
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. 

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 

The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with 
legislation regarding disposal.
Proactive occupant protection system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The proactive occupant protection system is an assistance system that initiates action to protect 
vehicle occupants in dangerous situations. However, the system cannot prevent a collision.
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system will be available only if the 
function has been activated in the Infotainment system, no special driving profile has been selected 
and there are no malfunctions ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control, ⇒ Function 
limitations.
Basic functions
Depending on country-specific legal requirements and also on the vehicle equipment, the following 
functions may be initiated, either individually or jointly, in critical situations (e.g. emergency braking 
or in the case of oversteering or understeeringyf  D V  R I  D  V S H H G  R I  D S S U R [ L P D W H O \     N P  K      P S K \f:
•Temporary tensioning of the fastened front seat belts.
•Automatic closing of the glass roof and side windows down to a gap, depending on the vehicle 
equipment.
The belts may be tensioned individually or together depending on the respective critical driving 
situations.
Additional information for vehicles with an area monitoring system (Front 
Assistyf
In vehicles fitted with the area monitoring system (Front Assistyf  ⇒ Area monitoring system (Front 
Assistyf, the probability of a collision with the vehicle ahead is also calculated within the system 
limits. The system can trigger the proactive occupant protection system if it detects a probable 
collision or initiates strong braking.
Settings in the Infotainment system
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system can be activated and 
deactivated in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The proactive occupant protection system will be reactivated every time the ignition is switched on.
It may not be possible to operate the setting function if the proactive occupant protection system 
has already been adapted to the specific vehicle setup.
Setting in driving profile selection
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the proactive occupant protection system is adapted to the 
special vehicle setup of the respective driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION 
Active Control.
Function limitations
The proactive occupant protection system will not be available, or will only be available to a limited 
extent, in the following situations:
•If there is a fault in the ESC, belt tensioner or in the airbag control unit ⇒ Seat belts or ⇒ Airbag 
system.
•When the TCS or ESC are switched off, and when the vehicle is reversing ⇒ Brake support 
systems.
•The temporary tensioning for the front passenger seat is switched off if the front passenger front 
airbag is deactivated.
•If there is a system fault in the area monitoring system (Front Assistyf  ⇒ Area monitoring system 
(Front Assistyf.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt 
retractors and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-
professional. As a result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or 
they may be triggered unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat 
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself 
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be 
replaced.
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 

Types of child seat
Fig. 52 Some typical child seats.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Only use child seats that have been officially approved and are suitable for the child.
Standards for child seats
Regulations ECE-R 44 or ECE-R 129 apply to child seats within the European Union. Both 
regulations apply simultaneously. Child seats which have been tested in accordance with these 
standards carry an orange ECE approval label. This ECE approval label may include the following 
information on the child seat:
•Weight class
•Size class
•Approval category (universal, semi-universal, vehicle-specific or i-Sizeyf
•Approval number
On child seats that are approved under regulation ECE-R 44, the eight-digit approval number on 
the ECE approval label must begin with 03 or 04. This shows that the seat is admissible for use. 
Older child seats with an approval number beginning with 01 or 02 are not admissible.
Child seat weight classes
ClassChild's weight
Group 0up to 10 kg
Group 0+up to 13 kg
Group 19 to 18 kg
Group 215 to 25 kg
Group 322 to 36 kg
If children are not secured or are inadequately secured, they are at greater risk of serious 
or even fatal injury. Please note the following:
•Children who are either under 12 years of age or less than 150 cm tall must not be 
carried in the vehicle if they are not secured in a suitable child seat while the vehicle is 
in motion. Regulations in some countries may differ, and must be complied with.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in a suitable child seat. The seat used must be 
appropriate to the child's height, weight and age.
•Never fasten more than one child into one child seat.
•Under no circumstances should children or babies be held in a passenger's or drivers 
lap while driving.
•Never leave a child unsupervised in a child seat.
•Never allow a child to be carried in a vehicle without being properly secured, and never 
allow a child to stand up or to kneel on a seat, or to sit incorrectly while the car is in 
motion. This is particularly important for children carried on the front passenger seat. 
In an accident, children may sustain serious injuries to themselves and others.
•The child seat can only provide maximum protection if the seat belt is routed correctly 
around it. Always ensure that the seat belt is routed as specified in the instructions 
provided by the child seat manufacturer. If the seat belt is routed incorrectly it may 
cause injuries even in a minor accident.
•After an accident, it is vital to replace any child seats that were in use during the 
accident, as they could have sustained non-visible damage.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval 
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicleyf.
NOTICE
1yf 

The 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge if the hazard warning lights are left on over a long 
period of time – even when the ignition is switched off.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the brake lights flash rapidly if you brake sharply or 
initiate full braking at a speed of more than 80 km/h (50 mphyf   7 K L V  L V  D  S D U W L F X O D U O \  H I I H F W L Y H  Z D \  R I  
attracting the attention of vehicles behind you. If you then continue to brake, the hazard warning 
lights will be switched on automatically at speeds under approximately 10 km/h (6 mphyf   2 Q F H  W K H  
vehicle starts to accelerate, the hazard warning lights will switch off again.
Equipment for an emergency
Fig. 58 In the boot lid: holder for the warning triangle.
First aid kit
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the first aid kit may be located in a stowage compartment or a 
holder in the luggage compartment, under the luggage compartment floor or in the vehicle interior.
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, the first aid kit may be located in various locations in 
the luggage compartment:
•In a bag on the left or right in the stowage areas of the luggage compartment ⇒ Stowage 
areas.
•In a foam rubber holder under the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Transporting.
The first aid kit must comply with legal requirements. Please observe the use-by date of the 
contents.
After use, replace the content if necessary and stow the first aid kit safely again.
Warning triangle
Depending on the equipment, the warning triangle may be located in the boot lid. When the boot lid 
is open, turn the lock for the bracket ⇒ Fig. 58 by 90° anticlockwise in the direction of the arrow, 
open the bracket and remove the warning triangle.
The warning triangle must comply with legal requirements.
Return the warning triangle to its holder after use and lock it into place.
High-visibility waistcoat
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the high-visibility waistcoat may be located in a stowage 
compartment in the front door trim or in the stowage compartment on the front passenger side 
⇒ Driver door, ⇒ Front passenger side.
The high-visibility waistcoat triangle must comply with legal requirements.
Fire extinguisher
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a fire extinguisher may be located in a holder in the footwell 
under the front passenger seat.
The fire extinguisher must comply with legal regulations, must always be ready for use and must be 
checked regularly (see inspection seal on the fire extinguisheryf . 

Fig. 62 Vehicle key: replacing the button cell.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 62:
Remove the cover.
Remove the button cell.
Volkswagen recommends having the button cell changed at a Volkswagen dealership or by a 
qualified workshop ⇒.
•Fold out the key bit.
•Lever off the cover ⇒ Fig. 62①⇒.
•Lever the button cell out of the battery compartment ⇒ Fig. 62②.
•Press the new button cell into the battery compartment ⇒ Fig. 62②⇒.
•Press the cover onto the housing ⇒ Fig. 62①.
Dispose of discharged batteries in accordance with regulations governing the protection of 
the environment.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Synchronising the vehicle key
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the vehicle key, synchronise the vehicle key or 
replace the button cell (batteryyf  ⇒ Changing the button cell.
•Fold out the key bit.
•Remove the cap on the driver door handle ⇒ Unlocking or locking the driver door manually.
•Stand next to the vehicle.
•Press the  button on the vehicle key.
•Unlock the vehicle using the key bit.
•Fit the cap ⇒ Doors.
The synchronisation process is complete.
Indicator lamp does not flash
If the indicator lamp in the vehicle key does not flash, the button cell (batteryyf  L Q  W K H  Y H K L F O H  N H \  
needs to be changed ⇒ Changing the button cell.
Replacement key
You will need to quote the vehicle identification number when ordering a vehicle key.
Several vehicle keys can be authorised for one vehicle.
You can obtain new vehicle keys at a Volkswagen dealership or qualified workshop.
The function of the vehicle key can be affected temporarily if there is more than one 
transmitter in the direct vicinity working on the same frequency (e.g. a two-way radio or mobile 
telephoneyf .
Obstacles between the vehicle key and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and a weak 
button cell reduce the operating range.
If the buttons on the vehicle key ⇒ Fig. 61 or one of the central locking buttons ⇒ Central 
locking system are pressed repeatedly within a short period of time, the central locking system will 
switch off briefly to prevent overloading. The vehicle will then be unlocked. Lock the vehicle if 
necessary.
•The vehicle key can be damaged if the battery is not changed properly.
•Unsuitable batteries can damage the vehicle key. Replace discharged batteries only 
with new batteries of the same voltage rating, size and specification.
•Ensure that the battery is fitted the right way round.
NOTICE 

•Select reverse gear while the ignition is switched on. The right exterior mirror will now adjust 
itself to the stored position.
The front passenger exterior mirror will move out of the position saved for reversing when the 
vehicle is driven forwards faster than approximately 15 km/h (9 mphyf  R U  Z K H Q  W K H  U R W D U \  N Q R E  L V  
moved out of position  into another position.
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer needed. Fuel is 
otherwise wasted.
In the event of a fault, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on 
the outer edge of the mirror.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and 
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Protection from the sun
Sun visors
Fig. 107 In the front headliner: sun visor.
Adjustment positions for the driver and front passenger sun visors:
•Folded down over the windscreen.
•Pulled out of the bracket and swung over towards the door ⇒ Fig. 107Ⓐ.
Illuminated vanity mirror
There is a vanity mirror behind a cover on the inside of the sun visor. When you open the cover 
⇒ Fig. 107Ⓑ, a lamp ⇒ Fig. 107① lights up.
In certain circumstances, the lamp above the sun visor will go out automatically after a few 
minutes. This prevents the 12-volt battery from discharging.
Sun blind in the glass roof
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 no obstacle 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
•Always fold in exterior mirrors before using an automatic car wash.
•Do not fold electrically folding exterior mirrors in or out manually as this can damage 
the electric motor.
NOTICE
Driving with the sun visors folded down and the sun blinds pulled out can reduce your 
view of the road.
•Sun visors and sun blinds should always be replaced in their holder if they are not 
being used.
WARNING