig. 114 on
page 91 .
›
On vehicles with
starter button, press the button » Fig. 114 on page 91 -
,
The engine and the ignition will be switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if the selector lever is in position P .
Do 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.
Emergency shutdown of the engine in vehicles with starter button
The system is equipped with a protective device against accidental switching
off, the engine can only be shut off while driving in the event of an emergency.
›
Keep the knob pressed » Fig. 114 on page 91 -
or press it twice within 1 sec-
ond.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when start-
ing must always be in P mode. 91Starting-off and driving

Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - If it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be““run in”” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light will light up in the instrument cluster » page 29
,
Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - seek the
help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident.■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
Do not depress the brake pedal, if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - The is a risk of an accident!
■
Only brake 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.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - The is a risk of an accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – The is a
risk of an accident!
HandbrakeFig. 118
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 94 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop-
ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Undoing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly while pushing in the locking button
» Fig. 118 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbrake is applied, provi-
ded 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 94 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
94Driving

›Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.›Firmly apply the handbrake.›
For vehicles with
Automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission , select first 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
etc.) There is a risk of a fire and could result in severe injuries!■
When leaving the vehicle never leave people unattended in the car who
could, for example, lock the vehicle or release the brake - The is a risk of
accidents and injury!
Manual gear shifting and pedals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
95
Pedals
95
Manual gear changing
Fig. 119
The shift pattern: Variant 1 (5-speed or 6-speed manual gear-
box)/ variant 2 (5-speed transmission with the 1.0 litre MPI engine)
On the gear lever, the shift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown » Fig. 119 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 37.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Engage reverse gear - Version 1›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Push the shift lever downwards fully to the left and then forward into
R » Fig. 119 .
Selecting reverse gear - variant 2 (applies to the 1.0 l MPI motor)
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Wait briefly.
›
Push down on the shift lever, then push fully over to the right and then back-
wards, to position R.
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!
CAUTION
If 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.
95Starting-off and driving

WARNINGThere should be no objects in the driver's footwell, otherwise the pedal op-
eration can be impeded - risk of accident!
Automatic transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Select selector lever position
96
Selector lever lock
97
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
97
Starting-off and driving
98
The automatic transmission performs an automatic gear change irrespective of
the engine load, the operation of the accelerator, the vehicle speed and the
selected driving mode.
The modes of the automatic transmission can be adjusted by the driver by
means of the selector lever.
WARNING■ Do not accelerate when selecting drive mode prior to moving off - The is a
risk of an accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – The is a risk
of an accident!
■
If the vehicle stalls with the engine running, in the D, S , R or Tiptronic
mode, then the vehicle must be prevented from rolling away by means of
the brake pedal, parking brake or using the Auto Hold function. Even when
the engine is idling, power transmission is never completely interrupted –
the vehicle will creep.
■
When leaving the vehicle, the selector lever must always be set to P .
Otherwise, the vehicle may start to move - risk of accident.
CAUTION
If you want to move the selector lever from position N to position D / S whilst
driving, the engine must be running at idling speed.Select selector lever positionFig. 120
Selector lever settings / display
Read and observe and on page 96 first.
The selector lever can be moved through shifting to one of the following posi-
tions » Fig. 120 . In some positions you have to push the locking button
» page 97 .
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 120.
Park - the position can be set only when the vehicle is at a standstill.
The drive wheels are mechanically locked.
Reverse gear - The position can only be selected when the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is idling.
Neutral (idle position) - Power transmission to the drive wheels is inter-
rupted.
Forward mode / sports programme - the gear change takes place in the
position S at higher engine speeds than in mode D
(Sprung position) - choice between positions D and S
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 .
PRND/S96Driving

Selector lever lockFig. 121
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 96 first.
The selector lever is locked in the P and N modes to prevent the forwards trav-
el 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.
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. 121 .
To move the selector lever from mode N to D / S only the brake pedal is press-
ed.
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.
If it is not possible to release the gear selector from mode P in the usual man-
ner, then this can be emergency unlocked » page 160.
Note
If you want to switch the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice ver-
sa, move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being se-
lected accidentally.Manual shifting (Tiptronic)Fig. 122
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 96 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. This mode can be selected both while halted and while driving.
Switching to manual shifting using the selector lever
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle. The current gear is maintained.
Changing gear
›
To change up , tap the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 122 .
›
To change down , tap the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 122.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the » Fig. 120 on page 96 display.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 37.
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 advantageous to use manual gear shifting when driving downhill, for
example. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence
the wear of the brakes.97Starting-off and driving