2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! tailgate

In some vehicles it is possible to set the screen of the portable navigation device (delivered
by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts to display whether the
tailgate is open or not properly closed.
Opening the tailgate
Fig. 27 In the vehicle key: tailgate release button
Fig. 28 Opening the tailgate from the outside
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
It will not be possible to open the tailgate if, for example, bicycles are mounted on a carrier attached
to it ⇒. Remove the load from the carrier and support the open tailgate.
Opening with the central locking system
•Press the button in the vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 27 for approximately one second to unlock
the tailgate.
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 28① and lift the tailgate using the grip ②.
Opening with the mechanical vehicle key
Incorrect and unsupervised unlocking, opening or closing of the tailgate can cause accidents
and serious injuries.
•Therefore the tailgate should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is
in its path.
•Never close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the window. The rear
window could shatter and cause injuries.
•After closing the tailgate, check to ensure that it is closed and locked correctly so that it
does not open while the vehicle is in motion. The closed tailgate must be flush with the
surrounding body panels.
•Always keep the tailgate closed while the vehicle is in motion so that no toxic exhaust
fumes can enter the vehicle interior.
•Never open the tailgate if a load is attached to it, e.g. a rack or luggage carrier. It may also
not possible to open the tailgate if there are objects attached to it, e.g. bicycles. The
additional load might cause the open tailgate to close by itself. Support the tailgate as
necessary or remove the load from the surface.
•Close and lock the tailgate and all vehicle doors when the vehicle is not in use. Ensure
that no one remains in the vehicle.
•Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the
tailgate is open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment and shut the tailgate,
thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach
extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness
or fatalities, especially for small children.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could use
the vehicle key or central locking button to lock the vehicle and thereby trap themselves
inside.
WARNING
Before opening the tailgate, please check that there is enough space to open and close the
tailgate, e.g. when in a garage.
NOTICE

•Unlock the vehicle or the driver door ⇒ Central locking system.
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 28① and lift the tailgate using the grip ②.
At outside temperatures of less than 0°C (+32°F), the gas-filled struts cannot always lift the
opened tailgate automatically. The tailgate then has to be guided up by hand.
Closing the tailgate
Fig. 29 Open tailgate: handle recess for closing the tailgate
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Closing the tailgate
•Grip the handle in the interior trim of the tailgate ⇒ Fig. 29 (arrow).
•Pull the tailgate down with some force until it engages in the lock. Please ensure that no one
has their hands in the direct path of the tailgate as it moves ⇒.
•Pull the tailgate to ensure that it is engaged securely.
Locking the tailgate using the central locking system
The vehicle will be locked again automatically if you do not open one of the doors or the tailgate
approximately 30 seconds after unlocking the car. This function prevents the vehicle from remaining
unlocked if the unlocking button is pressed by mistake.
The tailgate can only be locked when it is properly closed and engaged.
•The tailgate is also locked by the central locking system.
•If the tailgate of the locked vehicle is unlocked using the  button in the vehicle key, it
will lock again as soon as it is closed.
•If the tailgate is closed but not locked, it will lock automatically once the vehicle reaches a
speed of approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Locking the tailgate using the mechanical vehicle key
The tailgate can only be locked when it is properly closed and engaged.
•Insert the vehicle key in the driver door lock cylinder and turn clockwise⇒ Central locking
system.
Before closing the tailgate, check that the vehicle key is not in the luggage compartment.
Serious injuries can occur if the tailgate is unlocked or opened incorrectly or without due care
and attention.
•It may not always be apparent that the tailgate is unlocked, for example when a loaded
luggage carrier is attached to it. If unlocked, the tailgate may open suddenly while the
vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Serious injuries can occur if the tailgate is closed incorrectly or without due care and
attention.
•Never leave children playing unattended in or around the vehicle, especially when the
tailgate is open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment and shut the tailgate,
thereby trapping themselves inside. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach
extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This could cause serious injuries or illness,
or even have fatal consequences.
•When closing the tailgate, please ensure that no one has their hands in the direct path of
the tailgate as it moves.
WARNING

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

•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

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

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

Variable luggage compartment floor
Fig. 74 A: Opening the variable luggage compartment floor B: Variable luggage compartment floor
lifted up
Fig. 75 C: Extending the luggage compartment downwards D: Extending the luggage compartment
to the front
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening and closing the luggage compartment floor
To open, lift the grip ⇒ Fig. 74① in the direction of the arrow and lift the luggage compartment floor
up fully ⇒ Fig. 74B.
To close, guide the luggage compartment cover down.
Extending the luggage compartment downwards
•Lift the luggage compartment floor and push down ⇒ Fig. 75C (arrows).
•Place the luggage compartment floor on the floor covering.
•If necessary, fold the backrests forwards ⇒ Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat
forwards and backwards.
Extending the luggage compartment to the front
•Remove the luggage compartment cover ⇒ Luggage compartment cover.
•Remove rear head restraints ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
•Fold the rear seat backrests forwards ⇒ Folding the backrests on the rear bench seat forwards
and backwards.
•If necessary, expand the luggage compartment downwards.
Objects that are not secured or are secured incorrectly, or animals on the luggage
compartment cover, could cause serious injuries in any sudden driving or braking manoeuvre
or accident.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp items either loose or in bags on the luggage
compartment cover.
•Never transport pets on the luggage compartment cover.
•Never drive with the luggage compartment cover upright. Always fold it down or remove it
before your journey.
WARNING
To avoid damage to the luggage compartment cover:
•Always ensure that the luggage compartment cover is fitted securely in the side retainers.
•The luggage compartment should only be filled so that the luggage compartment cover
does not push down on the load when the tailgate is closed.
NOTICE

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