2016 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

CAUTION■If water gets into the vehicle’s systems (e.g. the air intake system for the en-
gine) it can cause serious damage to the vehicle!■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. An vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Assist systems
General information
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Radar sensor
199WARNING■ 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 activate, deactivate or set the assistance systems so that you have
the vehicle fully under control in every traffic situation - risk of accident!
Radar sensor
Fig. 240
Installation location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe on page 199 first.
The radar sensor » Fig. 240 (hereinafter on referred to as sensor) uses electro-
magnetic waves to capture the traffic situation ahead of the vehicle. 
199Assist systems

The sensor is a component of the ACC » page 214 and Front Assist
» page 219 systems.
The sensor function may be impaired in the events of one of the following. ▶ The sensor cover is soiled (e.g. with mud, snow etc.).
▶ The area in front of and around the sensor cover is obscured (e.g. by labels,
auxiliary headlights etc.).
▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
If the sensor is covered or dirty, the corresponding message appears in the in-
strument cluster display for the ACC system » page 218, Malfunctions or Front
Assist system » page 221, Malfunctions .WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the ACC system and
Front Assist system » page 216» page 220 . Have the sensor checked by a
specialist garage.■
A collision or damage in the front or lower area of the vehicle could affect
the sensor function - there is risk of accident! Have the sensor checked by
a specialist garage.
■
Do not cover the area in front of and around the sensor cover. 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.
Braking and stabilisation systems
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
200
ESC Sport
200
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
201
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
201
Traction control (TCS)
201
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
201
Active steering assist (DSR)
202
Brake Assist (HBA)
202
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
202Multicollision brake (MCB)202Trailer stabilisation system (TSA)202
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
The error display is in Chapter » page 32, Warning lights .
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 199, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
ESC improves vehicle stability in critical driving situations (e.g. if the vehicle
starts to skid) by the braking the individual wheels to maintain the direction.
If there is a TCS intervention, the indicator light  flashes in the instrument
cluster.
ESC Sport
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
ESC Sport allows for a sportier driving style. With ESC Sport activated, no ESC
intervention takes place when the vehicle slightly oversteers and understeers,
and ASR is so limited that the drive wheels can be spun.
Activation
›
Press and hold down the 
» Fig. 241 on page 201 button.
›
or: On Infotainment, press the button 
→ Press the function area

→
ESC system:
→
ESC Sport
.
With activation the warning light

lights up in the instrument cluster and an
appropriate message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Deactivation
›
Press the 
» Fig. 241 on page 201 button.
›
or: On Infotainment, press the button 
→ Press the function area

→
ESC system:
→
Activated
.
With deactivation the warning light extinguishes in the instrument cluster
 and an appropriate message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
200Driving

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)Read and observe
on page 200 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.
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
MSR counteracts the tendency of the drive wheels to lock during downshifts
or sudden deceleration (e.g. on icy or an otherwise slippery road surface).
If the drive wheels should lock, then the engine speed is automatically in-
creased. This reduces the braking effect of the engine and the wheels can ro-
tate freely again.
Traction control (TCS)
Fig. 241
System button: Vehicle with ESC / vehicle without ESC
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
The ASR prevents spinning of the drive wheels. 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.
Deactivation›
Press the 
» Fig. 241 button.
›
or:press the button

» Fig. 241
›
or: On Infotainment, press the button 
→ Press the function area 
→
ESC system:
→
ASR off
.
During deactivation the warning light lights up in the instrument cluster 
and
an appropriate message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Activation
›
Press the 
» Fig. 241 button.
›
or:press the button

» Fig. 241
›
or: On Infotainment, press the button 
→ Press the function area

→
ESC system:
→
Activated
.
During activation extinguished the warning light
 is and an appropriate mes-
sage is displayed in the instrument cluster.
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 it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
Note
On vehicles without the ESC system, the warning light  does not illuminate
upon deactivation of the TCS system, but a message is only displayed on the
display of the instrument cluster.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes a spinning wheel if required and transfers the drive power force to the
other drive wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different trac-
tion under each wheel of the driven axle.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
brake of the wheel being braked. Once the brakes have cooled down, there is
an automatic re-activation of EDL. 
201Assist systems

XDS is an extension to the electronic differential lock (EDL). XDS does not re-
spond to the relieved inner curve wheel of the driven axle in the case of fast
cornering.
By applying braking force to the relieved wheel, spinning is prevented by the
XDS. This has a positive effect on the driving stability and steerability of the
vehicle.
Active steering assist (DSR)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
The DSR indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. DSR is activated, for example, on the right
and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. To ach-
ieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied
firmly until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
When moving off on a gradient, HHC allows you to move your foot from thebrake pedal to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling downhill.
The vehicle is braked by the system for about 2 seconds after releasing the
brake pedal.
The HHC is active on gradients upwards of 5 % if the driver door is closed. HHC
is always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Multicollision brake (MCB)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
MCB helps to decrease speed after a collision by means of automatic braking
interventions and to stabilise the vehicle. This reduces the risk of a subse-
quent crash due to uncontrolled vehicle movement.
The automatic brake interventions can take place only if the following condi-
tions are met.
A head-on or side collision occurred.
The impact speed was greater than approx. 10 km/h.
The brakes, the ESL and other required electrical systems remain function-
al after impact.
The accelerator pedal is not actuated.
Trailer stabilisation system (TSA)
Read and observe
on page 200 first.
The TSA helps the combination stable in situations where the trailer sways
and then the whole trailer combination.
TSA brakes the individual wheels of the towing vehicle in order to damp the rocking motion of the entire vehicle combination.
The following conditions are required for the correct TSA function. The trailer was shipped from the factory or purchased from the ŠKODA
genuine accessories.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The parking aid is activated.
The speed is greater than 60 km/h.
Further information » page 230, Towing device and trailer .
202Driving

OFF ROADmode
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
203
Hill Descent Assistant
203
ESC OFF ROAD
204
ASR OFF ROAD
204
EDS OFF ROAD
204
ABS OFF ROAD
204
The OFF ROAD mode includes functions that help to overcome routes that are
difficult to navigate when travelling on non-paved roads.
But even with OFF ROAD mode activated, your vehicle is never a true SUV.
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 199, in section Introduction .
CAUTION
■
The OFF ROAD mode is not designed for the use on common roads.■All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by ŠKODA AUTO
to ensure the OFF ROAD mode operates correctly.
Operation
Fig. 242
Button for selecting the driving mode / function surface on the
Infotainment screen
Read and observe and on page 203 first.
OFF ROAD mode intervenes at a speed up to 30 km / h.
We recommend that you activate the OFF ROAD mode for every trip on non-
paved roads.
›
To activate , press the 
» Fig. 242 button.
In the Infotainment screen, a running mode menu » Fig. 242 appears.
›
Press the
Offroad
function surface on the Infotainment screen. The warning
light 
lights up in the instrument cluster.
›
to deactivate press the button 
» Fig. 242 and in the infotainment screen,
choose another mode than the
Offroad
mode.
The following functions are integrated in the OFF ROAD mode.
▶ Hill Descent Assistant » page 203
▶ ESC OFF ROAD » page 204
▶ TCS OFF ROAD » page 204
▶ EDL OFF ROAD » page 204
▶ ABS OFF ROAD » page 204
Note
If the engine “stalls” while driving and is started again within 30 seconds, then
OFF ROAD mode will be automatically activated.
Hill Descent Assistant
Read and observe
and on page 203 first.
The hill descent assistant (hereinafter referred to as assist system), with itsautomatic braking action on all wheels, ensures a constant speed is main-
tained on a steep slope when driving forwards and reversing.
During an intervention of the assistant, the warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The assistant is automatically engaged under the following conditions. The engine is running.
For vehicles with Manual transmission the shift lever is in the neutral po-
sition and or the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, or reverse gear is engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever is in the R,
N, D/S position or in the Tiptronic position. 

203Assist systems

The downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the lim-
it can briefly drop to 8 %).
Neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
Driving speed
Initiate the downhill decent at a reasonable speed of approx. 2 - 30 km / h the
assist maintains this speed when driving downhill constant.
If a forwards or reverse gear is engaged for vehicles with Manual transmis-
sion , the speed must be high enough to avoid “stalling the engine”.
The driving speed can be changed by the brake or accelerator pedal. This is
true even if the shift lever is in the neutral position and the selector lever in
the N position. The engagement of the assistant is resumed after the pedal is
released.WARNINGFor the correct operation of the assistant the road surface must be suffi-
ciently adherent. The assistant cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy
soil due to physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud). - there is a risk of an accident!
Note
When the wizard brakes the vehicle automatically, then the brake light does
not come on.
ESC OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 203 first.
The ESC OFF ROAD makes driving on a dirt roads easier, as no ESC interven-tions occur when the vehicle is slightly over or under steered.
ASR OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 203 first.
The TCS OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier as
it partially allows wheel-spin.
Note
When disabled, the TCS » page 201 OFF ROAD mode works without the sup-
port of the TCS OFF ROAD.EDS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 203 first.
The EDS OFF ROAD supports the driver when driving on a surface with differ-
ent grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with
the intervention of the standard EDS system.
ABS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 203 first.
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface
(e.g. gravel, snow etc.).
The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel be-
fore a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
Maximum system efficiency is achieved when the front wheels are in the
straight ahead position.
Parking aid (Park Pilot)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Settings in Infotainment
205
Operation
205
Display Infotainment screen
206
Activation / deactivation
206
Automatic system activation when moving forward
207
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to as system) uses acoustic signals on the
Infotainment screen when manoeuvring around obstacles in the vicinity of the
vehicle.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 199, in section Introduction .■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognized by the system sensors. 
204Driving

WARNING (Continued)■Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. There is a danger that such ob-
jects or people may not be recognised by the system sensors.■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors.
There is a danger that obstacles may not be recognised by the system sen-
sors.
■
Before reversing, you should satisfy yourself that there are no small ob-
stacle, such as a rock, thin post etc., in front or behind your vehicle. Such
obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors » Fig. 243 on page 205 clean, snow-and ice-free
and do not cover with any objects of any kind, otherwise the system function-
ing may be impaired.■
In adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or high
temperatures, etc.), the functioning of the system may be impaired - “incorrect
recognition of obstacles”.
■
Accessories additionally installed on the vehicle rear, such as bicycle carriers,
can impair the system function.
Settings in Infotainment
Read and observe
and on page 204 first.
›
Press the  button, then tap on the function surface

→
Parking and ma-noeuvring
.
■ ParkPilot - Settings for the parking aid
■
Activate automatically
- Activate/deactivate the compact parking aid display
(when driving forward)
■
Front volume
- Adjust the volume of the beeps for obstacle detection in front
■
Front tone setting
- Setting the pitch of the beeps for obstacle detection in
front
■
Rear volume
- Set the volume level of the beeps for the rear obstacle detec-
tion
■
Rear tone setting
- Setting the pitch of the beeps for the rear obstacle detec-
tion
■
Entertainment fading
/
Entert. Fading
- Lowers the audio volume (e.g. radio vol-
ume) with activated parking aid
■
Manoeuvre braking
- Activation / deactivation of the automatic emergency
braking
OperationFig. 243
Installation location of the sensors on the left side of the vehi-
cle: front/rear
Fig. 244
Sampled areas and range of the
sensors
Read and observe and on page 204 first.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are, depending on vehicle
equipment,, located in the back or in the front bumper » Fig. 243.
Depending on the equipment, the following system variants are possible
» Fig. 244 .
▶ Variant 1: warns of obstacles in the areas
C
,
D
.
▶ Variant 2: warns of obstacles in the areas
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
.
▶ Variant 3: warns of obstacles in the areas
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
,
E
. 
205Assist systems

Approximate range of sensors (in cm)Area » Fig. 244Variant 1
(4 sensors)Variant 2
(8 sensors)Variant 3
(12 sensors)A-120120B-6090C160160160D606090E--90
Audible signals
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. At a distance of approx. 30 cm a continuous tone starts to sound -
danger area. From this moment do not continue to move towards the obsta-
cle!
The acoustic signals can be set in Infotainment » page 205.
Towing a trailer
When towing, or when another accessory is connected to the trailer socket on-
ly the areas
A
and
B
» Fig. 244 are active in the system.
Note
■
If with Version 3 vehicles not all fields around the vehicle silhouette are ac-
tive after activation, the vehicle should be moved forwards or backwards.■
The signal tones for front obstacle recognition are factory-set to be higher
than for rear obstacle recognition.
Display Infotainment screen
Fig. 245
Screen display
Read and observe and on page 204 first.Function surfaces and warnings » Fig. 245ARoad display.  Depending on the Infotainment type: Switching off park assistant dis-
play.  Switching audible parking signals on/off.Change to rear-view camera display .There is an obstacle in the collision area (the distance to the obstacle
is less than 30 cm). 
Stop moving in the direction of the obstacle!There is an obstacle in the road (the distance to the obstacle is great-
er than 30 cm).An obstacle is located outside of the road (the distance to the obsta-
cle is greater than 30 cm).System failure (there is no indication of obstacles).
Road display
The road display
A
» Fig. 245 indicates the road on which the vehicle would
take the current steering wheel and shift / selector lever position.
The shift lever is in the neutral position and the gear selector is in mode N. the
road display is at the front.
Activation / deactivation
Fig. 246
System key (option 2, 3)
Read and observe and on page 204 first.
Activation
The activation of the system is initiated when the reverse gear is engaged, and
with vehicles with the variant 2 and 3 , also by pressing the

» Fig. 246 but-
ton. 

206Driving