•Luggage compartment ⇒ Luggage compartment
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
Stowing items of luggage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely.
•Always distribute any loads in the vehicle and on the roof as evenly as possible.
•Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible. Position the rear
seat backrests securely in the upright position.
•Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings with suitable straps
⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Adjust the headlight range ⇒ Lights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Please read the tyre pressure sticker
⇒ Wheels and tyres.
Observe any information concerning the loading of a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Driving with an open tailgate
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving with an open tailgate is particularly dangerous. Ensure that the open tailgate and any
objects are secured properly, and take appropriate measures to reduce the quantity of toxic
exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
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 entering the deployment zones of the
side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an
accident.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter
the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•All objects must be removed from the seat cushion of the front passenger seat if the front
passenger backrest is folded forward. Even light and small objects could be pressed into
the weight detection mat underneath the seat cushion by the backrest when it is folded
forwards and thus send incorrect information to the airbag control units.
•The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•Any seat blocked by stowed objects must not be used by any passengers.
WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if large or heavy objects are
being transported.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear
window and cause damage.
NOTICE
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 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.
Stowage compartment on the driver side
Fig. 80 On the driver side: stowage compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
There may be a stowage compartment located on the driver side.
Stowage compartment in the front centre console
Loose objects may be flung through the vehicle interior in the event of a sudden driving or
braking manoeuvre. This can cause serious injury and can also lead to loss of control of the
vehicle.
•Do not stow any pets or any hard, heavy or sharp objects in the vehicle's open stowage
compartments, on the dash panel, on the shelf behind the rear seats, or in items of
clothing and bags in the vehicle interior.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder pedal operation. This can lead to loss of control of the
vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury.
•Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
•The foot mats must always be properly secured in the footwell.
•No additional foot mats or other floor coverings should be placed over the fitted foot mat.
•Ensure that no objects can enter the driver footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
•Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear
window and cause damage.
•Do not stow any temperature-sensitive objects, food or medicines inside the vehicle. Hot
and cold temperatures could damage or destroy them.
•Objects stored in the vehicle that are made from transparent materials, such as glasses,
magnifying glasses or transparent suction cups on the windows, can concentrate the sun's
rays and thus cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE
Loose objects may be flung through the vehicle interior in the event of a sudden driving or
braking manoeuvre. This can cause serious injury and can also lead to loss of control of the
vehicle.
•Do not stow any animals, or any hard or pointed objects in the open stowage area.
WARNING
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
to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry
road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same
manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the
road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road
surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer possible to steer or brake the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ESC
cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the available power output, or keep the vehicle on the road
if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road.
Instead, ESC increases the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road
driving situations, it assesses the driver’s steering input and helps the vehicle to continue in the
required direction. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC
can provide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integrated into the ESC. The ESC is always on.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until the point where the
vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and keeping it under
control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are depressed fully:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with force. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or
reduce the force on the brake pedal!
•Do not pump the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal!
•Steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is fully depressed.
•The ABS will switch off when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the brake pedal is
reduced.
If the ABS is taking corrective action, there is a pulsing movement in the brake pedal and some
noise. However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all conditions. The
braking distance could even be longer when braking on gravel or on fresh snow covering an icy or
slippery surface.
Electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBD)
Every vehicle's centre of gravity moves forwards whenever the brake is operated. This means that
the rear wheels are in danger of locking due to the lower traction. The electronic brake pressure
distribution system controls the brake pressure for the rear wheels and thereby ensures the
optimum distribution of brake pressure between the front and rear axles. Under normal conditions,
the system will prevent the rear from breaking away if too much brake pressure if applied to the rear
wheels. The electronic brake pressure distribution system is included in the ABS' scope of
functions.
Brake Assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system can help to reduce the braking distance. The brake assist system
reinforces brake pressure hydraulically when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an
emergency situation. As a result, full braking power is made accessible very quickly, brake pressure
is increased and the braking distance reduced. In this way, the ABS is activated more quickly and
more effectively.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system will switch off the
hydraulic brake servo automatically when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the
brake pedal is reduced.
Traction Control System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC)
The TCS or TC reduces the engine output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road
surface conditions. TCS or TC helps the car to start moving, accelerate and climb gradients in
unfavourable road conditions.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL is available for normal driving on straight roads. EDL brakes the wheel that has lost
traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the
braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The
EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
•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.
•If vehicles are travelling towards you in the same lane.
•If the surrounding vehicles are very dirty and therefore not very reflective.
•If there is a lot of dust.
Air conditioning system
Heating, ventilating, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Controls
⇒ General information on the heating and fresh air system
⇒ Information on the air conditioning system
⇒ Vents
⇒ Air recirculation mode
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter reduces the level of impurities in the outside air entering the vehicle.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed regularly to avoid impairing the performance of the air
conditioning system.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed more frequently than stated in the service schedule if
the efficiency of the filter declines prematurely due to the vehicle being used in areas with high
levels of air pollution.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Windscreen wiper/washer ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
If the cooling system is switched off, the outside air that is drawn into the vehicle is not
dehumidified. To prevent the windows misting over, Volkswagen recommends that you leave the air
conditioning (compressor) switched on. Press the button. The indicator lamp in the button
must light up.
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is only
available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can
cause serious injuries.
•Always ensure that all windows are free of ice, snow and mist to ensure good visibility.
•Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature. Do not start your
journey until you have good visibility.
•Always ensure that the heating and fresh air system or the air conditioning system and the
heated rear window are used correctly in order to have good visibility.
•Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period. If the cooling system is
switched off, the windows can mist up very quickly in air recirculation mode and reduce
visibility considerably.
•Always switch off the air recirculation mode when it is not required.
WARNING
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING
•Switch off the air conditioning system if you suspect that it has been damaged. This can
help to prevent further damage. The air conditioning system should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
•Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and special tools.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
NOTICE
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to ensure
heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the windows from misting over.
Controls
Fig. 112 In the centre console: rotary controls for the heating and fresh air system
Fig. 113 In the centre console: air conditioning controls
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Button,
control
Additional information. Heating and fresh air system
⇒ Fig. 112 and air conditioning system ⇒ Fig. 113.
Temperature ①.
Turn the regulator to set the temperature as required.
...
Blowers ②.Setting 0: blower and system switched off, setting 4: highest blower setting.
Air distribution ③.Turn the control to direct the airflow exactly as required.
④Air conditioning system: slider for the air recirculation mode ⇒ Air
recirculation mode.
Heating and fresh air system: defrost function. Air distribution to the
windscreen and the side windows around the exterior mirrors.
Air conditioning system: defrost function. Air distribution to the windscreen
and the side windows around the exterior mirrors. press the button,
increase the blower level and switch the air recirculation mode ⇒ Air
recirculation mode off, in order to remove condensation from the windscreen
as quickly as possible.
Air distribution to the upper body via the air vents in the dash panel.
Air distribution to the footwell.
Heating and fresh air system, air conditioning system: air distribution to the
windscreen and in the footwell.
Air conditioning system: Press the button to switch the cooling system on or
off.
Rear window heating
The button for the rear window heating is located in the centre console. The rear window
heating only functions when the engine is running and will switch off automatically after
approximately 10 minutes.
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING