Fig. 30 Illustration: correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel, correct seat belt
routing and correct head restraint adjustment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following details the correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers.
If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they
should contact a qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts
and airbags can only provide a maximum level of protection if a correct sitting position is assumed.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Volkswagen recommends the following seating position for your own safety and to reduce the level
of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident:
The following applies to all vehicle occupants:
•Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but
not lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as
possible ⇒ Fig. 30.
•For small people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located
underneath the top edge of the head restraint.
•For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
•Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
•Adjust and fasten seat belts properly ⇒ Seat belts.
Additional points for the driver:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone
is at least 25 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓐ, and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the
sides with both hands and your arms slightly bent ⇒ Steering wheel.
•The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
•Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the
pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly bent and so that the distance from the dash
panel to your knees is at least 10 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓑ.
•Adjust the height so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
•Always leave both feet in the footwell, to help ensure you maintain control of the vehicle at all
times.
Additional points for the front passenger:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum
protection if it is deployed.
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
⇒ Seat belt height adjuster
⇒ Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
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.
•Weight class 0/0+: group 0/0+ or 0/1 rear-facing infant carriers ⇒ Fig. 52 are the best option
for the period from birth to about 18 months.
•Weight class 1: group 1 (up to about four years oldyf R U J U R X S X S W R D E R X W V H Y H Q \ H D U V R O G \f
with an integral belt system are best for children over the relevant weight limit.
•Weight classes 2/3: groups 2 and 3 include child seats with a backrest, and booster seats with
no backrest. Child seats with a backrest have integrated seat routing and side cushions, and so
provide better protection than booster seats with no backrest. Volkswagen therefore
recommends the use of child seats with a backrest. Group 2 child seats are for children up to
the age of about seven, group 3 child seats for those older than seven.
Not every child will fit in the child seat specified for their weight group. Likewise, not every seat will
fit in every vehicle. Therefore it is vital to check that the child fits properly in their child seat and that
the child seat can be securely fastened in the vehicle.
Child seat approval categories
Child seats can be classified as universal, semi-universal or vehicle-specific (all in accordance with
regulation ECE-R 44yf R U D V L 6 L ] H L Q D F F R U G D Q F H Z L W K U H J X O D W L R Q ( &