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.
System limits
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Front Assist has physical and system-related limitations. From the driver's perspective, some Front
Assist reactions may therefore occur unexpectedly or with a delay in certain circumstances. You
should therefore always be prepared to take full control of the vehicle if necessary.
•In tight bends.
•If the accelerator is fully depressed.
•If Front Assist is switched off or faulty.
•If TCS is switched off manually.
•If ESC is taking corrective action.
•If there is a fault in several brake lights on the vehicle or on a trailer with an electrical
connection to the vehicle ⇒.
•If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
•If there are metal objects, e.g. tracks in the road or metal plates used in roadworks, or road
signs, above and adjacent to the road.
•If the vehicle is reversing.
•Under hard acceleration.
•In snow or heavy rain.
•In case of narrow vehicles, e.g. motorbikes.
•If vehicles are travelling slightly to the left or right of your vehicle.
•If vehicles are crossing in front of your vehicle.
•If there is oncoming traffic.
•If pedestrians are standing in front of the vehicle, approaching the vehicle, or moving in the
same direction as the vehicle.
•In complex driving situations, e.g. at traffic islands.
•In unclear traffic situations, e.g. vehicles ahead are heavily braking or turning off.
•When loads or attachment parts on other vehicles protrude to the side, rear or above the normal
dimensions of the vehicle.
Switching off Front Assist
•If the vehicle is being towed.
•If the vehicle is on a rolling road test bed.
•If the vehicle is driven in areas other than public roads.
•If the radar sensor is faulty.
•After external force on the radar sensor, e.g. after a rear-end collision.
•In the event of multiple unwanted interventions.
•If the radar sensor is covered temporarily by any auxiliary equipment, e.g. auxiliary headlights.
•If the vehicle is loaded onto a truck, car ferry or motorail train.
The intelligent Pedestrian Monitoring technology cannot overcome the laws of physics,
and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience
afforded by the Pedestrian Monitoring system tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. The driver is always responsible for braking in time.
•If Pedestrian Monitoring issues a warning, brake your vehicle immediately depending
on the traffic situation or avoid the pedestrian.
•The Pedestrian Monitoring system cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries on its
own.
•The Pedestrian Monitoring system can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out
unwanted braking interventions in complex driving situations, e.g. on a twisting main
road.
•The Pedestrian Monitoring system can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out
unwanted braking interventions when its function is impaired, e.g. if the radar sensor is
covered or its position has been changed.
•Be prepared to take over control of the vehicle yourself at all times.
WARNING
Failure to switch off Front Assist in the situations mentioned can result in accidents and
serious injuries.
WARNING
system decelerates the vehicle to a complete stop and switches on the electronic parking brake
automatically ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
When Emergency Assist is actively controlling the vehicle, the hazard warning lights are switched
on and the vehicle performs slight snaking movements within its lane to warn other road users.
The hazard warning lights can be deactivated by pressing the accelerator or brake, by making a
steering intervention or, depending on the situation, by pressing the button for the hazard warning
lights.
When Emergency Assist has been triggered, the system is unavailable until after the ignition has
been switched off and then on again.
Prerequisites
•The lane keeping system and ACC are switched on.
•The selector lever is in position D/S or in the Tiptronic gate.
•The system has detected a lane marking on both the right and left sides of the vehicle
⇒ Fig. 147.
Switching Emergency Assist on and off
Emergency Assist is activated automatically when the lane keeping system ⇒ Lane keeping system
(Lane Assistyf is switched on.
Conditions for deactivating Emergency Assist
The following conditions can prevent Emergency Assist from reacting, or can cause it to deactivate
automatically:
•If the driver activates the accelerator, brake or steering.
•If one of the prerequisites for operation of the lane keeping system ⇒ Lane keeping system
(Lane Assistyf or ACC ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf is no longer fulfilled.
Lane change system (Side Assistyf L Q F O 5 H D U 7 U D I I L F
Alert
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Driving with the lane change system
⇒ Rear Traffic Alert
⇒ Troubleshooting
The lane change system with Rear
Traffic Alert provides assistance for the
driver when checking for traffic behind
the vehicle.
Radar sensors monitor the area behind the vehicle ⇒ Vehicle overviews. The system measures the
distance and speed difference in relation to other vehicles and informs the driver by means of visual
signals in the exterior mirrors.
The intelligent technology used in Emergency Assist cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. The driver is always
responsible for controlling the vehicle.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•Your hands should always be on the steering wheel so that you can steer at any time.
•Emergency Assist cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries on its own.
•If the camera's field of view is dirty, covered or damaged, the function of the lane
keeping system may be impaired.
•Emergency Assist does not react to persons, animals or vehicles crossing or
approaching in the same lane.
WARNING
If Emergency Assist is triggered unexpectedly, it can result in accidents and serious
injuries.
•If there is a malfunction in the Emergency Assist system, switch off the lane keeping
system (Lane Assistyf 7 K L V Z L O O D O V R V Z L W F K R I I ( P H U J H Q F \ $ V V L V W ⇒ Lane keeping
system (Lane Assistyf.
•Go to a qualified workshop and have the system checked. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
The integrated Rear Traffic Alert provides assistance when reversing out of a parking space and
manoeuvring.
System limits
Use the lane keeping system only on paved roads.
The lane change system may interpret the traffic situation incorrectly in the following driving
situations, for example:
•In tight bends.
•When driving in the middle of two lanes.
•When road lanes are of varying width.
•At the brow of a hill.
•In poor weather conditions.
•Where there are special roadside structures, e.g. high or offset crash barriers.
You can save some settings in the user accounts of the personalisation function
⇒ Personalisation.
Driving with the lane change system
Fig. 148 In the exterior mirror housing: visual displays for the lane change system.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switching on and off
•By means of the Assist systems menu in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster
operation.
•OR: depending on the vehicle equipment, by means of the button for the driver assist systems
⇒ Button for driver assist systems.
•OR: depending on the vehicle equipment, in the Driver assistance menu in the Infotainment
system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
When the lane change system is switched on, the yellow indicator lamp in the exterior mirror
housing lights up once briefly ⇒ Fig. 148.
This most recent system setting is retained even after the ignition has been switched off and on.
Function
When switched on, the lane change system is active from a speed of around 15 km/h (9 mphyf 7 K H
lane change system is deactivated at a vehicle speed below 10 km/h (6 mphyf .
The intelligent technology of the lane change system including Rear Traffic Alert cannot
overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let
the extra convenience afforded by the lane change system including Rear Traffic Alert
tempt you into taking any risks when driving. Always take care when using the lane
change system and the Rear Traffic Alert as you could otherwise cause accidents or
injuries. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•Your hands should always be on the steering wheel so that you can steer at any time.
•Pay attention to the visual displays in the exterior mirror housing and in the instrument
cluster display, and respond to the commands.
•Always pay close attention to what is happening around the vehicle.
•Never use the lane change system including Rear Traffic Alert if the radar sensors are
dirty, covered or damaged. These circumstances can impair the proper functioning of
the system.
•It may be hard to see the display in the exterior mirror in direct sunlight.
WARNING
In the following driving situations, the yellow indicator lamp lights up in the housing of the respective
exterior mirror:
•If your vehicle is being overtaken.
•When overtaking another vehicle with a speed difference of up to approximately 15 km/h
(9 mphyf 1 R G L V S O D \ Z L O O E H V K R Z Q L I W K H W D N H R Y H U P D Q R H X Y U H L V P X F K I D V W H U .
The yellow indicator lamp flashes if a possible critical situation is detected when you indicate in the
direction of the detected vehicle.
The quicker another vehicle approaches, the earlier there is a corresponding display in the exterior
mirror.
Lane change system Side Assist Plus
If the vehicle is equipped with a lane keeping system and the system is switched on, the driver is
warned by a corrective steering intervention when changing lanes during a possible critical situation
(information level, warning levelyf 7 K H V W H H U L Q J L Q W H U Y H Q W L R Q D O V R R F F X U V Z K H Q W K H W X U Q V L J Q D O L V
activated for the corresponding direction. If the steering intervention is overridden by the driver, the
steering wheel vibrates to give an additional warning.
Automatic deactivation
The lane change system will switch off automatically if the radar sensors are permanently covered.
This can be caused by a layer of ice or snow in front of the radar sensor, for example.
A text message will be shown on the instrument cluster display.
If the lane change system sensor has been automatically deactivated, the system cannot be
activated until the ignition has been switched off and back on again.
The lane change system and Rear Traffic Alert are switched off automatically when the factory-
fitted towing bracket is electrically connected with a trailer or similar ⇒ Trailer towing. The lane
change system and Rear Traffic Alert are automatically switched on again when the trailer is
unhitched from the vehicle. The lane change system and Rear Traffic Alert must be switched off
manually if a non-factory-fitted towing bracket is used.
Brightness
The brightness of the visual display will automatically adapt to the light levels.
The basic brightness level can be set in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the
Infotainment system.
The lane change system is not active during the setting procedure.
Rear Traffic Alert
Fig. 149 Rear Traffic Alert: monitored area around the vehicle leaving the parking space.
Fig. 150 Display in the Infotainment system: Rear Traffic Alert.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switching on and off
•By means of the Assist systems menu in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster
operation.
•OR: depending on the vehicle equipment, by means of the button for the driver assist systems
⇒ Button for driver assist systems.
•OR: depending on the vehicle equipment, in the Driver assistance menu in the Infotainment
system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Function
Rear Traffic Alert monitors the traffic crossing behind the vehicle when reversing out of a parking
space or manoeuvring. Rear Traffic Alert functions using radar sensors in the rear bumper.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 150:
Critical situation. Do not drive on!Possible critical situation.
Detection of a critical situation can also take place acoustically:
•A warning signal will sound and a text message will be displayed in the instrument cluster for
vehicles without Park Distance Control.
•A warning signal will sound with the continuous Park Distance Control tone if Park Distance
Control is installed in the vehicle. If the Park Distance Control is deactivated, no warning can be
given to the driver and the Rear Traffic Alert system will also be switched off temporarily.
If there is a fault in the system's scanned area, the yellow indicator lamp lights up .
Automatic braking intervention to minimise damage
If Rear Traffic Alert detects an approaching road user and the driver has not pressed the brake, the
system can brake automatically.
The Rear Traffic Alert helps the driver to prevent damage by initiating an automatic braking
intervention. Automatic braking intervention takes place when reversing at speeds of between
1-12 km/h (1-7 mphyf 7 K H Y H K L F O H L V K H O G V W D W L R Q D U \ I R U X S W R W Z R V H F R Q G V D I W H U Y H K L F O H V W D Q G V W L O O K D V
been detected.
After automatic braking intervention is activated to prevent damage to the vehicle, the system
requires approximately ten seconds before it can activate another automatic braking intervention.
The automatic braking intervention can be interrupted by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal
sharply and taking control of the vehicle.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
No sensor visibility, error message, system switches itself off
•Clean the radar sensors or remove stickers or accessories from the radar sensors ⇒ Caring for
and cleaning the vehicle exterior.
•Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
•The radar sensors are dirty ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior. The sensor visibility
may be impaired by dirt and snow or also residue from cleaning agents or coatings.
•The prerequisites for system operation must be met ⇒ System limits.
•The radar sensors are covered by water.
•The vehicle is damaged in the area of the radar sensors, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
•The detection ranges of the radar sensors are blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
•Changes have been made to the paintwork in the area of the radar sensors or structural
modifications have been made, e.g. on the vehicle front end or the running gear.
•Tinting foils have been retrofitted on the side windows.
The intelligent technology of the lane change system including Rear Traffic Alert cannot
overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not
let the auxiliary function of the Rear Traffic Alert tempt you to take any risks while driving
– this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
•Never use the system with impaired vision or in unpredictable traffic situations, e.g. on
extremely busy roads or across several lanes.
•Always pay attention to the area around the vehicle – cyclists and pedestrians are
often not clearly detected.
•The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete
stop.
WARNING
Troubleshooting
Warning and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster display
Fault in electronic parking brake. Go to a qualified workshop.
Electronic parking brake does not switch off
The electronic parking brake will not switch itself off if the prerequisites for switching off are not met
or the 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Noises of the electronic parking brake
•Noises may be heard when the electronic parking brake is switched on or off.
•If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long period, the system will carry out
occasional automatic and acoustic checks when the vehicle is parked.
Auto Hold function
Fig. 152 In the centre console: button for the Auto Hold function.
Description of the Auto Hold function
The Auto Hold function can hold the vehicle stationary. The vehicle does not have to be held on the
foot brake.
Old: The Auto Hold function is active when the indicator lamp in the button
⇒ Fig. 152 (arrowyf O L J K W V X S yellow and the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display
lights up green.
New: The activated Auto Hold function holds the vehicle stationary when the indicator lamp
lights up green on the instrument cluster display.
The Auto Hold function stops holding the vehicle when it starts to move away.
If any of the conditions for the Auto Hold function change while the vehicle is stationary, the Auto
Hold function will switch off automatically. The green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
display then goes out together with the yellow indicator lamp in the button.
Switching on the Auto Hold function
The Auto Hold function can be switched on when the driver door is closed and the engine has been
started.
•Press the button ⇒. The indicator lamp ⇒ Fig. 152
in the button (arrowyf O L J K W V X S yellow. The Auto Hold function is operational, but the vehicle is
not necessarily held stationary ⇒.
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies.
The braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always
use the foot brake.
•Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has
been selected and the engine is running. The vehicle could move, even if the electronic
parking brake is applied.
WARNING
Exiting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the vehicle to roll away. This can cause
accidents, serious injuries and damage to property.
•Always park the vehicle in the specified order ⇒ Parking.
•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.
WARNING
DSG: if the gear selector lever is moved to position N, the Auto Hold function will not be switched
on or will be switched off. As a result, the vehicle will not be held securely in a stationary position ⇒
.
Holding the vehicle stationary with the Auto Hold function
•Make sure that the Auto Hold function is operational. The indicator lamp in the
button lights up yellow.
•Brake the vehicle to bring it to a standstill ⇒ Parking.
•Manual gearbox: disengage the clutch and either keep the clutch fully depressed or shift to
neutral.
•Release the brake. The indicator lamp will light up greenon the instrument cluster display.
The vehicle is being held stationary by the Auto Hold function ⇒.
Switching off the Auto Hold function
•Press the button ⇒. The indicator lamp in the button
⇒ Fig. 152 (arrowyf V Z L W F K H V R I I .
The electronic parking brake switches on automatically to hold the vehicle securely. However, the
electronic parking brake will not switch on if the brake pedal is depressed when the Auto Hold
function is switched off ⇒.
Switching off the Auto Hold function temporarily using the button
It can sometimes be necessary to turn the Auto Hold function off temporarily to enable the vehicle
to roll more easily, for example when manoeuvring.
•With the engine switched on, depress the brake pedal.
•Press the button. The Auto Hold function is deactivated.
The Auto Hold function will be reactivated as soon as the brake pedal is depressed again when the
vehicle has come to a standstill.
The system's limits
If the clutch grinds while the ignition is switched off or the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be
secured against rolling away with the Auto Hold function or the electronic parking brake in certain
circumstances ⇒. After switching off the ignition or opening the driver door, make sure
that the indicator lampin the instrument cluster display lights up red. The electronic
parking brake is switched on.
Safety notes on the parking systems
The parking systems include the following:
•Park Distance Control ⇒ Park Distance Control.
•Rear view camera system (Rear Viewyf ⇒ Rear view camera system (Rear Viewyf.
•Park Assist ⇒ Park Assist.
•Area View ⇒ Area View.
•Trailer manoeuvring system (Trailer Assistyf ⇒ Trailer Assist
The systems available depend on the equipment in the vehicle.
Always observe and follow the general safety notes when using the parking systems.
®
The intelligent Auto Hold function cannot overcome the laws of physics, and operates
only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience afforded by the Auto
Hold function tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Make sure that the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster display lights up green
or red if you want to hold the vehicle securely. The vehicle is being held by the
Auto Hold function if the green indicator lamp is lit and by the electronic parking brake
if the red warning lamp is lit.
•Never leave the vehicle if the engine is running and the Auto Hold function is switched
on.
•The Auto Hold function cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill, e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy.
WARNING
Switch off the Auto Hold function before driving into a car wash. Damage may otherwise
be caused by automatic activation of the electronic parking brake.
NOTICE