tow SKODA OCTAVIA 2013 3.G / (5E) Owner's Guide

Storage compartment in the luggage compartmentFig. 92
Removing stowage compartment and cargo element/example of at-
taching an item of luggage using the cargo element
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 91.
Increasing the size of the boot
›
Remove the cover of the storage compartment
A
in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 92 .
Securing items of luggage
›
Remove the cargo element
B
(part of the cover of the storage compartment) in
the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 92 .
›
Secure the cargo element with Velcro on the floor covering of the luggage com-
partment.
The stowage compartment can be located on either of the two sides of the lug-
gage compartment, according to the model.
CAUTION
■ The storage compartment is designed for storing small objects of up to 2.5 kg.
in weight in total.■
The cargo element is designed for attaching objects with a maximum gross
weight of 8 kg.
■
When using the storage compartment, take care not to damage it or the lug-
gage compartment lining.
NoteWe recommend you use the cargo element to secure items of luggage behind the
rear seats.
Storage compartments under the floor covering
Fig. 93
Lift floor covering/storage compartments under the floor covering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 91.
The storage compartments are located under the floor covering of the luggage compartment in vehicles without a spare wheel.
Use
›
Dividing the luggage compartment with variable loading floor » page 101.
›
Remove the fog floor covering in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 93.
›
Fix the hook
B
to the top edge of the variable loading floor.
It is possible to store also objects with larger heights in the storage compart- ments
A
, thereby using the maximum height of the luggage compartment.
CAUTION
■ An item of luggage weighing up to 15 kg can be stored in each storage compart-
ment.■
Do not stored any sharp objects in the storage compartments.
■
Do not load the storage compartments at specific points or they may be dam-
aged.
■
Place the objects carefully into the storage compartments to avoid damage to
the compartments.

98Using the system

Multifunction box (Octavia Estate)Fig. 94
Multifunctional pocket: withdrawing / sliding in
Fig. 95
Remove multifunction box
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
The multifunction box under the roll-up luggage compartment cover is provided
for the storage of clothing and light objects with no sharp edges.
Extending
›
Fold down the front hooks on both sides of the luggage compart- ment » page 94 .
›
Grasp the rear bar
A
» Fig. 94 with both hands and withdraw the complete
pocket in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
Place the rear bar onto the two hooks that are folded forward in the direction of
the arrow
2
all the way to the stop.
Pushing in
›
Remove the rear bar from the hook in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 94 .
›
Push in the complete multifunction box in the direction of the arrow
4
.
›Place the rear bar against the front bar and press them together at both endsB.›
Fold back the front hooks on both sides of the luggage compartment.
Removing/inserting
›
Remove the roll-up luggage compartment cover » page 96.
›
Remove the multifunction box from the receptacle in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 95 .
Insertion takes place in reverse order.
›
When inserting, push the end of the bar marked   into the right receptacle and
the end of the bar marked   into the left receptacle. The arrows should be
pointing forward » Fig. 95.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the multifunction box is 3 kg.
Variable loading floor in the luggage compartment
(Estate)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Positions of the variable loading floor
100
Fold up variable loading floor
101
Dividing the luggage compartment
101
The variable loading floor makes handling of bulky items of luggage easier.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the variable loading floor is 75 kg. For the trans- port of heavy loads, adjust the variable loading floor in the lower posi-
tion » page 100 .
Note
The space below the variable loading floor can be used for stowing objects, for
example, the removed roll-up luggage compartment cover, roof cross bars,
etc. » page 97 .
99Seats and useful equipment

Positions of the variable loading floorFig. 96
Set variable loading floor to the upper position / variable loading
floor in the upper position
Fig. 97
Set variable loading floor to the lower position / variable loading
floor in the lower position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 99.
The variable loading floor can be set to the upper or lower position.
Set to the upper position
›
Grasp the rear of the variable loading floor by the handle
A
» Fig. 96 .
›
Lift the variable loading floor about 20 cm, pull it to yourself and raise it in the
direction of the arrow
1
to the level of the roll-up luggage compartment cover
until it clicks.
After an audible click, the variable loading floor can be stowed in the upper posi-
tion by pushing it forward.
The room under the variable loading floor can be used to store away objects.
Set into the lower position›
Check that there are no objects in the space under the variable loading floor.
›
Grasp the rear of the variable loading floor by the handle
A
» Fig. 97 .
›
Lift the variable loading floor about 10 cm in the direction of the arrow
2
and
pull it back in the direction of the arrow
3
.
The variable loading floor moves automatically to the lower position where it can
be stored by pressing it forward.
The variable loading floor can be folded up in both positions » page 101 or used
for dividing the luggage compartment » page 101.

100Using the system

WARNING■The items which you transport on the roof rack must be reliably attached –
risk of accident!■
Always secure the load with appropriate and undamaged lashing straps or
tensioning straps.
■
Distribute the load evenly over the roof rack system.
■
When transporting heavy objects or objects which take up a large area on
the roof rack system, the handling of the car may change as a result of the displacement of the centre of gravity. The style of driving and speed musttherefore be adapted to the current circumstances.
■
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
■
The permissible roof load, permissible axle loads and gross permissible
weight of the vehicle must not be exceeded under any circumstances – risk of
accident!
CAUTION
■ Only use roof rack systems approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s.■When dealing with roof rack systems, the installation instructions supplied with
the roof luggage rack system must be observed.■
On models fitted with a sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the sliding/tilting roof
does not strike any items of luggage transported on the roof.
■
Ensure that the luggage compartment lid does not hit the roof load when
opened.
■
The height of the vehicle changes after mounting a roof luggage rack system
and the load that is secured to it. Compare the vehicle height with available clear-
ances, such as underpasses and garage doors.
■
Always remove the roof luggage rack system before entering an automated car
wash.
■
Ensure the roof aerial is not impaired by the secured load.
For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.NoteThe removed roof rack for the Octavia Estate can be stowed in the stowage com-
partment under the variable loading floor » page 97, Stowing roll-up luggage
compartment cover and roof racks .
Attachment points
Does not apply to the Octavia Estate.
Fig. 105
Attachment points for roof bars
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 103.
Installation position of the attachment points for roof bars » Fig. 105:
Front attachment points
Rear attachment points
Perform the assembly and disassembly according to the enclosed instructions.
CAUTION
Observe the information regarding the assembly and disassembly in the enclosed
instructions.
AB104Using the system

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
Fig. 113
Correct seated position for the
driver
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
118
Power steering
119WARNING■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
WARNING (Continued)■ Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A » Fig. 113 between the
steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Adjust the distance between the legs and the dash panel in the knee airbag area so that there is a distance
of at least 10 cm B
. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that
the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 114
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever
below steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 118.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 71.
›
Swivel the lever underneath the steering wheel downwards » Fig. 114.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident!

118Driving

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 118.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is required to turn the steering wheel.
Steering force assistance can be influenced by the selection of driving mode » page 161 .

Starting and stopping the engine using the key

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser
120
Ignition switch
120
Starting the engine
120
Stopping the engine
121
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 121.
The engine can only be started with an appropriate original key.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving without the engine running, the ignition key must always be in
the position 2 » Fig. 115 on page 120 (ignition switched on). This position is
indicated by the illumination of certain indicator lights in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2
, this could lead to unexpected the steering
locking - risk of accident!
■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 115 on page 120.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 243 , Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. 
119Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been forgotten, for exam-
ple, in the front of the vehicle roof D » Fig. 14 on page 38 - There is danger of
loss or damage to the key! It is therefore not always necessary to know where
the key is.■
The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 243 , Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Note
■ The vehicle can not be locked if the ignition has not been turned off.■The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen- cy » page 124 .■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.

Steering lock / unlock
Fig. 116
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 116.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
If the system does not unlock the steering at the first time (for example when the
front wheels are in contact with an obstacle), then two more unlocking attempts
are performed automatically. 
122Driving

Information on brakingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 124.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before driving a long distance at a steep incline, reduce speed and shift into the
next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reduc- ing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermit-tently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
If operated under severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 16,  Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 118
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 124.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock but-
ton » Fig. 118 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the parking brake!
PARKING BRAKE ON PLEASE RELEASE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds. 
125Starting-off and Driving

Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button » Fig. 121.N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
/
S
- mode for driving forward (Normal program) / mode for driving forward
(Sport program)
Switch between the modes by moving the selector lever to the sprung position
 » Fig. 120 if necessary, by selecting the driving mode » page 161.
In mode D or S, the forward gears are shifted automatically depending on the en-
gine load, the operation of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed, and the se-
lected driving mode » page 161.
If you select the driving mode Sport or Normal, and move the selector lever to the
position D/S, the transmission is set automatically to mode S or D.
In mode S , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher
engine speeds than in mode D.
E
– Economical driving mode
If you select the driving mode Eco » page 161, and move the selector lever to the
position D/S, the transmission is set automatically to mode E. This mode cannot
be selected with the selector lever.
In mode E , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at lower
engine speeds than in mode D.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock) The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driving is
selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion. The indicator
light 
» page 21 illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while while simulta-
neously pressing the lock button » Fig. 121.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N (e.g.
from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a
bank of snow. The selector lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up
to 5 km/h.
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, blown fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be moved.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 249.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select mode R
or N.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 122
Selector lever/multi-function steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 126.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while stopping and
while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 120 on page 127 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 27.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 122 . 
128Driving

›Pull the right-hand paddle
+
» Fig. 122 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 122 .
›
Pull the left-hand paddle -
» Fig. 122 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D/S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 122 briefly towards the steering wheel .
If you do not pull one of the rocker switches -
/+ for more than 1 Minute, manual
shifting of gears is deactivated. You can also deactivate the temporary switch to
manual shifting by pulling the right rocker switch +
towards the steering wheel
for more than 1 second.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual shifting
of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence the
wear of the brakes » page 125.
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 126.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 121 on page 127.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 127 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 121 on page 127.
›
Move the selector lever into the position P and then release the lock button.
Driving in neutral position in mode E (freewheel)
›
Move the selector lever into the position D/S.
›
Select the Eco driving mode » page 161, Driving mode .
›
Take the foot off the accelerator pedal.
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
The gear is selected again automatically, when you briefly depress the brake ped-
al or pull the left rocker switch -
towards the steering wheel
» page 128, Manual
shifting of gears (Tiptronic) .
Launch control 1)
The launch control function allows the vehicle in mode S or Tiptronic to reach its
maximum acceleration when starting off.
›
Disable the TCS » page 137, Brake assist systems .
›
START STOP deactivate » page 160, Manually activating/deactivating the sys-
tem .
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
›
Fully depress the accelerator pedal with your right foot.
›
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle starts off with maximum acceleration.
Reactivate the TCS and START-STOP when the desired speed has been reached.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of your
vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates. 
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
129Starting-off and Driving