Driving
instance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red. This takes advantage of the engine
braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and
tyres.
Emissions and fuel consumption will drop
to zero due to the overrun fuel cut-off.
Change gear early to save fuel
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up
quickly through the gears. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of
fuel.
Applies to: vehicles with manual gearbox
Shift up to second gear as soon as possible. If
possible, we recommend shifting up to the next
gear at approx. 2,000 rpm.
Applies to: vehicles with automatic gearbox
Press the accelerator slowly and avoid using the
"kick-down"
feature.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise Levels all increase
very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving at moder
ate speeds will help to save
fuel.
Do not let the engine idle for longer than
necessary
Engine idling periods are automatically reduced
on vehicles with start/stop system*. On vehicles
without a start/stop system, it is worthwhile
switching off the engine at level crossings, for in
stance, or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after about 5 seconds can be
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re
start a warm engine (the exact fuel saving de
pends on the engine version).
The engine takes a very long time to warm up
when it is running at idling speed. Mechanical
wear and pollutant emissions are also especially
high during this initial warm-up phase. It is
therefore best to drive off immediately after
starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at
high speed.
o
Regular servicing
Regular servicing can establish a basis for good
iS
fuel economy before you start driving. A
well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of im
proved fuel efficiency as well as maximum relia
bility and an enhanced resale value. A poorly
maintained engine can consume up to ten per
cent more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short trips
The engine and emission control system need to
reach their proper working temperature in order
to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
A cold engine uses disproportionately more
fuel.
The engine only reaches its working temperature
after about four kilometres, when fuel consump
tion will return to a normal level.
Check tyre pressures
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures
•=>page
306 to save
fuel.
If the
tyre pressures
are
just 0.5
bar
too Low, this can
increase the fuel consumption by as much as 5
%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-
inflation also increases tyre wear and impairs
handling.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year; they
will increase fuel consumption by up to 10 %.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Every kilo of extra weight will increase the fuel
consumption, so it is worth checking the Luggage
compartment occasionally to make sure that no
unnecessary loads are being transported.
The roof carrier increases the air resistance of the
vehicle and should be removed when not in use.
This will save about 12 % of fuel at speeds of be
tween 60 and 75
mph.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator to generate elec
tricity. This means that fuel consumption rises
when more power is required for electrical equip
ment. Switch off electrical equipment when it is
not needed. Electrical equipment which uses a
lot of electricity includes the blower (at a high
setting), the rear window heating and the seat
heating*.
73
Driving
start moving immediately and could cause
an accident.
- You should only use the emergency braking
function in a real emergency, for example if
the brake system were to fail or if the brake
pedal were to be obstructed. If
you
use the
emergency braking function by activating
the parking brake switch, this has the same
effect as heavy braking. Please remember
that the ESC (and the integrated ABS, EDL
and traction control functions) is still sub
ject to certain physical limits. In a corner or
in bad road or weather conditions an emer
gency stop can cause the vehicle to skid or
lose steering control.
- It is not possible to apply the parking brake
if the electrical power supply fails. In this
case,
park the vehicle on a
level
surface and
select 1st gear (manual gearbox) or move
the selector lever to position
P
(automatic
gearbox) to prevent
it
from rolling. Obtain
professional assistance.
- Always take the key with you when leaving
your
vehide
- even if
you
only intend to be
gone for
a
short time. This is especially im
portant if children are left in the car. They
might otherwise be able to start the engine,
release the parking brake or use power-op
erated equipment such as the electric
win
dows - this could lead to injuries.
- Do not leave anyone (especially children) in
the vehicle when it is locked. Locked doors
could delay assistance in an emergency, po
tentially putting lives at risk.
© Note
Applies to: vehicles with automatic gearbox
You can apply the parking brake manually or
switch on the hold assist* when stopping at
traffic lights, etc. You do not then have to
hold the car with the brake pedal, as the
brakes will stop it creeping forward while a
gear is engaged in the automatic transmis
sion.
When you drive off in the normal way,
co
the parking brake will be released automati-
<
° cally
and your vehicle will start moving
2 •=>
page 83. o < 00
O
Note
- Any slight noise which may be heard when
the parking brake is applied or released is
quite normal and no cause for concern.
- The parking brake runs an automatic test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
parked.
This may cause a slight noise, which
is normal.
- If the electrical power supply fails, it is not
possible to release the parking brake (if it
was applied) or to apply the parking brake
(if it was released)
•=> A-
Obtain professional
assistance.
Driving away from a
standstill
Various features and safety functions are availa
ble for driving off, depending on the equipment
in your vehicle.
Hill starting with the parking brake applied
Important: The driver's door must be closed.
•
To drive off more easily on a slope, apply the
parking brake and drive off just as you usually
would.
The parking brake will be released auto
matically, but not until there is enough power
at the wheels to make the vehicle move in the
desired direction.
Hill starting with the hill hold assist
The hill hold assist function makes it easier to
drive away on a slope.
Important: The driver's door must be closed and
the engine must be running.
•
To activate the hill hold assist, press and hold
the brake pedal for several seconds. The vehicle
must be on a slope and facing uphill.
When you release the brake pedal the braking
force will be maintained for
a
moment
^^
in
order to hold the vehicle and make it easier for
you to drive away. •
83
Driving
Check that the brakes work properly (especially
after driving through water).
WARNING
- You should exercise particular care when
driving on difficult road surfaces, and try to
anticipate hazards in advance. Excessive
speed or careless manoeuvres can result in
personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
- Always adjust your speed to suit the terrain
or road surface and weather or traffic condi
tions.
Drive extra slowly when visibility is
limited by uneven terrain.
- Please note that there can be an increased
tendency for the wheeLs to spin in ESC off-
road mode, causing the vehicLe to lose grip,
in particular on slippery or wet roads -
dan
ger of skidding!
-The car's stability is restricted in ESC off-
road mode.
CO
<
O
rN
iv
rN
•-i
00
•} For
the sake of the environment
Take care not to damage the environment and
respect natural surroundings.
Note
Only drive where access by motor vehicles is
permitted and keep to the marked tracks and
routes.
Driving tips
When driving on rough tracks always drive slowly
and be aware of possible hazards.
Please observe the following precautions if you
drive the vehicle on unsurfaced tracks or off-
road:
•
When driving off-road you are advised to avoid
tracks or terrain which are not suited to the de
sign of the car and your own driving skills and
experience. Do
not
take risks.
•
Drive slowly and be ready for possible hazards.
•
Be aware of the maximum ground clearance of
your vehicle. The figure in actual conditions
may be different, depending on the type of sur
face,
the surrounding terrain and the load be
ing carried. With certain types of suspension,
such as sports suspension, the ground clear
ance is reduced. It is the responsibility of the
driver to decide whether or not the vehicLe is
capable of safely negotiating a particular situa
tion.
•
Activate the ESC off-road mode if required
^>page
146.
Unsurfaced tracks
On unfamiliar roads and off-road terrain, drive
slowly and be prepared for unexpected obstacles,
such as pot-holes, rocks or tree stumps, etc.
To prevent ground contact and possible damage
to the underside, do not drive the bottom of your
vehicle directly over raised obstacles. Instead,
drive the wheels on one side of the car up and
across the top of the obstacle.
When driving over sand or soft mud, maintain a
moderate speed and avoid stopping if possible.
Driving through water on roads
Please observe the important safety warnings on
^>page
72.
Automatic gearbox
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with automatic gearbox
The automatic gearbox is controlled electronical
ly. The gearbox changes up and down automati
cally.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox
will select the most economical shift pro
gramme. It will then change up early and delay
the downshifts to give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy accelera
tion,
if you open the throttle quickly, or if you use
the kick-down or the car's maximum speed, the
gearbox will automatically select the more "spor
ty" shift programmes when the selector lever is
in position S.
If desired, you can also select the gears manually
(tiptronic mode)
^page
90, Manual gear se
lection (tiptronic mode). •
85
Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Driving the vehicle with a
trailer or caravan
Technical requirements
The
towing bracket must comply with certain
technical requirements.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting pas
sengers and luggage. However, if suitably equip
ped,
it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara
van.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing
bracket it will already have the necessary techni
cal modifications and meet the statutory require
ments.
A 13-pin socket is provided to make the electrical
connection between the car and the trailer. If the
trailer you wish to tow has a 7-pin plug, the nec
essary adapter cable can be obtained from a spe
cialist retailer.
If
a
towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is
purchased,
this must be done according to the in
structions of the towing bracket manufacturer
^page
102.
A WARNING
If
a
towing bracket is retrofitted, the installa
tion should be carried out by
a
qualified work
shop.
- In particular in high outside temperatures it
is not possible to drive up long steep gradi
ents without
a
suitable cooling system. The
engine would then overheat.
- Incorrect installation can result in a safety
risk.
Points to check before towing
There are a number of points which need to be
checked before towing a trailer or caravan.
*•
Observe the maximum permitted trailer
weights
^>page
342.
Trailer weights
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer
weights.
If
you
do not load the trailer up to the maximum
permitted trailer weight, you can then climb cor
respondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only ap
plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea
level.
With increasing altitude the engine power
and therefore the car's climbing ability are im
paired because of the reduced air density, so the
maximum trailer weight has to be reduced ac
cordingly. The weight of the car and trailer must
be reduced by about 10% for every further
1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to
the combined weight of the (loaded) vehicle and
(Loaded) trailer.
The figures for the draw bar weight that appear
on the identification plate of the towing bracket
are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures for the towing bracket,
are given in the registration documents and in
•=>
page 343.
Drive select*
Please note that the
efficiency*
mode is not
available in towing mode.
Exterior lights
Before starting
a
journey, make sure that all the
lights for the trailer are working properly.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy ob
jects are as near to the axle as possible. Loads
carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent
them slipping. A badly distributed load can also
affect handling. This can activate the trailer sta
bilisation feature and cause the vehicle to reduce
speed.
Where possible, operate the trailer with the max
imum permitted draw bar weight on the ball
joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the
specified limit. •
96
Towing a trailer
Requirements for correct functioning of the
trailer stabilisation system
If these conditions are not met in
full,
the trailer
stabilisation system will only intervene to a
limi
ted extent or not at all
>=>
A-
- The electrical connection between the towing
vehicle and the trailer must be functioning cor
rectly.
- The load on the trailer must be properly se
cured.
- The tyre pressures on both the vehicLe and the
trailer must be adapted to the load that is be
ing carried.
- Where possible, operate the trailer with the
maximum permitted draw bar weight.
- The trailer overrun brake must be set correctly.
This is important to ensure that the trailer can
be braked correctly, to avoid the vehicle and
trailer "jack-knifing" and to prevent excess
braking of the trailer.
- At low outside temperatures, both the towing
vehicle and the trailer should be fitted with
winter tyres.
A WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to
suit the weather, road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the trailer stabilisation system
tempt you into taking any risks when driving -
this can cause accidents.
- The ESC and trailer stabilisation system
can
not defy the Laws of physics. This should be
kept in mind, particularly on slippery and
wet roads and when towing a trailer with a
light Load.
- The trailer stabilisation system is function
al,
regardless of whether the trailer has a
mechanical overrun brake or not.
- The trailer stabilisation system is not always
able to detect swaying of trailers with a
light load and will therefore not intervene.
- A trailer can still "jack-knife" on slippery
roads with little grip, even if the towing ve
hicle is equipped with the trailer stabilisa
tion system.
-Trailers with a high centre of gravity may
even tip over before they start to sway
side
ways.
-If
you
are not towing a trailer,
but
the
trail
er socket is being used (e.g. for an illumina
ted bicycle rack), the trailer stabilisation
system may be activated in extreme driving
conditions.
- Please note the additional information and
warnings
^>page
98, Driving tips.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
Try to avoid towing a loaded trailer with an unla
den vehicle. If this cannot be avoided, drive extra
slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight distri
bution.
Speed
Normally, you must not exceed 80 km/h when
towing a trailer or caravan. However, if the
trail
er/caravan is equipped with a trailer stabilisation
system,
you can drive at max. 100 km/h. Please
observe any other regulations applicable in the
country in which you are travelling.
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with
increasing speed. For this reason it is advisable
not to drive at the maximum permissible top
speed in unfavourable
road,
weather or wind
con
ditions. This applies especially on a downhill gra
dient.
You should always reduce speed immediately if
the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating fur
ther.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an
overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first
and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
Change down in good time before going down a
steep hill so
that
you can use the engine braking
effect to slow down the vehicLe.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by attach
ing an extra stabiliser to the trailer. It should •
98
Driver assist systems
Automatic deactivation
Cruise control system: currently unavailable.
See owner's manual
The cruise control system has been automatically
deactivated because the system has detected a
fault which could impair its function. Try switch
ing the cruise control system on again later.
A WARNING
Do not resume the programmed cruising
speed if this is too high
for
the traffic condi
tions - this can cause accidents.
Speed Limiter
Description
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
®
LIM
•
km/h
|
Fig.
95 Speed limiter:
©
LIM
100
km/h
illustration
BFV-0268
LIM
100
km/h
At speeds above approximately 30 km/h, the
speed limiter helps prevent the driver from ex
ceeding a set cut-off
speed.
The indicator lamp
Q
Lights up as soon as you switch on the speed
limiter. Information is also provided in the head-
up display*.
Speed limiter displays
© - The speed limiter is in passive mode, but a
cut-off speed has
not
yet been set.
®
- The speed limiter is in passive mode, and a
set cut-off speed has been stored.
® - The speed limiter is activated. The indicator
lamp
BH
flashes briefly when the speed limiter is
applied.
A WARNING
- Always direct your full attention to the
road,
even when you are using the speed limiter.
It is always the driver who is responsible for
determining the speed and for keeping a
safe distance to the other vehicles on the
road.
- For safety reasons, the speed limiter must
not be used in adverse weather or difficult
driving conditions (such as ice, fog, loose
grit or gravel, heavy
rain,
etc.) - risk of
acci
dent!
- Only accelerate quickly or use the kick-down
feature when the visibility and weather
con
ditions are suitable, and when the road and
traffic conditions allow you do do so safely.
Before driving down a
long,
steep gradient, it
is advisable to reduce speed and select a low
er gear. In this way you will make use of the
engine braking effect and relieve the Load on
the brakes.
Switching on
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
Fig.
96 Control lever for cruise control system (example)
•
Pull the lever to position © to switch the sys
tem on.
•
Applies to vehicles with cruise control system
or Audi adaptive cruise control: To switch to the
speed limiter, press the button
®1)
until the
driver message
QQ
Speed limiter: selected ap
pears in the instrument cluster. •
l)
On some equipment versions, the speed limiter is not
available and button
(B)
has no function.
106
Driver assist systems
CO
<
O
rN
iv
rN
t-H
o < 00
•
Press button ® to store the cut-off speed while
the car is moving.
The instrument cluster display will indicate the
stored cut-off
speed,
and the indicator lamp
Q
will light up.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system or Audi adap
tive cruise control
While the speed Limiter is switched on, you can
switch to the cruise control
^>page
104 or adap
tive cruise control
^>page 111
systems. Press
button
®1)
until the corresponding system is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
The last cut-off speed set for the speed limiter
remains stored and can be applied again when
you switch back into speed limiter mode.
Changing the cut-off speed
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
•
Briefly push the Lever towards ©/©
^>page
106, Fig. 96 to increase or reduce the
cut-off speed in small steps.
•
To increase or reduce the cut-off speed in
big
ger steps, hold the lever towards ©/© until
you reach the desired cruising speed.
Overriding the cut-off speed
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
To override the speed limiter temporarily, press
the accelerator fully past the point of resistance
(kick-down feature).
Speed limiting is suspended temporarily. The in
dicator lamp
QB
flashes while the system is deac
tivated;
the cut-off speed setting will remain
stored.
The system is reactivated automatically
as soon as your speed drops below the original
stored setting.
Switching off
Applies to: vehicles with speed limiter
Switching off temporarily
•
Push the lever towards © (click stop not en
gaged)
^>page
106, Fig. 96. The instrument
cluster display will indicate the stored cut-off
speed,
and the indicator
lamp^will
light up.
Switching off completely
•
Push the lever to position © (click stop engag
ed),
or
•
Switch off the ignition.
The cut-off speed setting will remain stored after
the system is temporarily deactivated. To resume
the programmed cut-off
speed,
pull
the lever to
position ©. The vehicle speed is limited to the
stored cut-off setting as soon as your current
driving speed drops below the stored cut-off
speed.
The stored cut-off speed will be deleted once the
ignition is switched off.
Automatic deactivation
QQ
Speed limiter: currently unavailable. See
owner's manual
The speed Limiter has been automatically deacti
vated because the system has detected a fault
which could impair its function. Try switching on
the speed limiter again Later.
A WARNING
The speed limiter may be deactivated if a
fault occurs in the brake system (e.g. if the
brakes overheat) while the speed limiter is ac
tivated.
©
Not
If
a
system fault requires the speed limiter to
switch off automatically, for safety reasons it
does not switch off completely until the driver
releases the accelerator pedal once or deacti
vates the system manually.
l)
On some equipment versions, the speed limiter is not
available and button
(S)
has no function.
107
Driver assist systems
Camera-based traffic
sign recognition
Description
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recogni
tion
Fig.
97 Instrument cluster: Traffic sign recognition
Fig.
98 Windscreen: Camera window for traffic sign recog
nition
Traffic signs detected by the system appear in
the instrument cluster display to keep you in
formed of current speed restrictions and no-over
taking zones
^>Fig.
97. Within certain system
limits,
it will display these additional traffic re
strictions:
£5
///
s
G
^-if?
Speed limits in wet weather
Speed limits in foggy conditions (only dis
played when the all-weather lights or rear
fog light are switched on)
Speed limits at certain times of day
Speed limits when towing a trailer
General notes
The traffic sign recognition system can detect
standardised speed Limit signs within the cam
era's range of
vision.
It makes use of the naviga
tion data to evaluate the detected speed limits
and show them on the display. Under certain
con
ditions, the system will also display the legal
speed limits on roads without speed Limit signs.
The traffic sign for the currently detected speed
limit will flash on the display if
a
speed warning
threshold,
which has been set on the infotain
ment system, is exceeded
^page
109.
Traffic sign recognition is not available in all
countries. For
a
current list, see the Internet (e.g.
www.audi.com). The system is also subject to
certain inherent restrictions and may be partially
or completely unavailable in the following situa
tions:
- If visibility is impaired by snow,
rain,
fog or
heavy road spray.
- In dazzling light, e.g. from the sun or oncom
ing traffic.
-At high speeds.
- If the camera's range of vision
^>Fig.
98 is im
paired,
e.g. by dirt or stickers. Notes on clean
ing
•=>
page 312.
- If the traffic signs are partially or completely
obscured,
e.g. by trees, snow, mud or other
vehicles.
- If traffic signs deviate from the standard ap
pearance (round with red border).
- If traffic signs are damaged or bent.
- If matrix traffic signs are mounted on overhead
gantries.
- If traffic signs or routes have changed (naviga
tion data out of date).
- If the system detects a speed sticker on a slow-
moving vehicle (such as a heavy goods vehicle).
WARNING
Always direct your full attention to the road
and surroundings, even when you are using
traffic sign recognition. The actual traffic
signs on your route always take precedence
over
the information on the display. It is al
ways the driver's responsibility to assess the
traffic situation and take appropriate care.
- Under adverse conditions, the traffic sign
recognition system may misinterpret or fail
to detect traffic signs. It is therefore possi
ble that the speed limit display may occa
sionally be unavailable or even incorrect.
108