•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
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
Starting the engine, changing gear and
parking
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobilizer
Immobilizer display
If the vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, then may be displayed in the
instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started ⇒ Electronic immobilizer.
Push-starting or towing
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Steering ⇒ Steering
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
•Tow starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
•Observe the operating instructions for any device that you plug into the socket.
•Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical
system.
•12-volt socket:
- Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with the relevant
guidelines on electromagnetic compatibility.
- Never feed electricity into the socket.
NOTICE
While driving
Ignition lock
Fig. 93 Vehicle key positions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 93
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released,
the vehicle key moves back to position ①.
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the
vehicle battery could discharge.
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the vehicle.
This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is stationary.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended. The vehicle could
move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage and
serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. A start booster can explode and cause the engine to suddenly
run at high revs.
WARNING
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
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic
converters or heat shields.
WARNING
Always take care when using the vehicle key as you could cause accidents or serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be
started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can
cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93①.
2.Fully depress the clutch pedal until the
engine has been started.
Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.
3.Shift the gear stick to a neutral position.Place the selector lever in position N.
4.Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 93② – do not depress the
accelerator.
5.Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the procedure and repeat it after approximately one minute.
7.Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
Natural gas engines
The gas engine will only start with gas. It is possible to start the engine with petrol under the
following conditions:
•Very low outside temperatures.
•The mixture adjustment after filling is not yet complete.
•Natural gas tank is empty.
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as
soon as there is good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine to reach operating
temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.The vehicle must be completely stationary ⇒.
2.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until step 4 has been completed.
3.Place the selector lever in position D or R.
4.Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
5.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93⓪.
6.Select 1st gear or reverse gear.
Never leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly,
particularly if a gear or position is selected, and cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
A start booster can explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
•The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the
vehicle is in motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched
off.
•When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading
the engine.
•Do not push-start or tow-start the engine. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter.
NOTICE
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. It automatically deactivates the immobilizer when the vehicle key is
inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been used, the display in the instrument cluster will show
. The vehicle cannot be used if this occurs. Remove the non-authorised vehicle key from
the ignition lock and used an authorised vehicle key.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Changing gear
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamp
⇒ Pedals
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Automated manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Changing gear with Tiptronic
⇒ Driving with an automated manual gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox
⇒ Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is
switched on:
•The reverse light comes on.
•The rear window wiper will move once when the windscreen wipers are switched on.
•The ParkPilot may switch on.
Additional information and warnings:
•Overview of the centre console ⇒ Overview of the centre console
•Instruments ⇒ Instruments
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system
and exhaust purification system
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle
control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required on
the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
•The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will be
required to steer the vehicle.
•If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you will
no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine could overheat when it
is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral for
approximately 2 minutes before switching it off.
NOTICE
Driving in the correct gear can reduce fuel consumption.
The display on the gear-change indicator will disappear when the clutch pedal is depressed.
In some vehicles the gear recommendation may be displayed on the screen of the portable
navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts.
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Handbrake
⇒ Parking
⇒ Information on the brakes
⇒ Brake assist systems
⇒ Brake fluid
The brake assist systems are the electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBV), anti-lock
brake system (ABS), the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), traction
control (TC), the traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation programme (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's
own judgement.
•The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations, e.g. when
overtaking or when driving up and down hills.
CAUTION
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible cause ⇒Solution
Handbrake is applied.⇒ Handbrake.
Brake system fault.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
Brake fluid level is too low.Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level ⇒ Brake fluid level.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp
: ABS and EDV not functioning.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
ESC switched off by the system.Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary,
drive a short distance.
ESC fault.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp
: ABS fault.
Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be
checked by a qualified workshop ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Traction Control fault or switched off for
system-related reasons.
Go to qualified workshop ⇒ Traction Control
System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC).
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp
: ABS fault.
Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•If you have reason to believe that the brakes are worn down or the brake system is faulty,
go to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system checked and have any
worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
Incorrect parking can cause serious injuries.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the
vehicle.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Always apply the handbrake fully when the vehicle is parked.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
release the handbrake, move the selector lever or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle
in motion. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can still
be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls still can be operated,
potentially causing serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
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