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
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
Fig. 186 Fitted net partition.
The net partition is intended to prevent objects from being propelled from the luggage compartment
into the passenger compartment, e.g. during sudden braking manoeuvres.
Fitting the net partition
The net partition can be fitted behind the rear bench seat or behind the front seats when the second
row of seats are folded down, depending on the equipment.
•Remove the luggage compartment cover, if necessary ⇒ Luggage compartment cover.
•Fold out the net partition ⇒ Folding the net partition in and out.
•Hook the net partition into the left holder in the roof ⇒ Fig. 186Ⓐ. Ensure that the transverse
rod is pulled up over the upper position so that it latches securely in the slots.
•Fit the net partition into the opposite right-hand holder in the roof by pushing the rod together
⇒ Fig. 186Ⓐ.
•Attach both securing hooks of the net partition to the fastening rings in the luggage
compartment ⇒ Fig. 186Ⓑ and pull the straps taut.
Removing the net partition
•Remove the luggage compartment cover, if necessary ⇒ Luggage compartment cover.
•Loosen the net partition straps.
•Unhook the securing hooks of the net partition from the fastening rings ⇒ Fig. 186Ⓑ.
•Detach the net partition from the right-hand holder in the roof ⇒ Fig. 186Ⓐ by pushing the rod
together.
•Unhook the net partition from the left-hand holder in the roof.
•Fold in the net partition ⇒ Folding the net partition in and out.
•If necessary, fit the luggage compartment cover ⇒ Luggage compartment cover.
Luggage compartment equipment
Fastening rings
Fig. 187 In the luggage compartment: fixed and folding fastening rings.
There are fastening rings ⇒ Fig. 187 at the front and rear of the luggage compartment which can
be used to secure loose items and luggage with the help of lashing, retaining or securing straps.
In the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or accident, objects could be flung through
the interior and lead to severe or fatal injuries.
•Ensure that the rods are securely engaged.
•Objects should be secured even when the net partition is correctly fitted.
•While the vehicle is moving, no passengers may travel behind the fitted net partition.
WARNING
Improper attachment of the net partition to points not intended for this use can cause
damage.
NOTICE
At extremely low outside temperatures, the electric ball head might not rotate. If this
happens, it is sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.
Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Mount the bicycle carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
Only carrier systems which can hold a maximum of three bicycles may be used ⇒. Position
heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle (ball headyf D V S R V V L E O H .
Maximum carrying load
The maximum permitted load (carrier system including loadyf R Q W K H E D O O F R X S O L Q J L V 75 kg at a
distance of 300 mm. This distance refers to the gap between the centre of gravity of the bicycle
carrier and the middle of the ball head.
Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before setting
off. This includes for example bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve
the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.
Notes on towing a trailer
Fig. 193 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustrationyf .
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 193:
Left turn signal
Rear fog light
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Right turn signal
Rear light, right
Brake light
Incorrect use of the towing bracket with a bicycle carrier fitted to the ball head could
cause injuries and accidents.
•Never exceed the specified load and overhang.
•Do not attach a bicycle carrier underneath the ball head on the neck of the ball head.
The shape of the ball head neck and the design of the bicycle carrier could result in the
bicycle carrier becoming misaligned with the vehicle.
•Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier
manufacturer.
WARNING
Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload or overhang
is exceeded.
•Never exceed the specified values.
NOTICE