has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may
cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
Never use a start booster. Start boosters could explode and cause the engine to suddenly run at high
revs.
WARNING
Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended, particularly if a gear or position
has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may
cause damage, fire or serious injuries.
WARNING
Start boosters could explode or cause the engine to suddenly run at high revs.
Never use a start booster.
NOTICE
The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the vehicle is in
motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched off.
When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading the
engine.
Do not push start or tow start the vehicle. Unburnt fuel could damage the catalytic converter.
NOTICE
If the engine does not start, never use the starter with a gear selected and the vehicle key in the
ignition lock in position Fig.
0for driving or tow-starting, e.g. when the fuel tank is empty.
This could cause damage to the starter.
Fill up with fuel if necessary Fuel types and refuellingor jump start the vehicle Jump starting
If the engine does not start, seek expert assistance.
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as soon as
there is good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine reach operating temperature
faster and reduces emissions.
the vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
functions only when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with steering assistance in critical driving situations.
Additional steering forces assist the driver when counter steering
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, progressive steering can adjust the steering response in a
driving situation. Progressive steering functions only when the engine is running.
In urban traffic, less steering input is required when parking, manoeuvring, or turning sharply.
When driving on country roads or on the motorway, the progressive steering provides a more
sporty, direct steering response, and a dynamic feel.
WARNING
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it difficult to
steer the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the power steering functions only when the engine is
running.
Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock
may be activated and it will no longer be possible to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
In conjunction with the ESC, counter steering assistance provides the driver with assistance when
steering in critical driving situations. The driver must steer the vehicle at all times. Counter steering
assistance does not steer the vehicle.
NOTICE
When the vehicle is towed, the ignition must be switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, and so that the turn signals, horn, wipers and window washer system can be used.
Troubleshooting
Steering requires increased force
equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass roof closed when
driving offroad.
Explanation of some technical terms
Fig. 113 Illustration: angle of gradient.
Fig. 114 Illustration: tilt angle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for offroad 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 ground and the lowest
item on the vehicle underbody.Angle of gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m is given as a percentage or degree Fig. 113
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 tipping over (determined by centre of gravity) Fig. 114
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 up to which the
vehicle bottoms with the underbody on the ramp edge.Fall lineThis is the vertical drop
route.ArticulationThe articulation capability of the vehicle when driving over objects with just one
side of the vehicle.
Checklist before driving offroad
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
to free the vehicle.
When you cannot move forwards
Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the sand.
Select reverse gear.
Reverse in your own tracks with gentle use of the accelerator.
If this does not help, place brushwood, foot mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip
Rocking the vehicle free
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.
Immediately 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 free procedure is completed Brake support systems
Use the Offroad driving profile.
WARNING
No one must 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.
After offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Checklist
Clean the turn signals, lighting system, the number plate and all windows.
Clean the radar sensors or remove stickers or accessories from the radar sensors, mirrors and
bumper Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
The radar sensors are dirty. The sensor visibility may be impaired by dirt and snow or also residue
from cleaning agents or coatings Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
The prerequisites for system operation must be met System limits
The radar sensors are covered by water.
The vehicle is damaged in the area of the radar sensors, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
The detection ranges of the radar sensors are blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
Changes have been made to the paintwork in the area of the radar sensors or structural
modifications have been made, e.g. on the vehicle front end or the running gear.
Only Volkswagen-approved vehicle paints may be used on the rear bumper. Other vehicle paints can
restrict the function of the system or cause faults.
Tinting foils have been retrofitted on the side windows.
Parking and manoeuvring
Parking
Stopping and parking the vehicle
The actions should be carried out only in the given order:
Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface
Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake is
switched on when the indicator lamp in the button Fig. 125lights up yellow and the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster display lights up red.
On vehicles with a manual gearbox, either fully depress or disengage the clutch.
With an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
Switch off the engine and take your foot off the brake pedal.
Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock mechanism.
With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill gradients, or reverse gear for
downhill gradients, and then release the clutch.
Please ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle.
Lock the vehicle.
Additional points to note on uphill and downhill gradients
Before switching off the engine, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the
kerb if the parked vehicle starts to move.
When facing downhill, turn the wheels so that they face the kerb.
When facing uphill, turn the wheels so that they face the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.
Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable
material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel, oil etc.
WARNING
The vehicle may roll away if you leave and park the vehicle incorrectly. This can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
Ensure that the electronic parking brake is switched on before you leave the vehicle and the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red after you switch off the ignition.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock may be
activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the vehicle.
Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could switch off the
electronic parking brake, or move the selector lever or gearshift lever, and thus set the vehicle in
motion.
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and
electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can cause serious injury.
Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped
in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked
vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures depending on the season. This can
cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially in the case of small children.
NOTICE
Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when
parking the vehicle or driving out of a parking space. Always take care when driving into parking
spaces with high kerbs or fixed boundaries. Stop before the wheels touch the fixed boundaries or
kerbs.
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 or compartments or on other surfaces in the vehicle. Cigarette
lighters may self-ignite as a result of high surface temperatures, particularly in summer.
NOTICE
The heating elements in the rear window can be destroyed by objects rubbing against them.
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.
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 front passenger side
Fig. 135 On the front passenger side: open stowage compartment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Key to Fig. 135
Media drives for the Infotainment system, card readers Infotainment system,.
Mounting for glasses compartment.
Opening and closing the stowage compartment
the load in
the vehicle will have an effect on the handling and braking distance of the vehicle.
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
The load should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
Always secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and change the way the vehicle
handles.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Accelerate very carefully and gently.
Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
Brake earlier than in normal driving.
NOTICE
Objects rubbing against the rear windows may damage or destroy the heating wires or, depending
on the vehicle equipment, also the aerial.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 146 In the luggage compartment: removing and installing the luggage compartment cover.
When the boot lid Boot lidis opened and closed, the luggage compartment cover is also raised
and lowered if the retaining straps are attached.
Light items of clothing can be placed on the luggage compartment cover. Make sure 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. 146(upper arrows).
Pull the luggage compartment cover out of the side retainers Fig. 146(lower arrows).
Installing the luggage compartment cover