Warning and information displays
The system checks certain components and functions in the vehicle when the ignition is switched
on or while the vehicle is in motion. Functional faults are indicated by warning symbols on the
instrument cluster display (⇒ Warning and indicator lamps). An acoustic warning is also given in
certain cases. Different instrument cluster designs will have different displays.
Distance displays
The odometer registers the total distance travelled by the car.
The trip recorder (trip) shows the distance travelled since the trip recorder was last reset. The final
digit shows distances of 100 m.
Outside temperature display
If the outside temperature falls below +4°C (+39°F), the display also shows a snowflake symbol (ice
warning). This symbol flashes and then remains constantly lit until the outside temperature rises
above +6°C (+43°F) ⇒.
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the temperature displayed may be
slightly higher than the actual outside temperature as a result of the heat radiated from the engine.
The measuring range lies between -40℃ (-40°F) and +50 ℃ (+122°F).
Selector lever positions
The chosen selector lever position is indicated by luminous lettering on the selector lever. In
position D the selected gear and the current position are shown in the instrument cluster display. In
position (Tiptronic) only the selected gear is shown ⇒ Changing gear.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
While the vehicle is in motion, the instrument cluster may show which gear should be selected to
reduce fuel consumption ⇒ Changing gear.
Belt status display for the rear seats
Once the ignition has been switched on, the driver can see the belt status display in the instrument
cluster display and therefore can tell whether or not the rear passengers have fastened their seat
belts ⇒ Seat belts.
Start/stop system status display
The instrument cluster display shows information about the current status ⇒ Pull-away assist
systems.
The design and content of displays may vary, as different instrument clusters are available.
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.
•Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents, both for you and for other road users.
If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle to warn
other road users.
•Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and ensure that no part of the
exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the
vehicle, e.g. dry grass or fuel.
WARNING
Streets and bridges can be iced over at outside temperatures above freezing point.
•There may be black ice on the roads at outside temperatures above +4°C (+39°F) and
also when no snowflake symbol is displayed as a black ice warning.
•You should never rely solely on the outside temperature display!
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
In some vehicles other vehicle functions can be displayed on the screen of the portable
navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts.
After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been
changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has
been sufficiently charged.
Using the displays in the instrument cluster
Fig. 12 The windscreen wiper lever: button ① to confirm and rocker switch ② to change the
display
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Opening a display option
•Switch on the ignition.
•If a message or vehicle pictogram is displayed, press the button ⇒ Fig. 12①.
•Press the rocker switch ② up or down until the appropriate display option is shown.
Multifunction display (MFD)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The multifunction display (MFD) is equipped with two automatic memories: 1 - Trip memory and 2 -
Total journey memory. The number of the current memory on display will be shown in the lower
right-hand corner of the display.
When the ignition is switched on and memory 1 or 2 is shown on the
display, press the button to switch between the two memories.
1Trip memory
The memory collects the travel and fuel consumption data from the moment
the ignition is switched on until it is switched off.
If the journey is interrupted for more than two hours, the memory is
automatically deleted. If the journey is continued within two hours of the
ignition being switched off, the new values will be added to the existing trip
recorder.
2Total journey
memory
Depending on which instrument cluster is installed, the memory collects
journey data for any number of individual journeys up to a total of 19 hours
and 59 minutes travel time or 1,999.9 km (miles) distance travelled. Once
these total limits have been reached, the memory will be deleted
automatically and begin again at 0.
Possible displays
MenuFunction
TimeCurrent time in hours (h) and minutes (min).
Driving timeDriving time in hours (h) and minutes (min) that has elapsed since
the ignition was switched on.
Current fuel consumption
While the vehicle is in motion, current consumption is displayed
in l/100 km. When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary it is measured in litres/hour or, in vehicles with gas
engines, in kg/h.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption will be shown in l/100km or, in
vehicles with gas engines, in kg/100 km after a distance of
approximately 100 metres has been travelled. The display will show
dashes until this point. The displayed values will be updated
approximately every 5 seconds.
Fuel range
Approximate calculation of the distance in km that can still be
travelled with the current fuel level under the current driving
conditions. One factor used for calculating this figure is the current
level of fuel consumption.
In natural gas engines: the value with the symbol shows the
total distance in petrol mode. The value with the symbol shows
the total distance in petrol mode.
Distance drivenThe distance travelled in km since the ignition was switched on.
a)
Roof carrier
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Attaching the mounts and load carrier system
⇒ Loading the load carrier system
The roof of the vehicle has been designed for optimum aerodynamic effect. It is therefore no longer
possible to attach conventional roof carrier systems to a rain channel on the roof.
As the rain channels have been integrated into the roof for better aerodynamics, only mounts or
roof carriers approved by Volkswagen can be used.
When should the roof carrier be removed?
•When it is no longer being used.
•When the vehicle is driving through a car wash.
•When the vehicle height exceeds the required clearance height, e.g. in a garage.
Additional information and warnings:
•Lights ⇒ Lights
•Transporting ⇒ Transporting
•Driving with respect for the environment ⇒ Driving with respect for the environment
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Driving with a fitted roof carrier will increase air resistance and thus increase fuel
consumption.
Attaching the mounts and load carrier system
Never use the bag hooks as fastening rings for straps. The bag hook could break off during a
sudden braking manoeuvre or accident.
WARNING
The bag hooks can only carry a maximum of 1.5 kg.
NOTICE
When transporting heavy or bulky objects in the roof carrier, the vehicle's handling will change
due to a shift in the centre of gravity and an increased susceptibility to crosswinds.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a negative effect on the vehicle
aerodynamics, centre of gravity and overall handling.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING
•Always remove the roof carrier before driving through an automatic car wash.
•The vehicle's height is changed by the installation of the roof carrier system and the load
secured on it. Check and compare the height of the vehicle with clearance heights, e.g. for
underpasses and garage doors.
•The roof carrier system and its load must not obstruct you from opening and closing the
electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof and tailgate. The roof aerial must also remain
unaffected.
•When opening the tailgate, take care not to let it hit the roof load.
NOTICE
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
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
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
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
•The cooling function of the air conditioning system: if the air conditioning system is set to a very
high or low temperature it will require a lot of energy, which is generated by the engine.
Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside
temperature. It may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short
distance with the windows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once
the windows have been closed.
•Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel
consumption.
•Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
•Switch the rear window heating off as soon as the window has defogged and is clear of ice.
Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
•Fault in engine management.
•Driving in hilly regions.
Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fig. 102 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15 %.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less
and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you
can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its
working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to
minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The outside temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20°C (+68°F) and at -
10°C (+14°F) are shown in ⇒ Fig. 102.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
Not only is it illegal in some countries to warm up the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is
stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have optimum rolling resistance.
Using low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils
decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread better and more quickly, especially for cold
starts. They are especially effective in vehicles that make a lot of short journeys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil
change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always ensure that it complies with engine oil norms and has been
approved by Volkswagen.