
Air conditioning
The system also allows for the effect of sun-
light, so ther e i
s
no need for manual adjust-
ment. It also has a humidity sensor that
helps to automatically demist the wind-
screen.
Automatic operations ››› page 151 guaran-
tee maximum comfort any time of year.
Climatronic description
Cooling only works if the following conditions
are met:
● The engine is running
● the outside temperature is above +2°C
(+36°F);
● ››› Fig. 172 18 turned on.
St ar
tin
g the Climatronic
The corresponding function will be switched
on when a button is pressed, turning on the
air conditioning if it was switched off, with
the exception of button 17 (recirculation).
Sw it
c
hing off the Climatronic
● Turn control 10 to the left until the seg-
ments of
c
olumn 9
› ›
› Fig. 172 switch off.
● After 1 second has elapsed, turn the control
again t
o switch off the display.
In order to ensure engines subject to heavy
loads are cooled, the air conditioning com-
pressor is switched off in the event of high
coolant temperatures. Recommended setting for all seasons of the
year
● Set
the required temperature. We recom-
mend +22°C (+72°F).
● Pre
ss the button 13
› ››
Fig. 172
.
● Adju
st vents 3 and 4 ›››
page 147 so that
the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Change between degrees Centigrade and de-
grees Fahrenheit
Keep the and buttons ››› Fig. 172
held down for 2 seconds at the same time.
The data is displayed on the screen in the
units required. Note
● A v i
sit to the specialised service once a
year is recommended to clean the Climatronic
system.
● The interior temperature sensor 11 ›››
Fig. 172 is at
the bottom. Do not cover it
with stickers or the like, as this could have a
negative effect on Climatronic operations. Automatic mode
Automatic mode is used to maintain a con-
s
t
ant
temperature and demist the windows
inside the vehicle. Switching on automatic mode
● Set a interior temperature between +16°C
(+64°F) and +29°C (+84°F).
● Adjus
t vents 3 ›››
page 147 and 4 so that
the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
● Press the button 13
› ››
Fig. 172
, and
AUTO i
s displayed on the screen.
Automatic mode is switched off by pressing
the air distribution buttons or increasing or
decreasing the blower speed. However, the
temperature remains regulated.
Adjusting the temperature ●
When you switch on the ignition, control 1 ›››
Fig. 172 can be u sed t
o set the required in-
terior temperature.
It is possible to select interior temperatures
from +16°C (+64°F) to +29°C (+84°F). In this
range the temperature is regulated automati-
cally. If a temperature below +16°C (+64°F) is
selected, “LO” is displayed on the screen. If a
temperature above +29°C (+84°F) is selected,
“HI” is displayed on the screen. At both ex-
tremes, Climatronic works at maximum cool-
ing or heating power, respectively. The tem-
perature is not regulated. »
151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Handbrake Fig. 176
Centre console: handbrake. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
R el
e
asing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
pres
s the unlock button at the same time
››› Fig. 176.
– Keep the button pressed down and push
the lever al
l the way down.
Control lamp
The warning lamp lights up when the hand-
brake is applied with the ignition on .
Additionally, driving the vehicle at speeds ex-
ceeding 6 km/h (4 mph) for at least 3 sec-
onds produces an audible warning.
The informative display indicates: Release the handbrake! Braking and stability systems
Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) The ESC system increases control of the vehi-
cl
e in emer
gency situations, e.g. during a
sudden change in direction. Depending on
the driving conditions, it reduces the risk of
skidding and increases driving stability.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The warning lamp on the general instru-
ment panel starts flashing when the system
is working.
The stability (ESC) system includes the fol-
lowing systems:
● Anti-lock brake system (ABS),
● Traction control system (TCS),
● Electronic differential lock (EDL),
● Hydraulic brake assist system (HBA),
● Hill hold control (HHC). The ASR should be switched on at all times.
Only
u
nder certain circumstances should the
system be switched off, e.g.
● driving with chains,
● driving in deep snow or on very soft surfa-
ces,
● D
uring the “swinging movement” required
to remo
ve a stuck vehicle
Switch the ASR back on as soon as possible.
Brake assist system (HBA)*
The HBA system is activated when you press
down on the brake pedal suddenly. It increa-
ses braking power, helping to reduce braking
distances. To reduce braking distance as
much as possible, keep the brake pedal
pressed down firmly until the vehicle comes
to a standstill.
With the help of this system, the ABS is acti-
vated more quickly and more efficiently.
The brake assist function is deactivated auto-
matically when the brake pedal is released.
Hill hold control (HHC)*
The HHC system makes it easier to start the
vehicle on hills. The system maintains the
brake pressure created by pressing down on
the brake pedal for 2 seconds after it has
been released. Your foot can be removed
158

Operation
● Inc r
e
ased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accor
dance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its c
omponents are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating fr
om renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in p
lastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy
metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
valent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protectiv
e wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tr
ansport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recy
cling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impr
ovement in the quality of waste water. ●
Use of sy
stems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Economical and environmentally-
friendly drivin
g Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and we
ar t
o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnec
e
ssary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel
››› page 29.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
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.
166

Driver assistance systems
Manual connection of Parking Aid
● Press the butt
on once.
Manual disconnection of Parking Aid
● Press the button
again.
Manual disconnection of Parking Aid display
(the audible sounds remain active)
● Press a button on the main menu of the fac-
tory
-assembled infotainment system.
● OR: press the BACK fu
nction button.
Automatic connection of Parking Aid ● Engage reverse gear or turn the selector
lever t
o position R.
● OR: If the vehicle approaches an obstacle
that
is in its forwards path at a speed below
10 km/h (6 mph) ››› page 173, Automatic ac-
tivation. The obstacle is detected as of a dis-
tance of approx. 95 cm if the automatic con-
nection is activated in the infotainment sys-
tem. A reduced display is shown.
Automatic disconnection of Parking Aid
● Move the selector lever to position P.
● OR: accelerate to more than approx.
10 km/h (6 mph) for
ward.
Temporary suppression of sound in Parking
Aid
● Press the function b
utton. Change from reduced view to full view
●
Engage reverse gear or turn the selector
lever t
o position R.
● OR: press the car icon in reduced view.
If nec
essary, switch to the rear-assist image
(Rear View Camera “RVC”)
● Engage reverse gear or turn the selector
lever t
o position R.
● OR: Press the RVC fu
nction button.
A short confirmation signal will be heard and
the button symbol will light up yellow when
the system is switched on.
Automatic activation Fig. 184
Miniature indication of automatic ac-
tiv ation. When the Parking System Plus is switched on
aut
om
atic
ally, a miniature of the vehicle will be displayed and the segments will be
shown on the lef
t side of the screen
››› Fig. 184.
Automatic activation occurs when slowly ap-
proaching an obstacle located in front of the
vehicle. It only operates every time the speed
is reduced below approximately 10 km/h (6
mph) for the first time.
If the parking aid is switched off using the
button, the following actions must be carried
out in order for it to automatically switch on:
● Switch off the ignition and switch it on
again.
● OR: ac
celerate above 10 km/h (6 mph) be-
for
e reducing speed below this number
again.
● OR: place the selector lever in position P
and then mov
e it from this position.
● OR: switch on and off the automatic activa-
tion in the Ea
sy Connect system menu.
The automatic activation with parking aid
miniature indication can be switched on and
off from the Easy Connect system menu
››› page 21:
● Switch the ignition on.
● Select: button > Settings
> Parking
and manoeuvring .
● Select the Automatic activation op-
tion. When the f
u
nction button check box is
activated , the function is on. »
173
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
The function is intended to prevent collisions
w ith p
ark
ed vehicles or vehicles in the same
lane travelling in the same direction. It may
fail to activate in other danger situations.
The Front Assist function is active within a
range of speeds between 4 km/h (2.5 mph)
and 250 km/h (156 mph). Depending on
speed, traffic conditions and driver behav-
iour, some of the sub-functions described be-
low are omitted in order to optimise the sys-
tem’s general behaviour.
The Front Assist is a driving assistance func-
tion that can never replace the driver’s atten-
tion.
Safety distance warning
If the system detects a situation of danger
because the vehicle is too close to the vehi-
cle ahead, it will warn the driver by means of
an indication on the instrument panel display
.
The timing of the warning varies depending
on driver behaviour and the traffic situation.
Advance warning
If the system detects a possible collision with
the vehicle in front, it may alert the driver by
means of an audible warning and an indica-
tion on the instrument panel display
››› Fig. 189. The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic s
ituation and driver behaviour. At
the same time, the vehicle will prepare for a
possible emergency braking ››› .
C ritic
a
l warning
If the driver fails to react to the pre-warning
(advance warning), the system may actively
intervene in the brakes and generate a brief
jolt to warn the driver of the imminent danger
of a collision.
Automatic braking
If the driver also fails to react to the critical
warning, the system may initiate independ-
ent emergency braking by progressively in-
creasing the braking effect in accordance
with how critical the situation is.
Driver emergency brake assist system
Faced with an imminent collision, the system
may detect that the driver is not braking hard
enough to avoid the collision. In this case, it
will automatically increase the braking effect.
Due to certain driving circumstances and the
limitations of its operation, there are some
cases in which the system cannot prevent a
collision, although it can significantly mini-
mise the consequences by reducing the
speed and the force of the impact. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Control
and warnin g l
amps on page 101. WARNING
The Front Assist system cannot change the
la w
s of physics or replace the driver in terms
of keeping control of the vehicle and reacting
to a possible emergency situation. WARNING
Following a Front Assist emergency warning,
pa y
immediate attention to the situation and
try to avoid the collision by braking or by
dodging the obstacle, as applicable.
● If the Front Assist does not work as descri-
bed in this c
hapter (e.g. it repeatedly inter-
venes unnecessarily), switch it off.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist alone cannot avoid acci-
dents and seriou
s injuries.
● In complex driving situations, occasionally
the Front As
sist may issue warnings and in-
tervene in braking unnecessarily, for example
at traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is im-
paired, f
or example, by dirt or because the ra-
dar sensor has lost its settings, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and inter-
vene inopportunely in the braking. 180

Towing bracket device
Trailer weight Trailer weight
The comb
ined
vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. To do so use the maximum permit-
ted towing bracket load. An insufficient
weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the towing bracket will have a
negative impact upon the response of the ve-
hicle-trailer assembly on the road.
Weight distribution
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Ensure that the objects do not move.
If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer
loaded then the load distribution is incorrect.
However, if these conditions cannot be avoi-
ded, drive very slowly.
Tyre pressure values
Correct the tyre pressure in your vehicle to
“total load” ›››
page 218, Service life of
tyres.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight
under any circumstances ›››
page 223, Tech-
nical specifications .
The trailer weights listed are only applicable
for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level.
Due to lower air density, engine power de- creases depending on the increase in alti-
tude, thi
s
also reduces climbing ability,
which requires a reduction of the weight of
the vehicle with a trailer by 10% for every
1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of
the assembly is calculated by adding the ve-
hicle weight (loaded) to the trailer weight
(loaded). Always drive with special care when
towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information
that is displayed on the towing bracket man-
ufacturers label are only values for the verifi-
cation of the device. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documen-
tation of your vehicle. WARNING
● Exc eedin
g the maximum established load
per axle and the maximum towing bracket
load in addition to the maximum permitted
load or the load of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly can cause accidents and serious inju-
ries.
● A sliding load can considerably affect the
stab
ility and safety of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly, resulting in accidents and serious in-
juries. Driving with a trailer
Exterior mirrors
Check
whether
you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Observe the relevant statutory requirements
of the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the
headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. Adjust the headlight range set-
tings if necessary ›››
page 122, Headlight
range control.
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than
the maximum permitted speed indicated on
the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you
detect the slightest swaying movement of the
trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a
straight position” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an over-
run brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by locking of trailer wheels.
Change to a lower gear in good time before »
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
The dye used in many garments, for example
d ark
j
eans, is not always sufficiently colour-
fast. Seat upholstery (fabric and leather), es-
pecially when light-coloured, may visibly dis-
colour if the dye comes out of clothing, even
in normal conditions. This is not an uphols-
tery defect but indicates that the dye in the
item of clothing is not solid enough.
Heated seat upholstery Do not clean the seat upholstery with
damp
pr oduct
s, as this could damage the seat
heating system.
Clean the upholstery with special products,
e.g. dry foam, etc.
Natural leather Leather should be looked after from time to
time, dependin
g on its
u
se.
Normal cleaning
Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water
and wipe over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
Do not let water soak through the leather or
penetrate the seams.
Dry it with a soft, dry cloth. Removing stains
Remov
e fresh water-based stains such as cof-
fee, tea, juices, blood, etc. with an absorbent
cloth or kitchen roll. Use the special deter-
gent to clean dried-on stains.
Remove fresh fat-based stains such as but-
ter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc. with an ab-
sorbent cloth or paper towel or use the spe-
cial detergent if the stain has not yet soaked
through the surface.
Use a grease-dissolving product to treat
dried-in, fat-based stains.
Treat less common stains such as ball-pen
and other inks, felt-tip pens, nail polish,
emulsion paint, shoe cream etc. with a spe-
cial leather stain remover.
Leather care
The leather should be treated regularly
(about twice a year) with a leather-care prod-
uct.
Apply the protective product very sparingly.
Dry the leather with a soft, dry cloth. CAUTION
● Av oid e
xposing leather to direct sunlight
for long periods so that it does not lose its
colour. If the car is left for a prolonged period
outdoors, cover the leather so that it does
not lose its colour. ●
Sharp-edg ed o
bjects on clothing, such as
zips, rivets or belts can leave permanent
scratches and rough marks on the surface of
the leather.
● Use of a mechanical steering wheel lock
can dam
age the leather surface of the steer-
ing wheel. Note
● Use a s uit
able impregnating cream with ul-
tra-violet protection at regular intervals and
after cleaning. The cream will nourish and
moisturise the leather, keep it supple and
able to breathe. In addition, it will also help
to protect the surface of the leather.
● Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and
remov
e fresh dirt as necessary.
● Preserve the colour of the leather. A special
colour
ed cream for leather will renew the col-
our of more heavily worn areas as required.
● Leather is a natural material with specific
propertie
s. During vehicle use, the appear-
ance of parts of the leather covers may
change; folds or wrinkles may appear as a re-
sult of their use. Seat belts
Keep the seat belts clean!
W
a
sh soi
led seat belts with mild, soapy wa-
ter, removing any heavier dirt with a soft
brush.
200

Checking and refilling levels
Checking levels Fig. 205
Diagram for the location of the various elements. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluid
s
in the
vehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank . . . . . . . . . . .210
Window washer water tank . . . . . . . .212
Engine oil filler cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209
Engine oil level dipstick . . . . . . . . . . .209
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
The checking and replenishment of the serv-
ice fluids
are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are de-
scribed in the ››› page 204.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Overview
Y
ou w
i
ll find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 223. Note
The layout of the engine compartment is very
simi l
ar to all petrol and diesel engines. Radiator fan
The radiator is driven by an electric motor
and c
ontr
o
lled according to the temperature
of the coolant.
After the engine has been stopped and the
ignition switched off, the radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes. Engine oil
General
notes The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil
th
at can be used all year round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essen-
tial for the correct operation of the engine
and its long useful life, when topping up or
changing oil, use only those oils that comply
with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in
the following page should appear on the con-
tainer of the service oil; when the container
displays the specific standards for petrol and
diesel engines together, it means that the oil
can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change indicated
in the Maintenance Programme, be »
207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety