
Fig. 94 In the footwell: pedals in vehicles with a manual gearbox. 
 
Fig. 95 In the footwell: pedals in vehicles with a dual clutch gearbox. 
Key to Fig. 94and Fig. 95 
Accelerator 
Brake pedal 
Vehicles with manual gearbox: clutch pedal 
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must never be impaired by objects or floor 
mats. 
Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area free and can be securely fastened in the footwell so 
that they do not slip. 
 
WARNING 
Objects in the driver footwell can interfere with pedal operation. This can lead to loss of control of 
the vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury. 
Make sure that all pedals can always be operated without any interference. 
The floor mats must always be properly secured in the footwell. 
Never place additional floor mats or other floor coverings over the fitted floor mat. 
Make sure that no objects can enter the driver footwell while the vehicle is in motion. 
If there are any objects in the footwell, remove them when the vehicle is parked.  

NOTICE 
Free access to the pedals must be ensured at all times. For example, a larger brake pedal travel will 
be necessary in order to stop the vehicle if a brake circuit fails. The brake pedal will have to be 
depressed further and harder than normal. 
Gear-change indicator 
 
Fig. 96 On the instrument cluster display: gear-change indicator. 
Key to Fig. 96 
Currently selected gear. 
Recommended gear. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, the instrument cluster display may indicate a gear 
which should be selected to reduce fuel consumption while the vehicle is in motion. 
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever must be in the Tiptronic position for 
this Changing gear using Tiptronic 
No recommended gear is indicated if the most suitable gear is already selected. The currently 
selected gear is displayed. 
Information on cleaning the particulate filter 
The engine management system recognises when the particulate filter is becoming saturated and 
supports regeneration of the filter by recommending the most suitable gear when driving. Compared 
with normal driving, this may mean driving with an increased engine speed Particulate filter 
 
CAUTION 
The gear-change indicator is designed only to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's own 
judgement. 
The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations, e.g. when overtaking 
or when driving up and down hills. 
 
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.  

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.  

If the front brake pads are checked, the rear brake pads should be checked at the same time. A 
visual check of the thickness of all brake pads should be carried out regularly by checking the brake 
pads through the openings in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the 
wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen 
dealership for this purpose. 
Driving a loaded vehicle 
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following: 
Stow all items of luggage securely Stowing luggage and loads 
Accelerate particularly cautiously and carefully. 
Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres. 
Brake earlier than in normal driving. 
If applicable, observe the information concerning the roof carrier Roof carrier 
 
 
WARNING 
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety which could cause 
accidents and serious injuries. 
Secure items properly so they cannot slide about. 
Use suitable lashing or securing straps when securing heavy objects. 
Securely engage the rear seat backrests. 
Driving with an open boot lid 
Driving with an open boot lid is particularly dangerous. All objects and the open boot lid must be 
secured properly. Take the appropriate measures to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes 
that could enter into the vehicle. 
 
WARNING 
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries. 
Always drive with the boot lid closed. 
Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out of the luggage 
compartment and injure other road users. 
Always drive especially carefully and think ahead.  

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.  

instructions should be followed Safety 
If the vehicle is going to be sold in another country or used in another country for an extended 
period, the legal requirements applicable in that country must be observed. 
In some cases, certain equipment will have to be fitted or removed and functions deactivated. The 
scope of services and service types could also be affected. This is particularly important if the vehicle 
is driven in another climate region for a long period of time. 
Because different frequency bands are used in different countries, the factory-fitted Infotainment 
system may not work in other countries. 
 
NOTICE 
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, inadequate 
servicing work or non-availability of Genuine Parts. 
Volkswagen cannot be held responsible if the vehicle does not comply with or only partly complies 
with the relevant legal requirements in other countries and continents. 
Troubleshooting 
Unusual braking behaviour 
The warning lamp lights up red. 
A text message may also be displayed. 
The vehicle does not brake in the usual way or the braking distance is longer than normal. 
There is a malfunction in the brake system. 
Go to the nearest qualified workshop without delay. 
Drive at low speed and be prepared for longer braking distances and the need to apply increased 
pedal pressure. 
Brake pad wear indicator 
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. 
Front brake pads are worn. 
Go to a qualified workshop immediately. 
All brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary. 
 
 
 
  

pping the engine 
Ignition lock 
 
Fig. 99 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock. 
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock may be activated. 
Vehicle key positions Fig. 99
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed. 
Ignition switched on. Steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated and the 
indicator lamp  lights up yellow. 
Depress the brake pedal when the indicator lamp  lights up green. Start the engine. Release 
the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves back to position 
Fig. 
0 
Ignition switched on warning 
A warning message appears in the instrument cluster display if the driver door is opened while the 
ignition is switched on. A signal tone may also be given. 
The warning is a reminder that the ignition must be switched off before leaving the vehicle. 
 
WARNING 
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries. 
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and 
electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can cause serious injury. 
Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the vehicle is locked. 
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 in the 
case of small children. 
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock 
may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.