
Fig. 8 Overview of the lower section of the centre console
Key for ⇒ Fig. 8:
Stowage compartment with drink holder in the centre console ⇒ Drink holder
Ashtray ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
12-volt socket or cigarette lighter ⇒ Socket⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
Handbrake ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
Lever for:
- Manual gearbox ⇒ Changing gear
- Automated manual gearbox ⇒ Changing gear
Button for city emergency brake function ⇒ City emergency brake function
Overview of the front passenger side
Fig. 9 Overview of the front passenger side (left-hand drive vehicles). The controls are mirrored in 
right-hand drive vehicles
Key for ⇒ Fig. 9:
Location of front passenger front airbag in the dash panel ⇒ Airbag system
Vent ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
To the side of the dash panel: key-operated switch for disabling the front passenger front 
airbag ⇒ Airbag system
Opening lever for the stowage compartment or open stowage compartment ⇒ Stowage 
area
Symbols in the roof
SymbolMeaning
Interior lights and reading lights ⇒ Lights
Electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof ⇒ Electric panorama 
sliding/tilting glass roof
Instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps
The warning and indicator lamps indicate various warnings ⇒, faults ⇒ or certain functions. 
Some warning and indicator lamps light up when the ignition is switched on and should go out once 
the engine is running or the vehicle is in motion.
Acoustic warning signals are sounded when some warning or indicator lamps light up.
SymbolMeaning ⇒See
Handbrake is applied.
⇒ Braking, stopping 
and parkingDo not drive on!
Brake fluid level too low or fault in the brake system.
Flashing: Do not drive on!
Coolant level too low, coolant temperature too high or 
coolant level system faulty.
⇒ Coolant
Flashing: Do not drive on!
Engine oil pressure too low.⇒ Engine oil
⇒ Steering 

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 

•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 

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 

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Engine oil specification
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil
⇒ Engine oil consumption
⇒ Changing engine oil
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine 
compartment
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be 
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Engine oil pressure is too low.
Do not drive on!
Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil 
level.⇒ Checking the engine oil level and 
refilling engine oil
– Do not drive on or remain at idling speed 
if the warning lamp is flashing, even if the 
engine oil level is correct. The engine could 
otherwise be damaged. Seek expert 
assistance.
Engine oil specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine oil used must correspond exactly to specifications.
The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of the engine. A special high 
quality multigrade oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally be used as an all-season 
oil.
Incorrect handling of engine oil can cause serious burns and injuries.
•Always wear eye protection when handling engine oil.
•Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Engine oil must be kept in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil until it 
is disposed of.
•Never use empty food containers, bottles or other containers to store engine oil as other 
people may then drink the engine oil.
•Regular contact with engine oil can damage the skin. Skin that has been in contact with 
engine oil should be washed thoroughly with water and soap.
•Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can scald skin severely. 
Always allow the engine to cool down.
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 possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE 

In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially 
provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering 
the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.
Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.
Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read 
the manufacturer's instructions.
Washing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial 
deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more 
damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further 
intensify the corrosive effect. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and 
regularly.
Car washes
Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take 
the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to 
avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on 
your vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒.
The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash. 
However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash. 
Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the 
following ⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with 
the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
The sponge or glove should be wrung out thoroughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect 
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original 
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care 
products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used 
outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash, 
clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.
WARNING
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and 
thus cause serious injury.
•Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
•Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.
NOTICE