Skoda Rapid 2015 User manual

SIMPLY CLEVER
OWNER´S MANUAL
OWNER´S MANUAL
ŠKODA Rapid


5JA012720AH

Preface
You have opted for a ŠKODA – our sincere thanks for your confidence in us.
The description of the vehicle operation, important information about safety, vehicle care, mainte-
nance and self-help, as well as technical vehicle data, are given in this manual.
The operation of some functions and vehicle systems is undertaken via Infotainment.
Please do not read just this Owner's Manual, but also read the Infotainment manual carefully. The pro-
cedure in accordance with the two instructions is a prerequisite for the correct use of the vehicle.
When using the vehicle, the general binding country-specific legal requirements (e.g. transporting
children, deactivating the airbag, tyre use, road traffic, etc.) must always be observed.
We hope you enjoy driving your ŠKODA, and wish you a pleasant journey at all times.
Your ŠKODA AUTO a.s. (hereinafter referred to as ŠKODA or manufacturer)

5JA012720AH

Table of Contents
Board literature 4
Notes 5
Structure and more information about the
Owner´s Manual 6
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety 8
General information 8
Correct and safe seated position 8
Seat belts 11
Using seat belts 11
Inertia reels and belt tensioners 13
Airbag system 14
Description of the airbag system 14
Airbag overview 15
Deactivating airbags 18
Transporting children safely 19
Child seat 19
Fastening systems 22
Using the system
Cockpit 27
Overview 26
Instruments and Indicator Lights 28
Instrument cluster 28
Indicator lights 31
Information system 39
Driver information system 39
Driving data (Multifunction display) 40
MAXI DOT display 42
Service interval display 46
SmartGate 47
Unlocking and opening 49
Unlocking and locking 49
Anti-theft alarm system 54
Luggage compartment lid 55
Window operations 56
Lights and visibility 59
Lights 59
Interior lighting 63
Visibility 64
Windscreen wipers and washers 65
Rear mirror 67
Seats and head restraints 68
Seats and head restraints 68
Seat features 70
Transporting and practical equipment 72
Useful equipment 72
Multimedia holder 79
Luggage compartment and transport of
cargo 80
Roof rack 85
Heating and ventilation 86
Heating, manual air conditioning system,
Climatronic 86
Driving
Starting-off and Driving 91
Starting and stopping the engine using the
key 91
Starting and stopping the engine at the push
of the button 93
START-STOPsystem 95
Brakes and parking 97
Manual gear changing and pedals 99
Automatic gearbox 100
Running-in and economical driving 102
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 104
Assist systems 105
General information 105
Braking and stabilisation systems 105
Parking assistance (ParkPilot) 108
Speed control system 110
Front Assist 112
Fatigue detection 115
Tyre pressure monitoring 115
Hitch and trailer 117
Hitch 117
Trailer 122
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance 126
Service work, adjustments and technical
alterations 126
Washing vehicle 129
Cleaning vehicle exterior 130
Interior care 134
Inspecting and replenishing 136
Fuel 136
Engine compartment 139
Engine oil 142
Coolant 144
Brake fluid 145
Vehicle battery 146
Wheels 150
Tyres and wheel rims 150
Winter operation 154
2Table of Contents

Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help 156
Emergency equipment 156
Changing a wheel 157
Puncture set 161
Jump-starting 164
Towing the vehicle 165
Remote control 167
Emergency unlocking/locking 168
Replacing windscreen wiper blades 169
Fuses and light bulbs 170
Fuses 170
Replacing bulbs 173
Technical data
Technical data 179
Basic vehicle data 179
Vehicle-specific details per engine type 184
Index
3
Table of Contents

Board literature
You always find these Owner´s Manualand the Service Plan in the on-board
literature for your vehicle.
Depending on the equipment, the on-board literature can also contain The ra-
dio instruction manual or Manual of the navigation systemand in some coun-
tries also the brochure On the road.
Owner´s Manual
These Owner´s Manual apply to all body variants of the vehicle and all related
model versions as well as all equipment levels.
This owner's manual describes all possible equipment variants without identi-
fying them as special equipment, model variants or market-dependent equip-
ment. Consequently, this vehicle does not contain all of the equipment com-
ponents described in this Owner's Manual.
The level of equipment in your vehicle refers to your purchase contract for the
vehicle. For questions regarding the scope of equipment, please contact a
ŠKODA Partner, if required.
The Pictures in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. The illustrations
can differ in minor details from your vehicle; they are only intended to provide
general information.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. pursues a policy of constant product and model develop-
ment. Changes in terms of supply scope are possible at any time with regard to
design, equipment and technology. The information listed in this operating
manual corresponds to the information available at the time of going to press.
Therefore legal claims cannot be made based on the technical data, illustra-
tions and information contained in this Owner's Manual.
We recommend that web pages that are referred to in this Owner's Manual are
displayed using the classic view. Not all necessary information may be dis-
played correctly if the mobile view is chosen.
Service schedule
The service plan includes the documentation of the vehicle handover informa-
tion with regard to warranty and service events.
Infotainment Owner´s Manual
The Infotainment Owner's Manual contains a description of the Infotainment
service and possibly also some functions and vehicle systems.
On The Move Brochure
The On-the-road brochure contains the importer's customer service number
and the service number in the individual countries as well as the emergency
numbers.
Online user manuals
Fig. 1
Using this QR code, the web page with a model overview of the ŠKODA brand
is opened.
The page can also be accessed by entering the following address in the web
browser.
http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/mini-apps/owners-manuals/
▶Select the desired model - a menu for the user manuals is displayed.
▶Select the construction period as well as the language.
▶Select the desired manual - it can be displayed either online or in pdf format.
4Board literature

Notes
Terms used
The on-board literature contains the following terms relating to the service
work for your vehicle.
- a workshop that carries out specialist service tasks for
ŠKODA vehicles. A specialist garage can be a ŠKODA partner, a ŠKODA
service partner or an independent workshop.
- a workshop that has been contractually authorized
by the manufacturer or its sales partner to perform service tasks on
ŠKODA vehicles and to sell ŠKODA Genuine Parts.
- a company that has been authorized by the manufacturer
or its sales partner to sell new ŠKODA vehicles and, when applicable, to
service them using ŠKODA Genuine Parts and sell ŠKODA Genuine Parts.
Explanation of symbols
An overview of the symbols used in the instruction manual and a brief explan-
ation of their meaning.
Reference to the introductory module of a chapter with important infor-
mation and safety warnings
Continuation of the module on the next page
Situations in which the vehicle must be stopped as soon as possible
® Trademark
Telephone operation in the MAXI DOT display
Text display in the segment display
WARNING
Texts with this symbol draw attention to threats of a serious accident, in-
jury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Texts with this symbol draw attention to the risk of vehicle damage or possible
inoperability of some systems.
For the sake of the environment
Texts with this symbol contain information on environmental protection as
well as tips for economical operation.
“Specialist garage”
“ŠKODA service partner”
“ŠKODA partner”
Note
Texts with this symbol contain additional information.
5
Notes

Structure and more information about the Owner´s
Manual
Structure of the manual
The operating manual is hierarchically divided into the following areas.
■Section (e.g. Safety) - the title of the Section is always indicated at the lower
left side
■Main chapters (e.g. Airbag System) - the title of the main chapter is always
indicated at the lower right side
■Chapter (e.g. Airbag Overview)
■ Introduction to the topic – Module Overview within the chapter, in-
troductory information about the chapter content, if necessary, valid for
the entire chapter notes
■Module (e.g. Front Airbags)
Information Search
When searching for information in the Owner´s Manual, we recommend using
the Index at the end of the manual.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the for-
ward direction of travel of the vehicle.
Units
The volume, weight, speed and length data are given in metric units, unless
otherwise indicated.
Display
In this owner's manual, the screen on the MAXI DOT display is used as the dis-
play illustration, provided nothing is otherwise stated.
6Structure and more information about the Owner´s Manual

Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition
rpm Engine revolutions per minute
A2DP a Bluetooth software profile for a one-way transfer of audio
data
ABS Anti-lock brake system
AG Automatic gearbox
AGM Vehicle battery type
TCS Traction control
CO2Carbon dioxide
COC Declaration of conformity
DPF Diesel particle filter
DSG Automatic double clutch gearbox
EDL Electronic differential lock
ECE Economic Commission for Europe
EPC EPC fault light
ESC Electronic Stability Control
ET Rim depth
EU European Union
GSM Global System for Mobile communications
HBA Hydraulic brake assist
HHC Uphill start assist
KESSY Keyless unlocking, starting and locking
kW Kilowatt, measuring unit for output
LED Lighting element type
MCB Multi-collision brake
MDI Inputs for connecting external devices
MFD Multifunction display
MG Manual gearbox
MPI Gasoline engine with a multi-point fuel injection
N1 Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goods
Abbreviation Definition
Nm Newton meter, measuring unit for the engine torque
PIN personal identification number
SIM card a card for the identification of the mobile network operator
TDI CR Diesel engine with turbo charging and common rail injection
system
TSA Trailer stabilisation
TSI Petrol engine with turbo charging and direct injection
VIN Vehicle identification number
W Watt, unit of power
Wi-Fi wireless data network
7
Abbreviations

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off 8
Driving safety 8
In this section of the instructions you will find important information, tips and
notes on the subject of passive safety.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those travelling
with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
The complete on-board literature should therefore always be in the vehicle.
This applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
▶Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
▶Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper blades
are free of any defects.
▶Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
▶Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
▶Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
▶Check the tyre inflation pressure.
▶Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
▶Secure all items of luggage.
▶Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of the
vehicle.
▶Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
▶Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
▶Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
» page 19, Transporting children safely.
▶Adopt the correct seated position » page 8, Correct and safe seated posi-
tion. Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
The driver is fully responsible for himself and passengers, especially children. If
your driving safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at
risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed.
▶Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, (e.g. by
your passengers or mobile phone calls).
▶Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, (e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs).
▶Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
▶Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
▶Take regular breaks on long journeys (at least every two hours).
The following list contains instructions for the Passenger which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death.
▶Do not lean against the dash panel.
▶Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
The following list contains instructions for all Passengers which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death.
▶Do not sit only on the front part of the seat.
▶Do not sit facing to the side.
▶Do not lean out of the window.
▶Do not put your limbs out of the window.
▶Do not put your feet on the seat cushion.
Correct and safe seated position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seat position of the driver 9
Adjusting the steering wheel position 9
Correct seated position for the front passenger 10
Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats 10
8Safety

WARNING
■The front seats and all head restraints must be adjusted to match the
body size at all times and the seat belt must always be fastened properly to
provide the most effective levels of protection to the passengers.
■Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 19, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
■By sitting incorrectly, the occupant is risking life-threatening injuries.
■The seat backrests must not be tilted too far back when driving, as this
will impair the function of the seat belts and of the airbag system – risk of
injury!
Correct seat position of the driver
Fig. 2 Correct seated position for the driver/correct steering wheel posi-
tion
Read and observe on page 9 first.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,
the following instructions must be observed.
Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals
can be fully depressed with slightly bent legs.
Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel
can be reached with your arms at a slight angle.
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A between the steering
wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm » Fig. 2.




Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the upper part of your head B » Fig. 2 (not for seats
with integrated head restraint).
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 11, Using seat belts.
WARNING
■Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt
the correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is
moving.
■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel. Not maintain-
ing this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able
to properly protect you – hazard!
■When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the out-
er edge in the “9 o'clock” and “3 o'clock” position » Fig. 2. Never hold the
steering wheel in the “12 o'clock” position or in any other way (e.g. in the
middle, inner edge of the steering wheel or similar). In such cases, you
could severely injure the arms, hands and head when the driver airbag is
deployed.
■Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals when driving or applying the braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or acceleration pedals.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 3 Adjusting the steering wheel position
Read and observe on page 9 first.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted. 



9
Passive Safety

›Swing the safety lever under the steering wheel in the direction of arrow 1
» Fig. 3.
›Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position. The steering wheel can be
adjusted in direction of arrow 2.
›Pull the holder until it stops in arrow direction 3.
WARNING
■Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when
the vehicle is stationary!
■The safety lever must be locked so that the steering wheel cannot acci-
dentally change position – risk of accident!
Correct seated position for the front passenger
Read and observe on page 9 first.
For passenger safety and to reduce the risk of injury in an accident, the follow-
ing instructions must be observed.
Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front pas-
senger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so
that the airbag offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the upper part of your head B » Fig. 2 on page 9 (not for
seats with integrated head restraint).
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 11, Using seat belts.
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated
» page 18, Deactivating airbags.
WARNING
■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – hazard!
■Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – nev-
er place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surface of the seats! You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it be-
comes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an air-
bag is deployed, you could suffer fatal injuries by adopting an incorrect
seated position!




Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats
Read and observe on page 9 first.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an
accident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the upper part of the head B » Fig. 2 on page 9.
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 11, Using seat belts.
Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehicle
» page 19, Transporting children safely.




10 Safety

Seat belts
Using seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision 12
Correct routing of seat belt 12
Fastening and unfastening seat belts 13
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an
accident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival
in the event of a major accident.
Properly fastened seat belts hold occupants to correctly set seats in the right
seat position.
Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the
vehicle » page 19.
WARNING
■Fasten your seat belt before each journey – even when driving in town!
This also applies to other passengers - there is a danger of injury!
■Maximum seat belt protection is only achieved if you are correctly seated
» page 8, Correct and safe seated position.
■The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
WARNING
Information on the correct routing of the belt
■Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even
in minor accidents.
■Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the
belt is roughly positioned across the middle of your shoulder – on no ac-
count across your neck.
WARNING (Continued)
■A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then
suddenly held firm by the belt.
■The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, bunches of keys etc.). Such objects can cause injury.
WARNING
Information on dealing with the safety belts
■The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twis-
ted, or chafe against any sharp edges.
■Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it.
WARNING
Information on the proper use of the safety belts
■No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt to-
gether.
■The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to
protect and the risk of injury increases.
■The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked, otherwise the belt
tongue will not lock in place properly.
■Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jack-
et) do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of
the seat belts.
■Do not use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e.g. for shorten-
ing the belts for smaller persons).
■The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably
when the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 71.
WARNING
Information on the care and maintenance of the safety belts
■The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Dirty belt webbing may im-
pair the correct functioning of the inertia reel.
■The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not at-
tempt to repair the seat belts yourself. 
11
Seat belts

WARNING (Continued)
■Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage
to the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected,
the relevant seat belt must be replaced by a specialist garage.
■Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident
and were therefore stretched, must be replaced – this is best done by a
specialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspec-
ted. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
The physical principle of a frontal collision
Fig. 4 Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
Read and observe on page 11 first.
As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of mo-
tion) is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants.
The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at
which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the
occupants.
Doubling the speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases
the kinetic energy four times.
For example, a person's weight of 80 kg “increases” at 50 km/h to 4.8 tons
(4,800 kg).

In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt
are thrown forward and strike parts of the interior of the car, such as the
steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen in ways which cannot be controlled
» Fig. 4 - . In certain circumstances you could even be thrown out of the vehi-
cle, which could cause life threatening or even fatal injuries.
A rear seat passenger who has not fastened their seat belt is a danger not on-
ly to himself but also for those seated at the front » Fig. 4 – .
Correct routing of seat belt
Fig. 5 Routing of belt webbing over the shoulders and the lap belt/Rout-
ing of belt webbing for an expectant mother
Fig. 6
Front seat: Seat belt height ad-
juster
Read and observe on page 11 first.
It is important that the belt is properly routed to ensure seat belts offer the
maximum protection. 

12 Safety

The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across the neck but must
roughly run over the middle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest.
The lap part of the belt must run across the pelvis, must not be positioned
across the stomach and must always fit snugly » Fig. 5 - .
Seat belt height adjusters for front seats
The seat belt height adjuster makes it possible to adjust the routing of the
front seat belts in the area of the shoulder to the body size.
›Press the height adjuster and move to the desired position » Fig. 6.
›Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that the seat belt height adjuster has
correctly locked in place.
Seat belts with pregnant women
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child.
With pregnant women, the lap part of the belt must be positioned as low as
possible on the pelvis to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower abdomen
» Fig. 5 - .
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Fig. 7 Fastening/unfastening the seat belt
Read and observe on page 11 first.
Before using the seat belts the following conditions must be met.
Correctly set head restraint (not for seats with integrated head restraint).
Correctly adjusted seat (applies for the front seats).
Correctly adjusted steering wheel (applies to the Driver's seat ).




Fasten
›Use the lock tongue to slowly pull the webbing over your chest and pelvis.
›Insert the lock tongue into the belt buckle for the seat » Fig. 7 -  until it
audibly clicks into place.
›Pull on the belt to check that it has engaged correctly in the lock.
Release
Release the seat belt only when the vehicle is stationary.
›Press the red button in the belt buckle » Fig. 7 - ; the lock tongue pops out.
›Manually guide the belt back so that it is easier to fully roll up the webbing,
the seat belt does not twist.
CAUTION
When releasing the seatbelt ensure that the tongue of the lock does not dam-
age the door trim or other parts of the interior.
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Inertia reels 13
Belt tensioners 13
Inertia reels
Each seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel. When pulling slowly on the seat
belt, the belt can move freely.
When pulling sharply on the seat belt, the movement is locked by the inertia
reel. The belts also lock when full braking, when the car accelerates, when
driving downhill and when cornering.
WARNING
If the seat belt does not lock when pulling sharply on it, have it inspected
immediately by a specialist garage.
Belt tensioners
Safety for the driver and front passenger wearing their seat belts is enhanced
by the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front three-point seat
belts. 
13
Seat belts

If there is a collision the seat belts are tightened by the belt tensioner so that
unwanted body motion is prevented.
The three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal
or rear collision of a certain severity.
The front seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a side collision
of a certain severity.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor frontal, side or rear-
end collisions, in the case of a roll-over and also not in accidents in which no
major forces are produced.
WARNING
■Any work on the belt tensioner system including removal and installation
of system components because of other repair work, must only be carried
out by a specialist garage.
■If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to replace
the entire system.
Note
■The belt tensioners can also be deployed if the seat belts are not fastened.
■Smoke is generated when the belt tensioners are deployed. This is not an in-
dication of a fire in the vehicle.
Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description 15
Airbag deployment 15
The airbag system supplements the fastened seat belts and provides addition-
al occupant protection in severe frontal and side collisions.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light 
in the instrument cluster » page 34.
WARNING
■An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a
fastened seat belt.
■The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of
the complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect
when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to
match the body size » page 8, Correct and safe seated position.
■If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Information on the use of the airbag system
■If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
■No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
■Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.
■Do not manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this might re-
sult in the airbag being deployed.
■The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
14 Safety

System description
Read and observe on page 14 first.
The inflation of the airbag is carried out in a fraction of a second.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated.
This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following parts.
▶Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger » page 15.
▶Side airbags » page 16.
▶Head airbags » page 17.
▶Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster » page 34.
▶Key switch for the front passenger airbag » page 18.
▶Warning light for the front passenger airbag in the middle of the dash panel
» page 18.
Airbag deployment
Read and observe on page 14 first.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
Triggering conditions
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors
such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle,
vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which
occurs. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the
collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control
unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe
damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
▶Driver’s front airbag.
▶Front passenger airbag.


The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
▶Front side airbag on the side of the accident.
▶Head airbags on the side of the accident.
When an airbag is deployed, the following events occur.
▶The interior light comes on (if the automatic operation of the interior light is
switched on - switch ).
▶The hazard warning lights are switched on.
▶All the doors are unlocked.
▶The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
When there is no air bag deployment?
With minor frontal and side collisions, rear collision, overturning of the vehicle
or vehicle roll-over there is no airbag deployment.
Airbag overview
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags 15
Side airbags 16
Head airbags 17
Front airbags
Fig. 8 Locations of the airbags / gas filled airbags 
15
Airbag system

Fig. 9
Safe distance to steering wheel
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbags offer additional pro-
tection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The driver's front airbag is located in the steering wheel, the front passenger
airbag is located in the instrument panel above the glove compartment » Fig. 8
- .
The airbags inflate in front of the driver and front passenger when they are
deployed » Fig. 8 - . The forward movement of the driver and of the front
passenger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag
and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
WARNING
Information on correct seated position
■For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A » Fig. 9. Not main-
taining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be
able to properly protect you – hazard! The front seats and the head re-
straints must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of
the occupant.
■The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to
injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
WARNING
Front airbag and transporting children
■Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident,
the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
■The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing
child seat on the front passenger seat » page 18, Deactivating airbags. If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed.
WARNING
General information
■The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash pan-
el on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or
modified in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth
that is dry or has been moistened with water. No objects (such as cup hold-
ers, mobile phone mounts, etc.) are to be attached to the covers of the air-
bag modules or be located within their immediate vicinity.
■Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module
in the dash panel.
Note
■In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the steering
wheel.
■In vehicles with front passenger airbags, the lettering  is located on the
dash panel on the passenger side.
Side airbags
Fig. 10 Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat / gas-filled airbag 
16 Safety

In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbags provide additional pro-
tection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in the ve-
hicle.
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the front seat backrests
» Fig. 10 - .
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated
airbag » Fig. 10 -  the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach
and pelvis) is reduced on the side facing the door.
WARNING
Information on correct seated position
■Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 21, Child safety and side airbag.
■There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accesso-
ries, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.
■If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may
be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This
can result in serious injuries » page 19, Child seat.
WARNING
■Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags –
risk of injury!
■Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be
damaged. The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passen-
ger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by ŠKODA. In view
of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of
non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the pro-
tective function of the side airbag.
■Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag mod-
ule must be repaired immediately by a specialist garage.
■The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open
the modules.
Note
In vehicles with side airbags a label with the lettering  is located on the
front seat backrests.
Head airbags
Fig. 11 Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag
In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbags offer additional protec-
tion for the head and neck area of passengers.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides of the vehicle
interior » Fig. 11 - .
When deployed, the airbag covers the window area of the front and rear doors,
as well as the area of the door pillar » Fig. 11 - .
Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The re-
duction in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any move-
ments of the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area.
WARNING
■There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head air-
bags which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.
■Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of
clothing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items
of clothing. 
17
Airbag system

WARNING (Continued)
■The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head
airbags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in
the event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated,
parts of the accessories fitted could be thrown into the interior of the car
and injure the occupants » page 126.
■When objects are attached to the sun visor, the visor can not be pivoted
to the side windows. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the
head airbag is deployed.
■There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. In addition,
none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window when driv-
ing, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags 18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag 18
Deactivating airbags
If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!
If an airbag in the vehicle is to be turned off, then the buyer is to draw atten-
tion to this fact!
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below.
▶If a child seat must be used on the front passenger seat, where the child is
transported facing rearward » page 19, Transporting children safely.
▶If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
▶If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
▶If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated switch
» Fig. 12 on page 18 - .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other
airbags.
Deactivation indicator
Display of the airbag deactivation » page 34,  Airbag system.
Note
A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 12 Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag / warning
light for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Key switch positions » Fig. 12 - 
Passenger front airbag deactivated
Passenger front airbag activated
Switch off
›Switch off the ignition.
›Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop. 


18 Safety