
nment system can 
distract you from the road. 
Always drive carefully and responsibly. 
Information on the brakes 
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first 
be run in 
pressure on the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer for full or 
emergency braking than when the brake pads have been run in. In the run-in period, full braking 
should be avoided and also situations that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up 
close to the vehicle ahead. 
The wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the vehicle is 
operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular urban trips, short 
journeys, and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be regularly checked by a 
qualified workshop. 
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after 
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly 
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher 
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of this 
action  
A layer of salt that accumulates on the discs and pads will reduce the braking effect and increase the 
braking distance. If the vehicle has not been braked for a long time on roads which have been gritted 
with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking  
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long standstill times, 
low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used or if they are corroded, 
Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking strongly several 
times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk 
as a result of this action  
Brake servo 
The brake servo will function only when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied by 
the driver on the brake pedal. 
If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be 
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for 
the brake system  
 
WARNING 
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious injuries. 
If the warning lamp  lights up either alone or together with a text message in the instrument 
cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked and the 
worn brake pads replaced.  

WARNING 
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted. 
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km and must first be run 
in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. 
In order to reduce the risk of accidents, serious injuries and the loss of control over the vehicle, you 
must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads. 
Never drive too close to other vehicles during the run-in time for the new brake pads and never 
create a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes. 
 
WARNING 
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance. 
When driving downhill, the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very quickly. 
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear (with manual 
gearboxes or in Tiptronic mode with the automatic gearbox). This will make use of the engine 
braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. 
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause them to 
overheat. 
 
WARNING 
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer braking 
distances. 
Carefully apply the brakes to test them. 
Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious applications of the 
brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit. 
 
WARNING 
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus cause 
accidents and serious injuries. 
Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion. 
If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be 
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for 
the brake system.  

WARNING 
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking distance 
will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in winter. 
Dry and de-ice the brakes using careful braking manoeuvres. Make sure that you do not endanger 
any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so. 
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water. 
 
NOTICE 
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, gearbox, running gear and 
vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage. 
Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Immediately rinse all components that 
have been exposed to salt water with fresh water. 
Running in the engine 
A new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. This enables all the moving parts to 
bed in together. During the first few operating hours, the engine has higher internal friction than it 
does later. 
Do not depress the accelerator fully. 
Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the maximum engine speed. 
 
Gradually increase speed and engine speed. 
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after this 
time and especially with a cold engine drive the vehicle at moderate engine speeds in order to 
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover. 
Do not drive at engine speeds which are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running 
smoothly. 
New tyres Wheels and tyresand brake pads Notes on drivingmust be run in carefully. 
 
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced. 
Using the vehicle in other countries and continents 
The vehicle is produced at the factory specifically for a certain country and complies with this 
country's registration regulations valid at the time of vehicle production.  

 
The kickdown function enables maximum acceleration in the selector lever position D/S or in the 
Tiptronic position. 
If the accelerator is depressed fully, the gearbox will automatically shift to a lower gear, depending 
on the speed and engine speed. This will make use of the full vehicle acceleration. 
With the kickdown function, the gearbox does not shift up to the next gear until the engine reaches 
the maximum engine speed for the gear. 
When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection Driving profile 
selection and 4MOTION Active Controland the accelerator is depressed fully beyond the pressure 
point, the engine output is automatically regulated to ensure maximum vehicle acceleration. 
 
WARNING 
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can 
cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries. 
Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic. 
Use the kickdown function or fast acceleration only if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions 
permit, and if other road users are not put at risk due to the acceleration and the driving style. 
Please note that the driven wheels could start to spin and the vehicle could skid if the TCS is 
switched off and especially if the road is slippery. 
 
WARNING 
Never let the brakes rub too often and for too long or operate the brake pedal too often or for too 
long. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This will considerably reduce the braking 
power, significantly increase the braking distance and could cause the brake system to fail 
completely. 
 
NOTICE 
Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure when it is not necessary. This will increase levels 
of wear. 
Troubleshooting  

kes have overheated, control was interrupted automatically. Allow the brakes to cool down 
and check functioning again. 
If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop. 
Control cannot be started. 
A forward gear other than first gear is selected (manual gearbox) or the selector lever is in selector 
lever position D/S or the Tiptronic gate. 
The speed is at least 25 km/h (16 mph) in the case of vehicles with manual gearbox. 
The brake lights on the vehicle and trailer are working. 
ESC is not regulating. 
The brake pedal is not depressed. 
Unusual noises during automatic braking. 
This is normal and is not a fault. 
Area monitoring system (Front Assist) 
 Introduction 
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects: 
Warning levels and braking intervention
Limits of Front Assist
Pedestrian Monitoring
Operating the area monitoring system (Front Assist)
Troubleshooting
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian 
Monitoring can help to avoid accidents. 
Within the limits of the system, Front Assist can warn the driver about imminent collisions, prepare 
the vehicle for emergency braking, assist with braking, and initiate automatic braking. The warning 
time varies depending on the traffic situation and driver behaviour. 
Front Assist is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver. 
Driving with Front Assist 
You can cancel the automatic braking interventions of Front Assist by steering or pressing the 
accelerator. 
Automatic braking 
Front Assist can decelerate the vehicle to a standstill. The vehicle will then not be held permanently. 
Depress the brake pedal.  

stopped using the foot brake  
Pull the  button. The vehicle brakes hard. A signal tone can be heard at the same time. 
 
WARNING 
Incorrect use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and serious injuries. 
Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The braking 
distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use the foot brake. 
 
WARNING 
Failing to park the vehicle properly before leaving it may result in the vehicle rolling away. This can 
cause accidents, serious injuries and damage to property. 
Always park the vehicle in the specified order Parking 
Ensure that the electronic parking brake is switched on before you leave the vehicle and the 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red after you switch off the ignition. 
Troubleshooting 
Fault in electronic parking brake 
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. Go to a qualified workshop or a Volkswagen dealership. 
Electronic parking brake does not switch off 
The prerequisites for switch off are not met. 
OR: the 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. 
Check whether all requirements for switching off the electronic parking brake are met Switching 
off 
Use jump leads Jump starting the vehicle 
Noises from the electronic parking brake 
You may hear noises when the electronic parking brake is switched on and off. 
If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long period, the system will carry out 
occasional automatic and audible checks when the vehicle is parked. 
Auto Hold function  

busy roads or across several lanes. 
Always pay attention to the area around the vehicle, since cyclists and pedestrians are often not 
reliably detected, for example. 
The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 
Brake support systems 
Information on brake support systems 
The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. The systems can support the driver in critical driving 
or braking situations. Brake support systems cannot overcome the limits of physics and cannot 
always keep the vehicle under control in every single critical driving or braking situation. The driver is 
responsible for driving safety  
Driving with brake support systems 
The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated 
separately. 
The brake pedal may pulsate or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating. 
Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the 
brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed. 
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations 
 
ESC is always switched on. 
Traction control system (TCS) 
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the drive output to suit road 
surface conditions Troubleshooting 
hills. 
With some equipment levels, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances Switching 
the TCS on and off 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
The anti-lock brake system can prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until 
the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and 
keeping it under control Troubleshooting 
Brake assist system 
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system reinforces 
the braking force when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation. 
If you reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake 
servo.  

 
EDL brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive wheels. 
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the brake from 
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down. 
XDS improves traction in order to keep the vehicle on its intended course. 
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System 
In the event of a collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to reduce 
the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking. 
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only for collisions that are detected as a 
collision by the airbag control unit. 
The vehicle is braked automatically if the required systems have not been damaged in the collision 
and have remained functional. 
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of a collision: 
When the driver depresses the accelerator. 
When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake 
pressure provided by the system. 
 
WARNING 
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics, and 
functions only within the limits of the systems. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a 
loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers. 
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Do 
not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving. 
The brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads will remain 
dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active. 
Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road surface and 
aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with the 
road surface. 
Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close to the 
vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation. 
Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the vehicle in difficult 
driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability of the vehicle depends on the 
tyre grip.