Adjusting the head restraints
Fig. 88 Adjusting the front head restraints: without longitudinal adjustment, with longitudinal
adjustment.
Fig. 89 Rear head restraint: adjusting.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Adjusting the height of the head restraint
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 88① or ⇒ Fig. 89① if necessary and slide the head restraint up or
down in the direction of the arrow ⇒.
•The head restraint must click securely into position.
Adjusting front head restraint in longitudinal direction
•Push the head restraint forwards in the direction of the arrow or press button ⇒ Fig. 88①
and push it backwards.
•The head restraint must click securely into position.
Removing and fitting head restraints
Driving without head restraints or with incorrectly adjusted head restraints increases the
risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident or sudden driving or braking
manoeuvre.
•If a seat is occupied, the head restraint for that seat must be fitted and adjusted
correctly.
•Each vehicle occupant must adjust the head restraint to suit their body size, to help
reduce the risk of neck injuries in an accident. As far as possible, the upper edge of the
head restraint must be level with the top of the head, but not lower than eye level.
Position the back of your head in the middle and as close to the head restraint as
possible.
•Never adjust the head restraint when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
When removing or fitting head restraints, make sure that they do not hit the roof, the front
seat backrest or other parts of the vehicle. This will prevent damage from occurring.
NOTICE
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop
system .
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 carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE
•Press the button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Off-road function button.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display shows various instruments ⇒ Fig. 130.
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and
display in the Infotainment system.
Instruments in the off-road display (depends on the vehicle's equipmentyf :
•Altitude: The altitude function shows the current height above sea level.
•Steering angle display: the steering angle of the vehicle is displayed in the range between -
49° and 49°. The value is positive for a left steering angle and negative for a right steering
angle.
•Compass: the compass shows the current driving direction.
•Coolant temperature display: the display corresponds to the temperature display on the
instrument cluster ⇒ Coolant temperature display. At high engine loads and with high outside
temperatures, the needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle when the engine has reached operating
temperature. If the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperature. At high engine loads and with high outside temperatures, the
needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil.
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected depending on the driving situation, the ambient
conditions and the off-road conditions:
•Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
•Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
•Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Off-road driving situations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Safety notes for driving off-road
⇒ Explanation of some technical terms
⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road
⇒ General rules and driving tips
⇒ Useful accessories for off-road driving
⇒ Changing gear
⇒ Up hill and down dale
⇒ Driving through water
⇒ Off-road driving in snow
⇒ Driving in sand and mud
⇒ Driving in steep terrain
⇒ Traversing a slope
⇒ Driving through ditches
⇒ If your vehicle gets stuck
⇒ After off-road driving
You can also drive four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in addition to normal roads. It is very important
to read the contents of this section before driving off-road.
The vehicle is not built for expeditions.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe off-road driving. However, we cannot predict
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The large variety of landscapes and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines designed to help
you drive off-road safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into off-road
terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance.
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
Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravityyf ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
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
Make sure you are aware of the weight of the roof carrier system and the load to be transported.
Weigh the load if necessary.
However, you will not be able to carry the maximum roof load if you are using a roof carrier with a
lower weight rating. In this case, do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the load carrier
system which is specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly ⇒.
Notes on use
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Remove the roof carrier in the following situations
•When the roof carrier is no longer being used.
•Before entering a car wash.
•When the vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage.
Driving with a fitted roof carrier will increase air resistance and thus increase fuel
consumption.
Trailer towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Technical requirements
⇒ Electrically adjustable ball coupling
⇒ Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
⇒ Notes on towing a trailer
⇒ Loading the trailer
⇒ Trailer towing
⇒ Trailer stabilisation
⇒ Retrofitting a towing bracket
⇒ Troubleshooting
The vehicle can be used to tow a trailer if it has the required technical equipment for this. The
additional trailer load will affect the amount of wear, fuel consumption and performance of the
vehicle and, in certain circumstances, could shorten the service intervals.
Accidents and vehicle damage can occur if the maximum permitted roof load is exceeded.
•Never exceed the quoted roof load, the maximum permissible axle loads, and the
permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle.
•Do not exceed the weight rating of the roof carrier, even if the maximum roof load has
not been reached.
WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads can fall off the roof carrier and cause accidents and
injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
WARNING
When opening the boot lid take care not to let it hit the roof load.
NOTICE
•Always remove the roof carrier before driving through an automatic car wash.
•The height of the vehicle is changed by the installation of a carrier system and the load
secured to it. Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights, e.g.
for underpasses and garage doors.
•The roof carrier and its load must not obstruct you from opening and closing the tilting
and sliding panoramic sunroof and the boot lid. The roof aerial must also remain
unaffected.
NOTICE
Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away unexpectedly.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 223 In the footwell on the driver's side: release lever for the bonnet.
Fig. 224 Above the radiator grille: bonnet control lever.
Opening the bonnet
•Ensure that the wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the bonnet ⇒.
•Open the driver door and pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 223. The
bonnet is released from its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒.
•Lift the bonnet at the opening lever ⇒ Fig. 224 (arrowyf D Q G R S H Q I X O O \ 7 K H E R Q Q H W L V K H O G L Q W K H
open position by the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
•To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure ⇒.
•Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of about 30 cm – do not press it down!
If the bonnet has not closed properly, lift it and then close it again.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly. The bonnet is no
longer highlighted in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Display or the display goes out.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING