2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! towing

Exterior door release lever ⇒ Doors
Exterior mirrors ⇒ Mirrors
Additional turn signal ⇒ Lights⇒ Changing bulbs
Jacking points ⇒ Changing a wheel
Front view
Fig. 2 Overview of the front of the vehicle
Key for ⇒ Fig. 2:
Mirror base with laser sensor for the city emergency brake function ⇒ City emergency
brake function
Windscreen
Front windscreen wipers ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer
Bonnet ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment
Bonnet release lever ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment
Headlights ⇒ Lights, ⇒ Changing bulbs
Fog lights ⇒ Lights⇒ Changing bulbs
Mounting for the front towing eye behind a cover ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Front number plate holder
Rear view
Fig. 3 Overview of the rear of the vehicle
Key for ⇒ Fig. 3:

Fig. 71 In the driver door: rotary knob for the electric exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The exterior mirrors are adjusted by moving the setting knob ⇒ Fig. 70 or the rotary knob ⇒ Fig. 71.
Turn the rotary knob ⇒ Fig. 71 to the required position:
Switch on the exterior mirror heating.
Set the left exterior mirror to the front, rear, right or left by moving the rotary knob.
Neutral position. Exterior mirror heating is switched off, it is not possible to adjust
the exterior mirrors.
Set the right exterior mirror to the front, rear, right or left by moving the rotary
knob.
The exterior mirrors can be folded in and back from the vehicle. To do this, carefully push the
exterior mirror housing in towards the side window or back from the side window until the exterior
mirror perceptibly engages.
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer needed. Fuel is
otherwise wasted.
If there is a fault, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the
outside of the mirror.
Transporting
Driving notes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowing items of luggage
⇒ Driving with an open tailgate
⇒ Driving a loaded vehicle
⇒ Vehicle-specific weight ratings
Heavy objects must always be stowed securely in the luggage compartment and you must ensure
that the rear seat backrests are securely engaged in the upright position. Always use suitable
securing straps with the fastening rings to secure heavy items. Never exceed the vehicle's
maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an
effect on the driving response and braking distance ⇒.
Additional information and warnings:
•Tailgate ⇒ Tailgate
•Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards ⇒ Seat functions
•Lights ⇒ Lights
Injuries can be sustained if you do not take care when folding the exterior mirrors in and out.
•Only fold the exterior mirrors in or out when there is nobody in the path of the mirror.
•Always ensure that no fingers are caught between the exterior mirror and the foot of the
mirror when the exterior mirror is moved.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating the distance to vehicles travelling behind you can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or aspheric) enlarge the field of vision and can make objects in the
mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance of other vehicles when changing lanes is
inaccurate and can cause accidents and severe injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance away from vehicles
behind or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always fold in exterior mirrors before using an automatic car wash.
NOTICE

•Luggage compartment ⇒ Luggage compartment
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
Stowing items of luggage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely.
•Always distribute any loads in the vehicle and on the roof as evenly as possible.
•Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible. Position the rear
seat backrests securely in the upright position.
•Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings with suitable straps
⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Adjust the headlight range ⇒ Lights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Please read the tyre pressure sticker
⇒ Wheels and tyres.
Observe any information concerning the loading of a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Driving with an open tailgate
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving with an open tailgate is particularly dangerous. Ensure that the open tailgate and any
objects are secured properly, and take appropriate measures to reduce the quantity of toxic
exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle interior.
Please apply the following rules to reduce the risk of accidents:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Always stow luggage and heavy objects in
the luggage compartment.
•Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage from entering the deployment zones of the
side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an
accident.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter
the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•All objects must be removed from the seat cushion of the front passenger seat if the front
passenger backrest is folded forward. Even light and small objects could be pressed into
the weight detection mat underneath the seat cushion by the backrest when it is folded
forwards and thus send incorrect information to the airbag control units.
•The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF 
must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•Any seat blocked by stowed objects must not be used by any passengers.
WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if large or heavy objects are
being transported.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear
window and cause damage.
NOTICE

Driving a loaded vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
•Stow all items of luggage securely ⇒ Stowing items of luggage.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•If applicable, heed the information about driving with a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Vehicle-specific weight ratings
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual
apply to the basic model. The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule and the official vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The values quoted here may differ if additional equipment is fitted, for different models or for special
vehicles.
The values for the kerb weight in the following table apply for the road-ready vehicle with driver
(75 kg), service fluids including fuel tank carrying 90% of its capacity and, if applicable, tools and
Driving with an unlocked or open tailgate can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the tailgate closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out of
the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this can cause the open
tailgate to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that they
are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must never be held in position by
the tailgate.
•If it is necessary to drive with the tailgate open, all luggage racks and cargo stowed on the
rack must be removed from the tailgate.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and accidents.
•Always drive with the tailgate closed in order to prevent toxic gases from entering the
vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open tailgate, you must do the
following to reduce the quantity of toxic exhaust fumes that could enter the vehicle:
- Close the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof.
- Switch off air recirculation mode.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle length and height are different when the tailgate is open.
NOTICE
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety, which can cause
accidents and severe injuries.
•Secure objects properly to prevent them from sliding.
•Use suitable straps when securing heavy objects.
•Engage the rear seat backrests securely in an upright position.
WARNING

Ensure that you know the weight of the mounts, roof carrier system and the items to be transported
on the roof - weigh them if necessary. Never exceed the maximum permissible roof load.
However, if you are using a carrier system with a lower weight rating, you will not be able to carry
the maximum roof load. In this case, do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the load carrier
system which is listed in the fitting instructions.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly ⇒.
Checking the fittings
After the mounts and load carrier have been attached, check the bolted connections and fastenings
once you have travelled a short distance and then at regular intervals.
Towing a trailer
Information on towing
The vehicle is not approved for towing a trailer. The vehicle is not factory-fitted with a towing
bracket and a towing bracket cannot be retrofitted.
Practical equipment
Stowage area
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowage compartment on the driver side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the front centre console
⇒ Stowage compartment with cover on the front passenger side
⇒ Open stowage compartment on the front passenger side
⇒ Stowage compartment in the rear centre console
⇒ Other stowage areas
Only use stowage compartments to stow light or smaller objects.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•⇒BookletRadio,
Accidents and vehicle damage can occur if the maximum permitted roof load is exceeded.
•Never exceed the quoted roof load, the maximum permissible axle loads, and the
permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle.
•Do not exceed the weight rating of the roof carrier system, even if the maximum roof load
has not been reached.
•Secure heavy objects as far forwards as possible and distribute the load evenly.
WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads could fall off the load carrier and cause accidents and
injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Secure loads properly.
WARNING
Fitting a towing bracket on the vehicle while the vehicle is in operation can lead to accidents
and cause serious injuries.
•Never fit a towing bracket on the vehicle.
•The bracket could be released from the vehicle during the journey.
WARNING
Fitting towing brackets of any kind can lead to serious vehicle damage.
NOTICE

Starting the engine, changing gear and
parking
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobilizer
Immobilizer display
If the vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, then may be displayed in the
instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started ⇒ Electronic immobilizer.
Push-starting or towing
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Steering ⇒ Steering
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
•Tow starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
•Observe the operating instructions for any device that you plug into the socket.
•Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical
system.
•12-volt socket:
- Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with the relevant
guidelines on electromagnetic compatibility.
- Never feed electricity into the socket.
NOTICE
While driving

•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

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