
Fig. 88 In the front centre console: drink holder with clip
Fig. 89 In the rear centre console: drink holder
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Drink holders are located in the front and rear centre consoles.
Securing drink containers in the drink holder
Depending on the level of vehicle equipment, the front drink holder may be fitted with a clip that can
folded in and out ⇒ Fig. 88.
Fold the drink holder clip forwards.
Place the drink container in the drink holder so that it is held securely by the clip.
Ashtray and cigarette lighter
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ashtray
⇒ Cigarette lighter
Additional information and warnings:
•Electrical socket ⇒ Socket
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Ashtray
Fig. 90 In the front centre console: opening the ashtray
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Improper use of the ashtray and cigarette lighter could cause fires, burns and other serious
injuries.
•Never put paper or any other combustible materials in the ashtray.
WARNING

•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Warning and indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the automated manual gearbox.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can
cause considerable damage to the gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox.
Gears in the automated manual gearbox
cannot be selected correctly.
Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
Automated manual gearbox temporarily
overheated.
Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector
lever position . If the indicator lamp
remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
Selector lever for the automated manual
gearbox in position and the brake
pedal not depressed.
To select a position, press the brake pedal
⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
In conjunction with the yellow indicator
lamp for gearbox temperature :
automated manual gearbox overheated.
Depress the break pedal ⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking and allow the gearbox to cool
down. Do not perform pulling-away
manoeuvres in the meantime. If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
In conjunction with the flashing display
on the instrument cluster: the selector
lever for the automated manual gearbox
is not in position , prompt to start the
engine.
Move the selector lever to and start the
engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Flashing: vehicle with an automated
manual gearbox is not secured from
rolling away.
Apply the handbrake ⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking.
You are prompted in conjunction with
the indicator lamp to depress the brake
pedal : prompt to start the engine.
Move the selector lever to and start the
engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
During forward travel: attempt to place
automated manual gearbox selector
lever into position .
Stop the car and move the selector lever to
position so that it can then be moved to
position .
The selector lever for the automated
manual gearbox has been moved to
position or but the brake pedal
was not depressed.
Depress the brake pedal ⇒ Braking,
stopping and parking, move the selector
lever to position and then back to the
required position or .
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.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the
brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking
distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to
brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or in
vehicles with an automated manual gearbox in Tiptronic mode, move the selector lever to a
lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the
brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes should only be
used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE

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.
Pedals
Fig. 94 Pedals in vehicles with a manual gearbox: ① accelerator, ② brake pedal, ③ clutch pedal
Fig. 95 Pedals in vehicles with an automated manual gearbox: ① accelerator, ② brake pedal
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must never be impaired by objects or floor
mats.
Only use floor mats that leave the pedal area free and can be securely fastened in the footwell.
If a brake circuit fails, you will have to depress the brake pedal further than normal in order to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•If the vehicle is stationary or has to be parked for repairs, always park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the road, switch on the hazard warning lights, switch off the engine and take
other precautionary measures in order to warn traffic behind you.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
being damaged.
NOTICE
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
The pedals must be freely operable at all times. For example, the braking distance to fully stop
the vehicle will be longer if a braking circuit is faulty. The brake pedal will have to be
depressed further and harder than normal.
NOTICE

Lit upPossible cause ⇒Solution
In conjunction with warning lamp :
ABS and EBV not functioning.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
Brake pedal not depressed.To select a position, press the brake pedal.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt
driving style to suit road conditions.
Traction Control active.
Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt
driving style to suit road conditions
⇒ Traction Control System (TCS) or
Traction Control (TC).
Flashing: vehicle with an automated
manual gearbox is not secured from
rolling away.
Apply the handbrake.
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.
Handbrake
Fig. 100 Handbrake between the front seats
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Applying the handbrake
•Pull the handbrake lever up firmly with the locking button ⇒ Fig. 100 (arrow) pressed.
•The handbrake is applied when the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps.
Releasing the handbrake
•Lift the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button ⇒ Fig. 100 (arrow).
•Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.
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
Driving with poor brakes can result in accidents and serious injuries.
•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake
fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle
immediately and seek expert assistance ⇒ Brake fluid.
•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the
control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly
when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If
possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified
workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving
manoeuvres on the way.
•The ABS is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or
comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal
brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available.
Proceed to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE

Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must be
on a level, the wheels must be blocked and the vehicle key must be removed from the
ignition lock.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support
for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to
serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exactly
how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a
qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not been carried out
properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no
longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap
of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and injuries.
- After cooling, turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting
some downwards pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and
death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The vehicle battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
WARNING

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 119 A: release lever in the footwell on the driver side B: release lever on the bonnet
Fig. 120 C: release lever at the bonnet stay D: bonnet secured with the bonnet stay
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening the bonnet
•Ensure that the windscreen wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the
bonnet ⇒.
•Pull the release lever ① in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 119A. The bonnet is released from
its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒.
•Lift the bonnet slightly and at the same time push the release lever ② B in the direction of the
arrow to open the bonnet completely.
•Take the bonnet stay out of the holder ③ C on the bonnet and insert it in opening ④ D (arrow).
Closing the bonnet
•Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒.
•Take the bonnet stay out of the holder ④ D and insert it in the opening in the bonnet ③ C.
•Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of approximately 20 cm – do not press it
down!
If the bonnet is not closed, open it again and close it properly.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is properly closed.
Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety procedures.
•Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to severe injuries.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not properly closed, it could open suddenly while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
•If you notice that the bonnet is not properly closed while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible and close the bonnet.
•Therefore the bonnet should only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is in
its path.
WARNING
The bonnet should only be opened when the wiper arms are flush to the windscreen in order
to avoid damage to the bonnet and the windscreen wiper arms.
NOTICE

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

Rims
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel
bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that the
wheels are fitted securely and that the brake system works properly ⇒ Changing a wheel.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This can
also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type.
The tyres and rims approved by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must always be tightened with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Rims with bolted-on rings
Rims with bolted-on rings consist of several components. These components are fastened using
special bolts and special fastening technology. This ensures that the wheel functions properly, does
not leak, remains safe and runs true. For this reason, damaged rims should be replaced. They may
only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose ⇒.
Rims with bolted-on trims
Rims may have removable trims that are attached to the rim with self-locking bolts. Damaged trims
may only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose ⇒.
Rims identification
In some countries, new rims are legally required to contain certain specifications on them.
Depending on the country the following specifications can appear on the rims:
•Seal of conformity
•Rim size
•Name of manufacturer or brand name
•Date manufactured (month / year)
•Country of origin
•Production number
•Raw materials batch number
•Product code
New wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New tyres
•Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in.
Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip ⇒ and braking effect ⇒.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread.
The use of unsuitable or damaged rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injury.
•Only use rims that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Check the rims regularly for damage and replace as necessary.
WARNING
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings can cause
accidents and serious injury.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•All work on rims with bolted-on rings must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING