2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! tow

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

•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

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

Fastening rings
Fig. 76 In the luggage compartment: fastening rings
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
At the front of the luggage compartment are fastening rings for securing luggage ⇒ Fig. 76.
The fastening rings have to be folded out before they can be used.
The maximum load rating of the fastening rings is approximately 3.5 kN.
Suitable fastening belts and luggage stowage systems are available from a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Bag hook
Fig. 77 In the luggage compartment: bag hook
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Bag hooks are located on the upper left and right-hand side of the luggage compartment.
Never drop the luggage compartment floor, but rather guide it back down. The trims or the
luggage compartment floor could be damaged.
NOTICE
Unsuitable or damaged securing straps could rip in the event of a braking manoeuvre or
accident. This could cause objects to be flung through the interior and lead to severe or fatal
injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Attach securing straps securely to the fastening rings.
•Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and change the way the
vehicle handles.
•Small and light objects should also be secured.
•Never exceed the maximum load rating of the fastening rings when securing objects.
•Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
WARNING

Ensure that you know the weight of the mounts, roof carrier system and the items to be transported
on the roof - weigh them if necessary. Never exceed the maximum permissible roof load.
However, if you are using a carrier system with a lower weight rating, you will not be able to carry
the maximum roof load. In this case, do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the load carrier
system which is listed in the fitting instructions.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly ⇒.
Checking the fittings
After the mounts and load carrier have been attached, check the bolted connections and fastenings
once you have travelled a short distance and then at regular intervals.
Towing a trailer
Information on towing
The vehicle is not approved for towing a trailer. The vehicle is not factory-fitted with a towing
bracket and a towing bracket cannot be retrofitted.
Practical equipment
Stowage area
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowage compartment on the driver side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the front centre console
⇒ Stowage compartment with cover on the front passenger side
⇒ Open stowage compartment on the front passenger side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the rear centre console
⇒ Other stowage areas
Only use stowage compartments to stow light or smaller objects.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•⇒BookletRadio,
Accidents and vehicle damage can occur if the maximum permitted roof load is exceeded.
•Never exceed the quoted roof load, the maximum permissible axle loads, and the
permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle.
•Do not exceed the weight rating of the roof carrier system, even if the maximum roof load
has not been reached.
•Secure heavy objects as far forwards as possible and distribute the load evenly.
WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads could fall off the load carrier and cause accidents and
injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Secure loads properly.
WARNING
Fitting a towing bracket on the vehicle while the vehicle is in operation can lead to accidents
and cause serious injuries.
•Never fit a towing bracket on the vehicle.
•The bracket could be released from the vehicle during the journey.
WARNING
Fitting towing brackets of any kind can lead to serious vehicle 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

Fig. 81 In the centre console at front: stowage compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The stowage compartment ⇒ Fig. 81 can also be used as a holder for drinks ⇒ Drink holder or for
the ashtray ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter.
A 12-volt socket ⇒ Socket in the vehicle may be located in the stowage compartment.
Stowage compartment with cover on the front passenger side
Fig. 82 Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 83 Open stowage compartment on the front passenger side
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
There may be a stowage compartment with cover located on the front passenger side.
Opening and closing the stowage compartment cover
To open, pull up the opening lever ⇒ Fig. 82①.
To close, press the cover upwards until it engages.
Glasses compartment
A pair of glasses can be stored in the stowage compartment on the front passenger side.
The glasses compartment is located at the top of the stowage compartment ⇒ Fig. 83①.
Holders
A note block holder ⇒ Fig. 83② is located next to the glasses compartment and a pen holder ③, a
map compartment and a coin holder are located on the inside of the stowage compartment cover
④.
An open stowage compartment on the front passenger side can increase the risk of serious
injury in the case of an accident or during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres.
•Always keep the stowage compartment in the armrest closed while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING
In some vehicle models, the stowage compartment on the front passenger side contains
apertures. Small objects could fall through the apertures and become trapped behind the trim.
This could cause unusual noises and damage to the vehicle. For this reason, small objects
should not be stowed in the stowage compartment apart from in the designated areas.
NOTICE