
Comply with any country-specific legal regulations.
Volkswagen recommends that children under 12 years of age are always transported on
the rear seats.
A child should only be transported on the front passenger seat in exceptional
circumstances Using a child seat on the front passenger seat. The safest seat in the
vehicle is on the rear seat behind the front passenger seat.
Always secure any children in the vehicle in a restraint system. The restraint system must
be suitable for the child's height, weight and build.
Transport only one child per child seat.
Observe the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat and always keep them in
the vehicle.
When securing a child seat using the seat belt, always guide the belt through or around
the child seat as described in the instructions from the child seat manufacturer.
Always ensure that the seat belt routing is correct for children and that they are sitting in
the correct position.
Whenever possible, fit the child seat on the rear bench seat behind the front passenger
seat so that children can exit the vehicle on the kerb side.
Replace child seats that withstand any force during an accident as they could have
sustained damage that may not be visible.
General information on transporting children in the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Legislation and legal requirements take precedence over the descriptions in this owner's manual.
Various standards and regulations govern the use of child seats and methods for securing them ().
For example, this could mean that in some countries you are not allowed to use child seats on
certain seats in the vehicle.
The laws of physics, which come into force on a vehicle during a collision or any other kind of
accident, also apply to children ⇒ Seat belts. In contrast to adults and teenagers, however,
children's muscles and bones are not yet fully developed. There is a higher risk for children than for
adults of sustaining serious injuries in an accident.
Children must be transported using child restraint systems that are specifically suited to their size,
weight and physical build, as children's bodies are not yet fully developed. In many countries there
are laws that require the use of approved child restraint systems for babies and small children.
Only use suitable, approved and authorised child seats in your vehicle. If you are unsure, always
speak to your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified workshop.
Checklist
Transporting children in the vehicle ⇒:
Children who are not strapped in or who are not strapped in properly could sustain severe or
fatal injuries while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat when the front passenger
front airbag is switched on.
•Children up to 12 years of age should always be transported on the rear seat.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system suitable for their
height and weight.
•Always fasten children's seat belts correctly and ensure that they assume a correct sitting
position.
•Adjust the seat backrest to an upright position if a child seat is to be used on this seat.
•Do not allow children to sit with their heads or any other body parts in the deployment
zone of the side airbag.
•Ensure that the seat belt routing is correct.
•Never allow children or babies to be transported on someone's lap, or while being held.
•Only ever fasten one child into each child seat.
•Read and follow the instructions by the manufacturer of the child seat.
WARNING
An unsecured, unoccupied child seat can be flung through the vehicle interior in the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre or accident and cause injuries.
•Always secure child seats safely or stow them in the luggage compartment if they are not
being used while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING

Do not leave any toys or other objects loose in the child seat or on the seat while the
vehicle is in motion.
Country-specific standards for child seats (selection)
The child seats must correspond to the standard ECE-R 44. Further information is available from
Volkswagen dealerships or on the Internet at www.volkswagen.com.
Group classification for child seats according to ECE-R 44
Weight classChild's weightAge
Group 0up to 10 kgup to approximately 9 months
Group 0+up to 13 kgup to approximately 18 months
Group 19 to 18 kgapproximately 8 months to 3/ years
Group 215 to 25 kgapproximately 3 to 7 years
Group 322 to 36 kgapproximately 6 to 12 years
Not every child will fit in the seat specified for their weight group. Likewise, not every seat will fit in
every vehicle. Therefore, always check whether the child fits correctly in the child seat and whether
the seat is securely attached in the vehicle.
Child seats that have been tested and approved in accordance with the ECE R 44 standard bear
the test mark on the seat: a large letter E in a circle with the test number below it.
ECE R: Economic Commission for Europe Regulation.
Various securing systems
Fig. 58 On the rear seats: figures Ⓐ and Ⓑ illustrate the main securing points for the child restraint
system on the lower retaining rings and top tether. Figure Ⓒ shows how to secure the child restraint
system using the vehicle seat belt
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always secure child seats properly, safely and in accordance with the instructions from the child
seat manufacturer.
The fitted child seat must sit close to the vehicle seat and must not be able to move or tip more than
2.5 cm.
Child seats that are intended to be secured using the top tether must be secured in the vehicle
using the top tether ⇒ Securing child seats with the top tether. Attach the top tether only to the
retaining rings fitted for this purpose. Always pull the top tether tightly so that the child seat is
secure and fits closely to the seat.
Country-specific securing systems
Variants of the attachment system⇒ Fig. 58:
ISOFIX retaining rings and top tether, including in Europe⇒ Securing child seats using
lower anchoring points (ISOFIX, LATCH) and ⇒ Securing child seats with the top tether.
1)
1
2
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and injuries.
•Follow the instructions on the checklist.
WARNING
In the event of an accident, the rear seat is the safest place for children with properly fastened
seat belts.
•A suitable child seat, correctly fitted and used on one of the rear seats, will, in most
accident situations, provide the maximum level of protection for children up to 12 years
old.
WARNING
1)

LATCH/UCRA universal anchorage attachment points and top tether, including in North
America⇒ Securing child seats using lower anchoring points (ISOFIX, LATCH).
Three-point automatic seat belt and top tether⇒ Securing child seats with a seat belt.
The systems consist of attachments for child restraint systems with a top tether and lower
anchoring points in the seat.
Using a child seat on the front passenger seat
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Not all countries allow you to transport children on the front passenger seat. Not every child seat is
suitable for use on the front passenger seat. Volkswagen dealerships keep an up-to-date list of all
authorised child seats. Only use child seats that have been authorised for your vehicle.
The active front airbag on the front passenger side presents a major danger to a child. Transporting
a child in a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat can pose a danger to the child's life.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating front passenger front
airbag can strike it with such force that critical or fatal injuries may occur ⇒. Therefore, never
use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat when the front passenger front airbag is
activated.
Only use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat when you have ascertained that the
front passenger front airbag has been switched off. This is confirmed when the yellow indicator
lamp in the dash panel PASSENGER AIR BAG lights up ⇒ Airbag system. If the front
passenger front airbag cannot be switched off and stays active, do not transport any children on
the front passenger seat⇒.
What to be aware of when using a child seat on the front passenger seat:
•The front passenger front airbag must be deactivated when a rear-facing child seat is being
used ⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-
operated switch.
•The front passenger seat backrest must be in an upright position.
•The front passenger seat must be pushed as far back as it will go.
•In vehicles with height-adjustable seats, the front passenger seat must be as high as possible.
Suitable child seats
The child seat must be specially authorised by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat
in vehicles with front and side airbags.
Universal child seats in groups 0, 0+, 1, 2, or 3, as specified in ECE-R 44, can be fitted to the front
passenger seat.
Using a child seat on the rear seats
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When fitting a child seat to a rear seat, the position of the front seat must be adjusted to ensure that
the child has sufficient space. Adjust the front seat according to the size of the child seat and child.
If a child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, the risk to the child of sustaining critical
or fatal injuries in the event of an accident increases. Never use a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat if the front passenger front airbag is enabled. The child could suffer
fatal injuries when the front airbag is activated as the child seat will be hit by the airbag with
full force and thrown against the seat backrest.
DANGER
If, in exceptional circumstances, a child is being transported in a rear-facing child seat on the
front passenger seat, the following rules apply:
•The front passenger front airbag must be switched off and remain switched off.
•The child seat must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on a front
passenger seat with front or side airbags.
•Follow the fitting instructions from the child seat manufacturer and observe all warnings.
•Push the front passenger seat back as far as possible and adjust it to the highest position,
to keep as far away as possible from the front airbag.
•Adjust the backrest to an upright position.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system suitable for their
height and weight.
DANGER

Ensure that the front passenger can still maintain a correct sitting position ⇒ Adjusting the seat
position.
Suitable child seats
The child seat must have been approved by the manufacturer for use on the rear bench seat with
side airbag.
Universal child seats in groups 0, 0+, 1, 2, or 3 as specified in ECE-R 44 can be fitted to the rear
seats.
The seats are suitable for child seats with the ISOFIX system that are specially approved for this
vehicle type by ECE-R 44.
ISOFIX child seats approved for use on rear seats
There are different categories of ISOFIX child seats: universal, semi-universal and vehicle-specific.
•If the ISOFIX child seat has universal approval, the child seat must be fastened with the lower
anchoring points and the top tether.
•If ISOFIX child seats have semi-universal or vehicle-specific approval, a check must be made
prior to use in order to find out whether the child seat has been approved for the vehicle. For
this purpose, the child-seat manufacturer supplies the ISOFIX child seat with a list of vehicles
for which the respective ISOFIX child seat has been approved. If necessary, contact the child
seat manufacturer for an up-to-date list of vehicles.
Securing child seats with a seat belt
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
It is permissible to fasten child seats with universal written on the orange label to the seats using
the seat belt, but only on the seats marked in the table with a u.
Weight classFront passenger seatSeats on the rear bench
seat
Group 0
up to 10 kguu
Group 0+
up to 13 kguu
Group 1
9 to 18 kguu
Group 2
15 to 25 kguu
Group 3
22 to 36 kguu
Securing a child seat using the seat belt
•Read and follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
•When placing the child seat on the front passenger seat, push the seat back as far as possible
and adjust the backrest to an upright position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
•Position the child seat on the seat according to the instructions given by the child seat
manufacturer.
•Fasten the seat belt or guide it through the child seat as described in the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
•Ensure that the seat belt is not twisted.
•Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and push it down until it locks
securely with a click.
•In vehicles with lockable seat belts: pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out and let the
belt web roll up on the automatic belt retractor. The belt makes a clicking sound as it rolls up.
•The upper part of the belt must lie snugly and fully over the child seat.
•Pull the seat belt to check that the lower belt strap is locked and can no longer be pulled out.
•In vehicles with lockable seat belts: secure any seat belts that are not being used out of the
reach of the child in the child seat, by guiding the belt behind the head restraint on the
neighbouring seat. When doing this, ensure that the locking mechanism of the seat belt is not
triggered! The belt should not make a clicking sound as it rolls up. Let the belt web roll up on the
automatic belt retractor.
A child in a child seat on the rear bench seat can sustain fatal injuries if they play with
lockable seat belts that are not in use.
•Always secure any lockable seat belts on the rear bench seat that are not in use.
WARNING

•Pull on both sides of the child seat.
Child seats with adjustable attachment belts
•Observe the child seat manufacturer's instructions when fitting or removing the child seat ⇒.
•Position the child seat on the seat cushion and attach the hooks from the attachment belts onto
the retaining rings ⇒ Fig. 59.
•Pull the attachment belts to ensure that they are equally taut. The child seat must fit snugly to
the vehicle seat.
•Pull on both sides of the child seat.
Securing child seats with the top tether
Fig. 60 Example of a fastened top tether
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Observe the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer when fitting or removing the
child seat ⇒.
•Release the seat backrest and fold the backrest forwards slightly ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Remove the head restraint located behind the child seat and stow it securely in the vehicle
⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
•Guide the top tether of the child seat back between the backrest and the luggage compartment
cover into the luggage compartment.
•Fold back the seat backrest and push it firmly to lock it in place.
•Attach the child seat to the lower anchoring points ⇒ Securing child seats using lower anchoring
points (ISOFIX, LATCH).
•Fasten the top tether to the retaining rings in the luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 60.
•Stretch the belt so that the child seat is positioned high on the backrest.
Reinstall the head restraints after the child seat has been removed⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
Lights and vision
Lights
The lower anchoring points for the child seats are not fastening rings. Fit child seats to the
lower anchoring points only.
WARNING
•In order to avoid permanent marks on the seats, the insert guides should be removed from
the anchoring points when there is no child seat fitted to them.
•In order to avoid damage to the seat covers, the seats or the insert guides, the insert
guides must always be removed from the anchoring points before folding the rear bench
seat forwards.
NOTICE
Child seats attached using the lower anchoring points and top tether must be fitted according
to the instructions from the manufacturer. Failure to do so could lead to severe injuries.
•Never attach more than one top tether from a child seat to one retaining ring in the
luggage compartment.
•Only use the specially fitted retaining rings when attaching the top tether.
•Never fasten the top tether to one of the fastening rings.
WARNING

The ventilation openings between the rear window and the luggage compartment cover must
not be covered as this would prevent stale air escaping from the vehicle.
Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat forwards and backwards
Fig. 72 Rear bench seat: release button Ⓐ; red marking Ⓑ
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rear seat backrest can be folded forward to extend the luggage compartment.
Folding the rear seat backrest forwards
•Push the head restraint all the way down or remove it, if necessary ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
and stow it in a safe place.
•Pull the release button forwards ⇒ Fig. 72Ⓐ and, at the same time, fold the backrest forwards.
When the vehicle is not in use or is not being supervised, always lock the doors and tailgate
to reduce the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
•Never leave children unattended, especially when the tailgate is open. Children could
make their way into the luggage compartment, close the tailgate and be unable to get out.
This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never let children play in or around the vehicle.
•Do not travel with people in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle interior.
Please apply the following rules to reduce the risk of accidents:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Always stow luggage and heavy objects in
the luggage compartment.
•Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage from being thrown through the vehicle
interior and entering the deployment zone of the side airbags or the front airbag in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an accident.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle's open stowage
areas, on the luggage compartment cover or on the dash panel.
•Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags inside the
vehicle and stow them securely.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and increases the braking
distance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a
loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.
•Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.
•The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.
•Always secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as
possible.
WARNING
Hard objects could chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear window and
cause damage.
NOTICE

•The rear seat backrest is unlocked when you can see a red marking in the button ⇒ Fig. 72Ⓑ.
•Passengers (adults and children) must not use seats if the backrest is folded forwards.
Folding the rear seat backrest backwards
•Fold back the rear backrest and push it firmly into the lock until it clicks securely into place ⇒
.
•The red marking on the release button ⇒ Fig. 72Ⓑ should no longer be visible.
•The rear seat backrest must always be securely engaged.
•If necessary, fit the head restraints and adjust to the correct position ⇒ Sitting correctly and
safely.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 73 In the luggage compartment: removing and installing the luggage compartment cover
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Light items of clothing can be stowed on the luggage compartment cover. Please ensure that the
view to the rear of the vehicle is not obstructed.
Folding luggage compartment cover up or down
Lift up the luggage compartment cover and push into the side holders ⇒ Fig. 73①. When doing this
ensure that the luggage compartment cover is correctly secured in position.
To return to the original position, push the luggage compartment down out of the holders.
Removing the luggage compartment cover
Pull the luggage compartment cover up and out of the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 73②.
Fitting the luggage compartment cover
Push the luggage compartment cover down into the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 73②.
Injuries can be caused if the rear backrests are folded forwards and backwards carelessly.
•Never fold the rear seat backrest forwards or backwards while the vehicle is in motion.
•Ensure that the seat belt is not trapped or damaged when folding back the rear seat
backrest.
•Always keep hands, fingers, feet or other body parts away from the seat area when folding
the rear seat backrest forwards and backwards.
•Ensure that each rear seat backrest engages securely in the upright position, otherwise
the seat belts for the rear seats will not work properly. If a seat is occupied and the
backrest has not clicked securely into place, the seat occupant and rear seat backrest may
move forwards in the event of a sudden braking or driving manoeuvre or during accidents.
•The backrest has not been secured properly if you can see a red mark on the button
⇒ Fig. 72Ⓑ. Always ensure that the red marking is never visible when the rear seat
backrest is in the upright position.
•Passengers (adults and children) must not use seats if the backrest is folded forwards or
is not clicked securely into place.
WARNING
Before folding the rear seat backrests forwards, adjust the front seats so that the rear head
restraints or rear seat cushions do not rub against the front seats. If necessary, remove the
head restraint ⇒ Sitting correctly and safely and stow it in a safe place.
NOTICE