Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Check the tyre pressure and fuel level Wheels and tyres, Fuel types and refuelling.
Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.
Air intake to the engine must not be obstructed, and the engine must not be covered with
any kind of insulating materials In the engine compartment.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment
or on the roof Transporting.
Ensure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight
and size Safe transport of children.
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of
the occupants Sitting position, Mirrors.
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be
securely fastened.
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving.
This also applies to all passengers Sitting position.
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout
the journey. This also applies to all passengers Seat belts.
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls,
opening menus and making adjustments to settings.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.
Take regular breaks when travelling long distances – at least every two hours.
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
Does the vehicle need any technical modifications for driving abroad, e.g. masking or
switching the headlights over?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
•Vehicles without Keyless Access: vehicle key used to unlock the vehicle.
•Vehicles with Keyless Access: vehicle key that is identified first by the personalisation function
upon opening the driver door.
Personalised vehicle setup
The vehicle equipment and functions that can be personalised include the following:
•Open and close (single door unlocking, window convenience opening etc.)
•Light and vision (daytime running lights, cornering light, convenience turn signal etc.)
•Air conditioning system (temperature settings, ventilation etc.)
•Assistance systems (Park Distance Control, ACC, Dynamic Road Sign Display etc.)
•Driver profile selection (driver profiles etc.)
•Multifunction display and instrument cluster (selection of displays)
•Infotainment system (brightness and saved stations)
•Seat setup (seat position)
A new vehicle key will be assigned to the current user account. To assign the vehicle key to
a different user account, select the user account you want and manually assign it to the vehicle key.
Safety
General notes
Checklist
Observe the following information both before and during every journey to ensure your own
safety, and the safety of all passengers and other road users ⇒:
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related regulations apply that the
vehicle may not comply with. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your Volkswagen
dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and the
following issues at your destination:
If fuel in the adequate quality available Fuel and emission control?
Are the correct service fluids that comply with Volkswagen specifications available in the
destination country Service fluids and consumables?
Will the navigation function in the factory-fitted Infotainment system and the navigation
data available work in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Is a fire extinguisher prescribed in your destination country?
Which requirements must be observed regarding reflective vests?
Windscreen washer fluid level Wipers.
Engine oil level Engine oil.
Engine coolant level Engine coolant.
Brake fluid level Brake fluid.
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres.
Checklist
Therefore, do not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to
carry out the jobs, are aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct
equipment, service fluids and suitable tools to hand ⇒ In the engine compartment! In any
other case all work must be carried out by a qualified workshop. Make sure that the
following are checked regularly:
Vehicle lighting Lights required for the vehicle to be roadworthy:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light
- Number plate light.
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle
serviced according to Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the
due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving or driving in areas with high
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified
workshop.
Sitting position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
⇒ Correct sitting position
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction
times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving.
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching
your destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel,
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
NOTICE
Fig. 30 Illustration: correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel, correct seat belt
routing and correct head restraint adjustment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following details the correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers.
If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they
should contact a qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts
and airbags can only provide a maximum level of protection if a correct sitting position is assumed.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Volkswagen recommends the following seating position for your own safety and to reduce the level
of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident:
The following applies to all vehicle occupants:
•Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but
not lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as
possible ⇒ Fig. 30.
•For small people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located
underneath the top edge of the head restraint.
•For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
•Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
•Adjust and fasten seat belts properly ⇒ Seat belts.
Additional points for the driver:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone
is at least 25 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓐ, and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the
sides with both hands and your arms slightly bent ⇒ Steering wheel.
•The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
•Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the
pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly bent and so that the distance from the dash
panel to your knees is at least 10 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓑ.
•Adjust the height so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
•Always leave both feet in the footwell, to help ensure you maintain control of the vehicle at all
times.
Additional points for the front passenger:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum
protection if it is deployed.
Seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Seat belt height adjuster
⇒ Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Fig. 35 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards.
Fig. 36 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is
not true.
Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that it is not possible to
brace oneself with arms and hands. In a frontal collision, vehicle occupants who have not fastened
their seat belts will be thrown forward and will make unchecked contact with parts of the vehicle
interior, e.g. the steering wheel, dash panel, or windscreen ⇒ Fig. 35.
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide
additional protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is
equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat
belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal
injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.
Each airbag can only be triggered once. To achieve best possible protection, seat belts must
always be worn properly. This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the
airbag is not triggered. Any vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the
vehicle and sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.
It is also important for the rear seat occupants to wear seat belts properly, as they could otherwise
be thrown forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts
endanger not only themselves and the driver, but also other people in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 36.
Seat belt protection
Fig. 37 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold
the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in
the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the
vehicle ⇒ Fig. 37.
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the
kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag
system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus
decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce
the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly.
Keep the seat belts clean.
Avoid allowing any foreign substances or liquids to get on to the seat belt or latch plate or
into the slot in the seat belt buckle.
Do not trap or damage the seat belt and latch plate, for example when closing the door.
Never remove, modify or repair the seat belt or any part of the belt fixture system.
Always fasten the seat belt correctly before every journey and keep it fastened while the
vehicle is in motion.
trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also
wear their seat belts properly.
Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore,
properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident.
This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For
example, the front airbags will be triggered only in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags
will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or
accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat
belts properly before you drive off.
Using seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Using seat belts ⇒:
Twisted seat belt
If it is difficult to remove the seat belt from the belt guide, the seat belt may have become twisted if
it was returned too quickly into the side trim:
•Take hold of the latch plate then slowly and carefully pull out the seat belt.
•Untwist the seat belt and guide it back slowly by hand.
Fasten the seat belt even if you are unable to undo the twist. However, the twist should not be in
part of the seat belt that comes into direct contact with the body. The twist should be corrected
immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Fig. 38 Inserting the seat belt latch plate into the buckle.
Using seat belts incorrectly increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
•Regularly check to see if the seat belt and its related parts are in perfect condition.
•Always keep the seat belt clean.
•Do not allow the belt webbing to become jammed, damaged or to rub on any sharp
edges.
•Always keep the latch plate and slot in the buckle free from foreign bodies and liquids.
WARNING
Assuming an incorrect sitting position can cause severe or fatal injuries ⇒ Sitting position.
Correct seat belt routing
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must always lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across
the neck, over or under the arm or behind the back.
•The lap part of the seat belt must always lie across the pelvis, never across the stomach.
•The seat belt must always lie flat and snugly on the body. Tighten the belt if necessary.
For pregnant women the seat belt must be positioned evenly over the chest and as low as
possible over the pelvis. It must lie flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this
applies in every stage of pregnancy ⇒ Fig. 41.
Correct seat belt routing according to height
The following equipment can be used to adjust the seat belt routing:
•Seat belt height adjuster for the front seats ⇒ Seat belt height adjuster.
•Height-adjustable front seats ⇒ Sitting position.
If a person's physical build prevents them from routing the seat belt properly, contact a
qualified workshop to find out about any special modifications so that the seat belts and airbags can
provide the optimum level of protection. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose.
Seat belt height adjuster
Fig. 42 Next to the front seats: belt height adjuster.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belt height adjusters for the front seats can be used to adjust the position of the seat belt
on the shoulder so that it can be fastened properly:
•Push the shoulder belt guide together in the direction of the arrows and hold ⇒ Fig. 42.
•Push the shoulder belt guide up or down so that the seat belt lies over the middle of the
shoulder ⇒ Seat belt routing.
•Let go of the shoulder belt guide.
•Pull sharply on the seat belt to check whether the shoulder belt guide is engaged securely.
Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe injuries in the event of an accident or a
sudden braking or driving manoeuvre.
•The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position
and the seat belts have been fastened properly.
•The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause serious injuries if the seat belt shifts
from harder body parts in the direction of softer body parts (e.g. stomach).
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder and never
under the arm or across the neck.
•The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the chest.
•The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis and never across the stomach.
The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis. Tighten the belt if necessary.
•For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must be as low as possible over the
pelvis and lie flat around the bulge of the belly.
•Do not twist the belt webbing while the seat belt is being worn.
•Never hold the seat belt away from the body by hand.
•The belt webbing should not lie over hard or fragile objects, such as glasses, pens or
keys.
•Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar items to alter the seat belt routing.
WARNING
Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Fastened seat belts on the front seats may be tensioned automatically by the proactive occupant
protection system in critical situations, for example during emergency braking or as a result of
oversteering or understeering. Both seat belts are slackened if the accident does not happen, or
when the critical situation has passed. The proactive occupant protection system is ready to be
triggered again ⇒ Proactive occupant protection system.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat vehicle occupants, and in some cases those on the outer rear
seats, are equipped with belt tensioners.
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. Any slack in the seat belt is
retracted, which can reduce the passenger's movement forwards or in the direction of the impact.
The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the vehicle rolls over, the belt
tensioners will not be activated if the side airbags are not triggered.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Reversible belt tensioning (proactive occupant protection system)
Reversible belt tensioning may trigger in certain driving situations. For example:
•Heavy braking,
•Oversteer or understeer,
•Minor collisions.
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
Never adjust the seat belt height when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with
legislation regarding disposal.
Proactive occupant protection system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The proactive occupant protection system is an assistance system that initiates action to protect
vehicle occupants in dangerous situations. However, the system cannot prevent a collision.
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system will be available only if the
function has been activated in the Infotainment system, no special driving profile has been selected
and there are no malfunctions ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control, ⇒ Function
limitations.
Basic functions
Depending on country-specific legal requirements and also on the vehicle equipment, the following
functions may be initiated, either individually or jointly, in critical situations (e.g. emergency braking
or in the case of oversteering or understeering) as of a speed of approximately 30 km/h (19 mph):
•Temporary tensioning of the fastened front seat belts.
•Automatic closing of the glass roof and side windows down to a gap, depending on the vehicle
equipment.
The belts may be tensioned individually or together depending on the respective critical driving
situations.
Additional information for vehicles with an area monitoring system (Front
Assist)
In vehicles fitted with the area monitoring system (Front Assist) ⇒ Area monitoring system (Front
Assist), the probability of a collision with the vehicle ahead is also calculated within the system
limits. The system can trigger the proactive occupant protection system if it detects a probable
collision or initiates strong braking.
Settings in the Infotainment system
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system can be activated and
deactivated in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The proactive occupant protection system will be reactivated every time the ignition is switched on.
It may not be possible to operate the setting function if the proactive occupant protection system
has already been adapted to the specific vehicle setup.
Setting in driving profile selection
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the proactive occupant protection system is adapted to the
special vehicle setup of the respective driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION
Active Control.
Function limitations
The proactive occupant protection system will not be available, or will only be available to a limited
extent, in the following situations:
•If there is a fault in the ESC, belt tensioner or in the airbag control unit ⇒ Seat belts or ⇒ Airbag
system.
•When the TCS or ESC are switched off, and when the vehicle is reversing ⇒ Brake support
systems.
•The temporary tensioning for the front passenger seat is switched off if the front passenger front
airbag is deactivated.
•If there is a system fault in the area monitoring system (Front Assist) ⇒ Area monitoring system
(Front Assist).
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt
retractors and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-
professional. As a result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or
they may be triggered unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be
replaced.
WARNING