
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Turn signal and main beam lever
⇒ Switching lights on and off
⇒ Lights and vision – functions
⇒ Attaching adhesive strips to headlights
⇒ Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
⇒ Interior and reading lights
Observe any country-specific regulations when using vehicle lighting.
The driver is responsible for the correct headlight position and the correct headlight setting.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs
Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The rear fog light is switched on.⇒ Fog lights:.
Left or right turn signal.
The indicator lamp will flash twice as fast if
one of the turn signals on the vehicle is not
working.
If necessary, check the vehicle
lighting.
Main beam is switched on or the headlight
flasher is being operated.⇒ Turn signal and main beam lever.
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.
Turn signal and main beam lever
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other
road users have difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
•Always switch the dipped beam headlights on if it is dark, raining or visibility is poor.
WARNING
Setting headlights too high, and the incorrect use of the main beam, could distract and dazzle
other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always ensure that the headlights are adjusted correctly.
•Never use the main beam or the headlight flasher if other road users could be dazzled.
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.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and so that no part of the
exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the
vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel, oil etc.
•Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents, both for you and for other road users.
If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle to warn
other road users.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE

Fig. 71 In the driver door: rotary knob for the electric exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The exterior mirrors are adjusted by moving the setting knob ⇒ Fig. 70 or the rotary knob ⇒ Fig. 71.
Turn the rotary knob ⇒ Fig. 71 to the required position:
Switch on the exterior mirror heating.
Set the left exterior mirror to the front, rear, right or left by moving the rotary knob.
Neutral position. Exterior mirror heating is switched off, it is not possible to adjust
the exterior mirrors.
Set the right exterior mirror to the front, rear, right or left by moving the rotary
knob.
The exterior mirrors can be folded in and back from the vehicle. To do this, carefully push the
exterior mirror housing in towards the side window or back from the side window until the exterior
mirror perceptibly engages.
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer needed. Fuel is
otherwise wasted.
If there is a fault, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the
outside of the mirror.
Transporting
Driving notes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowing items of luggage
⇒ Driving with an open tailgate
⇒ Driving a loaded vehicle
⇒ Vehicle-specific weight ratings
Heavy objects must always be stowed securely in the luggage compartment and you must ensure
that the rear seat backrests are securely engaged in the upright position. Always use suitable
securing straps with the fastening rings to secure heavy items. Never exceed the vehicle's
maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an
effect on the driving response and braking distance ⇒.
Additional information and warnings:
•Tailgate ⇒ Tailgate
•Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards ⇒ Seat functions
•Lights ⇒ Lights
Injuries can be sustained if you do not take care when folding the exterior mirrors in and out.
•Only fold the exterior mirrors in or out when there is nobody in the path of the mirror.
•Always ensure that no fingers are caught between the exterior mirror and the foot of the
mirror when the exterior mirror is moved.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating the distance to vehicles travelling behind you can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or aspheric) enlarge the field of vision and can make objects in the
mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance of other vehicles when changing lanes is
inaccurate and can cause accidents and severe injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance away from vehicles
behind or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always fold in exterior mirrors before using an automatic car wash.
NOTICE

Driving a loaded vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
•Stow all items of luggage securely ⇒ Stowing items of luggage.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•If applicable, heed the information about driving with a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Vehicle-specific weight ratings
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual
apply to the basic model. The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule and the official vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The values quoted here may differ if additional equipment is fitted, for different models or for special
vehicles.
The values for the kerb weight in the following table apply for the road-ready vehicle with driver
(75 kg), service fluids including fuel tank carrying 90% of its capacity and, if applicable, tools and
Driving with an unlocked or open tailgate can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the tailgate closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out of
the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this can cause the open
tailgate to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that they
are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must never be held in position by
the tailgate.
•If it is necessary to drive with the tailgate open, all luggage racks and cargo stowed on the
rack must be removed from the tailgate.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and accidents.
•Always drive with the tailgate closed in order to prevent toxic gases from entering the
vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open tailgate, you must do the
following to reduce the quantity of toxic exhaust fumes that could enter the vehicle:
- Close the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof.
- Switch off air recirculation mode.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle length and height are different when the tailgate is open.
NOTICE
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety, which can cause
accidents and severe injuries.
•Secure objects properly to prevent them from sliding.
•Use suitable straps when securing heavy objects.
•Engage the rear seat backrests securely in an upright position.
WARNING

Roof carrier
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Attaching the mounts and load carrier system
⇒ Loading the load carrier system
The roof of the vehicle has been designed for optimum aerodynamic effect. It is therefore no longer
possible to attach conventional roof carrier systems to a rain channel on the roof.
As the rain channels have been integrated into the roof for better aerodynamics, only mounts or
roof carriers approved by Volkswagen can be used.
When should the roof carrier be removed?
•When it is no longer being used.
•When the vehicle is driving through a car wash.
•When the vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage.
Additional information and warnings:
•Lights ⇒ Lights
•Transporting ⇒ Transporting
•Driving with respect for the environment ⇒ Driving with respect for the environment
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Driving with a fitted roof carrier will increase air resistance and thus increase fuel
consumption.
Attaching the mounts and load carrier system
Never use the bag hooks as fastening rings for straps. The bag hook could break off during a
sudden braking manoeuvre or accident.
WARNING
The bag hooks can only carry a maximum of 1.5 kg.
NOTICE
When transporting heavy or bulky objects in the roof carrier, the vehicle's handling will change
due to a shift in the centre of gravity and an increased susceptibility to crosswinds.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a negative effect on the vehicle
aerodynamics, centre of gravity and overall handling.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING
•Always remove the roof carrier before driving through an automatic car wash.
•The vehicle's height is changed by the installation of the roof carrier system and the load
secured on it. Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights, e.g. for
underpasses and garage doors.
•The roof carrier system and its load must not obstruct you from opening and closing the
electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof and tailgate. The roof aerial must also remain
unaffected.
•When opening the tailgate, take care not to let it hit the roof load.
NOTICE

Starting the engine, changing gear and
parking
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobilizer
Immobilizer display
If the vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, then may be displayed in the
instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started ⇒ Electronic immobilizer.
Push-starting or towing
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Steering ⇒ Steering
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
•Tow starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
•Observe the operating instructions for any device that you plug into the socket.
•Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical
system.
•12-volt socket:
- Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with the relevant
guidelines on electromagnetic compatibility.
- Never feed electricity into the socket.
NOTICE
While driving

Ignition lock
Fig. 93 Vehicle key positions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 93
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released,
the vehicle key moves back to position ①.
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the
vehicle battery could discharge.
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.
•The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is stationary.
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 spaces. The exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended. The vehicle could
move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage and
serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. A start booster can 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. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic
converters or heat shields.
WARNING
Always take care when using the vehicle key as you could cause accidents or serious injuries.
•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, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
•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 the vehicle.
WARNING

Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93①.
2.Fully depress the clutch pedal until the
engine has been started.
Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.
3.Shift the gear stick to a neutral position.Place the selector lever in position N.
4.Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 93② – do not depress the
accelerator.
5.Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the procedure and repeat it after approximately one minute.
7.Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
Natural gas engines
The gas engine will only start with gas. It is possible to start the engine with petrol under the
following conditions:
•Very low outside temperatures.
•The mixture adjustment after filling is not yet complete.
•Natural gas tank is empty.
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as
soon as there is good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine to reach operating
temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.The vehicle must be completely stationary ⇒.
2.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until step 4 has been completed.
3.Place the selector lever in position D or R.
4.Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
5.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93⓪.
6.Select 1st gear or reverse gear.
Never leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly,
particularly if a gear or position is selected, and cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
A start booster can explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
•The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the
vehicle is in motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched
off.
•When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading
the engine.
•Do not push-start or tow-start the engine. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter.
NOTICE

Fault in the automated manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Emergency programme
There may be a fault in the system if warning and indicator lamps for the automated manual
gearbox light up in the vehicle cluster ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp. When certain faults occur, the
automated manual gearbox runs in an emergency programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the
emergency programme, but only at reduced speed and not in all gears.
With an automated manual gearbox it may then be the case that the vehicle can no longer be
driven in all gears.
In all cases the automated manual gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating in the automated manual gearbox
The automated manual gearbox can overheat, for example if the vehicle regularly pulls off from the
starting position or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by a warning lamp displayed
in the instrument cluster. An acoustic warning may also be heard. Stop the vehicle and allow the
gearbox to cool down ⇒.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In some vehicles, the instrument cluster will show which gear should be selected while the vehicle
is in motion to reduce fuel consumption.
DisplayMeaning
The current gear is optimal.
A higher gear is recommended.
A lower gear is recommended.
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This
can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions permit.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle or
through your driving style.
WARNING
If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by depressing
the accelerator while a position is still selected. The automated manual gearbox could
overheat and be damaged.
NOTICE
•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the lamp signal and acoustic warning are repeated approximately every 10 seconds, the
vehicle must immediately be parked safely and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox
to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the lamp goes out.
You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is
overheated.
NOTICE