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
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
Fig. 96 Gear shift pattern of a 5-speed manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The positions of the individual driving gears are shown on the gearshift lever ⇒ Fig. 96.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal.
•Move the gear lever to the required position ⇒.
•Release the clutch to engage.
In models for certain countries the clutch pedal will have to be depressed fully in order to start the
engine.
Selecting reverse gear
•Reverse gear should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
•Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal ⇒.
•Shift the gear lever to the neutral position.
•Push the gearshift lever fully to the right and then back into the reverse gear position
⇒ Fig. 96Ⓡ.
•Release the clutch to engage.
Shifting down
You should always select the next immediate gear when shifting down a gear whilst the vehicle is in
motion. The engine revs should not be too high when doing this ⇒. Damage to the clutch and
the gearbox could occur if at high speeds or high engine revs one or more gears are skipped when
shifting down gear, even if the clutch is not released when doing this ⇒.
Automated manual gearbox: selecting a gear
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a gear is engaged and
the clutch released. This also applies when the handbrake is on.
•Never engage reverse gear while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Shifting gears incorrectly to a lower gear can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle, which can
cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
Serious damage to the clutch and gearbox can occur if the gear stick on the manual gearbox
is shifted to too low a gear when travelling at high speeds or at high revs. This also applies if
the clutch remains depressed and the gears do not engage.
NOTICE
Please note the following to help avoid damage and premature wear:
•Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure from your hand is
passed onto the selector forks in the gearbox.
•Ensure that the vehicle has come to a full stop before engaging reverse gear.
•Always fully depress the clutch pedal when changing gear.
•Do not hold the vehicle by riding the clutch on a slope with the engine running.
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
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
Driving with respect for the environment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ An economic driving style
⇒ Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and tyres depend largely on
three factors:
•Personal driving style.
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
•Technical conditions.
Depending on your personal driving style, a few simple measures can help save fuel by up to 25%.
An economic driving style
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Changing gear earlier
In principle, the highest gear is always the most economical gear. A rule of thumb for most vehicles:
at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) drive in 3rd gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in 4th gear and at 50 km/h
(31 mph) in 5th gear.
If the traffic and driving situation allows it, skipping gears when changing up a gear will also save
fuel.
Do not drive gears to their upper limit. Use first gear only for pulling away then quickly change up to
second gear. Avoid using the kickdown function in vehicles with an automated manual gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to improve fuel economy by indicating the optimum time to
change gear.
Rolling to a stop
Taking your foot off the accelerator will interrupt the supply of fuel to the engine and decrease fuel
consumption.
Therefore, in situations such as approaching a red traffic light, let the vehicle roll without applying
the accelerator. Only press on the clutch pedal to disengage if the vehicle becomes too slow or if
the stopping distance is longer. The engine will then run at idling speed.
Switch off the engine in situations when the vehicle might be stationary for a long time, e.g. at a
level crossing. In vehicles with an active start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically
when the vehicle is stationary.
Thinking ahead when driving, and driving with the flow of traffic
Applying the brake and accelerator too often will significantly increase fuel consumption. By thinking
ahead when driving and by maintaining a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, simply
keeping your foot off the accelerator will stop the speed from fluctuating. This means that active
braking and accelerating is not always necessary.
Driving smoothly and evenly
Even more important than speed is smoothness: the more evenly you drive, the lower your fuel
consumption will be.
When driving on a motorway, it is much more effective to drive at a constant moderate speed than
to drive with constant acceleration and braking. As a rule, driving with a constant style will get you
to your destination just as quickly.
The cruise control system will help you to maintain a constant driving style.
Using additional equipment in moderation
It is always important to be comfortable in your vehicle, but it is also important to consider the
environment.
Some equipment will increase fuel consumption when switched on:
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
WARNING
Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The start/stop system is not available.
Automatic engine stop active.
The start/stop system is available, but an
automatic engine stop is not possible.
Check whether all technical requirements
have been fulfilled. If not, remedy any
shortfalls ⇒ Start/stop system.
Start/stop system cannot start the engine.
Start the engine again manually using the
vehicle key ⇒ Starting and stopping the
engine.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system not available.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
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.
Start/stop system
Fig. 103 In the upper part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When the start/stop system is active, the engine is switched off whenever the vehicle is stationary.
The engine then restarts automatically as soon as it is required.
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display shows information about the current status ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
•When the vehicle is stationary, disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal. The engine is
stopped.
The intelligent technology of the pull-away assist systems cannot overcome the laws of
physics. Never let the extra convenience afforded by pull-away assist systems tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The pull-away assist systems cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•A pull-away assist system cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
WARNING
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 it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
•Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•The vehicle has been moved since the engine was last switched off.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charging state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls.
Conditions that make a key start necessary
The engine has to be started manually with the vehicle key in the following conditions:
•If the driver unfastens their seat belt.
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Switching the start/stop system on and off
•Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 103.
•If start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, the engine will start again as soon as the
system has been switched off manually with the button.
In some cases, it will be necessary to restart the engine manually with the vehicle key. Take
note of the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Hill Hold Assist
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Hill Hold Assist function actively holds the vehicle when pulling away on an incline.
The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically activated if the following
conditions are met
Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time:
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.On an incline, the stationary vehicle must be held in position with the footbrake until the
vehicle starts moving.
2.The engine is running smoothly.
3.
Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the
gear stick to the 1st gear position if you want
to drive forwards up a hill or to the R position
if you want to reverse up a hill.
Position D is selected when driving forwards
up an incline or position R is selected for
driving in reverse up an incline.
The brake servo and the electromechanical steering will not function if the engine is switched
off.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•The start/stop system must be switched off if work is to be carried out in the engine
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the
vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE