•If necessary, fold back the rear seat backrest and allow it to engage securely.
•If necessary, adjust the headlight range ⇒ Headlights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the tyre pressure sticker ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, set the new vehicle load level as necessary ⇒ Tyre
monitoring systems.
Do not cover the ventilation openings in the area around the rear window as this prevents
stale air escaping from the vehicle.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 181 In the luggage compartment: removing and installing the luggage compartment cover.
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle
interior. To reduce the risk of accidents, please observe the following guidelines:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely.
•Small and light objects should also be secured.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never
enter the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•If an item is being stowed on a seat, this seat must not be used by any passengers.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle's open
stowage areas, on the surface behind the rear seat backrest or on the dash panel.
•Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags inside the
vehicle and stow them securely.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and increases the braking
distance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a
loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.
•Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of
the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance
of the vehicle.
•Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
•The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
•Always secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle
as possible.
•Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and change the way the
vehicle handles.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Objects rubbing against the rear windows may damage or destroy the heating wires or,
depending on the vehicle equipment, also the aerial.
NOTICE
When the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid is opened and closed, the luggage compartment cover is also raised
and lowered if the straps are attached.
Light items of clothing can be placed on the luggage compartment cover. Please ensure that the
view to the rear of the vehicle is not obstructed.
Removing the luggage compartment cover
•Unhook the retaining straps from the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 181 (upper arrows).
•Pull the luggage compartment cover out of the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 181 (lower arrows).
Fitting the luggage compartment cover
•Push the luggage compartment cover into the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 181 (lower arrows).
•Hook the retaining straps to the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 181 (upper arrows).
Stowing the luggage compartment cover
•Depending on the equipment level, the removed luggage compartment cover can be stowed
under the variable luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment floor.
Luggage compartment floor
Variable luggage compartment floor
Fig. 182 In the luggage compartment: raising the luggage compartment floor.
Fig. 183 In the luggage compartment: adjusting the height of the luggage compartment floor.
Opening the luggage compartment floor
•Lift the recessed handle in the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Fig. 182 and fold the floor
upwards in the direction of the arrow until it is held in position by the side restraints (zoomed in)
⇒ Fig. 182.
Closing the luggage compartment floor
•Guide the luggage compartment floor downwards into position ⇒.
Adjusting the height of the luggage compartment floor
Depending on the equipment level, the luggage compartment floor is height-adjustable.
Objects that are not secured or are secured incorrectly, or animals on the luggage
compartment cover, could cause serious injuries in any sudden driving or braking
manoeuvre or accident.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp items either loose or in bags on the luggage
compartment cover.
•Never transport pets on the luggage compartment cover.
WARNING
To prevent damage to the luggage compartment cover, do not load it to such a height that
the load will press against the luggage compartment cover when the boot lid is closed.
NOTICE
The maximum load rating of the fastening rings is approximately 3.5 kN.
Suitable lashing, retaining or securing straps and luggage securing systems are available
from qualified workshops. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Luggage net
Fig. 188 In the luggage compartment: luggage net fitted flat.
The luggage net can help to prevent light items of luggage from sliding around in the luggage
compartment. The luggage net also has a built-in pocket with a zip that can hold smaller items.
Attaching the luggage net flat on the luggage compartment floor
•Hook the luggage net hooks into the front fastening rings ⇒ Fig. 188⇒. The luggage net zip
must face upwards.
•Attach the hooks on the other end of the luggage net to the fastening rings under the load sill
⇒ Fig. 188.
Some fastening rings have to be folded out before they can be used ⇒ Fastening rings.
Removing the luggage net
When fitted, the luggage net is held taut ⇒.
•Unhook the hooks and loops of the luggage net.
•Store the luggage net in the luggage compartment.
Bag hook
Unsuitable or damaged securing straps could rip in the event of a braking manoeuvre or
accident. This could cause objects to be flung through the vehicle interior and lead to
severe or fatal injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Pull lashing, retaining and securing straps taut crosswise over the cargo on the
luggage compartment floor and attach securely to the fastening rings.
•Never exceed the maximum load rating of the fastening rings when securing objects.
•Make sure that the upper edge of the load is higher than the fastening rings,
particularly when stowing flat objects.
•Depending on the vehicle equipment, observe the signs about stowing loads that are
attached in the luggage compartment.
•Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
WARNING
The elastic luggage net must be stretched when it is secured to the fastening rings in the
luggage compartment. When fitted, the luggage net is held taut. The luggage net hooks
can cause injuries if the luggage net is installed or removed incorrectly.
•Always hold the luggage net hooks tightly to prevent them from falling out of the ring
during installation or removal.
•Protect your eyes and face to avoid injuries from any hooks that may spring out during
installation or removal.
•Always attach the luggage net hooks in the order described. There is a risk of injury if
one of the hooks on the luggage net snaps back.
WARNING
Fig. 189 In the luggage compartment: bag hook.
A bag hook may be located on the left and right-hand side of the luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 189.
Load-through hatch
Fig. 190 In the rear seat backrest: opening the load-through hatch.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a load-through hatch may be located behind the centre
armrest in the rear seat backrest. This can be used to transport long objects in the vehicle interior,
such as skis.
Opening the load-through hatch
•Press the release button ⇒ Fig. 190① and fold the load-through hatch forwards ⇒.
•Open the boot lid.
•Push the long objects through the load-through hatch from the luggage compartment.
•Secure the objects with the seat belt.
•Close the boot lid.
Closing the load-through hatch
•Fold back the load-through hatch and push it firmly into the lock until it clicks securely into
place. The red marking on the locking indicator ⇒ Fig. 190② should no longer be visible ⇒
.
Removeable lights
Never use the bag hook for lashing down items of luggage or other objects. The bag hook
could break off during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Do not load the bag hook with more than 2.5 kg.
NOTICE
Failure to pay attention when folding the load-through hatch forwards or backwards may
result in injuries.
•Never fold the load-through hatch forwards or backwards while the vehicle is in
motion.
•Ensure that the seat belt is not trapped or damaged when folding back the load-
through hatch.
•Always keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from the seat area when
folding the load-through hatch forwards and backwards.
•The load-through hatch has not been secured properly if the red marking can still be
seen on the locking indicator. Always ensure that the red marking is never visible when
the load-through hatch is in the upright position.
•Passengers (children in particular) must not use this seat if the load-through hatch is
folded forward or is not clicked securely into place.
WARNING
Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased
concentration on the part of the driver.
Vehicles with start/stop system
If the connected trailer is not recognised, or when using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by
Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be deactivated manually using the button in the
centre console before starting to tow a trailer, and must remain switched off for as long as the trailer
is being towed ⇒.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle
carrier is loaded or unloaded ⇒ Central and manual locking. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger
an alarm unintentionally.
With a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km ⇒ Running in the engine.
Some retro-fitted towing brackets may cover the aperture for fitting the towing eye. If so, the
towing eye cannot be used for towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the retro-fitted
towing bracket ball head should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.
DANGER
Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and
serious injuries.
•Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.
•Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.
•Wherever possible, swivel in or remove the ball head when a trailer is not being used in
order to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk of injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The
vehicle is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.
WARNING
Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the vehicle handling,
increase the braking distance and lead to accidents.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low
centre of gravity.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt
and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
•Take special care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows
even the slightest sign of snaking.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer; also 100 km/h (60 mph)
in exceptional cases. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted.
Keep to country-specific speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than
for vehicles without trailers.
•Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket on the vehicle.
WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using
towing brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur
in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
NOTICE
Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the engine cooling system when trailer towing. The
engine cooling system must contain sufficient engine coolant and be able to cope with the extra
load added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors,
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations.
Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights84 watts
Turn signal per side42 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights42 watts
Rear fog light42 watts
Australia
All brake lights108 watts
Turn signal per side54 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights54 watts
Rear fog light54 watts
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends
additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for
towing a trailer.
Electrically adjustable ball coupling
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached
from the towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket
must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
•Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
WARNING
•The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide
power to the trailer.
NOTICE
Fig. 192 On the right of the luggage compartment: button for releasing the ball coupling.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing bracket coupling ball is located in the bumper. The electrically adjustable ball couple is
swivelled out mechanically and cannot be removed.
Releasing and swivelling out ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is released electrically and folds out automatically. The indicator lamp in the button
flashes.
•Continue rotating the ball head until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp
in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Swivelling in the ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Uncouple the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer. If fitted, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is electrically unlocked.
•Swivel the ball head under the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator
lamp in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Meaning of indicator lamp in the button
•If the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 192 is lit up permanently when the boot lid is open, the
ball head is correctly engaged in the extended or retracted position.
•If the indicator lamp in the button flashes, the ball head has either not clicked into place properly
or it is damaged ⇒.
•The indicator lamp in the button goes out approximately one minute after the luggage
compartment is closed.
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
•Only use the ball head if it has clicked into place properly.
•Ensure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball head.
•Never interrupt the ball head, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.
•Never press the button ⇒ Fig. 192 if a trailer is attached or if a luggage rack or other
accessories are fitted to the ball head.
•If the ball coupling does not engage properly or there is a fault in the electrical system
or the towing bracket itself, do not use the towing bracket and have it checked by an
authorised workshop.
•Never use the towing bracket if the diameter of the ball is below 49 mm at the smallest
point.
WARNING
Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically
positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. Seals could be damaged or the grease
required for lubrication could be washed off.
NOTICE
At extremely low outside temperatures, the electric ball head might not rotate. If this
happens, it is sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.
Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Mount the bicycle carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
Only carrier systems which can hold a maximum of three bicycles may be used ⇒. Position
heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle (ball head) as possible.
Maximum carrying load
The maximum permitted load (carrier system including load) on the ball coupling is 75 kg at a
distance of 300 mm. This distance refers to the gap between the centre of gravity of the bicycle
carrier and the middle of the ball head.
Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before setting
off. This includes for example bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve
the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.
Notes on towing a trailer
Fig. 193 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 193:
Left turn signal
Rear fog light
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Right turn signal
Rear light, right
Brake light
Incorrect use of the towing bracket with a bicycle carrier fitted to the ball head could
cause injuries and accidents.
•Never exceed the specified load and overhang.
•Do not attach a bicycle carrier underneath the ball head on the neck of the ball head.
The shape of the ball head neck and the design of the bicycle carrier could result in the
bicycle carrier becoming misaligned with the vehicle.
•Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier
manufacturer.
WARNING
Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload or overhang
is exceeded.
•Never exceed the specified values.
NOTICE