
SymbolMeaning ⇒See
Do not drive on!
The electromechanical steering is faulty or not working.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened.
⇒ Seat belts
There are objects on the front passenger seat.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
Vehicles with start/stop system: manual engine start 
required.
⇒ Pull-away assist 
systems
Fault in the automated manual gearbox.⇒ Changing gear
Lit up: there is a fault in the ESC, or it has been switched of 
for system-related reasons
OR: together with the ABS indicator lamp : ABS fault.
OR: the vehicle battery has been reconnected.
⇒ Braking, stopping 
and parking
Flashing: ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.
Lit up: Traction Control fault or switched off for system-
related reasons.
Flashes: Traction Control active.
ABS faulty or not functioning.
The rear fog light is switched on.⇒ Lights
Lit up or flashing: catalytic converter fault.⇒ Engine 
management 
system and exhaust 
purification system
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power 
Control).
Electromechanical steering function reduced.⇒ Steering
Petrol tank nearly empty.⇒ Filling the tank
Natural gas tank nearly empty.⇒ Filling the tank
Fault in airbag and belt tensioner system.⇒ Airbag system
Automated manual gearbox overheated, or the gears 
cannot be selected correctly.⇒ Changing gear
Flashing: vehicle with an automated manual gearbox is not 
secured from rolling away.
Changing gear 
⇒ Changing gear
Braking, stopping 
and parking 
⇒ Braking, stopping 
and parking
Turn signal left or right.⇒ Lights
Hazard warning lights switched on.⇒ In an emergency
Cruise control system is controlling the speed.⇒ Cruise control 
system (CCS)
Depress the brake pedal.
Changing gear 
⇒ Changing gear
Braking, stopping 
and parking 
⇒ Braking, stopping 
and parking
Main beam is switched on or the headlight flasher is being 
operated.⇒ Lights
Engine coolant temperature is too low in vehicles with 
natural gas engine.⇒ Coolant
Seat belt fastened for a rear seat passenger.
⇒ Seat belts
Seat belt not fastened for a rear seat passenger.
Immobilizer active.⇒ Starting and 
stopping the engine
After switching on the ignition: Display to indicate that a 
service is due soon.
⇒ Instruments
Black ice warning. The outside temperature is below 
+4°C (+39°F).
Flashing quickly: City emergency brake function braking 
automatically or has braked automatically.
⇒ City emergency 
brake function
Flashing slowly: City emergency brake function currently 
not available.
City emergency brake function has been switched on 
manually. Switches off after approx. 5 seconds.
City emergency brake function has been switched off 
manually.
Lit up: start/stop system is available. 
Flashing: start/stop system is not available.⇒ Pull-away assist 
systemsStart/stop system is available, but an automatic engine stop 
is not possible. 

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 

•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 

Fault in the automated manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Emergency programme
There may be a fault in the system if warning and indicator lamps for the automated manual 
gearbox light up in the vehicle cluster ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp. When certain faults occur, the 
automated manual gearbox runs in an emergency programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the 
emergency programme, but only at reduced speed and not in all gears.
With an automated manual gearbox it may then be the case that the vehicle can no longer be 
driven in all gears.
In all cases the automated manual gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop 
immediately.
Overheating in the automated manual gearbox
The automated manual gearbox can overheat, for example if the vehicle regularly pulls off from the 
starting position or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by a warning lamp  displayed 
in the instrument cluster. An acoustic warning may also be heard. Stop the vehicle and allow the 
gearbox to cool down ⇒.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position 
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position 
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert 
assistance and have the system checked.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In some vehicles, the instrument cluster will show which gear should be selected while the vehicle 
is in motion to reduce fuel consumption.
DisplayMeaning
The current gear is optimal.
A higher gear is recommended.
A lower gear is recommended.
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.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather, 
road and traffic conditions permit.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle or 
through your driving style.
WARNING
If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by depressing 
the accelerator while a position is still selected. The automated manual gearbox could 
overheat and be damaged.
NOTICE
•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will 
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the lamp signal and acoustic warning are repeated approximately every 10 seconds, the 
vehicle must immediately be parked safely and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox 
to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the lamp goes out. 
You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is 
overheated.
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 

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 

to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry 
road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same 
manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the 
road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road 
surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer possible to steer or brake the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ESC 
cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the available power output, or keep the vehicle on the road 
if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road. 
Instead, ESC increases the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road 
driving situations, it assesses the driver’s steering input and helps the vehicle to continue in the 
required direction. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC 
can provide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integrated into the ESC. The ESC is always on.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until the point where the 
vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and keeping it under 
control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are depressed fully:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with force. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or 
reduce the force on the brake pedal!
•Do not pump the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal!
•Steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is fully depressed.
•The ABS will switch off when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the brake pedal is 
reduced.
If the ABS is taking corrective action, there is a pulsing movement in the brake pedal and some 
noise. However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all conditions. The 
braking distance could even be longer when braking on gravel or on fresh snow covering an icy or 
slippery surface.
Electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBD)
Every vehicle's centre of gravity moves forwards whenever the brake is operated. This means that 
the rear wheels are in danger of locking due to the lower traction. The electronic brake pressure 
distribution system controls the brake pressure for the rear wheels and thereby ensures the 
optimum distribution of brake pressure between the front and rear axles. Under normal conditions, 
the system will prevent the rear from breaking away if too much brake pressure if applied to the rear 
wheels. The electronic brake pressure distribution system is included in the ABS' scope of 
functions.
Brake Assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system can help to reduce the braking distance. The brake assist system 
reinforces brake pressure hydraulically when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an 
emergency situation. As a result, full braking power is made accessible very quickly, brake pressure 
is increased and the braking distance reduced. In this way, the ABS is activated more quickly and 
more effectively.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system will switch off the 
hydraulic brake servo automatically when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the 
brake pedal is reduced.
Traction Control System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC)
The TCS or TC reduces the engine output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road 
surface conditions. TCS or TC helps the car to start moving, accelerate and climb gradients in 
unfavourable road conditions.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL is available for normal driving on straight roads. EDL brakes the wheel that has lost 
traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the 
braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The 
EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down. 

Switch off the engine, ignition and the mobile telephone before filling the tank and leave them 
switched off during the process ⇒.
Please read and follow the instructions for the natural gas refuelling system.
The vehicle is not constructed for use with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ⇒. Before refilling with 
natural gas check that you are using the correct fuel ⇒ Fuel.
Opening the tank cap
The gas filler neck is located under the tank flap next to the petrol filler neck.
•The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
•Open the tank cap by the moulding to the rear.
Filling the tank
At very high ambient temperatures, the overheating protection function for the natural gas refuelling 
system could switch off automatically.
•Remove the cap ⇒ Fig. 118① from the gas filler neck ②.
•Place the filler coupling for the refuelling system on the gas filler neck. Please refer to natural 
gas refuelling system operating manual.
•The fuel tank is full when the compressor for the refuelling system switches off automatically.
•To end the refuelling procedure press the stop button on the refuelling system.
Closing the tank cap
•Check whether seal ⇒ Fig. 118③ on the gas filler neck has slipped onto the filler coupling. 
Place the seal back in the gas filler neck as necessary.
•Push the cap ① onto the gas filler neck.
•Close the tank flap. The tank flap must be flush with the vehicle bodywork.
The filling couplings for the natural gas refuelling systems can be of various different 
designs. Please ask for assistance from trained personnel if you are unsure of how to use the 
system.
Noises which you may hear while refuelling are normal and do not indicate that the system is 
malfunctioning.
The natural gas system in your vehicle is suitable for use with small compressors (slow fill) 
and large compressors (fast fill).
Capacities
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuel tank capacity
Petrol enginesapprox 35.0 l, of which 4.0 l reserve.
Natural gas engineNatural gas: approx. 11.0 kg of which reserve approx. 1.5 kg.
Petrol: approx. 10.0 l of which reserve approx. 5.0 l
Checks when filling the tank
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with 
the necessary procedures and the general safety requirements or if the correct operating 
Natural gas is highly explosive and inflammable. Failure to refuel properly with natural gas 
could result in accidents, serious burns and other injuries.
•Lock the fuel filler nozzle correctly before refuelling natural gas. Stop refuelling 
immediately if you start to smell gas.
WARNING
Your vehicle is not suitable for use with Liquefied Natural Gas and must not be filled up or 
driven with Liquefied Natural Gas. Liquefied Natural Gas can cause an explosion in the 
natural gas tank and serious injuries as a consequence.
WARNING