
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible ⇒ Sitting position.
•Push the head restraint all the way down ⇒ Sitting position.
•Release the front passenger seat backrest in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 83①.
•Fold the front passenger seat backrest forwards in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 83② until it
is horizontal.
•When it is folded down, the front passenger seat backrest must click securely into place.
Folding back the front passenger seat backrest
•When folding back, check that there are no items or body parts near the hinges.
•To fold back, release the front passenger seat backrest ⇒ Fig. 83①.
•Fold back the front passenger seat backrest so that it is upright.
•When it is folded up, the front passenger seat backrest must click securely into place.
Rear seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Adjusting the rear bench seat
⇒ Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat forwards and backwards
The following section describes the options for adjusting the rear seats. Always ensure that the
correct sitting position is adjusted ⇒ Sitting position.
Injuries could be caused if the front passenger seat backrests are folded forwards and
backwards carelessly.
•Fold the front passenger seat backrest forwards and backwards only when the vehicle
is stationary.
•While folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards, always ensure that there are
no people, animals or objects in its path.
•The front airbag must be switched off and the PASSENGER AIR BAG
indicator lamp will light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded
forwards.
•When folding forwards and backwards, keep all hands, fingers, feet and other body
parts away from the seat hinges and seat release mechanism.
•Floor mats or other objects could get caught in the hinges on the front passenger seat
backrest. This could cause the front passenger seat backrest to fail to engage securely
when it is returned to the upright position.
•When being folded back, the front passenger seat backrest must be securely locked in
the upright position. If the front passenger seat backrest is not locked properly it could
move suddenly and cause severe injuries.
WARNING
The open seat anchors and hinges of the folded front passenger seat backrest could
cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident.
•Never transport people (adults or childrenyf R Q W K H I U R Q W S D V V H Q J H U V H D W L I W K H I U R Q W
passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
•If the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards, you should only use the outer
rear seat behind the driver seat. This also applies to children in child seats.
WARNING

Adjusting the rear bench seat
Fig. 84 Underneath the seat cushion on the rear bench seat: adjustment lever.
Fig. 85 Adjusting the rear bench seat backrest.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rear bench seat is split 40:60. Each section can be adjusted separately.
Adjusting the rear bench seat
•Pull up the right-hand or left-hand lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 84 and move the
corresponding element of the rear bench seat either forwards or backwards.
•Release the lever and engage the rear bench seat element in position by pushing forwards and
backwards gently.
Adjusting the rear bench seat backrest
•Push down on the left-hand or right-hand side of the backrest with one hand and simultaneously
pull on the corresponding loop with the other hand ⇒ Fig. 85①.
Incorrect adjustment of the rear seat can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•The rear seat should be adjusted only when the vehicle is stationary as the rear seat
could otherwise move unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, an
incorrect seating position is adopted while adjusting the seat.
•The rear seat should only be adjusted when there is no one in the direct area.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to
serious burns and other injuries.
•Before adjusting the seats always ensure that there is no lighter on or near the
moveable parts of the seat.
•Before closing stowage areas or compartments always ensure that there is no lighter
in the way.
•Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the
vehicle. High surface temperatures, especially in summer, may cause cigarette lighters
to self-ignite.
WARNING
•Items in the luggage compartment could cause damage when pushing the rear seat
forwards or backwards.
•When the rear seat is moved forwards, objects could move into the space between the
seat and luggage compartment floor. Remove any items or objects from this space
before pushing the rear seat back.
NOTICE

Fig. 113 In the footwell: pedals in vehicles with a manual gearbox.
Fig. 114 In the footwell: pedals in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 113 and ⇒ Fig. 114:
Accelerator
Brake pedal
m/k/a995MK 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.
Gear-change indicator
Fig. 115 On the instrument cluster display: gear-change indicator.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 115:
Currently selected gear.
Recommended gear.
The instrument cluster display may, depending on the vehicle's equipment level, indicate which
gear should be selected to reduce fuel consumption while the vehicle is in motion.
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder pedal operation. This can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury.
•Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
•The floor mats must always be properly secured in the footwell.
•No additional floor mats or other floor coverings should be placed over the fitted floor
mat.
•Ensure 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.
WARNING
The pedals must be freely operable 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.
NOTICE

Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system,
on the wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as
branches, leaves or pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a
qualified workshop.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf .
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING

Always ensure that the ventilation openings between the rear window and the stowage area
are uncovered to allow stale air to escape from the vehicle.
Stowage compartment on the driver side
Fig. 163 On the driver side: stowage compartment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To open: pull the handle ⇒ Fig. 163.
To close: press the cover upwards until it engages.
There is a memory card holder on the inside of the cover.
Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
Loose objects may be flung through the vehicle interior in the event of a sudden driving or
braking manoeuvre. This can cause serious injury and can also lead to loss of control of
the vehicle.
•Do not stow any pets or any hard, heavy or sharp objects in the vehicle's open stowage
areas, on the dash panel, on the shelf behind the rear seats, or in items of clothing and
bags in the vehicle interior.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder pedal operation. This can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury.
•Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
•The floor mats must always be properly secured in the footwell.
•No additional floor mats or other floor coverings should be placed over the fitted floor
mat.
•Ensure 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.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to
serious burns and other injuries.
•Before adjusting the seats, always ensure that there is no lighter on or near the
moveable parts of the seat.
•Before closing stowage areas or compartments always ensure that there is no lighter
in the way.
•Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the
vehicle. High surface temperatures, especially in summer, may cause cigarette lighters
to self-ignite.
WARNING
•Hard objects could rub against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and
cause damage.
•Do not stow any temperature-sensitive objects, food or medicines inside the vehicle.
Hot and cold temperatures could damage them or render them unusable.
•Objects stored in the vehicle that are made from transparent materials, such as
glasses, magnifying glasses or transparent suction cups on the windows, can
concentrate the sun's rays and thus cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE

When the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid is opened and closed, the luggage compartment cover is also raised
and lowered if the straps are attached.
Light items of clothing can be placed on the luggage compartment cover. Please ensure that the
view to the rear of the vehicle is not obstructed.
Removing the luggage compartment cover
•Unhook the retaining straps from the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 181 (upper arrowsyf .
•Pull the luggage compartment cover out of the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 181 (lower arrowsyf .
Fitting the luggage compartment cover
•Push the luggage compartment cover into the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 181 (lower arrowsyf .
•Hook the retaining straps to the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 181 (upper arrowsyf .
Stowing the luggage compartment cover
•Depending on the equipment level, the removed luggage compartment cover can be stowed
under the variable luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment floor.
Luggage compartment floor
Variable luggage compartment floor
Fig. 182 In the luggage compartment: raising the luggage compartment floor.
Fig. 183 In the luggage compartment: adjusting the height of the luggage compartment floor.
Opening the luggage compartment floor
•Lift the recessed handle in the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Fig. 182 and fold the floor
upwards in the direction of the arrow until it is held in position by the side restraints (zoomed inyf
⇒ Fig. 182.
Closing the luggage compartment floor
•Guide the luggage compartment floor downwards into position ⇒.
Adjusting the height of the luggage compartment floor
Depending on the equipment level, the luggage compartment floor is height-adjustable.
Objects that are not secured or are secured incorrectly, or animals on the luggage
compartment cover, could cause serious injuries in any sudden driving or braking
manoeuvre or accident.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp items either loose or in bags on the luggage
compartment cover.
•Never transport pets on the luggage compartment cover.
WARNING
To prevent damage to the luggage compartment cover, do not load it to such a height that
the load will press against the luggage compartment cover when the boot lid is closed.
NOTICE

•If necessary, unclip the luggage net ⇒ Luggage net and remove the securing straps.
•Lift the luggage compartment floor and pull it rearwards out of the guides on the sides of the
luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 183.
•Insert the luggage compartment floor into the guides at the required height and push it forwards
as far as it will go ⇒ Fig. 183, .
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be compartments for stowing small items
under the luggage compartment floor.
Volkswagen recommends that you secure items to the fastening rings with the aid of fixing or
securing straps.
Net partition
Folding the net partition in and out
Fig. 184 Folding out the net partition.
Fig. 185 Folding in the net partition.
The net partition must be folded out before being fitted in the vehicle.
Folding out the net partition
Remove the net partition from the bag and roll out.
Fold out the net partition side rods ⇒ Fig. 184① and ② as shown by the arrow until it audibly
clicks.
Folding in the net partition
•Press the release button ⇒ Fig. 185①. With the release button pressed down, fold in the rod
in the direction of the arrow.
•Press the release button ⇒ Fig. 185②. With the release button pressed down, fold in the rod
in the direction of the arrow.
•Roll up the net partition and store in the bag.
•Stow the bag securely in the vehicle.
Using the net partition
Never drop the luggage compartment floor; guide it slowly back down. The trims or the
luggage compartment floor could otherwise be damaged.
NOTICE

The maximum load rating of the fastening rings is approximately 3.5 kN.
Suitable lashing, retaining or securing straps and luggage securing systems are available
from qualified workshops. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Luggage net
Fig. 188 In the luggage compartment: luggage net fitted flat.
The luggage net can help to prevent light items of luggage from sliding around in the luggage
compartment. The luggage net also has a built-in pocket with a zip that can hold smaller items.
Attaching the luggage net flat on the luggage compartment floor
•Hook the luggage net hooks into the front fastening rings ⇒ Fig. 188⇒. The luggage net zip
must face upwards.
•Attach the hooks on the other end of the luggage net to the fastening rings under the load sill
⇒ Fig. 188.
Some fastening rings have to be folded out before they can be used ⇒ Fastening rings.
Removing the luggage net
When fitted, the luggage net is held taut ⇒.
•Unhook the hooks and loops of the luggage net.
•Store the luggage net in the luggage compartment.
Bag hook
Unsuitable or damaged securing straps could rip in the event of a braking manoeuvre or
accident. This could cause objects to be flung through the vehicle interior and lead to
severe or fatal injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Pull lashing, retaining and securing straps taut crosswise over the cargo on the
luggage compartment floor and attach securely to the fastening rings.
•Never exceed the maximum load rating of the fastening rings when securing objects.
•Make sure that the upper edge of the load is higher than the fastening rings,
particularly when stowing flat objects.
•Depending on the vehicle equipment, observe the signs about stowing loads that are
attached in the luggage compartment.
•Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
WARNING
The elastic luggage net must be stretched when it is secured to the fastening rings in the
luggage compartment. When fitted, the luggage net is held taut. The luggage net hooks
can cause injuries if the luggage net is installed or removed incorrectly.
•Always hold the luggage net hooks tightly to prevent them from falling out of the ring
during installation or removal.
•Protect your eyes and face to avoid injuries from any hooks that may spring out during
installation or removal.
•Always attach the luggage net hooks in the order described. There is a risk of injury if
one of the hooks on the luggage net snaps back.
WARNING