Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravityyf ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electric air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the
tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of
similar size: this will help to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a
vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
•Give way to drivers coming uphill or who are overtaking.
Driving tips
Special rules apply when driving off-road:
•Never drive off-road alone. Always drive off-road in a team of at least two other off-road
vehicles. Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you carry equipment
you can use for calling for help.
•Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections, and walk along the path ahead to
reconnoitre it.
•Drive slowly over the brows of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground as this
could cause damage, leaving you unable to manoeuvre.
•Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always
keep the vehicle in motion.
•Always look for flat and firm surfaces. The ground is predominantly soft when driving off-road
meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will reduce ground clearance and the wading
depth.
•Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first
vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can stop without getting stuck.
Useful accessories for off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for off-road driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories you should always take
them with you and consult them as necessary when driving off-road.
Checklist
Useful items when driving off-road:
Changing gear
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The choice of gear depends on the terrain off-road.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After some time driving off-road, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction
with the low range and the differential lock for different types of terrain.
Basic points
•With the correct gear selected, the vehicle will normally not have to be braked so much using
the foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
•You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG dual clutch gearbox
•Select position D when driving in normal, flat off-road terrain.
•Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground, and select the highest suitable
position for the Tiptronic.
•If driving through mud, sand, water or hilly terrain, select the Tiptronic in the positions 3 or
2⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious
damage to the underbody could occur if the vehicle is scraped. This damage could
cause the vehicle to break down and thus make it impossible to drive on.
•Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving off-road. When
travelling over uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake, and lose control
of the vehicle. A slipped clutch also prevents power being transferred from the engine
to the gearbox. Driving with the clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the
clutch lining.
NOTICE
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•Use the Off-road display ⇒ Off-road display.
Up hill and down dale
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Use off-road mode ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Controlyf.
You should drive through rocky terrain at walking pace.
If you are not able to drive around a stone, drive carefully onto the stone with one front wheel and
drive over it slowly ⇒.
Escaping engine oil and brake fluid can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected and then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Driving through water
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving through flooded terrain could damage the vehicle ⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road.
You can drive the vehicle carefully through water with a depth reaching to the bottom edge of the
body, for example puddles or shallow water. Never stop in the water, do not drive in reverse, and
never switch off the engine.
Off-road driving in snow
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fit snow chains to the front wheels only before driving on snow-covered terrain.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. This is particularly true of sections
where there are no tyre tracks.
•You should never drive straight over large obstacles, e.g. boulders or tree stumps, or
drive over such obstacles with one side of the vehicle. Obstacles which require more
ground clearance than is available could damage vehicle components when you drive
over them and thus cause the vehicle to break down.
•Even obstacles that are smaller than the ground clearance selected could come into
contact with the vehicle underbody and thus cause damage which could lead to a
vehicle breakdown. This applies in particular if there is a ditch or soft ground either in
front of or behind the obstacle. This also applies in cases when you drive too quickly
over the obstacle causing the vehicle to bounce.
NOTICE
Strong flowing water can develop enormous power and sweep the vehicle away. This can
lead to very dangerous situations which can cause accidents and serious or even fatal
accidents.
•Never allow the vehicle to stand still in water.
•Water in the engine compartment can cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water.
•Soft ground surface, underwater obstacles and shallows can cause accidents and can
cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water. This could lead to critical situations.
WARNING
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•When driving through water, always select a section where the ground is solid and
where the depth of the water does not exceed the maximum permitted wading depth of
the vehicle.
•Never drive through salt, salty surfaces or salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse
all components that have been exposed to salt or salt water thoroughly with fresh
water.
NOTICE
Engine and gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment. In the example, the engine
code is CPTA ⇒ Fig. 253.
Optional extras, PR numbers.
Type plate
The type plate ⇒ Fig. 253 can be seen on the lower part of the door pillar when the door is
open. Vehicles for certain export countries do not have a type plate.
The type plate contains the following data:
Permit
Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross combination weight rating (vehicle plus trailer ⇒ Trailer towingyf
Gross axle weight rating, front
Gross axle weight rating, rear
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number can be read from outside the vehicle through a viewer in the
windscreen ⇒ Fig. 254 (arrowyf 7 K H Y L H Z H U L V O R F D W H G L Q W K H O R Z H U F R U Q H U R I W K H Z L Q G V F U H H Q 7 K H
vehicle identification number is also stamped on the right-hand water drainage channel. The water
drainage channel is located between the suspension turret and wing. Open the bonnet ⇒ In the
engine compartment to gain access to the vehicle identification number.
Dimensions
Fig. 255 Dimensions.
The data in the table apply to the most basic German model.
The specified values can vary due to different tyre and wheel sizes, if additional equipment is fitted,
for different equipment packages, for retrofitted accessories, and for special vehicles. They can also
vary in vehicles that have been manufactured for other countries.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 255:Value
ⒶWidth (from one exterior mirror to the otheryf2,099 mm
Ⓑ
Width1,859 mm
Width with widened wheel housing1,863 mm
Ⓒ
Front track1,589 mm
Rear track1,580 mm
ⒹHeight to the upper edge of the roof at kerb weight1,632 mm
ⒺMaximum height at kerb weight-
ⒻHeight with open bonnet and kerb weight1,868 mm
ⒼHeight with open boot lid and kerb weight2,043 mm
ⒽGround clearance when ready to drive between the
axles201 mm
ⒾWheelbase2,677 mm
Ⓙ
Length with standard front (from bumper to bumperyf4,486 mm
Length with off-road front (from bumper to bumperyf-
ⓀLength with standard front and fitted towing bracket
(when factory-fittedyf-
-
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Key to ⇒ Fig. 255:Value
Length with off-road front and fitted towing bracket (when
factory-fittedyf
Turning circle diameter11.5 m
Kerb weight without driver, without payload.
Figures were not available at time of publication.
Kerb weight with driver (75kgyf D Q G V H U Y L F H I O X L G V .
Technical data - Running gear
TermTechnical data
Ground clearance (four-wheel driveyf
Under the axles:
Maximum 180 mm.
Between the axles:
Maximum 201 mm.
Ground clearance (four-wheel driveyf
Under the axles:
Maximum 180 mm.
Between the axles:
Maximum 201 mm.
Ground clearance (front-wheel driveyf
Under the axles:
Maximum 170 mm.
Between the axles:
Maximum 190 mm.
Angle of rising gradient
Tilt angle
(inclination of the vehicleyf
Breakover angleMaximum of 20 degrees.
Ramp angle
Front with standard front:
Maximum of 18 degrees.
Front with off-road front:
Maximum of 25 degrees.
Rear:
Maximum of 24 degrees.
Figures were not available at time of publication.
Fuel tank capacity
Fuel tank capacity
Petrol and
diesel engines
Four-wheel drive: approx 63 l, of which 8 l reserve.
Front-wheel drive: approx 60 l, of which 8 l reserve.
Petrol engines
1.4 l, 4-cylinder TSI (92 kWyf
Power output92 kW at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Engine code (ECyfCZCA
Maximum torque200 Nm at 1,400 - 4,000 rpm
GearboxMG6
•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.
•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
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