
Information on the brakes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first 
be run in ⇒. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by applying 
more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer when 
the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than with brakes that have been fully 
run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and situations that create a 
heavy load on the brakes should be avoided. For example, when driving too close to the vehicle 
ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the 
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. With regular urban trips, short 
journeys and a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be checked by a qualified workshop more 
regularly than stated in the service schedule.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after 
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly 
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher 
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of 
this action ⇒.
Any layer of salt accumulated on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the 
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that 
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of 
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at 
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking 
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road 
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Fault in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as 
normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning light . Go to the 
nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault corrected. Drive at low speed when doing 
this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an increase in the pressure required on the 
pedal.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied 
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning 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 ⇒.
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 any 
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
WARNING
•To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly 
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
•Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects 
that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when 
parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels 
touch the bollards or kerbs.
•Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other 
objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the 
running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.
NOTICE 

Information on steering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the 
vehicle to be stolen.
Mechanical steering column lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle 
is stationary.
Activating the steering lockDeactivating the steering lock
Park the vehicle ⇒ Braking, stopping and 
parking.Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock.
Remove the vehicle key.Turn the steering wheel slightly to take the load 
off the steering lock mechanism.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until the 
steering lock clicks into place.
Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn 
the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the 
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering 
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is 
reduced or has failed completely.
Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Start/stop system
⇒ Hill Hold Assist
Additional information and warnings:
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
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.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being 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, 

•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine 
compartment
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed 
of properly.
Indicator lamps and fuel gauge
Filling the tank incorrectly and incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and 
serious burns and injuries.
•Always ensure that the tank cap is properly closed, to prevent the evaporation and spillage 
of fuel.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable and can cause serious burns and other injuries.
•Fuel can spill out if the engine is not switched off or the filler nozzle is not fully inserted 
into the fuel filler neck when filling the tank. This can cause fires, explosions and serious 
burns and injuries.
•When filling the tank with fuel, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety 
reasons.
•When filling the tank, always switch off your mobile telephone and two-way radio or any 
other radio equipment. Electromagnetic radiation can generate sparks which can in turn 
start a fire.
•Never get back into the vehicle while filling the tank. If in exceptional cases you have to 
enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal object before touching the filler nozzle 
again. This will remove any electrostatic charge from you. Failure to do so could generate 
a spark. Sparks can cause a fire when filling the tank.
•Never fill the tank or fill up a spare canister near open flames, sparks or glowing matter 
(e.g. cigarettes).
•Electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation must be avoided when filling the 
tank.
•Follow all applicable safety information provided by the filling station when filling the tank.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, Volkswagen does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister in the 
vehicle. Fuel can spill out of the full or empty canister and catch fire, especially in the event of 
an accident. This could cause explosions, fire and injuries.
•If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to transport a spare fuel canister, please note 
the following:
- When refilling never place the canister in or on top of the vehicle, for example in the 
luggage compartment. There may be an electrostatic charge during refilling causing 
the fuel fumes to ignite.
- Always place the spare fuel canister on the ground.
- When filling a spare fuel canister, place the filler nozzle as far as possible into the 
filler opening.
- If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle must have constant 
contact with the canister in order to avoid static charging.
- Please follow all legislation concerning the use, stowage and transport of a spare 
fuel canister.
- Ensure that the spare fuel canister is accordance with the industry standard, such 
as ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
WARNING
•Remove spilt fuel from all vehicle components as quickly as possible in order to avoid 
damage to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.
•Filling the tank with diesel in a vehicle with a petrol engine can cause serious and 
expensive engine damage and cause damage to the fuel system that is not covered by any 
Volkswagen guarantee. Do not start the engine under any circumstances if you have 
refilled using the incorrect fuel. Seek expert assistance. The substances in these fuels can 
cause serious damage to the fuel system and to the engine itself if it is switched on.
NOTICE 

Fig. 115 In the instrument cluster: variant A: fuel gauge for petrol, variant B: fuel gauge for petrol
Fig. 116 In the instrument cluster display: fuel gauge for petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The fuel gauge can vary according to the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 115 or ⇒ Fig. 116.
Lit upNeedle position
⇒ Fig. 115
Possible cause ⇒Solution
Red marking ①
Fuel tank nearly empty.
Reserve quantity is being used 
⇒ Capacities.
Fill the tank with petrol 
as soon as possible ⇒
.
Blue marking ②
Natural gas fuel tank nearly 
empty.
Reserve quantity is being used.
Refuel with natural gas 
as soon as possible ⇒
.
Flashes for 
approximately 
10 seconds
Position of the 
bar ⇒ Fig. 116
Possible cause ⇒Solution
Reserve fuel 
marking flashes for 
approximately 10 
seconds (four small 
segments)
Fuel tank nearly empty.
Reserve quantity is being used 
⇒ Capacities.
Fill the tank as soon as 
possible ⇒.
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.
Natural gas engines
Things to note: if the vehicle is parked for an extended period directly after refuelling, it may well 
occur that the pointer for the natural gas engine does not indicate the fuel level shown directly after 
refuelling. This does not mean that there is a leak in the system but but rather that, for technical 
reasons the pressure has been decreased in the natural gas tank.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol ⇒ Fig. 115 in the display instrument shows 
you the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
 Only applies for vehicles with a fuel gauge in the instrument cluster ⇒ Fig. 115.
 Only applies for vehicles with a fuel gauge in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 116.
Filling the tank with petrol
a)
b)
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down in 
traffic, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially 
when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake assist systems will not function if the 
engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and 
breaking down.
WARNING
•To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated 
warning texts.
•Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt 
fuel to enter the exhaust system. This could cause damage to the catalytic converter!
NOTICE
a)
b) 

Windscreen washer fluid level Windscreen wiper and washer
Engine oil level Engine oil
Engine coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Braking, stopping and parking
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
equipment, service fluids and unsuitable tools are not available ⇒ Preparation for working in the 
engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are 
uncertain. Please ensure that the following are checked regularly, preferably every time you fill 
the tank:
Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light ⇒ Lights
Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Fuel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Natural gas
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap 
indicates the fuel type that is required for your particular vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends using low-sulphur or sulphur-free fuels, to help reduce fuel consumption 
and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel 
quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and 
drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If 
these symptoms occur immediately after the vehicle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as 
soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assistance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Engine management and exhaust system ⇒ Engine management system and exhaust 
purification system
Petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Petrol types
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on unleaded petrol in compliance with the European 
standard EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 ⇒. Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) can 
be used for refuelling.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number, e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99 RON (RON = 
Research Octane Number). The vehicle may be filled with petrol that has a higher octane number 
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and serious burns and injuries.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
•Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
•Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
•Switch off your mobile telephone or two-way radio when dealing with fuel. Electromagnetic 
radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation in the direct vicinity of fuels.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
•Comply with any relevant safety information and legislation concerning the handling of 
fuels.
WARNING 

The vehicle engine management will automatically adapt to the different natural gas qualities. Both 
natural gas qualities can therefore be mixed in the fuel tank. You do not need to empty the tank 
before refuelling with a different grade.
Natural gas
The vehicle can run on natural gas. Further information is available from your local Volkswagen 
dealership.
Safe handling of natural gas
If you can smell gas or think there may be a leak in the natural gas system ⇒:
•Stop the vehicle immediately.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open all the doors to fully ventilate the vehicle.
•Extinguish cigarettes immediately.
•Remove items that could cause sparks or fire from the vehicle or switch them off.
•Do not drive on if you can still smell gas.
•Seek expert assistance. Have the fault rectified.
Have the natural gas system checked regularly according to the service schedule by a 
qualified workshop.
In the engine compartment
Preparation for working in the engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
⇒ Opening and closing the bonnet
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine 
compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never carry out any work on the 
engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the requisite procedures and 
general safety requirements, or if you only have access to incorrect operating equipment, service 
fluids, and unsuitable tools ⇒. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are 
uncertain. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Windscreen wiper/washer ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer
•Starting and stopping the engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine
•Brake fluid ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Checks when filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Engine oil ⇒ Engine oil
•Engine coolant ⇒ Coolant
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
Ignoring the smell of gas in the vehicle or when refuelling can cause serious injuries.
•Take any necessary action.
•Leave the area of risk.
•Contact the emergency services if necessary.
WARNING
Your vehicle is not suitable for use with Liquefied Natural Gas and must not be filled up or 
driven with Liquefied Natural Gas. Liquefied Natural Gas can cause an explosion in the 
natural gas tank and serious injuries as a consequence.
WARNING
Cleaning and maintenance 

With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure 
that the engine oil reading is correct.
Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
Open the bonnet .
Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dipstick. The engine oil filler opening bears the 
symbol  on the cap and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you cannot find the cap 
and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on 
the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the 
guide tube when inserting.
After reading the oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap .
Using only the engine oil approved by Volkswagen expressly for this engine, top up the oil 
in small gradual amounts (no more than 0.5 l).
To avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each pour to allow the engine 
oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small 
quantity of engine oil. Never overfill engine oil .
After the refilling procedure, the engine oil level should be at least in the centre of area Ⓑ, 
but never above area Ⓐ .
After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on correctly.
Reinsert the oil dipstick correctly into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Close the bonnet correctly .
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order ⇒:
Pull the dipstick out again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows: Ⓐ: do not 
refill oil . Proceed to step 15. Ⓑ: oil can be refilled (approximately 0.5 l). Proceed to step 8 
or 15. Ⓒ: oil must be refilled (approximately 1.0 l). Proceed to step 8.
The engine oil level must never be above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Engine oil consumption
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of 
an engine.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil consumption can be up 
to 1.0 litre/2,000 km – and is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km for new vehicles. The engine 
oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably when refuelling and before long 
journeys.
When the engine is working hard the oil level must be kept within the area shown in ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ, 
for instance during long motorway cruising in summer or climbing mountain passes.
Engine oil can ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. It can cause fires, 
burns and other serious injuries.
•If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and ignite when the engine is 
running.
•Always ensure that the engine oil filler cap is securely tightened after refilling, and that the 
dipstick is properly inserted back into the guide tube. This will prevent the engine oil from 
draining out on to hot engine components when the engine is running.
WARNING
•Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Seek expert 
assistance. The catalytic converter and the engine could otherwise be damaged.
•When refilling or changing operating fluids please ensure that the fluids are in the correct 
container. Incorrect operating fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine 
damage.
NOTICE