The downhill speed control cannot hold the vehicle on the gradient in all situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if you are not prepared
to brake.
The downhill speed control is only a support function and may not be able to brake the vehicle
sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
The vehicle may become faster despite the downhill speed control being in operation.
Steering
Information on steering
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the
vehicle to be stolen.
The steering
The power steering is not hydraulic, but is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required.
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy supply
while steering.
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the selected driving profile can affect the behaviour of the
power steering ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control .
Electronic steering column lock in vehicles with a starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened when the ignition is switched off. For
this, the vehicle should be stationary and, if necessary, the gear selector lever should be in position
P.
If the ignition is not switched off until after the driver door is opened, the electronic steering column
will only be locked when the vehicle is locked using the sensor in the door handle or the vehicle key.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lock) in vehicles with an ignition lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is
stationary. Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering lock audibly engages.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to relieve the load on the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position
and turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
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.
WARNING
Always avoid traversing a slope ⇒ Traversing a slope .
Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill when stopped
sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (vehicle
occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll over and roll down the incline. Always
leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which open up the incline ⇒ Traversing a slope .
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise control
system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the cruise control
system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious injuries.
Never use the cruise control system when driving offroad.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on surfaced roads only. The area
monitoring system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the area
monitoring system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious
injuries.
Never use the area monitoring system when driving offroad.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down offroad,
accidents and serious injuries.
When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially when
driving up or down hills and inclines.
The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if the engine
sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and breaking
down.
NOTICE
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.
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:
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.
Before driving through an automatic car wash.
The vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage.
NOTICE
Always remove the roof carrier before driving through an automatic car wash.
The height of the vehicle is changed by the installation of a roof carrier and the load secured to it.
Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights, e.g. for underpasses and garage
doors.
The roof carrier and its load must not obstruct you from opening and closing the glass roof and the
boot lid. The roof aerial must also remain unaffected.
Driving with a fitted roof carrier will increase air resistance and thus increase fuel consumption.
Trailer towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Technical requirements
⇒ Fitting the removable ball head
⇒ Removing the ball head
⇒ Notes on towing a trailer
⇒ Loading the trailer
⇒ Driving with a trailer
⇒ Trailer stabilisation
⇒ Retrofitting a towing bracket
The vehicle can be used to tow a trailer if it has the required technical equipment for this. The
additional trailer load will affect the amount of wear, fuel consumption and performance of the
vehicle and, in certain circumstances, could shorten the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased
concentration on the part of the driver.
Vehicles with start/stop system
When using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be
deactivated manually using the button in the centre console before towing a trailer, and it must
remain deactivated for as long as a trailer is being towed ⇒ .
Mounting points
879 mm
at least 65 mm
350 – 420 mm
334 mm
554 mm
1,017 mm
1,051 mm
WARNING
Electrical cables that are not connected properly or are connected incorrectly can cause faults in the
entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious injuries.
clusters or to other unsuitable power sources. Use only suitable connectors for connection of the
trailer.
WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is unsuitable or
incorrectly fitted. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Use only towing brackets which have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.
Fuel and emission control
Safety notes on handling fuel
WARNING
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.
⇒ Switching the auxiliary heater and ventilation on and
off , the ignition, your mobile phone and other radio equipment before refuelling.