The essentials
Fluid Level control Fi l
lin
g capacities
Tank level
Petrol and diesel
engines50 l, of which, approx. 7 l reserveVehicles with all-wheel-drive :
55 l, of which, approx. 8.5 l re- serve
Natural gas en-
ginea)approx. 15 kg
a)
The capacity depends on the efficacy and characteristics of
the natural gas pumps. The capacity indicated is based on a
minimum loading pressure of 200 bar.
Capacity of the windscreen washer fluid container
Versions without
headlight washer
systemapprox. 3 litres
Versions with
headlight washer
systemapprox. 5 litres Fuel
Fig. 60
Fuel tank flap with tank cap attached. The flap that covers the tank cap is unlocked
and loc
k
ed aut
omatically using the central
locking.
Opening the fuel tank cap
● Open the fuel tank flap by pressing on the
left
side.
● Unscrew the cap by turning it to the left. ●
Place it
in the space on the hinge of the
open flap ››› Fig. 60.
Closing the fuel tank cap ● Unscrew the cap by turning it to the right as
far as
it will go.
● Close the lid.
››› in Refuelling on page 265
››› page 264 58
The essentials
Engine oil specificationsService intervalEngine typeSpecification
Petrol engines with Set Service Intervals (dependent on
time/distance travelled)1.4l CNG / 1.4l 110kW without ACTVW 502 00
1.0l / 1.2l / 1.4l 92kW / 1.4l 110kW with ACT / 1.8l / 2.0lVW 504 00
1.2l / 1.4l 110kW without ACT / 1.6l / 1.8l / 2.0lVW 502 00 a)
Petrol engines with Flexible Service Intervals (LongLife)1.0l / 1.2l / 1.4lVW 508 00 / VW 504 00 b)
1.8l / 2.0lVW 504 00
Diesel engines with Set Service and Flexible Service In-
tervalsc)With particulate filter (DPF)VW 507 00
Diesel engines with Set Service IntervalsWithout particulate filter (DPF)VW 505 01 a)
/ VW 506 01 a)
a)
If the quality of the fuel available in the country does not fulfil the EN 228 (for petrol) and EN 590 (for diesel) standards.
b) Use of engine oil compliant with the VW 504 00 specification instead of VW 508 00 may have a slight negative effect on the vehicle’s exhaust gas values.
c) Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
››› in Changing engine oil on page 274
››› page 272 Coolant
Fig. 63
Engine compartment: coolant expan-
s ion t
ank
cap. The coolant tank is located in the engine
c
omp
ar
tment ›››
page 270.
When the engine is cold, replace the coolant
when the level is below .
Coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from
the factory with a specially treated mixture of
water and at least 40 % of the additive G13
(TL-VW 774 J), purple. This mixture gives the
necessary frost protection down to -25°C
(-13°F) and protects the light alloy parts of
the engine cooling system against corrosion.
It also prevents scaling and considerably rai-
ses the boiling point of the coolant. 60
The essentials
Make sure the battery clamps have sufficient
met al-t
o-met
al contact with the battery termi-
nals.
If the engine fails to start after about 10 sec-
onds, switch off the starter and try again after
about 1 minute. WARNING
● Ple a
se note the safety warnings referring to
working in the engine compartment
››› page 270.
● The battery providing assistance must have
the same v
oltage as the flat battery (12V) and
approximately the same capacity (see imprint
on battery). Failure to comply could result in
an explosion.
● Never use jump leads when one of the bat-
teries
is frozen. Danger of explosion! Even af-
ter the battery has thawed, battery acid could
leak and cause chemical burns. If a battery
freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes
awa
y from batteries, danger of explosion.
Failure to comply could result in an explo-
sion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the
manufact
urer of the jump leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the
other vehic
le directly to the negative terminal
of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the
battery could be ignited by sparks. Danger of
explosion. ●
Never att ac
h the negative cable to fuel sys-
tem components or the brake lines in the oth-
er vehicle.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery
clamp
s must not be allowed to touch. The
jump lead attached to the positive battery
terminal must not touch metal parts of the ve-
hicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they
cannot c
ome into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could re-
sult
in chemical burns. Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, oth-
erw i
se electricity could flow as soon as the
positive terminals are connected. Changing the wiper blades
W ind
s
creen wipers service position Fig. 81
Wipers in service position. The wiper arms can be raised when the wip-
er
s
ar
e in service position ››› Fig. 81.
● Close the bonnet ›››
page 270.
● Switch the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever down-
ward
s briefly 4
› ›
› page 32.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms.
Using the windscreen wiper lever, the wind-
screen wiper arms return to their initial posi-
tion.
››› page 97 72
Operation
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driv
in
gFuel consumption, environmental pollution
and we
ar t
o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)*
Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
page 37.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption w
i
ll drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without
the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of
time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel
efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres
200
Driver assistance systems
rough tracks and uneven terrain as much as
po s
s
ible. WARNING
● Ev en w
ith four-wheel drive, you should al-
ways adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions. Do not let the extra safety features
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
Risk of accident!
● The braking capability of your vehicle is
limited by
the tyres' grip. It is therefore no
different from a car without four-wheel drive.
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on firm
or slippery roads just because the vehicle
still has good acceleration in these condi-
tions. Risk of accident!
● On wet roads bear in mind that the front
wheels m
ay start to “aquaplane” and lose
contact with the road if the car is driven too
fast. If this should happen, there will be no
sudden increase in engine speed to warn the
driver, as occurs with a front-wheel drive car.
For this reason you should always choose a
driving speed suitable for the road condi-
tions. Risk of accident! Driver assistance systems
St ar
t
-Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce C
O
2 emi
ssions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops or is
stopping; for example when stopping at traf-
fic lights. The ignition remains switched on
during the stopping phase. The engine auto-
matically switches back on when required. In
this situation, the light of the START ENGINE STOP button stays on
1)
.
As soon a
s
the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Further information about the Start-Stop sys-
tem can be found in the Easy Connect sys-
tem: by pressing the button in the Vehi-
cle status menu.
B a
s
ic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened. ●
The bonnet mus
t be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
servic
e temperature.
● The reverse gear must not be engaged.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop sys
tem is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 207. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
swit c
hed off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 207. 1)
Only in vehicles with Keyless Access.
205
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
CAUTION
● Do not u se so
lvents, wax polish, shoe
cream, stain removers, leather cleaning prod-
ucts or any similar products on Alcantara.
● To avoid damage, stubborn stains should
be remov
ed by a specialised workshop.
● On no account use brushes, hard sponges
or simil
ar utensils. Seat belts
–
Keep the seat belts clean.
– For cleaning, use a mild solution of soap
and w at
er
.
– Check the condition of the seat belts at reg-
ular int
ervals.
The retract function may not operate properly
in very dirty belts. Make sure that the inertia
reel seat belts are completely dry before al-
lowing them to retract. CAUTION
● Do not r emo
ve the seat belts from the vehi-
cle to clean them.
● Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the
seat belt
s, as this can damage the webbing.
Ensure that the seat belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
● If you find any damage to the belt webbing,
belt fitting
s, the belt retractor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a
spec
i
alised workshop. Checking and refilling levels
Fi l
lin
g the tank
Refuelling Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 58
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated cor-
rectly, it will switch itself off as soon as the
fuel tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more
fuel after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill
the expansion chamber in the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is giv-
en on a sticker on the inside of the fuel tank
flap. Further notes on fuel can be found at
››› page 266.
The capacity of your vehicle's fuel tank is giv-
en in ›››
page 58.
Vehicles with natural gas engines and hy-
brids
Every 6 months it is necessary to run on pet-
rol until the control lamp switches off and
then the tank must be refilled. This is neces-
sary to ensure that the system works proper-
ly, as well as the fuel quality required for driv-
ing with petrol.
264
Advice
Before r efuelling, the engine and the igni-
tion, mo b
ile telephone and heating must be
switched off separately ››› .
R e
a
d the instructions on how to use the natu-
ral gas pump carefully.
The vehicle is not prepared for refuelling with
liquefied natural gas (LNG) ››› . Before refu-
el lin
g w
ith natural gas, make sure you add
the appropriate type of fuel ››› page 266.
Opening the fuel tank cap
The natural gas filler mouth is behind the fuel
tank cap, next to the petrol filler mouth.
● Unlock the vehicle with the key or with the
central
locking button situated on the driv-
er door ››› page 125.
● Press on the rear area of the flap and open
it.
Ref
uelling
Special feature: if the ambient temperature is
very high, the natural gas pump protection
against overheating disconnects this auto-
matically.
● Remove the plug from the gas filler mouth
›››
Fig. 246 1 .
● Connect the pump filling nozzle to the gas
fi l
l
er mouth.
● The fuel tank will be full when the p
ump
compressor automatically cuts the supply. ●
If y
ou wish to finish refuelling in advance,
press the button on the pump to stop the
flow.
Closing the fuel tank cap
● Check that the gas filler mouth retainer 2 is not trapped with the filler nozzle. If neces-
s
ar
y
, place it in the filler mouth again.
● Insert the plug in the filler mouth.
● Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear it
click
into place. WARNING
Natural gas is a highly explosive, easily flam-
mab l
e substance. Incorrect handling of the
natural gas can cause accidents serious
burns and other injuries.
● Before refuelling with natural gas, engage
the fillin
g mouth correctly. If you can smell
gas, stop refuelling immediately. WARNING
The vehicle is not prepared to use liquefied
nat ur
al gas (LNG), and this fuel must not be
added under any circumstances. Liquefied
natural gas can cause the natural gas tank to
explode, resulting in serious injury. Note
● The fil lin
g nozzles of natural gas pumps
can differ in the way they are operated. If you do not know, ask a qualified employee at the
petro
l
station to do the refuelling.
● Noises heard when refuelling are normal
and do not indicat
e the presence of a fault in
the system.
● The vehicle natural gas system is prepared
both for ref
uelling with a small compressor
(slow refuel) and a large compressor (fast re-
fuel) in natural gas service stations. Fuel
Ty
pe
s of petrol The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the
f
uel
t
ank flap.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con-
verter and must only be run on unleaded pet-
rol. The petrol must comply with European
Standard EN 228 or German standard DIN
51626-1 and must be unleaded. You can re-
fuel with a maximum ethanol proportion of
10 % (E10). The types of petrol are differenti-
ated by their octane rating (RON).
The following titles appear on the corre-
sponding adhesive on the fuel tank flap:
266
Checking and refilling levels
●
Tak e c
are not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember that, ev
en when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au-
tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury.
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sul
ating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pans
ion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a l
arge, thick rag to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine com-
partment
while the engine is running, the ro-
tating components (for example, poly-V belt,
alternator, radiator fan) and the high voltage
ignition system are an additional hazard.
● Observe the following additional warnings
if work
on the fuel system or the electrical
system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguish-
er immediately available. CAUTION
When topping up fluids make sure the correct
fluid is p
ut into the correct filler opening, oth-
erwise this can cause serious malfunctions or
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle
re gu
larly so that any leaks are detected at an
early stage. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids in the area where it was parked, have
your vehicle inspected at the workshop. Note
In right-hand drive vehicles* some brake flu-
id re ser
voirs are on the other side of the en-
gine compartment ››› Fig. 247. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 17
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle.
Check that the windscreen wiper arms are
not unfolded. Otherwise the paint may be
damaged.
The bonnet can only be unlocked when the
driver door is open. WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or
drips of
coolant being released from the en-
gine compartment. Failure to comply could
result in burns. Wait until no steam or coolant
can be seen before opening the bonnet. Closing the bonnet
–
Slightly lift the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay before pressing it
bac k
into its support.
– Carefully close the bonnet.
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into
plac
e.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its
cla
sp. Do not press down too hard ››› .
WARNING
● For s af
ety reasons the bonnet must always
be completely closed when the vehicle is
moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet,
always check that the locking element is
properly engaged. This is the case if the bon-
net is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
safely
secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. 271
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety