Side airbags
Fig. 47 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zones of side airbags.
Fig. 48 On the side of the front seat: location and deployment zone of the side airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, side airbags may also be fitted for the front seats and
rear outer seats ⇒ Fig. 47.
•The side airbags for the front seats are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver
seat and front passenger seat ⇒ Fig. 48.
•If fitted, the side airbags for the rear outer seats are each located between the door entry and
the individual rear seat backrests.
The side airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines ⇒ Fig. 47 and ⇒ Fig. 48 are covered by the side airbags when
triggered (deployment zones). You must never leave or attach any objects in these areas ⇒.
During a side collision, the side airbags will be deployed on the side of the vehicle which is
impacted, thus reducing the risk of injury to the areas of the occupants' bodies facing the impact.
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional
circumstances.
•To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag
on and off when the ignition is switched off.
•It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the
correct position.
•Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a
child seat has to be attached to the front passenger seat.
•Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the
front passenger seat is no longer being used.
WARNING
If the key bit is not inserted far enough, the key switch could be damaged when the key is
turned.
NOTICE
Do not leave the vehicle key in the key switch, as this could result in damage to the interior
door trim, dash panel, key switch or vehicle key when the front passenger door is closed.
NOTICE
Fig. 50 On the driver side: location of the knee airbag
Fig. 51 On the driver side: deployment zone of the knee airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The knee airbag on the driver side is located in the lower part of the dash panel.
The location of the knee airbag is indicated by the AIRBAG label ⇒ Fig. 50.
The area in the red frame ⇒ Fig. 51 is covered by the knee airbag when triggered (deployment
zone). For this reason, you must never leave or attach any items in this area ⇒.
Safe transport of children
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of child seat
⇒ Installing and using child seats
⇒ Securing systems
⇒ Securing child seats with ISOFIX
⇒ Securing child seats with top tether upper strap
⇒ Securing child seats with a seat belt
Using child seats can reduce the risk of injury to the child if there is an accident. Always use child
seats when driving with children.
Note the following:
•Child seats are classified into groups depending on the size, age and weight of child for which
they are designed.
•Various securing systems are used to secure child seats in the vehicle.
For safety reasons, child seats should always be fitted to the rear seats ⇒ Installing and using child
seats.
Volkswagen recommends child seats from the Volkswagen range of accessories. These child seats
have been developed and approved for use in Volkswagen vehicles.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Do not use any objects, e.g. key rings, that could interfere with the deployment zone of
the knee airbag.
•Never secure any items on the cover or in the deployment zone of the knee airbag.
•The knee airbag is deployed in the area in front of the driver's knees. Adjust the driver
seat so there is at least a 10 cm gap between the knees and the location of the knee
airbag. Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes this impracticable.
WARNING
•Deactivate the front passenger front airbag if fitting a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat.
•When fitting on the front passenger seat, push the front passenger seat back fully and adjust
the seat to the highest position. Adjust the backrest to an upright position ⇒ Sitting position.
•When using child seats from groups 0 or 1 on the rear bench seat, push the rear bench seat
backwards as far as possible ⇒ Sitting position.
•When using child seats from groups 2 or 3 on the rear bench seat, push the rear bench seat
into a central position ⇒ Sitting position.
•Always ensure that there is enough space around the child seat. If necessary, adjust the
position of the seat in front. When doing so, ensure that the driver or front passenger can still
maintain a correct sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
•The backrest of the child seat must lay as flat as possible against the vehicle seat backrest.
Adjust the seat backrest angle if necessary so that the child seat lies flush against the backrest.
If the child seat, once fitted, touches the vehicle head restraint so that it cannot lie flat against
the backrest, push the vehicle head restraint up as far as it will go or remove it and stow it away
safely in the vehicle ⇒ Sitting position.
Airbag sticker
The vehicle may be provided with stickers giving key information about the front passenger front
airbag. The information on these stickers may vary from country to country. The stickers may be
found:
•On the driver and/or front passenger sun visor ⇒ Fig. 53.
•On the B-pillar on the passenger side ⇒ Fig. 54.
It is essential to note the warning information shown on these stickers before installing a rear-facing
child seat ⇒.
Risks involved in carrying children on the front passenger seat
If you are using a rear-facing child seat, the front passenger front airbag can cause critical or
potentially fatal injuries when it inflates ⇒.
Rear-facing child seat may only be used on the front passenger seat if the front passenger front
airbag has been deactivated. A deactivated front passenger front airbag is indicated by means of
the permanently lit PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the driver's field of vision.
Switching off the front passenger front airbag ⇒ Airbag system, PASSENGER AIR BAG
indicator lamp ⇒ Indicator lamp.
If using a front-facing child seat, do not deactivate the front passenger front airbag. When fitting
the child seat ensure ensure that it is as far away as possible from the front passenger front airbag.
The front passenger front airbag can cause severe injuries when it inflates ⇒.
Some child seats are not suitable for use on the front passenger seat. The child seat must be
specially authorised by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat in vehicles with front
and side airbags. Volkswagen dealerships keep an up-to-date list of authorised child seats.
If you use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, the child in it is at
increased risk of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
•Deactivate the front passenger front airbag. If the front passenger front airbag cannot
be deactivated no rear-facing child seat may be used.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back and as high as possible in order to create
the largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front
airbag.
•Move the backrest to the upright position.
•Move the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
•Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on
a front passenger seat with front and side airbags.
DANGER
Child seats present a risk of injury if incorrectly installed.
•Always read and follow the installation instructions and warning information provided
by the child seat manufacturer.
WARNING
Securing systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Different countries use different securing systems for safely fitting child seats in the vehicle.
Key terms for securing systems
•ISOFIX: ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for fitting child seats in the vehicle quickly
and safely. The ISOFIX attachment system creates a rigid connection between the child seat
and the car body.
Compatible child seats have two rigid attachment arms that click into ISOFIX attachment points at
the bottom of the backrest (on the outer rear seats). The ISOFIX securing system as described
here is specific to Europe ⇒ Securing child seats with ISOFIX. An upper strap (top tether) and/or
support foot may sometimes have to be used in addition to the ISOFIX anchor points described
above.
•Three-point automatic seat belt. It is better to secure child seats using the ISOFIX system, if
available, rather than with a three-point automatic seat belt ⇒ Securing child seats with a seat
belt.
Additional securing points:
•Top tether: the strap at the top of the child seat is routed over the vehicle seat backrest and
hooked to an anchor ring on the back of the rear seats ⇒ Securing child seats with top tether
upper strap. Top tether anchor points are marked with an anchor symbol.
•Support foot: some child seats are propped up with a support foot resting on the floor of the
vehicle. This support foot helps prevent the child seat tipping forward in a crash. Child seats
with a support foot can be used only on the front passenger seat and the outer rear seats ⇒.
Recommended child seat securing systems
Volkswagen recommends that child seats are secured as follows:
•Infant carrier or rear-facing child seat: ISOFIX and support foot.
•Front-facing child seat: ISOFIX and top tether and possibly support foot also.
Securing child seats with ISOFIX
Fig. 55 On vehicle seat: markings identifying the ISOFIX anchoring points for child seats.
Using a front-facing child seat on the front passenger seat presents a risk of injury.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back and as high as it can be set, to create the
largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front airbag.
•Move the backrest to the upright position.
•Set the belt height adjuster of the seat belt to the highest position.
•Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on
a front passenger seat with front and side airbags.
WARNING
To help avoid injuries caused by inflation of a head airbag or side airbag:
•Ensure that no children are seated within the airbag deployment zone ⇒ Airbag
system.
•Do not place any objects in the side airbag deployment zones.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the support foot can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Ensure that the support foot is always correctly and safely installed.
WARNING
Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button Centre console.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Move the gear lever to neutral position or move the selector lever to P, Manual gearbox:
selecting a gear and DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place away from
moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier. Heed the country-specific regulations
concerning high-visibility waistcoats.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and seek expert assistance.
Making you and your vehicle safe
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken-down vehicle. For example, many
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility
vest ⇒ Equipment for an emergency.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be
interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam,
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative method of drawing
attention to the broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Any broken-down vehicle poses a high accident risk for the vehicle occupants and for
other road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights.
•Never leave other persons alone in the vehicle, particularly children or people requiring
assistance. This applies in particular when the doors are locked. People locked in the
vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel.
WARNING
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the rear lights, the rear spoiler or large
panels. This could damage the vehicle and loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE
•Lit up green: voice services are available. System is OK.
•Flashing green: active connection to a voice service.
Information call
•The information call enables you to call the Volkswagen AG hotline.
•The information call function is available only in some sales regions.
•The telephone call centre communicates in the language registered for the vehicle in Car-Net.
Breakdown call
•The breakdown call allows you to seek professional assistance should your vehicle break down.
•Some vehicle data, e.g. the current location, is transmitted parallel to the voice call.
•The telephone call centre communicates in the language registered for the vehicle in Car-Net.
Emergency Call Service
•If an emergency call is placed manually or automatically after an accident where an airbag was
triggered, data relevant for the emergency call, e.g. the current vehicle location, will be
transmitted automatically ⇒ Customer information.
•The telephone call centre communicates in the language set up in the vehicle's Infotainment
system. English is used if this language is not available at the location of the emergency.
Back-up 112 emergency call service
In some cases, the Emergency call service may be restricted or unavailable so the general
emergency call number 112 is used to conduct an emergency call. In this case, only a voice-based
connection is established. No data will be transmitted, e.g. regarding the vehicle or its location.
The following circumstances may restrict access to the Emergency call service and lead to the call
being forwarded to the 112 emergency number:
•Your current emergency call location is in an area with no or insufficient mobile communications
and GPS reception. This can also include tunnels, streets with tall buildings, garages,
underpasses, mountains and valleys.
•You are in an area with sufficient mobile communications and GPS reception but the
telecommunications provider's mobile network is not available.
•The Emergency call service is prohibited by law in some countries.
•There is no valid licence for using the Emergency call service.
•The components in the vehicle required for the Emergency call service are damaged or do not
have a sufficient power supply.
Please also observe the other information on Volkswagen Car-Net ⇒ Mobile online services.
Opening and closing
Vehicle key set
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle key
⇒ Changing the button cell
⇒ Troubleshooting
Vehicle key
Fig. 61 Vehicle key.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 61:
Central locking button: unlock the vehicle.
Unlock only the boot lid.
Central locking button: lock the vehicle.
Fold the key bit in and out.
Indicator lamp.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the vehicle key flashes when you press a button.
Press the buttons on the key only if the corresponding function is actually needed. Pressing
a button when the function is not required could lead to the vehicle being unlocked unintentionally
or the alarm going off. This also applies even when you are not within the effective range.
Changing the button cell
Swallowing batteries with a diameter of 20 mm, or other button cells, can result in severe
or even fatal injuries within a very short period of time.
•Always keep the vehicle key, key ring with batteries, spare batteries, round cells and
other batteries that are larger than 20 mm out of the reach of children.
•Call for medical help immediately you suspect that someone has swallowed a battery.
DANGER
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or
unauthorised persons could lock the doors and the boot lid, start the engine or switch
on the ignition and operate electrical equipment such as the electric windows.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves
to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures depending on the season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially among small children.
•Never switch off the ignition while the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock or
steering lock mechanism may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the
vehicle.
WARNING
Every electric vehicle key contains electronic components. Protect the key from damage,
moisture and excessive vibration.
NOTICE
Fig. 62 Vehicle key: replacing the button cell.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 62:
Remove the cover.
Remove the button cell.
Volkswagen recommends having the button cell changed at a Volkswagen dealership or by a
qualified workshop ⇒.
•Fold out the key bit.
•Lever off the cover ⇒ Fig. 62①⇒.
•Lever the button cell out of the battery compartment ⇒ Fig. 62②.
•Press the new button cell into the battery compartment ⇒ Fig. 62②⇒.
•Press the cover onto the housing ⇒ Fig. 62①.
Dispose of discharged batteries in accordance with regulations governing the protection of
the environment.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Synchronising the vehicle key
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the vehicle key, synchronise the vehicle key or
replace the button cell (battery) ⇒ Changing the button cell.
•Fold out the key bit.
•Remove the cap on the driver door handle ⇒ Unlocking or locking the driver door manually.
•Stand next to the vehicle.
•Press the button on the vehicle key.
•Unlock the vehicle using the key bit.
•Fit the cap ⇒ Doors.
The synchronisation process is complete.
Indicator lamp does not flash
If the indicator lamp in the vehicle key does not flash, the button cell (battery) in the vehicle key
needs to be changed ⇒ Changing the button cell.
Replacement key
You will need to quote the vehicle identification number when ordering a vehicle key.
Several vehicle keys can be authorised for one vehicle.
You can obtain new vehicle keys at a Volkswagen dealership or qualified workshop.
The function of the vehicle key can be affected temporarily if there is more than one
transmitter in the direct vicinity working on the same frequency (e.g. a two-way radio or mobile
telephone).
Obstacles between the vehicle key and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and a weak
button cell reduce the operating range.
If the buttons on the vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 61 or one of the central locking buttons ⇒ Central
locking system are pressed repeatedly within a short period of time, the central locking system will
switch off briefly to prevent overloading. The vehicle will then be unlocked. Lock the vehicle if
necessary.
•The vehicle key can be damaged if the battery is not changed properly.
•Unsuitable batteries can damage the vehicle key. Replace discharged batteries only
with new batteries of the same voltage rating, size and specification.
•Ensure that the battery is fitted the right way round.
NOTICE