The steering assistance provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to
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
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The steering should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
If the yellow warning lamp remains off after the engine has been restarted and you have driven a
short distance, you do not need to consult a qualified workshop.
Fault in steering
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
If the yellow warning lamp is still lit after the engine has been restarted, have the steering checked
by a qualified workshop immediately.
Fault in steering
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Turn the steering wheel back and forth.
Switch the ignition off and then on again.
Observe the messages on the instrument cluster display.
Do not continue your journey if the indicator lamp still flashes when the ignition is switched on.
Seek expert assistance.
Steering column is not unlocked or locked
The indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Follow any messages that are on the instrument cluster display.
Switch the ignition off and then on again.
Do not continue your journey if the steering column remains locked when the ignition is switched
on.
Seek expert assistance.
Steering requires increased force
The warning lamp lights up red.
The electromechanical steering has failed.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance.
Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control
When the ignition is switched off, the set driving profile and the individual settings will remain
selected.
Vehicles with all-wheel drive: if the Snow, Offroad or Offroad Individual driving profile was
selected last, the onroad driving profile that was last active will be activated after the ignition has
been switched off for a long period.
Vehicles without starter button: as soon as the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock.
Vehicles with starter button: as soon as the driver door is opened when the ignition is switched
off.
Sport functions: select Sport driving profile again.
OR: tap the selector lever of the DSG® dual clutch gearbox backwards to the position S⇒ DSG® dual
clutch gearbox .
Eco functions: select Eco driving profile again.
Characteristics of the driving profiles
Snow: the Snow driving profile makes it easier to control the throttle on icy or snowy roads. It is not
possible to select the S position in the Snow driving profile.
Onroad: under Onroad, you can choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual driving
profiles.
Offroad: the Offroad driving profile makes it easier to control the throttle when driving offroad. The
engine brake is always available and gearshifts can be prevented in critical situations. Hill Start Assist
and Hill Descent Control are active in the Offroad driving profile. It is not possible to select the S
position in the Offroad driving profile. When the driving profile is active, the instrument cluster
displays the symbol .
Offroad Individual: enhanced version of the offroad driving profile that can be adapted to the
driver's needs ⇒ Individually adapting a driving profile . When the driving profile is active, the
instrument cluster displays the symbol .
Eco: switches the vehicle into economical mode and helps the driver to drive the vehicle in a fuel-
efficient manner. Depending on the vehicle equipment level, coasting mode is available in the Eco
driving profile.
Comfort: the driving profile creates a comfort-oriented vehicle setup and is suited to poor roads or
long motorway journeys, for example.
Normal: the driving profile has a balanced setup, e.g. for everyday use.
Sport: this setting gives the driver a sporty driving feeling.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe offroad driving. However, we cannot predict
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The many different types of terrain and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines which are intended
to help you to drive offroad safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into
offroad terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential dangers in advance.
The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel
drive vehicle as required ⇒ Setting a driving profile .
Checklist
Before driving offroad for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the
vehicle safely offroad:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety instructions for offroad driving.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls.
Check and adjust the seat position Sitting position and fasten the seat belts Seat belts.
Check distance to steering wheel and adjust Steering wheel.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when operating the
pedals.
Safety instructions for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
WARNING
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within
the limits of the system. Despite ABS, instability through locked wheels can occur on adverse terrain
– e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel road. The Electronic Stability Control will be
able to stabilise the vehicle only to a limited extent in these circumstances.
WARNING
Driving offroad can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to the vehicle
and also a vehicle breakdown far from any assistance.
Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and your passengers. If
you cannot drive on or if you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose
another route.
Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and could get you and your
passengers into difficulties. We recommend inspecting the terrain on foot beforehand.
Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving offroad. When travelling over
uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake and lose control of the vehicle. This also
prevents power being transferred between the engine and the gearbox. In addition, driving with the
clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the clutch lining.
Useful accessories for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for offroad driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories, you should always take
them with you and observe them as necessary when driving offroad.
Checklist
Useful items when driving offroad:
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electrical air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of similar size:
this can be used to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
Changing gear correctly
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The correct choice of gear depends on the offroad terrain.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After several trips offroad, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction with
the step-down ratio and differential locks for different types of terrain.
General rules
System fault
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 . The electronic parking brake is
switched on when the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 125 lights 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.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you 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.
Fig. 128 Display in the Infotainment system: full-screen mode. The scanned areas depend on the
vehicle equipment level.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
When the vehicle approaches an obstacle, this is shown in the Infotainment system in several
segments and is supported by an acoustic signal ⇒ Fig. 128 . This display along the side of the vehicle
can vary depending on the situation.
Obstacle close to the vehicle. A continuous tone sounds. Do not drive on!Obstacle in the
vehicle path. An intermittent tone sounds. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals.
Obstacle outside the vehicle path.Mute signal tones.Switch manoeuvre braking on and
off (depending on vehicle equipment).Switch to rear view camera system (depending on vehicle
equipment).System fault in the scanned area (depending on equipment level). The colour may vary.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The system is not responding as expected
The sensors are dirty ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior . The sensor visibility may be
impaired by dirt and snow or also residue from cleaning agents or coatings.
The prerequisites for system operation are not met ⇒ Automatic activation when driving forwards
(with some equipment levels) .
The factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected with the trailer ⇒ Notes on towing a
trailer .
Only the scanned area to the front of the vehicle is shown on the Infotainment system display in
vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket and a trailer with an electrical connection to the vehicle
⇒ Notes on towing a trailer .
The vehicle is damaged in the area of the sensors, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
The detection ranges of the sensors are blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
Changes have been made to the paintwork in the area of the sensors or structural modifications
have been made, e.g. on the running gear.
The ultrasound signal is subject to interference from external noise sources, e.g. rough tarmac
surface or cobblestones.