Rear Traffic Alert monitors the traffic crossing behind the vehicle when reversing out of a parking
space or manoeuvring. Rear Traffic Alert functions using radar sensors in the rear bumper.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 134 :
Critical situation. Do not drive on!Possible critical situation.
Detection of a critical situation can also take place acoustically:
A warning signal will sound and a text message will be displayed in the instrument cluster for
vehicles without Park Distance Control.
In vehicles with Park Distance Control, an acoustic signal will sound with the continuous tone of Park
Distance Control. If the Park Distance Control is deactivated, no warning can be given to the driver
and the Rear Traffic Alert system will also be switched off temporarily.
If there is a system fault in the scanned area, the indicator lamp will light up yellow on the
instrument cluster display.
Automatic braking intervention to minimise damage
If Rear Traffic Alert detects an approaching road user and the driver has not pressed the brake, the
system can brake automatically.
Automatic braking intervention is activated when reversing at speeds of between 1–12 km/h (1–
7 mph). The vehicle is held stationary for up to two seconds after vehicle standstill has been
detected.
After automatic braking intervention is activated to prevent damage to the vehicle, the system
requires approximately ten seconds before it can activate another automatic braking intervention.
Automatic braking intervention can be interrupted by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal
sharply and taking control of the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation
Rear Traffic Alert is deactivated automatically and cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer or similar ⇒ Notes on towing a trailer . Once a trailer is
electrically connected to the vehicle and the driver pulls away, a text message appears in the
instrument cluster display to inform the driver that Rear Traffic Alert has been deactivated. Rear
Traffic Alert will be automatically activated again when the trailer has been unhitched from the
vehicle. This applies if the functions were previously activated. Rear Traffic Alert must be switched
off manually for trailer towing if a non-factory-fitted towing bracket is used.
WARNING
The intelligent Rear Traffic Alert technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only
within the limits of the system. Do not let the assistance function of Rear Traffic Alert tempt you to
take any safety risks while driving. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
Never use the system where visibility is restricted or in unclear traffic situations, e.g. on extremely
busy roads or across several lanes.
Always pay attention to the area around the vehicle, since cyclists and pedestrians are often not
reliably detected, for example.
The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Brake support systems
Information on brake support systems
The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. The systems can support the driver in critical driving
or braking situations. Brake support systems cannot overcome the limits of physics and cannot
always keep the vehicle under control in every single critical driving or braking situation. The driver is
responsible for driving safety ⇒ .
Driving with brake support systems
The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated
separately.
The brake pedal may pulsate or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.
Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the
brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations
⇒ .
ESC is always switched on.
Traction control system (TCS)
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the drive output to suit road
surface conditions ⇒ Troubleshooting . The TCS makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up
hills.
With some equipment levels, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances ⇒ Switching
the TCS on and off .
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system can prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until
the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and
keeping it under control ⇒ Troubleshooting .
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system reinforces
the braking force when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation.
If you reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake
servo.
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
EDL brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive wheels.
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the brake from
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS improves traction in order to keep the vehicle on its intended course.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of a collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to reduce
the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only for collisions that are detected as a
collision by the airbag control unit.
The vehicle is braked automatically if the required systems have not been damaged in the collision
and have remained functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of a collision:
When the driver depresses the accelerator.
When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake
pressure provided by the system.
WARNING
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the systems. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a
loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you
into taking any risks when driving.
The brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads will remain
dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road surface and
aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with the
road surface.
Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close to the
vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation.
Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the vehicle in difficult
driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability of the vehicle depends on the
tyre grip.
When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, accelerate carefully. The
wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this can lead to a loss of control of
the vehicle.
WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems which affect
driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly. This also applies, but not
exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other named systems.
Please always bear in mind that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the way brake
support systems operate.
Alterations to the suspension or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre combinations can affect
the function of brake support systems and reduce their effectiveness.
Suitable tyres support the effectiveness of ESC.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus cause
accidents and serious injuries.
Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system.
Switching the TCS on and off
Switch off the traction control system (TCS) if the vehicle does not have sufficient traction:
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
When rocking the vehicle free if it is stuck.
Then switch on TCS again.
Switching TCS on and off
TCS can be switched off and on in the Infotainment system ⇒ Infotainment system controls and
displays .
When the TCS is switched off, the yellow indicator lamp lights up on the instrument cluster
display.
As soon as the TCS starts regulating, the indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Troubleshooting
Do not drive on! Brake system fault.
Warning lamp lights up red.
Seek expert assistance immediately.
ABS failure or fault.
Warning lamp lights up yellow.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without the anti-lock brake system.
TCS regulating to prevent the wheels from spinning.
Indicator lamp flashes yellow.
ESC switched off for system-related reasons.
Indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Switch the ignition on and off.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph) if necessary.
If is still lit up, seek expert assistance.
The brake support systems make noises
Noises may be heard when the brake support systems are performing control interventions.
Unexpected reduction in engine power
Faults can occur in the ESC and TCS systems if the four wheels have different types of tyres.
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power
unexpectedly.
WARNING
If the brake system warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the ABS
control function may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake.
Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and
drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system
tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion, ABS is not
working properly. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without the anti-lock
brake system). The protection provided by the anti-lock brake system is no longer available. Go to a
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Practical equipment
Stowage areas
Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of 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 lid is 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
WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using towing
brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur in the brake
system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.
NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information for vehicles with an N1 approval ⇒ Information about
vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle) .
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle carrier is
loaded or unloaded ⇒ Anti-theft alarm . The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm
unintentionally.
With a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km ⇒ Running in the engine .
Some retrofitted towing brackets may cover the aperture for fitting the towing eye. If so, the towing
eye cannot be used for towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the removed ball head
of a retrofitted towing bracket should be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the cooling system when towing a trailer. The cooling
system must contain sufficient coolant and be able to cope with the extra load due to trailer towing.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer using the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors,
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations.
Before setting off, adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have a sufficient view towards the rear.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and observe the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights 84 watts
Turn signal per side 42 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 42 watts
Rear fog light 42 watts
Australia
All brake lights 108 watts
Turn signal per side 54 watts
All side lights 100 watts
All tail lights 54 watts
Rear fog light 54 watts
WARNING
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached from the
towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or its mountings. The towing bracket must not prevent
the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
NOTICE