The alternator is driven by the engine and generates electrical power for convenience consumers
such as the air conditioning system, windscreen heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is
easy, e.g.:
Open the windows and doors before driving at high outside temperatures and drive for a short
distance with a window open. Only then switch the air conditioning system on.
Switch the convenience consumers off as soon as they have served their purpose.
WARNING
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Inform yourself about other ways of protecting the environment. Think Blue. is the global
Volkswagen trademark for sustainability and environmental compatibility.
Your Volkswagen dealership can provide you with further information on maintenance and energy-
efficient replacement parts, e.g. new tyres.
Think Blue. Trainer.
The Think Blue. Trainer analyses and visualises your driving style and helps you to drive more
economically.
Fig. 98 In the Infotainment system: Think Blue. Trainer.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 98 :
Blue Score:
The higher the displayed value on a scale from 0 to 100, the more efficient your driving style. A blue
border symbolises an efficient and constant driving style. A grey border indicates an inefficient
driving style.
Starting and stopping the engine
Ignition lock
Fig. 99 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock may be activated.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 99
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. Steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated and the
indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Depress the brake pedal when the indicator lamp lights up green. Start the engine. Release
the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves back to position
⇒ Fig. 99① .
Ignition switched on warning
A warning message appears in the instrument cluster display if the driver door is opened while the
ignition is switched on. A signal tone may also be given.
The warning is a reminder that the ignition must be switched off before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries.
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 when the vehicle is locked.
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.
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The steering column lock
may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
The key bit in the vehicle key must be folded out fully and locked in position.
Only attach light objects weighing less than 100 g to the vehicle key.
NOTICE
The 12-volt battery may be discharged unintentionally and prevent the engine from restarting if the
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off.
Always switch off the ignition before you leave the vehicle.
For vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox in some markets: if the vehicle key cannot be
removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stopped, move the selector lever to P. If
necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then release it.
Starter button
The starter button replaces the ignition lock (Press & Drive).
Fig. 100 In the lower section of the centre console: starter button for starting the engine.
The starter button is used to start the vehicle (Press & Drive).
The vehicle can be activated only if there is a valid vehicle key in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock will be activated when the ignition is
switched off and the driver door is opened ⇒ Steering .
Switching the ignition on and off
Press the starter button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedal ⇒ .
Automatic ignition switch-off
The ignition switches off automatically after a short time if the driver moves away from the vehicle
with the vehicle key when the ignition is switched on. If the dipped beam headlights were switched
on at the time, the side lights will remain switched on for approximately 30 minutes. The side lights
can be switched off manually or by locking the vehicle ⇒ Lights .
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched
off automatically when engine stop is active when the vehicle is stationary:
The driver seat belt has been unfastened.
No pedals are depressed.
The driver door is opened.
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on,
the side lights remain switched on and lit for approximately 30 minutes.
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked.
Engine restart function
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the
engine can be restarted within approximately five seconds. A corresponding message appears on the
instrument cluster display.
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior.
WARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when the ignition is switched on as the engine will start
immediately.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised use of the vehicle keys can cause accidents or serious injuries.
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorised
persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate electrical
equipment such as the electric windows.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any information
shown on the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge the 12-
volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started.
Starting the engine
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
The engine cannot be started with the starter button, for example, if the button cell in the vehicle
key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ No valid vehicle key recognised .
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is quite
normal, and no cause for concern.
At outside temperatures of less than +5°C (+41°F), fumes may be detected under a vehicle with a
diesel engine if the fuel-powered supplementary heater is switched on.
Switching off the engine
Bring the vehicle to a standstill ⇒ .
Park the vehicle ⇒ Parking .
Vehicles with ignition lock: turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 99⓪ in the ignition lock.
Vehicles with a starter button: press the starter button briefly ⇒ Fig. 100 . If the engine cannot
be switched off, carry out the emergency switch-off procedure ⇒ Engine cannot be switched off .
Follow the instructions in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster .
Ignition warning
In order to indicate an active ignition when leaving the vehicle, an acoustic warning signal sounds
when opening the driver door and corresponding warning messages appear on the display of the
instrument cluster.
Warning before leaving the vehicle
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: if the selector lever is not in position P, an acoustic
warning signal will sound when the driver door is opened and the warning message Please move
selector lever to position P. will be shown on the instrument cluster display. In this way, a warning is
given that the vehicle could potentially roll away. When you leave the vehicle, the electronic parking
brake also switches on to prevent the vehicle rolling away.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control,
accidents and serious injuries.
Start/stop system
Fig. 102 In the upper part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system.
The start/stop system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is coming to a stop
and when stationary. When required, the engine restarts automatically.
Switching on the start/stop system
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display will show information about the current status.
Further information on start/stop mode can be accessed in the Infotainment system using the
button or function button and the Vehicle, Selection, Vehicle status function buttons. This
information also applies to coasting.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp lights up, the start/stop system is available and automatic engine stop is
active.
If the indicator lamp lights up, the start/stop system is not available or the start/stop system has
started the engine automatically ⇒ Conditions for an automatic restart .
The display on the instrument cluster may show the status of the start/stop system.
In addition, start/stop information on the current status of the start/stop system can be displayed as
required in Infotainment systems with a navigation function. Touch the i in the start/stop
information to obtain further information on the status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
Disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal when the vehicle is coming to a stop, or when it is
stationary. The engine is stopped.
Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
The driver is wearing their seat belt.
The driver door is closed.
The bonnet is closed.
A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
Vehicles with Climatronic: the temperature of the vehicle interior is within the preset
temperature range, and the humidity level is not too high.
The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficient.
The temperature of the 12-volt vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
The vehicle is not on a steep uphill or downhill gradient.
Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the steering wheel is not turned too sharply.
The windscreen heating is not switched on.
Reverse gear is not engaged.
Park Assist is not active.
When the conditions for automatic engine switch-off are fulfilled only during a stationary phase, the
engine can also switch off subsequently, e.g. after switching off the defrost function.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
If the temperature inside the vehicle substantially increases or decreases.
If the vehicle starts rolling.
If the electrical voltage of the 12-volt vehicle battery drops.
If the steering wheel is moved.
As a general rule, the engine always starts again automatically when required by the detected
situation and for the vehicle.
Conditions that require a manual engine start
The engine must be started manually in the following conditions:
If the driver door is opened.
If the bonnet is opened.
Manually deactivating and activating the start/stop system
Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 102 to deactivate the system manually. If the
start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
Press the button in the centre console again ⇒ Fig. 102 to activate the system manually once
more.
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