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)
•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
The 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge if the hazard warning lights are left on over a long
period of time – even when the ignition is switched off.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the brake lights flash rapidly if you brake sharply or
initiate full braking at a speed of more than 80 km/h (50 mph). This is a particularly effective way of
attracting the attention of vehicles behind you. If you then continue to brake, the hazard warning
lights will be switched on automatically at speeds under approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). Once the
vehicle starts to accelerate, the hazard warning lights will switch off again.
Equipment for an emergency
Fig. 58 In the boot lid: holder for the warning triangle.
First aid kit
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the first aid kit may be located in a stowage compartment or a
holder in the luggage compartment, under the luggage compartment floor or in the vehicle interior.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, the first aid kit may be located in various locations in
the luggage compartment:
•In a bag on the left or right in the stowage areas of the luggage compartment ⇒ Stowage
areas.
•In a foam rubber holder under the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Transporting.
The first aid kit must comply with legal requirements. Please observe the use-by date of the
contents.
After use, replace the content if necessary and stow the first aid kit safely again.
Warning triangle
Depending on the equipment, the warning triangle may be located in the boot lid. When the boot lid
is open, turn the lock for the bracket ⇒ Fig. 58 by 90° anticlockwise in the direction of the arrow,
open the bracket and remove the warning triangle.
The warning triangle must comply with legal requirements.
Return the warning triangle to its holder after use and lock it into place.
High-visibility waistcoat
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the high-visibility waistcoat may be located in a stowage
compartment in the front door trim or in the stowage compartment on the front passenger side
⇒ Driver door, ⇒ Front passenger side.
The high-visibility waistcoat triangle must comply with legal requirements.
Fire extinguisher
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a fire extinguisher may be located in a holder in the footwell
under the front passenger seat.
The fire extinguisher must comply with legal regulations, must always be ready for use and must be
checked regularly (see inspection seal on the fire extinguisher).
Behaviour after a collision with active bonnet
Fig. 59 Triggered active bonnet.
In the event of a collision at the front of the vehicle, the active bonnet will be triggered by sensors in
the front bumper in the speed range from around 25 to 55 km/h (15 to 34 mph). As a result, the
bonnet is lifted by a few centimetres in front of the windscreen in order to create an additional
crumple zone above the engine, e.g. in the head area of a pedestrian who has been hit.
The active bonnet system can trigger properly only if the bonnet has not previously been deformed
by external influences.
In some cases, the system may trigger even though the collision has not been with a pedestrian.
The system can be triggered in the following situations:
•Frontal collision with a marker post, street lantern, pillar etc.
•Frontal collision with an animal.
•Driving into a mound of snow.
•Bottoming of the vehicle when driving on very poor roads.
When the active bonnet has been triggered, the bonnet is moved up by a few centimetres in front of
the windscreen ⇒ Fig. 59. Special hinges lock the bonnet in open position ⇒ Fig. 59 (close-up).
The warning lamp also remains lit in the instrument cluster until the system has been repaired.
The following applies if the active bonnet has been triggered:
•It is necessary to go directly to a qualified workshop.
•The system must be repaired by the qualified workshop.
•It is permitted to continue driving only when the vehicle is roadworthy.
•It is not permitted to drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
•The seat position must be adjusted if necessary. In spite of the active bonnet having triggered,
there must always still be unrestricted visibility through the windscreen ⇒ Sitting position.
If the active bonnet has been triggered, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
Warning lamp
DisplayPossible causeAction
Active bonnet has been triggered.Go to a qualified workshop immediately and
have the system repaired.
Active bonnet: system fault.Go to a qualified workshop to have the
system checked immediately.
With some vehicle equipment levels, a symbol which indicates that the active bonnet has been
triggered may be shown in the instrument cluster instead of a warning lamp.
Repairing the triggered active bonnet
A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop⇒. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, loose objects could be
flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
•Always secure the first aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher safely in the
holders in the vehicle.
•Stow the high-visibility waistcoat in the stowage compartments so that it is easily
accessible.
WARNING
The symbol can differ depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
Information call, breakdown call and Emergency Call Service
Fig. 60 In the roof console: control for voice services.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, a control may be installed in the roof console. Pressing
the buttons , and ⇒ Fig. 60 enables you to access the following voice services:
information call, breakdown call and Emergency Call Service.
The required connection is established by a factory-fitted control unit. A connection to a telephone
call centre will be established when you trigger one of the voice services.
Indicator lamp
The control is equipped with an indicator lamp ⇒ Fig. 60 (arrow). This displays the following
statuses:
•Off: all voice services are disabled.
•Flashing red for around 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on: at least one voice service
is disabled.
•Lit up red: system error. Voice service availability is restricted. Volkswagen recommends
consulting a specialist workshop.
The intelligent technology used in the active bonnet pedestrian protection system cannot
overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let
the extra convenience afforded by the active bonnet pedestrian protection system tempt
you into taking any safety risks.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Do not drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mph) when the active bonnet has been
triggered.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Incorrect repairs and modifications can cause malfunctions and damage to the vehicle
and impair the effectiveness of the driver assist systems. This can result in accidents and
severe injuries.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop.
WARNING
Incorrect closing of the triggered active bonnet can cause accidents and serious injuries,
particularly to the hands.
•A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop. Never
attempt to close the bonnet yourself.
WARNING
Incorrect closing of the triggered active bonnet can damage the vehicle.
•Do not press the active bonnet closed under any circumstances, e.g. by pressing down
on the bonnet with your hand. The bonnet and its hinges could be damaged as a result.
NOTICE