seats when driving with children.
Note the following:
Child seats are classified into groups depending on the size, age and weight of child for which they
are designed.
Various securing systems are used to secure child seats in the vehicle.
For safety reasons, child seats must always be fitted to the rear seats Fitting and usi
Volkswagen recommends child seats from the Volkswagen range of accessories. These child seats
have been developed and approved for use in Volkswagen vehicles.
WARNING
If children are not secured or are inadequately secured, they are at greater risk of serious or even
fatal injury. Please note the following:
Children who are either under twelve years of age or less than 150 cm tall must not be carried in the
vehicle if they are not secured in a suitable child seat while the vehicle is in motion. Regulations in
some countries may differ and must be complied with.
Always secure children in the vehicle in a suitable child seat. The seat used must be appropriate to
the child's height, weight and age.
Never fasten more than one child into one child seat.
Under no circumstances should children or babies be held in a passenger's or drivers lap while
driving.
Never leave a child unsupervised in a child seat.
Never allow a child to be carried in a vehicle without being properly secured, and never allow a child
to stand up or to kneel on a seat, or to sit incorrectly while the car is in motion. This is particularly
important for children carried on the front passenger seat. In an accident, children may sustain
serious injuries to themselves and others.
The child seat can provide maximum protection only if the seat belt is routed correctly around it.
Always ensure that the seat belt is routed as specified in the instructions provided by the child seat
manufacturer. If the seat belt is routed incorrectly, injuries may occur even in a minor accident.
After an accident, it is vital to replace any child seats that were in use during the accident, as they
could have sustained non-visible damage.
Types of child seat
years old) and group 1/2 (up to about seven years old) with
an integral belt system are best for children over the relevant weight limit.
Weight classes 2/3: groups 2 and 3 include child seats with a backrest, and booster seats with no
backrest. Child seats with a backrest have integrated seat belt routing and side cushions, and so
provide better protection than booster seats with no backrest. Volkswagen therefore recommends
the use of child seats with a backrest. Group 2 child seats are for children up to the age of about
seven, group 3 child seats for those older than seven.
Not every child will fit in the child seat specified for their weight group. Likewise, not every seat will
fit in every vehicle. Therefore it is vital to check that the child fits properly in their child seat and that
the child seat can be securely fastened in the vehicle.
Child seats by approval categories
Child seats can be classified as universal, semi-universal or vehicle-specific (all in accordance with
regulation ECE-R 44), or as i-Size (in accordance with regulation ECE-R 129).
Universal: child seats with universal approval are approved for use in all vehicles. No type list is
required. ISOFIX child seats with universal approval must also be secured using a strap over the top
of the vehicle seat (top tether).
Semi-universal: semi-universal approval requires other safety devices for attaching the seat (that
require additional testing) in addition to the standard requirements for universal approval. Child
seats with semi-universal approval come with a type list. The seats should be used only in vehicles
that are included on this list.
Vehicle-specific: child seats with vehicle-specific approval must have undergone dynamic testing in
each model of vehicle for which they are approved. These child seats also come with a type list.
i-Size: child seats with i-Size approval must conform to the installation and safety requirements
stipulated in regulation ECE-R 129. Contact the child seat manufacturer to find out which child seats
are approved for this vehicle in accordance with i-Size.
1) Regulation ECE-R 129 has not yet been implemented by the state authorities in all countries.
Fitting and using child seats
Fig. 44 Illustration: airbag label on the sun visor.
Fig. 45 Illustration: airbag label on the B-pillar.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Country-specific requirements
The standards and regulations governing the use of child seats and child seat securing mechanisms
differ from country to country. Not all countries allow you to transport children on the front
passenger seat. Legislation and legal requirements take precedence over the information given in
this owner's manual.
Information on fitting a child seat
Observe the following general information when fitting a child seat. This information is relevant
whatever child seat securing system is being used.
Read and follow the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer
Whenever possible, fit all child seats to the rear seat behind the front passenger seat so that
children can exit the vehicle on the kerb side.
Adjust the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
When fitting on the front passenger seat, push the front passenger seat back fully and adjust the
seat to the highest position. Adjust the backrest to an upright position Sitting position
Always leave sufficient space around the child seat. If necessary, adjust the position of the seat in
front of it. When doing so, ensure that the driver or front passenger can still maintain a correct
sitting position Sitting position
The backrest of the child seat must lay as flat as possible against the vehicle seat backrest. If
necessary, adjust the seat backrest angle so that the child seat lies flush against the backrest. Once it
has been installed, if the child seat is touching the head restraint and therefore cannot be positioned
flush against the backrest, push the head restraint all the way up, or remove it and stow it securely
in the vehicle Sitting position
Airbag sticker
The vehicle may be provided with stickers giving important information about the front passenger
front airbag. The information on these stickers may vary from country to country. The stickers may
be provided at the following locations:
On the driver and/or front passenger sun visor Fig. 44
-pillar on the front passenger side Fig. 45
It is essential to note the warning information shown on these stickers before installing a rear-facing
child seat
Risks involved in carrying children on the front passenger seat
If you are using a rear-facing child seat, the front passenger front airbag can cause critical or
potentially fatal injuries when it inflates
Rear-facing child seats may be used on the front passenger seat only if the front passenger front
airbag has been deactivated. A deactivated front passenger front airbag is indicated by the
continuously lit PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the driver's field of vision.
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp Indicator lamp
If using a front-facing child seat, do not deactivate the front passenger front airbag. When fitting the
child seat, ensure that it is as far away as possible from the front passenger front airbag. The front
passenger front airbag can cause severe injuries when it inflates
Some child seats are not suitable for use on the front passenger seat. The child seat must be
specially approved by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat in vehicles with front
and side airbags. Volkswagen dealerships keep an up-to-date list of approved child seats.
DANGER
If you use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, the child in it is at increased risk of
sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
Deactivate the front passenger front airbag. If the front passenger front airbag cannot be
deactivated, no rear-facing child seat may be used.
Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible and adjust to its highest position to create the
largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front airbag.
Move the backrest to the upright position.
Adjust the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on a front
passenger seat with front and side airbags.
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if child seats are installed incorrectly.
Always read and follow the installation instructions and warning information provided by the child
seat manufacturer.
WARNING
-facing child seat is on the front passenger seat.
Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible and adjust to its highest position to create the
largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front airbag.
Move the backrest to the upright position.
Adjust the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on a front
passenger seat with front and side airbags.
WARNING
To help avoid injuries caused by inflation of a curtain airbag or side airbag:
Ensure that no children are seated within the airbag deployment zones Airbag system
Do not place any objects in the side airbag deployment zones.
Securing systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Different countries use different securing systems for safely fitting child seats in the vehicle.
Overview of securing systems
ISOFIX: ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for fitting child seats in the vehicle quickly and
safely. The ISOFIX attachment system creates a rigid connection between the child seat and the
vehicle body.
Compatible child seats have two rigid attachment arms that engage in ISOFIX attachment points at
the bottom of the backrest (on the outer rear seats). The ISOFIX securing system as described here is
specific to Europe Securing a child seat with ISOFIX
foot may sometimes have to be used in addition to the ISOFIX anchor points described above.
Three-point automatic seat belt. It is preferable to secure child seats using the ISOFIX system, if
available, rather than with a three-point automatic seat belt Securing c
Additional securing points:
Recommended child seat securing systems
Volkswagen recommends that child seats are secured as follows:
Infant carrier or rear-facing child seat: ISOFIX and support foot.
Front-facing child seat: ISOFIX and top tether and possibly also support foot.
WARNING
seat. The size class is indicated on the ECE approval label for child seats with universal or semi-
universal approval. The size class label is affixed to the child seat.
X: seat not suitable for securing an ISOFIX or i-Size child seat in this group.
IL-SU: seat suitable for installing an ISOFIX child seat with "semi-universal" approval. Refer to the
vehicle list supplied by the child seat manufacturer.
IUF: seat suitable for installing an ISOFIX child seat with "universal" approval.
i-U: seat suitable for installing a front-facing or rear-facing i-Size child seat with "universal" approval.
i-UF: seat suitable for installing a front-facing i-Size child seat with "universal" approval.
Installing child seats with ISOFIX/i-Size
Observe and follow the instructions Fitting and using child seats
Pull on both sides of the child seat to check whether the seat has clicked properly into place.
Securing child seats with a seat belt
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
If you want to fit a child seat from the "universal" (u) approval category in your vehicle, you must
first ensure that it is approved for the seat position in question. Important information is given on
the orange ECE approval label on the child seat. Installation options are shown in the table below.
Securing a child seat with a seat belt
Observe and follow the instructions Fitting and using child seats
Fasten the seat belt and guide it through the child seat as described in the child seat manufacturer's
instructions.
Ensure that the seat belt is not twisted.
Mechanically adjusting the front seat
Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards
The following section describes the options for adjusting the front seats. Always ensure that you
adjust the correct sitting position Sitting position
WARNING
Always adjust the front seats to their correct position before any journey and ensure that all
passengers have fastened their seat belts.
Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the hub of the
steering wheel. Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to
press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly angled and the distance to the dash panel
in the knee area is at least 10 cm. If your build makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement, you
must contact a qualified workshop so they can make any necessary modifications.
Never travel with the backrest tilted far back. The further back the backrest is tilted, the greater the
risk of injury caused by incorrect seat belt routing or an incorrect sitting position.
Never travel with the backrest tilted far forwards. When a front airbag is triggered, it could force the
seat backrest backwards and injure vehicle occupants on the rear seats.
Adopt and maintain the greatest possible distance from the steering wheel and dash panel.
You should always sit upright with your back against the seat backrest with the front seats properly
adjusted. Do not position any body part too close to where the airbags are fitted.
The risk of serious injury is increased for passengers on the rear seat if they are not sitting upright
because the seat belts are incorrectly positioned.
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and serious injuries.
The seats must be adjusted only when the vehicle is stationary, or else the seat could change
position unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, leading to a loss of control of the vehicle.
Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is adopted while adjusting the seat.
Adjust the height and tilt of the seat or move it forwards and backwards only when the area around
the seat is clear.
The adjustment range of the seats must not be restricted by any items.
Adjust the tilt angle of the rear seats or move them forwards and backwards only when the area
around the seats is clear.
The adjustment and locking areas of the seats must not be soiled.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters left in the vehicle can become damaged or may ignite unnoticed. This can cause
serious burns and vehicle damage.
Before adjusting the seats, always make sure that there is no lighter on or near the moveable parts
of the seat.
Before closing stowage areas or compartments, always make sure that there is no lighter in the way.
Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the vehicle. Cigarette
lighters may self-ignite as a result of high surface temperatures, particularly in summer.
NOTICE
Sharp edges can damage the seats.
Do not touch the seats with sharp-edged objects. Sharp-edged objects such as zips, rivets on clothing
or belts can damage surfaces. Open Velcro fasteners can also cause damage.
Mechanically adjusting the front seat
Fig. 69 On the left front seat: controls.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The following section contains a description of all possible controls. The number of controls may
vary depending on the version of the seat.
The control elements are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Adjusting the seat position
Key to Fig.