Types of child seat
Fig. 52 Some typical child seats.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Only use child seats that have been officially approved and are suitable for the child.
Standards for child seats
Regulations ECE-R 44 or ECE-R 129 apply to child seats within the European Union. Both
regulations apply simultaneously. Child seats which have been tested in accordance with these
standards carry an orange ECE approval label. This ECE approval label may include the following
information on the child seat:
•Weight class
•Size class
•Approval category (universal, semi-universal, vehicle-specific or i-Size)
•Approval number
On child seats that are approved under regulation ECE-R 44, the eight-digit approval number on
the ECE approval label must begin with 03 or 04. This shows that the seat is admissible for use.
Older child seats with an approval number beginning with 01 or 02 are not admissible.
Child seat weight classes
ClassChild's weight
Group 0up to 10 kg
Group 0+up to 13 kg
Group 19 to 18 kg
Group 215 to 25 kg
Group 322 to 36 kg
If children are not secured or are inadequately secured, they are at greater risk of serious
or even fatal injury. Please note the following:
•Children who are either under 12 years of age or less than 150 cm tall must not be
carried in the vehicle if they are not secured in a suitable child seat while the vehicle is
in motion. Regulations in some countries may differ, and must be complied with.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in a suitable child seat. The seat used must be
appropriate to the child's height, weight and age.
•Never fasten more than one child into one child seat.
•Under no circumstances should children or babies be held in a passenger's or drivers
lap while driving.
•Never leave a child unsupervised in a child seat.
•Never allow a child to be carried in a vehicle without being properly secured, and never
allow a child to stand up or to kneel on a seat, or to sit incorrectly while the car is in
motion. This is particularly important for children carried on the front passenger seat.
In an accident, children may sustain serious injuries to themselves and others.
•The child seat can only provide maximum protection if the seat belt is routed correctly
around it. Always ensure that the seat belt is routed as specified in the instructions
provided by the child seat manufacturer. If the seat belt is routed incorrectly it may
cause injuries even in a minor accident.
•After an accident, it is vital to replace any child seats that were in use during the
accident, as they could have sustained non-visible damage.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
NOTICE
1)
•Weight class 0/0+: group 0/0+ or 0/1 rear-facing infant carriers ⇒ Fig. 52 are the best option
for the period from birth to about 18 months.
•Weight class 1: group 1 (up to about four years old) or group 1/2 (up to about seven years old)
with an integral belt system are best for children over the relevant weight limit.
•Weight classes 2/3: groups 2 and 3 include child seats with a backrest, and booster seats with
no backrest. Child seats with a backrest have integrated seat routing and side cushions, and so
provide better protection than booster seats with no backrest. Volkswagen therefore
recommends the use of child seats with a backrest. Group 2 child seats are for children up to
the age of about seven, group 3 child seats for those older than seven.
Not every child will fit in the child seat specified for their weight group. Likewise, not every seat will
fit in every vehicle. Therefore it is vital to check that the child fits properly in their child seat and that
the child seat can be securely fastened in the vehicle.
Child seat approval categories
Child seats can be classified as universal, semi-universal or vehicle-specific (all in accordance with
regulation ECE-R 44), or as i-Size (in accordance with regulation ECE-R 129).
•Universal: child seats with universal approval are approved for use in all vehicles. No type list
is required. ISOFIX child seats with universal approval must also be securing using a strap over
the top of the vehicle seat (top tether).
•Semi-universal: semi-universal approval requires other safety devices for attaching the seat
(that require additional testing) in addition to the standard requirements for universal approval.
Child seats with semi-universal approval come with a type list. The seats should only be used in
vehicles that are included on this list.
•Vehicle-specific: child seats with vehicle specific approval must have undergone dynamic
testing in each model of vehicle for which it is approved. These child seats also come with a
type list.
•i-Size: child seats classified as i-Size must conform to the installation and safety requirements
prescribed in regulation ECE-R 129. Contact the child seat manufacturer to find out which child
seats are approved for this vehicle in accordance with i-Size.
Regulation ECE-R 129 has not yet been implemented by the state authorities in all countries.
Installing and using child seats
Fig. 53 A typical airbag label on the sun visor.
Fig. 54 A typical airbag label on the B-pillar.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Country-specific regulations
The standards and regulations governing the use of child seats and child seat securing
mechanisms differ from country to country. Not all countries allow you to transport children on the
front passenger seat. Legislation and legal requirements take precedence over the information
given in this owner's manual.
Information on fitting a child seat
Observe the following general information when fitting a child seat. This information is relevant
whatever child seat securing system is being used.
•Read and follow the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer ⇒.
•Whenever possible, fit all child seats to the rear seat behind the front passenger seat so that
children can exit the vehicle on the kerb side.
•Move the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
1)
Fig. 56 Fitting a typical ISOFIX child seat with the attachment arms.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Quick guide to ISOFIX and i-Size installation
The table below shows the options for securing ISOFIX or i-Size child seats to ISOFIX anchor
points at the various possible seats in the vehicle.
GroupSize classFront
passenger
seat
Outer rear
seats
Centre rear
seat
Group 0: up to 10
kgEXIL-SUX
Group 0+: up to
13 kg
EX
IL-SU
X
DXX
CXX
Group 1: 9 to 18
kg
DX
IL-SU, IUF
X
CXX
BXX
B1XX
AXX
Group 2: 15 to 25
kg–XIL-SUX
Group 3: 22 to 36
kg–XIL-SUX
i-Size child
restraint system–Xi-UX
•Size class: the size class shown corresponds to the permissible weight range of the child using
the seat. The size class is indicated on the ECE test certificate for child seats with universal or
semi-universal approval. A size class indication is affixed to the child seat.
•X: seat not suitable for securing an ISOFIX or i-Size child seat in this group.
•IL-SU: seat suitable for installing an ISOFIX child seat with "semi-universal" approval. Refer to
the vehicle list supplied by the child seat manufacturer.
•IUF: seat suitable for installing an ISOFIX child seat with "universal" approval.
•i-U: seat suitable for installing a front-facing or rear-facing i-Size child seat with "universal"
approval.
•i-UF: seat suitable for installing a front-facing i-Size child seat with "universal" approval.
Installing child seats with ISOFIX ISOFIX/i-Size
The location of the ISOFIX anchor points is shown by a symbol ⇒ Fig. 55.
•Observe the instructions ⇒ Installing and using child seats.
•Pull off any protective caps that may be fitted on the ISOFIX anchoring points.
•Push the attachment arms on the child seat into the ISOFIX anchor points ⇒ Fig. 55 as shown
by the arrows. The child seat must click and audibly securely into place.
•Pull on both sides of the child seat to check whether the seat has clicked properly into place.
•If the child seat is fitted with a support foot, the foot must sit firmly on the floor of the vehicle.
Securing child seats with top tether upper strap
Fig. 57 On the back of the rear bench seat: anchor rings for the top tether.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
ISOFIX child seats with universal approval must be secured with an upper strap (top tether) in
addition to the ISOFIX anchor points.
Only secure the strap to the top tether anchor rings. Retaining rings for use with the top tether are
marked by a symbol and sometimes also with TOP TETHER.
•Observe the instructions ⇒ Installing and using child seats.
•Remove the net partition if necessary ⇒ Net partition.
•Push the head restraint on the vehicle seat all the way down or remove it.
•Position the child seat in the centre of the seat cushion.
•Push the attachment arms on the child seat into the ISOFIX anchor points ⇒ Securing child
seats with ISOFIX as shown by the arrows. The child seat must click and audibly securely into
place.
•Adjust the rear seat backrest of the vehicle seat to the backrest of the child seat.
•Remove the luggage compartment cover, if necessary ⇒ Luggage compartment cover.
•Guide the upper strap of the child seat backwards into the luggage compartment and hook it
into the corresponding top tether anchor ring ⇒ Fig. 57.
•Tighten the top tether so that the top of the child seat rests against the rear seat backrest.
Securing child seats with a seat belt
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If you want to fit a child seat from the "universal" (u) approval category in your vehicle, you must
first ensure that it is approved for the seat position in question. Important information is given on the
orange ECE approval label on the child seat. Installation options are shown in the table below.
GroupChild's
weight
Front passenger seatSeats on
the rear
bench
seat
Front
passenger
front airbag is
activated.
Front
passenger
front airbag is
deactivated.
Group 0up to 10 kgxuu
Group 0+up to 13 kgxuu
Group
1
Rear facing9 to 18 kgxuu
Forward
facing9 to 18 kguxu
Group 215 to 25 kguxu
Group 322 to 36 kguxu
Securing a child seat using the seat belt
•Observe the instructions ⇒ Installing and using child seats.
•The seat belt height adjuster must be at the highest setting.
•Fasten the seat belt or guide it through the child seat as described in the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
•Ensure that the seat belt is not twisted.
•Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and push it down until it locks
securely with a click.
In an emergency
Only secure the strap to the top tether anchor rings. Failure to do this could lead to severe
injuries.
•Each anchor ring can hold only one child seat restraining strap.
•Never fasten the strap on a child seat to any other fastening rings.
WARNING
Lock the vehicle. When the anti-theft alarm is switched on, interior monitoring and the anti-tow
alarm are also active.
Temporarily switching off the interior monitoring system and anti-tow
alarm
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm can be
switched off temporarily by means of the button or the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation
and display in the Infotainment system.
•Switch off the ignition and open the driver door.
•Press the button. A yellow indicator lamp in the button lights up.
•Close all doors and the boot lid.
•Lock the vehicle using the vehicle key.
Press the button again before locking the vehicle to reactivate interior monitoring and the
anti-tow alarm.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Deactivate interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation
and display in the Infotainment system.
•Close all doors and the boot lid.
•Lock the vehicle using the vehicle key.
The interior monitoring system and anti-towing alarm are deactivated until the next time the vehicle
is locked.
We recommend deactivating interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm in the following situations:
•If any people or animals are to remain inside the vehicle.
•If the vehicle is to be loaded onto another vehicle.
•If the vehicle is being transported.
•If the vehicle is going to be towed with one axle off the ground.
•If the vehicle is to be parked in a two-storey garage.
•If the vehicle is to be parked in a car wash.
Risk of false interior monitoring alarms
The interior monitoring system functions only when the vehicle is completely closed. Comply with
legal regulations. A false alarm can be triggered in the following situations:
•If one or more windows or the glass roof are fully or partially open.
•If lightweight items such as loose pieces of paper or items hung from the interior mirror are left
in the vehicle.
•If a mobile telephone that is left in the vehicle vibrates.
•If the vehicle is being transported.
•If the vehicle is being parked in a two-storey garage.
•If the vehicle is in a car wash.
Permanent deactivation of interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm is not possible.
If doors or the boot lid are still open when the anti-theft alarm is activated, only the anti-theft
alarm is activated. Interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm are not activated until all doors and the
boot lid are closed.
SAFELOCK is also deactivated when the interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm are
switched off ⇒ SAFELOCK.
Locking the vehicle after the airbag has been triggered
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The entire vehicle is unlocked if the airbags are activated during an accident. Depending on the
extent of the damage, the vehicle can be locked as follows after an accident:
•Switch the ignition off and then back on again.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fault in locking system: red LED flashes at short intervals and then lights up continuously. Go to a
qualified workshop.
The front passenger door and the rear doors can be locked manually. This does not activate the
anti-theft alarm.
•Open the door.
•Remove the rubber seal from the end face of the door.
•Insert the key bit into the slot and turn.
•Secure the rubber seal again.
•Ensure that the door is locked.
•The vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
The manually locked door is unlocked again when the vehicle is unlocked or the door is opened
from the inside.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling the door release handle.
Boot lid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Opening and closing the boot lid
⇒ Electrically opening and closing the boot lid
⇒ Boot lid with movement sensor ()
⇒ Automatically closing the boot lid ()
⇒ Unlocking the boot lid manually
⇒ Troubleshooting
The boot lid is unlocked and locked together with the doors.
On vehicles with the keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access, the boot lid is unlocked
automatically when it is opened ⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle with keyless access.
Incorrect and unsupervised unlocking, opening or closing of the boot lid can cause
accidents and serious injuries.
•The boot lid should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is in its
path.
•Always check that the boot lid is properly closed after closing it. The closed boot lid
must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
•Always keep the boot lid closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never open the boot lid when loads, e.g. bicycles, are attached to it. The boot lid may
close under its own weight due to the additional load. Support the boot lid as
necessary or remove the load before opening.
•Close and lock the boot lid and all vehicle doors when the vehicle is not in use. Ensure
that no one remains in the vehicle.
•Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the
boot lid is open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment and shut the boot
lid, thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may
reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause serious injuries
and illness or fatalities, especially to small children.
WARNING
Serious injuries could occur if the boot lid is unlocked or opened incorrectly or without
due care and attention.
•The boot lid may not always be detected as being unlocked if there is a carrier and
items attached to it. The boot lid may open suddenly while the vehicle is in motion if it
is unlocked.
WARNING
If there is a large amount of snow or a heavy load on the boot lid, the boot lid may lower
by itself and cause serious injuries due to the additional weight.
•Never open the boot lid if it is covered by a large amount of snow or a load is attached
to it, e.g. a rack or luggage carrier.
•Remove the snow or luggage before opening the boot lid.
WARNING
Fig. 79 On the left front seat: controls (type 1).
Fig. 80 On the left front seat: controls (type 2).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following section contains a description of all possible controls. The number of controls may
vary depending on the version of the seat.
The seat may have a combination of mechanical and electrical controls.
The control elements are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Adjusting the seat position (type 1)
Key to ⇒ Fig. 79:
Move the lever to adjust the lumbar support.
Take your weight off the backrest and turn the handwheel to adjust the backrest.
Move the lever up or down, several times if necessary, to adjust the seat height.
Pull the lever to push the front seat forwards or backwards. The front seat must engage
after the lever has been released.
Adjusting the seat position (type 2)
Key to ⇒ Fig. 80:
Take your weight off the backrest and turn the handwheel to adjust the backrest.
Move the lever up or down, several times if necessary, to adjust the seat height.
If necessary, pull or push the lever several times to adjust the angle of the seat cushion.
Raise the handle to slide the seat cushion forwards or backwards.
Pull the lever to push the front seat forwards or backwards. The front seat must engage
after the lever has been released.
Electrically adjusting the front seat
Fig. 81 Switches on the front left seat: adjusting the front seat forwards or backwards, adjusting the
backrest and the seat cushion for height and tilt.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
WARNING