Any rain entering the vehicle when the windows or glass roof are open can soak the interior
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⇒Introduction
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 . Indication of gradient that the
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 .Breakover angleMaximum
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⇒Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points before
driving offroad:
Obtain sufficient information before driving into offroad terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day stages that are too long. Take increased fuel consumption for offroad driving into
account.
Fill up the tank. Fuel consumption is considerably higher offroad.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the offroad journey you have planned. Recommendation for
difficult offroad terrain: always have offroad tyres fitted to your vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct if necessary. This includes the temporary spare
wheel, if present.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will be supplied with engine oil
when it is driven on or across a slope only if the engine oil level is sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front or rear. It is not always possible to fit the towing eye when the vehicle
is stuck.
Check the vehicle toolkit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful accessories for
offroad driving.
Stow luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Before driving offroad, Volkswagen recommends attending an offroad driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
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
With the correct gear selected, the vehicle will normally not have to be braked so much using the
foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG® dual clutch gearbox
Select position D when driving in normal, flat offroad terrain.
Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground, and select the highest suitable position
for the Tiptronic.
If driving through mud, sand, water or hilly terrain, drive with Tiptronic in the positions 3 or
2⇒ DSG® dual clutch gearbox .
Use the offroad display ⇒ Offroad display .
Driving on rough terrain
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Use the offroad driving profile ⇒ Setting a driving profile .
You should drive through rocky terrain at no faster than walking pace.
If you are not able to drive around a rock, drive carefully onto the rock with one front wheel and
drive over it slowly ⇒ .
NOTICE
You should never drive straight over large obstacles, e.g. boulders or tree stumps, or drive over such
obstacles with one side of the vehicle. Obstacles which require more ground clearance than is
available could damage vehicle components when you drive over them and thus cause the vehicle to
break down.
Even obstacles that are smaller than the available ground clearance could come into contact with
the vehicle underbody and thus cause damage which could lead to a vehicle breakdown. This applies
in particular if there is a hollow or soft ground either in front of or behind the obstacle. This also
applies in cases when you drive too quickly over the obstacle causing the vehicle to bounce.
Escaping engine oil and brake fluid can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected and then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Driving through water
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Driving through flooded terrain could damage the vehicle ⇒ Checklist before driving offroad .
An incorrect tyre pressure can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage including tyre bursts and
ripping of the tread surface and thus to a loss of control over the vehicle.
Driving on steep terrain
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Driving uphill or downhill
Get out of the vehicle and assess the situation before you attempt to drive up or down a hill:
Walk along the section and check the firmness of the ground. Look out for obstacles and other
hidden dangers ⇒ .
Check the section beyond the hill.
You should not follow the route if it is too steep, uneven or if the ground surface is too loose. Select
another route.
Drive slowly and at constant speed straight up or down a slope.
Accelerate only to the speed you need to climb the slope. Too much acceleration can cause the
wheels to spin and lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. Insufficient throttle increases the
probability of stalling the engine.
Never attempt to stop or turn on a slope.
Avoid allowing the engine to stall.
Do not change gear or engage the clutch when climbing a slope.
Use the offroad display ⇒ Offroad display .
If you cannot continue to drive up a hill
Never turn the vehicle around on an uphill gradient.
If the engine has stalled, depress the footbrake and start the engine again.
Select reverse gear and reverse back slowly in a straight line.
Use the foot brake to keep a constant speed until you have reached a safe place.
Driving downhill
Never exceed the tilt angle of the vehicle! If, in an emergency, you have to traverse the slope when
driving down it and the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer into the fall line immediately.
There is an increased risk of rolling over when driving downhill. Concentrate on steering the vehicle
when driving downhill in particular.
Use the offroad display on steep downhill stretches ⇒ Offroad display .
Drive down steep inclines in first gear.
Use the foot brake sparingly in order not to lose control of the vehicle.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, suspension struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system, on the
wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as branches, leaves or
pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a qualified workshop or seek
expert assistance.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting engine operation In the engine
compartment.
Deselecting the Offroad driving profile Setting a driving profile.
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
WARNING
Objects caught underneath the vehicle underbody pose a danger. The vehicle underbody must
always be examined for trapped objects after every journey offroad.
Never drive if objects are trapped in the underbody, brake system, wheels, running gear, exhaust
system and engine.
Inflammable materials, e.g. dry leaves, could ignite on hot vehicle components. A fire can cause
serious injuries.
Trapped objects could damage the fuel lines, brake system, seals and other running gear
components. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause accidents.
Driver assist systems
Speed limiter
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
WARNING
If you do not maintain the minimum distance to a vehicle in front and the difference in speed
between the vehicle in front and your own vehicle is so great that the braking action of the ACC is
insufficient, you are in danger of colliding with the vehicle in front. The braking distance is also
longer in rain and winter road conditions.
ACC may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle yourself.
Speed and distance control are overridden when you press the accelerator. ACC does not brake
automatically in this case.
Observe any country-specific regulations relating to the minimum distance.
Always set a larger distance in wet or snowy conditions or when visibility is poor.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and therefore
change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation .
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
ACC not available.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor ⇒ Vehicle care .
The visibility of the radar sensor is impaired due to the weather conditions, e.g. snow, or due to
detergent deposits or coatings. Clean the radar sensor ⇒ Vehicle care .
The visibility of the radar sensor is impaired by add-on parts, the trim frames of number plate
holders or stickers. Keep the area around the radar sensor free.
The radar sensor has been displaced or damaged, e.g. due to damage to the front of the vehicle.
Check whether damage is visible ⇒ Repairs and technical modifications .
Fault or malfunction. Switch off and restart the engine.
Structural modifications have been made to the front of the vehicle.
The genuine Volkswagen badge is not used.
If the problem persists, go to a qualified workshop.
ACC does not function as expected.
The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor ⇒ Vehicle care .
The system limits are not met ⇒ Limits of ACC .
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.