
Running in the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. All moving parts have to adapt 
themselves to each other. The engine is subject to higher internal friction during the first hours of 
operation than later on.
•Do not depress the accelerator fully.
•Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
•Do not drive with a trailer attached ⇒ Trailer towing.
•Increase the driving speed and engine speed gradually.
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after 
this time – and especially with a cold engine – drive the vehicle at moderate speeds in order to 
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover.
Do not drive at engine speeds that are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running 
smoothly.
New tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres and brake pads ⇒ Notes on driving must be run in carefully.
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.
Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The vehicle has been manufactured specifically for a particular country and complies with the 
registration regulations that applied in that country at the time of vehicle production.
If you want to use the vehicle abroad for a short period, all relevant information and instructions 
should be followed ⇒ Safety.
If the vehicle is going to be sold in another country or used in another country for an extended 
period, the legal requirements applicable in that country must be observed.
In some cases, certain equipment will have to be fitted or removed and functions deactivated. The 
service scope and service types could also be affected. This is particularly important if the vehicle is 
driven in another climate region for a long period of time.
Because different frequency bands are used in different countries, the factory-fitted Infotainment 
system may not work in other countries.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking 
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in 
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure 
that you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when 
doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running 
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that 
have been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE
•Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, 
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
•Volkswagen cannot be held responsible if the vehicle does not comply with or only 
partly complies with the relevant legal requirements in other countries and continents.
NOTICE 

Warning lights and text messages are shown on the instrument cluster display. These warnings 
may be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be 
checked and renewed as necessary.
Malfunction in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as 
normal (sudden increase in braking distanceyf   7 K L V  L V  L Q G L F D W H G  E \  W K H  Z D U Q L Q J  O D P S    and in 
some cases by a text message. Go to the nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault 
corrected. Drive at low speed when doing this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an 
increase in the pressure required on the pedal.
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starter button
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobiliser
⇒ Troubleshooting
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to 
start the engine instead ⇒ Jump starting.
Ignition lock
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the 
vehicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other 
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the 
engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The exhaust fumes 
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide 
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under 
or near the vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or 
position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something 
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to 
suddenly run at high revs.
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.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
WARNING 

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.
Steering
The power steering is not hydraulic. It 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 starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened and 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 vehicle key or the sensor in the door 
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lockyf  L Q  Y H K L F O H V  Z L W K  D Q  
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 clicks into place.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel 
slightly to take the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and 
turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the 
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering 
only functions 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 power steering in critical driving situations. 
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering ⇒.
The intelligent Hill Descent Control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and 
functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience afforded 
by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The Hill Descent Control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
•A Hill Descent Control System may not be able to always hold the vehicle on uphill 
gradients or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is 
slippery or icyyf .
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not 
ensured.
•The Hill Descent Control system is only a support function and may not be able to 
brake the vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Control system.
WARNING 

•Press the  button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Off-road function button.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display shows various instruments ⇒ Fig. 130.
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and 
display in the Infotainment system.
Instruments in the off-road display (depends on the vehicle's equipmentyf :
•Altitude: The altitude function shows the current height above sea level.
•Steering angle display: the steering angle of the vehicle is displayed in the range between -
49° and 49°. The value is positive for a left steering angle and negative for a right steering 
angle.
•Compass: the compass shows the current driving direction.
•Coolant temperature display: the display corresponds to the temperature display on the 
instrument cluster ⇒ Coolant temperature display. At high engine loads and with high outside 
temperatures, the needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle when the engine has reached operating 
temperature. If the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet 
reached its operating temperature. At high engine loads and with high outside temperatures, the 
needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the  indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil.
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected depending on the driving situation, the ambient 
conditions and the off-road conditions:
•Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
•Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
•Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Off-road driving situations
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Safety notes for driving off-road
⇒ Explanation of some technical terms
⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road
⇒ General rules and driving tips
⇒ Useful accessories for off-road driving
⇒ Changing gear
⇒ Up hill and down dale
⇒ Driving through water
⇒ Off-road driving in snow
⇒ Driving in sand and mud
⇒ Driving in steep terrain
⇒ Traversing a slope
⇒ Driving through ditches
⇒ If your vehicle gets stuck
⇒ After off-road driving
You can also drive four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in addition to normal roads. It is very important 
to read the contents of this section before driving off-road.
The vehicle is not built for expeditions.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe off-road driving. However, we cannot predict 
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The large variety of landscapes and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to 
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines designed to help 
you drive off-road safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into off-road 
terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance.
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.
WARNING 

Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road 
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned. 
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your 
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the 
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied 
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope 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 and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when 
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful 
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
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 off-road 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 level ground and the 
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a 
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. 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 toppling over (determined by centre of gravityyf  ⇒ Fig. 132.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 at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis 
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over 
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
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 off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if 
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and 
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in 
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the 
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving 
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats. 

•Use the Off-road display ⇒ Off-road display.
Up hill and down dale
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Use off-road mode ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf.
You should drive through rocky terrain at walking pace.
If you are not able to drive around a stone, drive carefully onto the stone with one front wheel and 
drive over it slowly ⇒.
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 off-road.
You can drive the vehicle carefully through water with a depth reaching to the bottom edge of the 
body, for example puddles or shallow water. Never stop in the water, do not drive in reverse, and 
never switch off the engine.
Off-road driving in snow
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fit snow chains to the front wheels only before driving on snow-covered terrain.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. This is particularly true of sections 
where there are no tyre tracks.
•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 ground clearance selected 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 ditch 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.
NOTICE
Strong flowing water can develop enormous power and sweep the vehicle away. This can 
lead to very dangerous situations which can cause accidents and serious or even fatal 
accidents.
•Never allow the vehicle to stand still in water.
•Water in the engine compartment can cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water.
•Soft ground surface, underwater obstacles and shallows can cause accidents and can 
cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water. This could lead to critical situations.
WARNING
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running 
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•When driving through water, always select a section where the ground is solid and 
where the depth of the water does not exceed the maximum permitted wading depth of 
the vehicle.
•Never drive through salt, salty surfaces or salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse 
all components that have been exposed to salt or salt water thoroughly with fresh 
water.
NOTICE 

Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, 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.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the 
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf .
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to 
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the 
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to 
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch 
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of 
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break 
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting 
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that 
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle 
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING 

Parking and manoeuvring
Parking
Stopping the vehicle
Always park the vehicle in the specified order.
Always stop the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒.
•Bring the vehicle to a stop. On vehicles with a manual gearbox, fully depress the clutch.
•Press and hold the brake pedal.
•With a DSG dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
•Switch on the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
•Stop the engine and switch off the ignition ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine. The indicator 
lamp  in the instrument cluster display must light up red.
•With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill inclines, or reverse gear for 
downhill inclines, and then release the clutch.
•Locking the steering column ⇒ Steering
•Take your left foot off the brake.
•Make sure that all vehicle occupants leave the vehicle.
•Get out of the vehicle. Take all vehicle keys with you.
•Lock the vehicle.
Parking on uphill and downhill gradients
Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the kerb if the parked vehicle starts 
to move.
Please adhere to relevant legislation when stopping and parking your vehicle.
®
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.
•Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the electronic parking brake is switched on 
and that the  indicator light lights up red on the instrument cluster display when 
the ignition is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when 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 among small children.
WARNING
•Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. 
Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components 
when parking the vehicle or driving out of a parking space. Stop before the wheels 
touch the fixed boundaries or kerbs.
•Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other 
objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the 
running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.
NOTICE