
Are any technical modifications required for driving the vehicle abroad, e.g. masking the 
headlights?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and 
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
For petrol engines: is unleaded petrol with the correct octane number available?
And for gas engines: is compressed natural gas (CNG) available Fuel?
Are the correct engine oil (Engine oil) and other service fluids that comply with Volkswagen 
specifications available in the destination country?
Will the portable navigation unit Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 
work with the navigation data available in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related legislation apply that may 
differ from the construction of the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your 
Volkswagen dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and 
the following issues at your destination:
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for 
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than 
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such an 
extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•When driving through water, always switch off the start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist 
systems.
Technical data
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle identification data
⇒ Engine data
⇒ Dimensions
⇒ Performance figures
The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule or the vehicle registration documents show which 
engine is installed in your vehicle.
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual 
apply to the basic model. The figures may be different if additional equipment is fitted, for different 
models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, inadequate 
servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking 
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in 
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that 
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running 
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that have 
been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE 

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 

An acoustic warning is given if the car is driven faster than approximately 6 km/h (4 mph) 
with the handbrake applied.
Parking
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please adhere to relevant legislation when stopping and parking your vehicle.
Stopping the vehicle
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
•Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
•Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Handbrake.
•With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to position D or R.
•Switch off the engine and take your foot off the brake pedal.
•Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
•Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock mechanism.
•With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill inclines, or reverse gear for 
downhill inclines, and then release the clutch.
•Please ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle.
•Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
•Lock the vehicle.
Additional points for ascending and descending inclines
Before switching off the engine, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the 
kerb if the parked vehicle starts to move.
•When facing downhill, turn the wheels so that they face the kerb.
•When facing uphill, turn the wheels so that they face the centre of the road.
Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•The handbrake should never be used to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The 
braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use 
the foot brake.
•Never drive the vehicle with the handbrake lightly applied. This can overheat the brakes 
and adversely affect the brake system. It can also cause premature wear to the rear brake 
pads.
•Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has been 
selected and the engine is running. The vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is 
applied.
WARNING
To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly 
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
NOTICE 

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 

If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time. 
Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the 
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. 
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Brake assist systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, EBV, BAS, TCS, TC and EDL will only function when the 
engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual 
wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC detects critical driving situations such as oversteer, 
understeer and wheelspin. The system supports the stabilisation process for the vehicle by targeted 
braking or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. It is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. 
ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able 
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
•New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 320 km and must 
first be run in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the 
brake pedal.
•You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to reduce 
the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create 
a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.
•When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very 
quickly.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or 
move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect 
and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause 
them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer 
braking distances.
•Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
•Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious 
applications of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus 
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•If the brake servo does not function 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.
WARNING
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to 
brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can 
considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, in certain 
circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or 
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 

Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container 
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, 
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can 
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals 
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with 
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925 
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid 
container or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may 
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please 
proceed to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the 
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule ⇒BookletService schedule,. 
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a 
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required 
specification should be used.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and 
disposed of properly.
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or 
by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
•The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
•The brake fluid should be changed regularly, according to the service schedule 
⇒BookletService schedule,.
•Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system for 
too long. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase braking 
distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly 
compliant with VW standard 501 14.
•Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and 
reduce their effectiveness.
•If a brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14 is not available, use a high-quality 
brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, 
but only in exceptional circumstances.
•The refilled brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
•In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store 
brake fluid. These containers could encourage other people to drink out of them, even if 
they are labelled otherwise.
•Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the reach 
of children.
WARNING
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts and 
tyres. Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt should be cleaned off the vehicle paintwork and 
other components immediately.
NOTICE 

Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot 
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒.
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.
•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the 
underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend 
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that 
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle 
paintwork.
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can 
damage the surface.
•Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It 
is best to use soapy water.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the 
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and 
seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order 
to avoid damage to the vehicle:
•Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle 
track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
•Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic 
car wash.
•Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers 
back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the 
glass.
•Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.
NOTICE 

Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have 
been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with 
wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒
.
Removing wax
Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can 
only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the 
windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning 
cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the 
vehicle is washed.
A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the 
windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove 
wax deposits ⇒.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen 
dealerships.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move 
it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to 
scratch the window.
The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term 
damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Maintain sufficient distance between the washer jet and the tyres.
•Never clean the tyres with concentrated jet nozzles (dirt blasters). The tyres may incur 
visible and invisible damage even if cleaned briefly with the spray at a distance.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend 
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that 
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water may be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle 
paintwork.
•The ParkPilot sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean and free of ice to guarantee 
correct function. When cleaning with pressure hoses or steam cleaners, the sensors 
should only be sprayed briefly and the steam/hose nozzle must be kept more than 10 cm 
away.
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the 
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and 
seals could freeze.
NOTICE