
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 systemyf
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

Curtain airbags
Fig. 49 On the left-hand side of the vehicle: location and deployment zone of the curtain airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In the interior, a curtain airbag is fitted above the doors on both the driver and front passenger sides
⇒ Fig. 49.
The curtain airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The area in the red frame ⇒ Fig. 49 is covered by the curtain airbag when triggered (deployment
zoneyf ) R U W K L V U H D V R Q \ R X P X V W Q H Y H U O H D Y H R U D W W D F K D Q \ L W H P V L Q W K L V D U H D ⇒.
In a side collision the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact side of the vehicle.
In a side collision, the curtain airbags reduce the risk of injury to the areas of the body facing the
impact for vehicle occupants on the front seats and outer rear seats.
Knee airbags
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the side airbags clear.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
•The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any
heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
•Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
•Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been
expressly approved for use in the vehicle. Otherwise the side airbag may not be able to
inflate once triggered.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of
the side airbag and cause serious injury.
•Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.
•If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolster, the side airbags may not
be triggered correctly, may not trigger at all, or may trigger unexpectedly.
•Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the side airbag
units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the curtain airbags clear.
•Never secure any items to the cover or in the deployment zone of the curtain airbag.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
•The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any
heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
•Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
•Do not install any sun blinds onto the side windows unless they have been expressly
approved for use in your vehicle.
•Only push the sun blinds over to the side windows if no items are attached to them
(e.g. pens or the remote control for a garage dooryf .
WARNING

Fig. 82 Switch on the front left seat: adjusting the lumbar support.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The control elements are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
The seat may have a combination of mechanical and electrical controls.
Adjusting the seat position
Pressing the switch in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 81:
ⒶSlides the seat forwards or backwards.ⒷAdjusts the angle of the seat cushion.ⒸRaises or lowers
the seat.ⒹAdjusts the angle of the backrest.
Adjusting the lumbar support
Press the switch in the corresponding area ⇒ Fig. 82
①Adjust the curve of the lumbar support forwards.②Adjust the curve of the lumbar support
backwards.③Adjust the curve of the lumbar support upwards.\bAdjust the curve of the lumbar
support downwards.
It may not be possible to adjust the seat electrically if the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle
battery is too low.
Starting the engine will interrupt the seat adjustment procedure.
Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards
Fig. 83 Front passenger seat: folding backrest forwards.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger seat backrest can be folded forwards to a horizontal position.
The front passenger front airbag must be switched off if any items are to be transported on the front
passenger seat when folded forwards ⇒ Airbag system.
Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards
•Remove any items from the front passenger seat cushion ⇒.
•Lower the front passenger seat down as far as possible ⇒ Sitting position.
Careless or unsupervised use of the electric front seats can result in severe injuries.
•The electrical front seat adjustment also works when the ignition is switched off. Never
leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle.
•In the event of an emergency, stop the electrical adjustment by pressing another
switch.
WARNING
To avoid damaging the electrical components in the front seats, do not kneel on the seats
or apply sharp pressure at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
NOTICE

•Adjust the rear seat backrest to the required position with your hand against the spring pressure
⇒ Fig. 85②.
•Release the loop and engage the rear seat backrest in position by moving it forwards or
backwards gently.
Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat forwards and
backwards
Fig. 86 Folding the backrest forwards and backwards.
Fig. 87 In the luggage compartment: remote release lever for the left ① and the right ② parts of
the rear backrest.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rear seat is split for folding. Each part of the rear seat backrest can be folded down to increase
the size of the luggage compartment.
Folding the rear seat backrest forwards
•Push the head restraint all the way down ⇒ Head restraints.
•Slide the rear bench seat back as far as it will go.
•Fold down the folding table if necessary.
•Pull the loop ⇒ Fig. 86 forwards in the direction of the arrow while simultaneously supporting
and folding the rear seat backrest forwards ⇒.
•Fold the rear seat backrest completely forward by hand until it locks in place.
Folding rear backrest forwards with the remote release button
•Push the head restraint all the way down ⇒ Head restraints.
•Open the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid.
•Pull the remote release lever ⇒ Fig. 87 for the section of the backrest that is to be folded
forwards.
•The corresponding backrest section of the rear seat backrest is unlocked and can be folded
forwards.
•Close the boot lid if it is open ⇒ Boot lid.
Folding back the rear seat backrest
•Use the loop to release the rear seat backrest. The rear seat backrest pops out of the catch.
•Keep pulling on the loop while folding back the rear seat rest.
•Make sure that the seat belt is not caught anywhere.
•Fold back the rear seat backrest until it is securely engaged ⇒.
•The rear seat backrest must always be securely engaged.
•If necessary, fold back the rear seat backrests.
•Adjust the head restraint if necessary.

Convenience turn signal
To operate the convenience turn signal, push the turn signal and main beam lever up or down to
the point where you meet resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal flashes 3 times.
To cancel the convenience turn signal, immediately move the lever in the opposite direction up to
the pressure point and then release it.
The convenience turn signal can be activated and deactivated in the Infotainment system in
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system:
The hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ In an emergency.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Vehicle lighting
Switching lights on and off
Fig. 97 Next to the steering wheel: light switch (one variantyf .
Switching lights on
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the light switch to the appropriate position.
Automatic headlights: the dipped beams are switched on or off automatically depending on
the brightness level and the weather ⇒, ⇒ Automatic headlights .The side lights
and daytime running lights are switched on. The symbol in the light switch lights up green.The
dipped beam headlights are switched on.
Switching off the lights
•Switch off the ignition.
•Turn the light switch to the appropriate position.
The lights are switched off.Leaving Home function (orientation lightingyf P D \ E H V Z L W F K H G
on ⇒ Coming Home and Leaving Home function (orientation lightingyf.Side lights or
continuous parking light on both sides of the vehicle switched on ⇒ Switching the parking lights on
and off. The symbol in the light switch lights up green.Dipped beam switched off – the side
lights remain on while the vehicle key is in the ignition lock and while the driver door is closed in
vehicles with Keyless Access.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights (dependent on equipment levelyf F D Q L Q F U H D V H W K H Y L V L E L O L W \ R I \ R X U
vehicle in traffic during the day.
The daytime running lights are switched on every time the ignition is switched on when the light
switch is in position , or (when brightness is detectedyf .
The daytime running lights cannot be switched on or off manually.
Incorrect use of turn signals, a failure to use turn signals, or forgetting to switch off a turn
signal can confuse other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always activate the turn signal in good time when changing lanes and performing
overtaking or turning manoeuvres.
•Always switch off the turn signal once the lane change or overtaking or turning
manoeuvre has been completed.
WARNING

The seat cushions and backrests can be heated electrically when the ignition is switched on.
Operating the seat heating
•Press the button or in the control panel in order to switch the seat heating to
the highest setting.
•Press the or button until the desired setting is reached.
•To switch the seat heating off, press the button or repeatedly until the LEDs go
out.
If the ignition is turned on again within around 10 minutes, the most recent driver seat temperature
setting is automatically activated.
When is it not advisable to switch on the seat heating?
Do not switch on the seat heating if one of the following conditions applies:
•The seat is not occupied.
•The seat is fitted with a protective cover.
•A child seat is installed on the seat.
•The seat cushion is damp or wet.
•The temperature in the vehicle interior or the outside temperature is above +25°C (77°Fyf .
To save fuel, only switch on the seat heating for as long as necessary.
Steering wheel heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering wheel heating works when the engine is running.
Switching steering wheel heating on and off automatically via the
Infotainment system
•m/k/a995MKManual air conditioning system: press the button on the
Infotainment system and touch the Vehicle and function buttons.
•m/k/a995MKClimatronic: press the button on the control panel.
•Touch the function button to switch the steering wheel heating on and off.
Switching the steering wheel heating on or off together with the seat
heating (only in vehicles with Climatronicyf
•Press the button on the control panel.
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication,
paralysis or chronic illness (e.g. diabetesyf F R X O G V X V W D L Q E X U Q V R Q W K H E D F N E X W W R F N V D Q G
legs when using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never
heal fully. Please consult a doctor if you have questions about your own state of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the
seat heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp
pressure at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials, such as a protective cover or child
seat, may damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to produce an odour, switch off the seat heating immediately and
have it checked by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE

m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
WARNING

Inform yourself about other ways of protecting the environment. Think Blue. is the global
Volkswagen brand for sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Your Volkswagen dealership will gladly provide you with further information on correct
maintenance and replacement parts that are particularly energy-efficient, e.g. new tyres.
On vehicles with active cylinder management (ACTyf L Q G L Y L G X D O H Q J L Q H F \ O L Q G H U V F D Q E H
deactivated in driving situations with a low power requirement. When a cylinder is deactivated, no
fuel is injected into that cylinder, which leads to an overall reduction in fuel consumption.
Think Blue. Trainer.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Think Blue. Trainer analyses and
visualises your driving style and helps
you to drive more economically.
Fig. 117 In the Infotainment system: Think Blue. Trainer.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 117:
Blue Score:The higher the displayed value on a scale from 0 to 100, the more efficient
your driving style. A blue border symbolises an efficient and constant driving style. A grey
border indicates an inefficient driving style.Touch the display to open the statistics of the last
30 driving minutes Since start.
Acceleration and braking:At a constant speed, two arcs appear in the central area. The
arcs move up and down during acceleration and braking.
History display:The efficiency of the driving style is indicated by the blue bars. The white
bar stores a blue bar approximately every 5 seconds.The larger the bar, the more efficient the
driving style has been.
Driving tips: Think ahead when driving. Gear-change indicator. Adapt your
speed. Economic driving style.
Fuel consumption:The display shows the average fuel consumption Since start
in l/100 km. A blue border symbolises an efficient and constant driving style. A grey border
indicates an inefficient driving style.Touch the display to open the statistics of the last 30 driving
minutes Since start.
Tips for saving energy:Press the Think Blue. function button to access additional
tips.
Selecting Think Blue. Trainer.
•Depending on the equipment level, press the button or function button in the
Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle, Selection, Think Blue. Trainer. button.
Information on the brakes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km (124 to 186
milesyf D Q G P X V W I L U V W E H U X Q L Q ⇒. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking
force by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking
distance is longer when the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than
with that have been fully run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and
®
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING