
Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Check the tyre pressure (Wheels and tyres) and fuel level (Filling the tank).
Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment 
or on the roof Driving notes.
Ensure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight 
and size Child seats (accessories).
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of 
the occupants Adjusting the seat position, Mirrors.
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be 
securely fastened.
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving. 
This also applies to all passengers Adjusting the seat position.
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout 
the journey. This also applies to all passengers Seat belts.
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls, 
opening menus and making adjustments to settings.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.
When travelling long distances, stop and take a break regularly – at least every 2 hours.
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
Additional information and warnings:
•Sitting correctly and safely ⇒ Sitting correctly and safely
•Transporting ⇒ Transporting
•Starting the engine, changing gear and parking the vehicle ⇒ Starting the engine, changing gear 
and parking
•Driving with respect for the environment ⇒ Driving with respect for the environment
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
Preparing for a journey and driving safely
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Observe the following information both before and during the journey to ensure your own safety 
and the safety of passengers and other road users ⇒:
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your 
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. Servicing work should therefore be 
carried out in accordance with the service schedule. Some work may have to be carried out before 
the due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe 
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving and driving in areas with high 
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or qualified 
workshop.
Driving abroad
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious 
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction times 
and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving. 
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching your 
destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING 

Switch off the seat heating when the seat is not occupied.
FunctionAction ⇒ Fig. 41
Switching onPress the  button. The seat heating is switched on at the 
highest setting. All indicator lamps light up in the button.
Adjusting the heating 
outputPress the  button again until the required heating level is set.
Switching offPress the  button until the indicator lamps in the button go out.
If the second temperature level has been switched on for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically 
switch to the first temperature level. Only one indicator lamp will be lit up.
The seat heating should be switched off as soon as it is no longer needed. Fuel is otherwise 
wasted.
Seat belts
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or 
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a 
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible 
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen 
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Stowage ⇒ Stowage area
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis 
or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when 
using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never heal fully. 
Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat 
heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure 
at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials (such as a protective cover or child seat) on 
the seat could damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to emit a smell, switch the seat heating off immediately and have it 
checked by a qualified workshop.
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 

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 

•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. 

Avoid unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and environmentally-friendly it is. An extra weight of 
100 kg can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove all unnecessary objects and loads from the vehicle.
Remove any unnecessary special equipment and accessories
The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption. Special equipment and 
accessories, such as roof carriers or bicycle carriers, make the vehicle less aerodynamic.
You should therefore remove any special equipment and luggage carriers that are not in use, 
especially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.
Steering
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Information on steering
Depending on its equipment level the vehicle may have power steering.
The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this 
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required. 
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil 
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy 
supply while steering.
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the 
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering 
only functions when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
•Starting and stopping the engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The electromechanical steering is faulty 
or not working.
The steering should be checked by a 
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Electromechanical steering function 
reduced.
The steering should be checked by a 
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
If the yellow warning lamp remains off after 
the ignition has been restarted and you have 
driven a short distance, you do not need to 
consult a qualified workshop.
The vehicle battery has been 
disconnected and reconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 
15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is 
switched on. They will go out soon afterwards.
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it 
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING 

Fig. 115 In the instrument cluster: variant A: fuel gauge for petrol, variant B: fuel gauge for petrol
Fig. 116 In the instrument cluster display: fuel gauge for petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The fuel gauge can vary according to the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 115 or ⇒ Fig. 116.
Lit upNeedle position
⇒ Fig. 115
Possible cause ⇒Solution
Red marking ①
Fuel tank nearly empty.
Reserve quantity is being used 
⇒ Capacities.
Fill the tank with petrol 
as soon as possible ⇒
.
Blue marking ②
Natural gas fuel tank nearly 
empty.
Reserve quantity is being used.
Refuel with natural gas 
as soon as possible ⇒
.
Flashes for 
approximately 
10 seconds
Position of the 
bar ⇒ Fig. 116
Possible cause ⇒Solution
Reserve fuel 
marking flashes for 
approximately 10 
seconds (four small 
segments)
Fuel tank nearly empty.
Reserve quantity is being used 
⇒ Capacities.
Fill the tank as soon as 
possible ⇒.
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.
Natural gas engines
Things to note: if the vehicle is parked for an extended period directly after refuelling, it may well 
occur that the pointer for the natural gas engine does not indicate the fuel level shown directly after 
refuelling. This does not mean that there is a leak in the system but but rather that, for technical 
reasons the pressure has been decreased in the natural gas tank.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol ⇒ Fig. 115 in the display instrument shows 
you the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
 Only applies for vehicles with a fuel gauge in the instrument cluster ⇒ Fig. 115.
 Only applies for vehicles with a fuel gauge in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 116.
Filling the tank with petrol
a)
b)
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down in 
traffic, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially 
when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake assist systems will not function if the 
engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and 
breaking down.
WARNING
•To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated 
warning texts.
•Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt 
fuel to enter the exhaust system. This could cause damage to the catalytic converter!
NOTICE
a)
b) 

Windscreen washer fluid level Windscreen wiper and washer
Engine oil level Engine oil
Engine coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Braking, stopping and parking
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
equipment, service fluids and unsuitable tools are not available ⇒ Preparation for working in the 
engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are 
uncertain. Please ensure that the following are checked regularly, preferably every time you fill 
the tank:
Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light ⇒ Lights
Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Fuel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Natural gas
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap 
indicates the fuel type that is required for your particular vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends using low-sulphur or sulphur-free fuels, to help reduce fuel consumption 
and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel 
quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and 
drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If 
these symptoms occur immediately after the vehicle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as 
soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assistance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Engine management and exhaust system ⇒ Engine management system and exhaust 
purification system
Petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Petrol types
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on unleaded petrol in compliance with the European 
standard EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 ⇒. Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) can 
be used for refuelling.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number, e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99 RON (RON = 
Research Octane Number). The vehicle may be filled with petrol that has a higher octane number 
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and serious burns and injuries.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
•Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
•Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
•Switch off your mobile telephone or two-way radio when dealing with fuel. Electromagnetic 
radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation in the direct vicinity of fuels.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
•Comply with any relevant safety information and legislation concerning the handling of 
fuels.
WARNING