
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

If the vehicle is not approved for use with a roof carrier, do not use or retrofit a roof carrier.
Securing a roof carrier
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Special roof carriers must be used to transport luggage, bicycles, skis, surfboards or boats safely ⇒
. Suitable accessories are available from your Volkswagen dealership.
Attaching roof bars and load carrier system (vehicles with roof railings)
Mount roof bars to the roof railing according to the installation instructions provided.
Once you have fitted the base carrier bars, you can then secure the respective carrier system on
them.
Loading the roof carrier
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Maximum permissible roof load
The maximum permitted roof load is 75 kg.
The roof load limit refers to the combined weight of the roof carrier and the load carried on the roof
⇒.
When transporting heavy or bulky items on the roof carrier, the vehicle handling will
change due to the shift in the centre of gravity and increased susceptibility to crosswinds.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a negative effect on the vehicle
aerodynamics, centre of gravity and overall handling.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
WARNING
A roof carrier that has not been approved for the vehicle or a roof carrier that is fitted to a
vehicle that is not approved for use with a roof carrier may cause accidents or injuries.
•Use only roof carriers that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.
•Never use a roof carrier on a vehicle that has not been approved for use with a roof
carrier.
•A roof carrier that is fitted nevertheless may become loose whilst the vehicle is in
motion and fall from the vehicle roof.
WARNING
Securing a roof carrier of any kind to a vehicle that is not approved for use with a roof
carrier may lead to severe damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Incorrectly attaching and using the roof bars and load carrier could cause the whole roof
carrier system to fall off the roof. This could cause accidents and injuries.
•Only use roof bars and load carrier systems when they are undamaged and fitted
correctly.
•Always fit roof bars and load carriers correctly. Always observe the installation
instructions provided by the manufacturer.
•Attach the roof bars only at the specified mounting points.
•Special roof carriers for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. should always be
properly installed. Always observe the installation instructions provided by the
manufacturer.
•Check that the roof carrier is secured before starting your journey and tighten as
necessary after driving a short distance. During a long trip, check all bolts and
fasteners at each stop.
•Do not carry out any changes or repairs to the roof bars or the load carrier system.
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

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

Trailer towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to blind other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
automatic headlight range adjustment are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
•If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
•The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.
•Engage a lower gear prior to inclines (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the automatic
gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
•The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
•The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable.
When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope,
depending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Press button once to switch off the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking
brake.
•Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
•Select first gear ⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or selector lever position D/S⇒ DSG dual
clutch gearbox.
•Pull on the button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the
electronic parking brake.
•Release the brake pedal.
•Pull away slowly. To do this, slowly release the clutch pedal for a manual gearbox.
•Only let go of the button when the engine has sufficient power to move off.
Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to lurch from side to side
and can provide countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is a subsidiary function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
®
Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
•Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle
handles and increase the braking distance.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•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 try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Keep to speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles
without trailers.
WARNING

If a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
trailer's rocking motion using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
•The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
•Electronic Stability Control and the traction control system (TCS) are active. The indicator lamp
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
•The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
•The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
•The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
•Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 194 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
•Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
•Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
•Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function
and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
•A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle
is equipped with trailer stabilisation.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
•Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if
the trailer socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
WARNING

Fig. 199 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The content of the vehicle toolkit is determined by the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 199. The
following describes the maximum scope.
Vehicle tool kit components:
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel bolts. The screwdriver
blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stowed under the box spanner.
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts. Volkswagen recommends that you carry the wheel
bolt adapter in the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is
engraved on the front of the adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost.
Make a note of the code number for the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place – but
not inside the vehicle.
Removable towing eye.
Wire hook for pulling off the centre cover, wheel covers and the wheel bolt caps.
Vehicle jack. Before you return the jack to the foam rubber holder, you must wind the claw
in fully.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Crank.
Collapsible chock ⇒ Collapsible chock.
Vehicle jack: maintenance
There are no maintenance cycles for the vehicle jack. Grease it with universal lubricant when
necessary.
Collapsible chock
Fig. 200 Folding out the collapsible chock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The collapsible chock is stored with the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Stowage.
Design of the collapsible chock
•Lift up the support plate ⇒ Fig. 200①.
•Insert the two lugs on the securing plate into the slots on the base plate ⇒ Fig. 200②.
Correct usage
The collapsible chock can be used to chock the wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel that is
being changed.
The collapsible chock must be placed directly in front of or behind the wheel. They must only be
used on a solid surface.
Assembling and using the collapsible chocks incorrectly can cause accidents and
injuries.
•Never use damaged collapsible chocks.
•Never use the collapsible chocks to secure the vehicle if it is located on a slope.
WARNING

Snow chains
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please observe legislation and also the maximum permitted speed when driving your vehicle with
snow chains.
On icy or snow-covered roads, snow chains will improve traction and braking response.
Snow chains may only be fitted on the front wheels – even on four-wheel drive vehicles
(4MOTION) – and only with the following wheel and tyre combinations:
Tyre sizeWheelType of snow chains to use
215 / 65 R 17
6 1/2 J x 17 offset 38Only fine-linked snow chains that add no more than
about 13.5 mm.
7 J x 17 offset 40Only fine-linked snow chains that add no more than
about 9 mm.
Volkswagen recommends that you ask your Volkswagen dealership for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
Remove hubcaps and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒. For safety reasons cover caps
must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. Caps are available from Volkswagen dealerships.
Mounting the temporary spare wheel in the event of a puncture on a front
wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Spare wheel
or temporary spare wheel.
•In event of a flat tyre on one of the front wheels, mount the temporary spare wheel to the rear
axle.
•Replace the damaged front wheel with the removed rear wheel. Note the direction of rotation.
Volkswagen recommends fitting the snow chains before mounting the wheel on the car.
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system may have to be re-synchronised
when snow chains are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Hubcaps
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Centre cover
⇒ Wheel cover
⇒ Wheel bolt caps
The use of snow chains that are unsuitable for your vehicle or the incorrect installation of
snow chains can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always use the correct snow chains.
•Follow the assembly instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
•Never exceed the maximum speed permitted for the snow chains that are fitted.
WARNING
•Remove the snow chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. The snow chains
will otherwise impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
•Snow chains that are in direct contact with the wheel can scratch or damage it.
Volkswagen recommends using snow chains with integrated rim protection.
NOTICE
Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can become loose while the vehicle is in motion and
endanger other road users.
•Do not use damaged hubcaps.
•Always ensure that the airflow to cool the brakes is not restricted or reduced. This also
applies if hubcaps are retrofitted. If the airflow is not sufficient, the braking distance
could increase significantly.
WARNING