
Rear window:
- Rear window heating ⇒ Heating and air conditioning system
- Rear wiper ⇒ Wipers⇒ Wiper blades
- Window aerial ⇒ Radio reception and aerials
Tail light clusters ⇒ Lights⇒ Changing bulbs
Area for:
- Number plate lights ⇒ Changing bulbs
- Rear view camera system ⇒ Rear view camera system (Rear Viewyf
- Boot lid release button ⇒ Opening and closing the boot lid
Tail light clusters ⇒ Lights⇒ Changing bulbs
Behind the bumper: radar sensor for assist systems ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle 
exterior
Sensors for assist systems ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Towing bracket ⇒ Trailer towing
Behind a cover: mounting for towing eye ⇒ Tow-starting or towing
Luggage compartment
Fig. 5 Overview of the luggage compartment.
Fig. 6 Side areas of the luggage compartment.
Key for ⇒ Fig. 5 and ⇒ Fig. 6:
Luggage compartment cover ⇒ Luggage compartment cover
Release lever for the load-through hatch ⇒ Load-through hatch
Retaining rings for top tether (child seatyf  ⇒ Securing child seats with top tether upper 
strap
Spare wheel or fully-functional spare wheel (depends on equipmentyf  ⇒ Wheels and tyres
Handle recess for luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment floor
Vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
Lower holder for the net partition ⇒ Net partition 

Number of seats
The vehicle has a total of five seats: two seats at the front and three seats at the rear. Each seat is 
equipped with a seat belt.
Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases. 
Seat belts can only provide optimal protection if the seat belt routing is correct. Assuming an 
incorrect sitting position considerably impairs the level of protection provided by a seat belt. This 
could lead to severe or even fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased 
when a deploying airbag strikes a vehicle occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position. 
The driver is responsible for all occupants transported in the vehicle, especially children.
The following list contains examples of sitting positions that can be dangerous for all vehicle 
occupants.
Whenever the vehicle is in motion:
•Never stand in the vehicle.
•Never stand on the seats.
•Never kneel on the seats.
•Never tilt the backrest too far to the rear.
•Never lean against the dash panel.
•Never lie on the rear bench seat.
•Never sit on the front edge of a seat.
•Never sit sideways.
•Never lean out of a window.
•Never put your feet out of a window.
•Never put your feet on the dash panel.
•Never place your feet on the seat cushion or seat backrest.
•Never travel in a footwell.
•Never sit on the armrests.
•Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
•Never travel in the luggage compartment.
Correct sitting position
Assuming an incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can increase the risk of severe or 
fatal injuries during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, in the event of a collision or 
accident, or if the airbags are triggered.
•All vehicle occupants must assume a correct sitting position before setting off and 
maintain this position throughout the trip. This also applies to the fastening of seat 
belts.
•The number of vehicle occupants must never exceed the number of seats with seat 
belts in the vehicle.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system which is 
suitable for their height and weight ⇒ Safe transport of children and ⇒ Airbag system.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion. Never place your 
feet on the seat or dash panel, for example, and never ride with your feet out the 
window. When you are sat like this, the airbag and seat belt cannot provide optimal 
protection and could actually increase the risk of injury during an accident.
WARNING
Every incorrect sitting position in the vehicle increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries 
in the event of an accident or sudden driving or braking manoeuvre.
•All vehicle occupants must maintain a correct sitting position and wear their seat belt 
properly while the vehicle is in motion.
•Sitting in an incorrect position, not fastening the seat belt, or not leaving adequate 
space between the occupants and the airbags could result in critical or fatal injuries, 
especially if the airbags deploy and strike an occupant who has assumed an incorrect 
sitting position.
WARNING 

Warning lamp
Fig. 31 On the instrument cluster display: warning lamp.
Fig. 32 On the instrument cluster display: seat belt status for the rear seats.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
A signal tone will be emitted for a few seconds if the seat belts are not fastened as the vehicle pulls 
off and reaches a speed of more than approximately 25 km/h (15 mphyf   R U  L I  W K H  V H D W  E H O W V  D U H  
unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. This is accompanied by the flashing warning lamp 
⇒ Fig. 31.
The warning lamp   does not go out until the driver and front passenger fasten their seat belts 
while the ignition is switched on.
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. 
Seat belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used 
properly.
•Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing the risk of serious and fatal injuries 
in the event of an accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the 
vehicle is in motion to protect the driver and all vehicle occupants.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, 
correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly 
throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
•While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint 
system suitable for their weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened 
seat belts ⇒ Safe transport of children.
•Only start driving when all passengers have correctly fastened their seat belts.
•Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always 
ensure that it engages properly. Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that 
you are occupying reduces the level of protection and can lead to severe injuries.
•Avoid allowing foreign bodies or liquids to enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This 
could prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.
•Never unfasten the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never allow more than one person to share the same seat belt.
•Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened 
with the same belt.
•Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacketyf   7 K L V  
could prevent the seat belts from fitting and functioning properly.
WARNING
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never damage the belt by trapping it in the door or in the seat mechanism.
•If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt 
may tear during an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.
•Have damaged seat belts immediately replaced by new seat belts that have been 
approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched 
during an accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be 
necessary even if there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be 
checked.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat 
belts, belt retractors and buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING 

Belt status display for the rear seats
After the ignition has been switched on, the belt status display ⇒ Fig. 32 on the instrument cluster 
display shows the driver whether the rear seat passengers have fastened their seat belts. The 
symbol   indicates that the passenger on this seat has fastened their seat belt. The symbol 
indicates that the seatbelt has not been fastened.
The belt status display will be shown for approximately 30 seconds if a seat belt is fastened or 
unfastened on the rear seats. The display can be hidden by pressing the  button in the 
instrument cluster.
If a seat belt for one of the rear seats is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion, the belt status 
display will flash for a maximum of 30 seconds. If the vehicle is travelling faster than approximately 
25 km/h (15 mphyf   D  V L J Q D O  W R Q H  Z L O O  D O V R  V R X Q G .
Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
Fig. 33 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle heading for a brick wall.
Fig. 34 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle striking a brick wall.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple. As soon as the vehicle is 
in motion ⇒ Fig. 33, both the moving vehicle and its passengers gain kinetic energy.
The higher the vehicle speed and the heavier the weight of the vehicle, the greater the amount of 
energy that will have to be released in the event of an accident.
However, the most significant factor is the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the speed doubles 
from 25 km/h to 50 km/h (15 mph to 31 mphyf   W K H  N L Q H W L F  H Q H U J \  L Q F U H D V H V  E \  D  I D F W R U  R I  I R X U .
The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle 
and passengers. The higher the speed and the heavier the weight, the greater the amount of 
energy that will be released in the event of an accident.
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not connected to the vehicle. In the event of a frontal 
collision they will continue to move forwards at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling 
before impact, until something stops them. Because the passengers in our example are not 
restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy will be released only at the point of 
impact against the wall ⇒ Fig. 34.
Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h (19 mphyf  W R  D S S U R [ L P D W H O \     N P  K      P S K \f, the forces 
acting on bodies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kgyf   7 K H V H  I R U F H V  D U H  H Y H Q  
greater at higher speeds.
This example applies not only to frontal collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.
What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their 
seat belts
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. 
Seat belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used 
properly.
WARNING 

Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the 
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full 
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle 
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking, 
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Fastened seat belts on the front seats may be tensioned automatically by the proactive occupant 
protection system in critical situations, for example during emergency braking or as a result of 
oversteering or understeering. Both seat belts are slackened if the accident does not happen, or 
when the critical situation has passed. The proactive occupant protection system is ready to be 
triggered again ⇒ Proactive occupant protection system.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat vehicle occupants, and in some cases those on the outer rear 
seats, are equipped with belt tensioners.
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They 
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. Any slack in the seat belt is 
retracted, which can reduce the passenger's movement forwards or in the direction of the impact. 
The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the vehicle rolls over, the belt 
tensioners will not be activated if the side airbags are not triggered.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not 
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Reversible belt tensioning (proactive occupant protection systemyf
Reversible belt tensioning may trigger in certain driving situations. For example:
•Heavy braking,
•Oversteer or understeer,
•Minor collisions.
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an 
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are 
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt 
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or 
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be 
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not 
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced 
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops 
are familiar with these requirements.
Never adjust the seat belt height when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING 

Types of front passenger front airbag system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.
•Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers auxiliary protection.
•The airbag system offers the best level of protection, and reduces the risk of injury, 
when seat belts are properly worn ⇒ Seat belts.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, 
correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly 
throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
WARNING
The risk of injury increases if there are any objects between the vehicle occupants and the 
deployment area of the airbag when it is triggered. This will alter the deployment zone of 
the airbag, or the objects will be flung against the body.
•Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never transport any objects on the front passenger seat. The objects could enter the 
deployment zone of the airbag during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres and then 
be flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if the airbag is activated.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any 
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags. 
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
WARNING
The airbag system can only be triggered once. The system will have to be replaced if the 
airbags have been triggered.
•Airbags that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must immediately be 
replaced with new parts that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified 
workshop. Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair 
information and qualified personnel.
•Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-
of-life vehicles in your vehicle.
•Never alter any components of the airbag system.
WARNING
Fine dust particles or steam may be released when the airbags are triggered. This is 
normal and does not mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
•The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing 
difficulties, particularly for people suffering from asthma or people who have (hadyf  
other respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing difficulties, get out of the vehicle 
or open the windows or doors for more fresh air.
•If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a 
mild soap and water before eating.
•Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.
•If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become 
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious 
injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING 

Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their 
movement in the direction of the collision.
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to 
break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a 
vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag 
starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk 
of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered airbag will not always prevent other injuries from occurring, 
such as swelling, bruising, burning and grazing. The deployment of the airbag can also produce 
frictional heat.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body. Exception: in vehicles with a knee airbag, 
the knee area of the driver will be protected.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact, 
the vehicle speed and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage 
to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
Whether or not the airbag triggers is determined by the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the 
collision and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value 
programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be 
badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle 
damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or 
not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the 
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to 
cover every possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in 
the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or softyf  R I  W K H  R E M H F W  W K D W  W K H  Y H K L F O H  K L W V   W K H  
angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when 
the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only 
in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in which the 
airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a 
further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can 
only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a 
proper sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of 
severe and fatal injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may 
not be available at all in some countries.
•Optimised seat belts for all seats.
•Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger and also on the rear outer seats if in 
conjunction with side airbags.
•Belt tension limiter for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Belt height adjuster for the front seats.
•Warning lamp  and belt status display.
•Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Curtain airbags on the left and right.
•If applicable, knee airbag for the driver.
•Airbag indicator lamp .
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG  in the upper section of the centre console.
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG  in the upper section of the centre console.
•Control units and sensors.
•Whiplash-optimised and height-adjustable head restraints.
•Adjustable steering column.
•If applicable, anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats and on the front passenger 
seat.
•If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations when the front, knee, side and curtain airbags will not be 
triggered:
•If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
•If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front 
of the vehicle.
•During a minor side collision.
•During rear collisions. 

Side airbags
Fig. 47 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zones of side airbags.
Fig. 48 On the side of the front seat: location and deployment zone of the side airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, side airbags may also be fitted for the front seats and 
rear outer seats ⇒ Fig. 47.
•The side airbags for the front seats are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver 
seat and front passenger seat ⇒ Fig. 48.
•If fitted, the side airbags for the rear outer seats are each located between the door entry and 
the individual rear seat backrests.
The side airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines ⇒ Fig. 47 and ⇒ Fig. 48 are covered by the side airbags when 
triggered (deployment zonesyf   <