Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat forwards and backwards
The following section describes the options for adjusting the rear seats. Always ensure that you
adjust the correct sitting position ⇒ Sitting position .
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the rear seat can cause accidents and serious injuries.
The rear seat should be adjusted only when the vehicle is stationary as the rear seat could otherwise
move unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is
adopted while adjusting the seat.
Adjust the rear seat only when there is no one in the adjustment area of the rear seats.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters left in the vehicle can become damaged or may ignite unnoticed. This can cause
serious burns and vehicle damage.
Before adjusting the seats, always make sure that there is no lighter on or near the moveable parts
of the seat.
Before closing stowage areas or compartments, always make sure that there is no lighter in the way.
Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the vehicle. Cigarette
lighters may self-ignite as a result of high surface temperatures, particularly in summer.
WARNING
In order to reduce the risk of injury while the vehicle is in motion, the centre armrest must always be
folded up and the stowage compartment must be closed.
The middle seat on the rear bench seat must never be used when the centre armrest is folded down
– neither by adults nor children. An incorrect sitting position can cause serious injuries.
Never transport an adult or child on the centre armrest.
Close the stowage compartment only when there is no one in its closing path.
NOTICE
Fig. 76 Front centre armrest.
Fig. 77 Rear fold-out centre armrest.
Front centre armrest
To move it backwards and forwards: push the centre armrest in the direction of the arrow all the
way forwards ⇒ Fig. 76 , or all the way backwards.
Rear centre armrest
There may be a centre armrest in the rear seat backrest that can be folded out of the middle seat.
To fold it down, pull the loop in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 77 .
To fold it back: fold the centre armrest upwards in the opposite direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 77 and
push it into the backrest as far as it will go.
WARNING
When fully open or not completely closed, the front centre armrest can restrict the freedom of
movement of the driver's arms and therefore cause accidents and serious injuries.
Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Never transport an adult or child on the centre armrest. An incorrect seating position can cause
serious injury.
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment system can
distract you from the road.
Always drive carefully and responsibly.
Information on the brakes
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first
be run in ⇒ . The slightly reduced brake pressure can however be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer for full or
emergency braking than when the brake pads have been run in. In the run-in period, full braking
should be avoided and also situations that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up
close to the vehicle ahead.
The wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the vehicle is
operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular urban trips, short
journeys, and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be regularly checked by a
qualified workshop.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of this
action ⇒ .
A layer of salt that accumulates on the discs and pads will reduce the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the vehicle has not been braked for a long time on roads which have been gritted
with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒ .
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long standstill times,
low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used or if they are corroded,
Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking strongly several
times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk
as a result of this action ⇒ .
Brake servo
The brake servo will function only when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal.
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 ⇒ .
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious injuries.
If the warning lamp lights up either alone or together with a text message in the instrument
cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked and the
worn brake pads replaced.
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear is selected. May be selected only when the vehicle is stationary.
– Neutral
The gearbox is in the neutral position. No force is transmitted to the wheels and the braking effect of
the engine is not available.
– Standard forward driving position
Position : Normal programme.
All forward gears are shifted up and down automatically. The timing of the gear shift is determined
by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
Position : Sport programme.
The forward gears are automatically changed up later and down earlier than in selector lever
position D. This exploits the engine’s full power reserves. The timing of the gear shift is determined
by the engine load, your individual driving style and the speed of the vehicle.
To change between positions D and S, move the selector lever to the rear ⇒ Fig. 105 .
The selector lever will always return to selector lever position D/S. That also works in the Tiptronic
gate ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic .
Selector lever lock
P
N
To release the selector lever lock, switch on the ignition and depress the brake pedal. Then press the
lock button in the selector lever handle in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 105 .
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through position N, e.g.
when shifting from reverse to D/S. This makes it possible, for instance, to rock the vehicle backwards
and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the lever is
in position N for more than approximately one second without the brake being pressed and when
the vehicle is travelling no faster than approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
WARNING
Selecting the wrong position can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents
and serious injuries.
Never depress the accelerator when selecting a position.
When the engine is running and a position is engaged, the vehicle will start moving as soon as the
brake pedal is released.
Never shift to reverse or selector lever position P while the vehicle is moving.
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
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.
Individual: individual vehicle systems can be adjusted to suit personal requirements ⇒ Individually
adapting a driving profile .
WARNING
The vehicle handling may change as a result of the different driving profiles. Never allow driving
profile selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic
conditions.
In vehicles with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, the system automatically changes to gear position S
when the Sport driving profile is selected. The system automatically change to gear position D when
the Eco driving profile is selected. Since coasting is active in the Eco driving profile, the gearbox
programme E is additionally displayed on the instrument cluster display.
Individually adapting a driving profile
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Selecting the Individual driving profile
Switch on the ignition.
Switch on the Infotainment system.
Press the driving profile selection button or turn the control for 4MOTION Active Control until
the LED next to the Onroad driving profile ⇒ Fig. 111 ③ lights up.
Touch the Adjust function button to open the Individual menu.
Selecting the Offroad Individual driving profile
Switch on the ignition.
Switch on the Infotainment system.
Turn the control for the 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the Offroad Individual driving
profile ⇒ Fig. 111 ⑤ lights up.
If the Offroad Individual driving profile is already selected, press the MODE button on the
control ⇒ Fig. 111 .
Touch the Adjust function button to open the Individual menu.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Fault in the adaptive chassis control (DCC)
You should drive particularly carefully and think ahead when driving offroad. If you drive too fast or
if a driving manoeuvre is unsuccessful, this could result in serious injuries and vehicle damage.
Never drive faster than the current terrain, road conditions, traffic and weather allow.
Never drive too fast over embankments, ramps or slopes. This could cause the vehicle to lose
contact with the ground. If this happens, you will be unable to steer and will lose control of the
vehicle.
If the vehicle does lose contact with the ground, always point the front wheels straight ahead. If the
wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows, ditches,
precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not recognisable as such and can
be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or branches lying on the ground. Inspect terrain on
foot if necessary.
WARNING
Sporty multipurpose vehicles are subject to a considerably higher risk of rolling over than normal
road passenger vehicles ⇒ Explanation of some technical terms .
In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are subjected to a considerably
higher risk of fatal injury than those wearing seat belts.
The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and is more prone to rolling over than a normal passenger
car which is unsuited for offroad driving.
Never drive too fast, especially when driving through bends, or carry out any extreme driving
manoeuvres.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to the terrain.
Luggage and other items transported on the roof of the vehicle raise the centre of gravity and will
make the vehicle more likely to roll over.
WARNING
The terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows, ditches,
precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not recognisable as such and can
be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or branches lying on the ground. Driving offroad
over such terrain could cause accidents, serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
Carefully inspect any unknown sections of the terrain on foot before driving through them.
Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your passengers. If you are
in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose another way.
Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and visibility, terrain and weather
conditions.