
Opening and closing the ashtray
To open, lift the ashtray cover in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 90.
To close, push the ashtray cover down as far as it will go.
Emptying the ashtray
•Lift the ashtray out of the drink holder.
•Once it has been emptied, place the ashtray back into the drink holder from above.
Cigarette lighter
Fig. 91 In the front centre console: cigarette lighter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•With the ignition switched on, press in the knob on the cigarette lighter ⇒ Fig. 91.
•Wait for the lighter to pop out.
•Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the tobacco product on the glowing spiral ⇒.
•Insert the cigarette lighter back into the socket.
The opening for the cigarette lighter can also be used as a 12-volt socket ⇒ .
Socket
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Socket in the vehicle
Electrical equipment can be connected to the socket in the vehicle.
All devices connected must be in good condition and fault-free.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cigarette lighter ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
Improper use of the cigarette lighter can cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.
•Always use the cigarette lighter properly, and only use it to light tobacco products.
•Never leave children in the vehicle unattended. The cigarette lighter can be used when the 
ignition is switched on.
WARNING 

If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time. 
Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the 
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. 
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Brake assist systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, EBV, BAS, TCS, TC and EDL will only function when the 
engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual 
wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC detects critical driving situations such as oversteer, 
understeer and wheelspin. The system supports the stabilisation process for the vehicle by targeted 
braking or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. It is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. 
ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able 
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
•New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 320 km and must 
first be run in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the 
brake pedal.
•You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to reduce 
the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create 
a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.
•When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very 
quickly.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or 
move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect 
and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause 
them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer 
braking distances.
•Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
•Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious 
applications of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus 
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have 
to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack 
of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to 
brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can 
considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, in certain 
circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or 
move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect 
and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. 
The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE 

The ESC or the TCS/TC can only function properly if all four wheels have the same tyres. 
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power 
unexpectedly.
If the ABS fails, the ESC, TCS, TC and EDL will also cease to function.
Control processes running in the systems described may cause operating noises.
Brake fluid
Fig. 101 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged 
if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably 
reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake 
system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably 
increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety 
and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times 
⇒.
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the 
vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen recommends the use of 
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could 
cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Do 
not let the extra safety afforded by the brake assist systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS, TC and 
ESC tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•The brake assist systems cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and wet roads will 
remain dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
•Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road surface 
and aquaplane. A vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact 
with the road surface.
•Brake assist systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close 
to the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation.
•Although the brake assist systems are very effective and can help to control the vehicle in 
difficult driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability of the vehicle 
depends on the tyre grip.
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, press the 
accelerator carefully. The wheels can spin even with active brake assist systems and this 
can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.
WARNING
ESC will be considerably less effective if other components and systems that affect driving 
dynamics are not serviced correctly or are not functioning properly. This also applies, but not 
exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other systems that have already been named.
•Please always note that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the function of 
the ABS, BAS, TCS, TC, EDL and ESC.
•Alterations to the suspension system or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre 
combinations can affect the function of ABS, BAS, TCS, TC, EDL and ESC and reduce 
their effectiveness.
•Suitable tyres are also crucial if ESC is to function optimally ⇒ Wheels and tyres.
WARNING 

•The cooling function of the air conditioning system: if the air conditioning system is set to a very 
high or low temperature it will require a lot of energy, which is generated by the engine. 
Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside 
temperature. It may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short 
distance with the windows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once 
the windows have been closed.
•Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel 
consumption.
•Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
•Switch the rear window heating off as soon as the window has defogged and is clear of ice.
Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
•Fault in engine management.
•Driving in hilly regions.
Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fig. 102 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily 
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15 %.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less 
and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you 
can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its 
working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to 
minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The outside temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20°C (+68°F) and at -
10°C (+14°F) are shown in ⇒ Fig. 102.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
Not only is it illegal in some countries to warm up the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is 
stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have optimum rolling resistance.
Using low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils 
decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread better and more quickly, especially for cold 
starts. They are especially effective in vehicles that make a lot of short journeys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil 
change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always ensure that it complies with engine oil norms and has been 
approved by Volkswagen. 

•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.
•The vehicle has been moved since the engine was last switched off.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charging state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls.
Conditions that make a key start necessary
The engine has to be started manually with the vehicle key in the following conditions:
•If the driver unfastens their seat belt.
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Switching the start/stop system on and off 
•Press the  button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 103.
•If start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, the engine will start again as soon as the 
system has been switched off manually with the  button.
In some cases, it will be necessary to restart the engine manually with the vehicle key. Take 
note of the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Hill Hold Assist
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Hill Hold Assist function actively holds the vehicle when pulling away on an incline.
The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically activated if the following 
conditions are met
Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time:
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox 
1.On an incline, the stationary vehicle must be held in position with the footbrake until the 
vehicle starts moving.
2.The engine is running smoothly.
3.
Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the 
gear stick to the 1st gear position if you want 
to drive forwards up a hill or to the R position 
if you want to reverse up a hill.
Position D is selected when driving forwards 
up an incline or position R is selected for 
driving in reverse up an incline.
The brake servo and the electromechanical steering will not function if the engine is switched 
off.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•The start/stop system must be switched off if work is to be carried out in the engine 
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the 
vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE 

Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time:
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox 
In order to start moving, remove your foot 
from the brake pedal, then release the clutch 
pedal (clutch engages) and press the 
accelerator simultaneously. The brake will 
gradually be released as the clutch is 
engaged.
To start moving, remove your foot from the 
brake pedal and press the accelerator 
immediately. The brake will gradually be 
released as the vehicle pulls away.
The Hill Hold Assist function will be deactivated immediately:
•As soon as one of the conditions indicated on ⇒ The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically 
activated if the following conditions are met is not fulfilled.
•If the engine is not running smoothly or there is an engine fault.
•If the engine is switched off or has stalled.
•Vehicles with automated manual gearbox: if the selector lever in is the neutral position N.
ParkPilot
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating ParkPilot
⇒ Acoustic and optical ParkPilot signals at the rear of the vehicle
The ParkPilot assists the driver when manoeuvring and parking.
The ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The system uses 
the time difference between the ultrasonic waves (i.e. between the transmission and reflection from 
obstacles and the point of reception) to continuously calculate the distance between the bumper 
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
•Portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and 
renewal of parts
•Radio ⇒BookletRadio, 

It can take a few seconds for the acoustic or optical signals to be emitted.
Further information on the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) can be 
found in the user's manual for the device ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of 
parts.
Cruise control system (CCS)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamp
⇒ Using the cruise control system (CCS)
The cruise control system (CCS) helps to maintain a specific preset speed during forward travel at 
approx. 20 km/h (15 mph) and higher.
The CCS only slows the vehicle by easing off the accelerator, not by actively braking ⇒.
Additional information and warnings:
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
Indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible cause
Cruise control system (CCS) is controlling the speed.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is 
switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
Using the cruise control system (CCS)
The use of the cruise control system can lead to accidents and serious injuries if traffic does 
not allow you to drive at a safe distance from the vehicle in front at a constant speed.
•Never use the CCS in heavy traffic, on steep or winding roads, or on slippery road 
surfaces e.g. on snow, ice, wet roads, loose chippings, or on flooded roads.
•Never use the CCS when driving off-road or on unsurfaced roads.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and 
traffic conditions.
•Always switch cruise control off after use to avoid unintentional operation.
•It is dangerous to use a set speed that is too high for the prevailing road, traffic or weather 
conditions.
•The CCS cannot maintain a constant speed when travelling downhill. The vehicle speed 
can increase under its own weight. Shift down a gear or brake the vehicle using the foot 
brake.
WARNING
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and 
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE 

If, in a potential collision scenario, the city emergency brake function detects that the driver is 
applying the brakes with insufficient pressure, the system can increase the brake pressure in order 
to reduce speed ahead of the collision. Hence the system can help minimise the consequences of 
an accident.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Lower section of the centre console ⇒ Overview of the centre console
•Instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
The brake pedal travel decreases when the city emergency brake function is triggered. This 
may make the brake pedal feel stiffer.
Automatic brake intervention by the city emergency brake function can be stopped by using 
the clutch, the accelerator or steering intervention.
Unusual noises may be heard if the city emergency brake function is applying an automatic 
braking procedure. This is normal and the noises are caused by the braking system.
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The city emergency brake function is switched on every time the ignition is switched on. No display 
will be shown to alert you of this.
The indicator lamp will be lit up if the city emergency brake function is switched off, is working or if 
there is a fault in the system.
Lit upPossible cause ⇒Solution
The city emergency brake function 
was switched on using the button 
⇒ Fig. 109.
The indicator lamp is switched off 
automatically after approximately 5 
seconds.
FlashesPossible cause ⇒Solution
Quickly: city emergency brake function 
is braking automatically or has braked 
automatically.
Indicator lamp will go out automatically.
Slowly: city emergency brake function 
currently not available.
While the vehicle is stationary, switch off 
the engine and re-start it again. If 
necessary, inspect the laser sensor (for 
The intelligent technology of the city emergency brake function cannot change the laws of 
physics or the system-related vehicle limitations. Never let the extra convenience afforded by 
the city emergency brake function tempt you into taking any risks when driving. The driver is 
always responsible for braking in time.
•The city emergency brake function cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries by itself.
•The city emergency brake function can carry out unwanted brake interventions in certain 
complex situations, e.g. if a vehicle cuts very closely in front of you.
WARNING
Incorporating the city emergency brake function into your own driving style can cause 
accidents and serious 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.
•The city emergency brake function does not react to persons, animals and vehicles 
crossing or approaching in the same lane.
•Brake the vehicle by depressing the brake if the vehicle rolls forwards once the city 
emergency brake function has been applied.
WARNING
Switch off the city emergency brake function if you suspect that the laser sensor has been 
damaged. This can help to prevent further damage.
•Repairs to the laser sensor require specialist knowledge. Volkswagen recommends using 
a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
NOTICE