Page 53 of 502

Fig. 26 Illustration: correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel, correct seat belt
routing and correct head restraint adjustment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers are described below.
If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they
should contact a qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts
and airbags can only provide a maximum level of protection if a correct sitting position is assumed.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Volkswagen recommends the following sitting positions for your own safety and to reduce the level
of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident:
The following applies to all vehicle occupants:
Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but not
lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as possible at all
times ⇒ Fig. 26 .
For small people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located
underneath the top edge of the head restraint.
For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
Adjust and fasten seat belts properly ⇒ Seat belts .
Additional points for the driver:
Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone is at
least 25 cm ⇒ Fig. 26Ⓐ , and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the sides with
both hands and your arms slightly bent ⇒ Steering wheel .
The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the pedals to
the floor with your knees still slightly bent and so that the distance from the dash panel to your
knees is at least 10 cm ⇒ Fig. 26Ⓑ .
Adjust the height of the driver seat so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
Page 118 of 502

⇒ Mechanically adjusting the front seat
⇒ Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards
The following section describes the options for adjusting the front seats. Always ensure that you
adjust the correct sitting position ⇒ Sitting position .
WARNING
Always adjust the front seats to their correct position before any journey and ensure that all
passengers have fastened their seat belts.
Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the hub of the
steering wheel. Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to
press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly angled and the distance to the dash panel
in the knee area is at least 10 cm. If your build makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement, you
must contact a qualified workshop so they can make any necessary modifications.
Never travel with the backrest tilted far back. The further back the backrest is tilted, the greater the
risk of injury caused by incorrect seat belt routing or an incorrect sitting position.
Never travel with the backrest tilted far forwards. When a front airbag is triggered, it could force the
seat backrest backwards and injure vehicle occupants on the rear seats.
Adopt and maintain the greatest possible distance from the steering wheel and dash panel.
You should always sit upright with your back against the seat backrest with the front seats properly
adjusted. Do not position any body part too close to where the airbags are fitted.
The risk of serious injury is increased for passengers on the rear seat if they are not sitting upright
because the seat belts are incorrectly positioned.
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and serious injuries.
The seats must be adjusted only when the vehicle is stationary, or else the seat could change
position unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, leading to a loss of control of the vehicle.
Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is adopted while adjusting the seat.
Adjust the height and tilt of the seat or move it forwards and backwards only when the area around
the seat is clear.
The adjustment range of the seats must not be restricted by any items.
Adjust the tilt angle of the rear seats or move them forwards and backwards only when the area
around the seats is clear.
The adjustment and locking areas of the seats must not be soiled.
Page 125 of 502

Correct head restraint adjustment
Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but not
lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as possible.
Head restraint adjustment for small people
Push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located underneath the top edge
of the head restraint. There may be a small gap between the head restraint and backrest in the
lowest position.
Head restraint adjustment for tall people
Push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
WARNING
Driving without head restraints or with incorrectly adjusted head restraints increases the risk of
serious or fatal injuries in the event of an accident or sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
If a seat is occupied, the head restraint for that seat must be fitted and adjusted correctly.
Each vehicle occupant must adjust the head restraint to suit their body size in order to reduce the
risk of neck injuries in an accident. The upper edge of the head restraint must, as far as possible, be
level with the top of the head, but no lower than eye level. Position the back of your head in the
middle and as close to the head restraint as possible.
Never adjust the head restraint when the vehicle is in motion.
NOTICE
When removing or fitting head restraints, make sure that they do not hit the roof, the front seat
backrest or other vehicle parts. This will prevent damage from occurring.
Adjusting the head restraints
Fig. 72 Front head restraint: adjusting.