airbag VOLKSWAGEN POLO 2015 Owner´s Manual
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By purchasing this Volkswagen, you have become the owner of a vehicle fitted with the most up-to-date technology and a multitude of
convenience functions for your use and enjoyment.
Before using your vehicle for the first time, please read and observe the information in this owner's manual. It will quickly help you to become
familiar with your vehicle and all of its functions as well as making you aware of dangers to yourself and others and of how these dangers can
be avoided.
If you have any further questions about your vehicle, or if you think that the vehicle wallet has not covered everything, please get in touch with
your Volkswagen dealership. They will always be happy to deal with your questions, suggestions or problems.
We hope you enjoy driving your new vehicle. Happy motoring.
Volkswagen AG
Thank you for choosing Volkswagen
Please observe important safety notes on the front passenger front airbag → Basic information on fitting and using child seats  .
DANGER
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- Buttons for operating the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) , , , – – → Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)  
- Volume setting for the radio, navigation announcements or a telephone conversation –
- Buttons for operating the Volkswagen information system – – , ,
- Opening the main telephone menu or accepting a telephone call
- Activating voice commands
- Audio, navigation –
Horn (works only when the ignition is switched on)
Ignition lock → Starting and stopping the engine  
Pedals → Changing gear  
Fuse box cover → Fuses  
Driver front airbag → Airbag system  
Lever for adjusting the steering column → Adjusting the seat position  
Upper section of the centre console
Fig. 7 Overview of the upper section of the centre console
Key to → Fig. 7 :
Vent – – → Heating, ventilating, cooling  
Overview of the centre console
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Row of switches1) with buttons for:
- Seat heating left and right / → Seat functions  
- Traction control system (TCS) → Braking, stopping and parking  
- Electronic stabilisation program (ESC) → Braking, stopping and parking  
- Electronic stabilisation program sport mode (ESC Sport) → Braking, stopping and parking  
- Start/stop system → Pull-away assist systems  
- Rear window heating → Heating, ventilating, cooling  
- Hazard warning lights → In an emergency  
- Indicator lamp for the front passenger front airbag switch-off function → Airbag system  
- ParkPilot → ParkPilot  
- Sport Select suspension → Sport Select suspension  
Infotainment system (factory-fitted)
- Operating display → Infotainment system 
- Radio ⇒ BookletRadio,
- Navigation system ⇒ BookletNavigation system,
Controls2) for:
- Heating and fresh air system → Heating, ventilating, cooling  
- Air conditioning system (manual) → Heating, ventilating, cooling  
- Climatronic → Heating, ventilating, cooling  
1) Depending on the vehicle equipment level, there could be a card holder instead of 3 buttons → Stowage areas   .
2) The symbols may differ between models.
Lower section of the centre console
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Fig. 9 Overview of the front passenger side (lefthand drive vehicles). The controls are mirrored in righthand drive vehicles
Key to → Fig. 9 :
Vent – – → Heating, ventilating, cooling  
Location of front passenger front airbag in the dash panel → Airbag system  
Key-operated switch in the stowage compartment for switching off the front passenger front airbag → Airbag system  
In the stowage compartment: button for Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator , → Tyre monitoring system  
Opening lever for the stowage compartment → Stowage areas  
Stowage compartment for high-visibility waistcoat → Stowage areas  
Symbols in the roof
SymbolMeaning
Interior lights and reading lights → Lights  
Electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof → Electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof  
Warning and indicator lamps
The warning and indicator lamps indicate various warnings → , faults →  or certain functions. Some warning and indicator lamps light up
when the ignition is switched on and should go out once the engine is running or the vehicle is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, additional text messages could appear in the display on the instrument cluster to provide further
information or to ask you to perform certain tasks → Instruments  .
Instrument cluster
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Starting the engine → Starting
and stopping the engine  
Engine management, exhaust
gas purification → Engine
management system and
exhaust purification system  
Lit up: glow period for a diesel engine.
Flashing: fault in engine management system (diesel engine).
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power Control).
Diesel particulate filter has become saturated with soot.
Lit up: steering reduced or the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then
reconnected. → Steering  
Flashing: steering column is twisted or is not unlocked/locked.
Tyre pressure too low or Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator faulty. → Tyre monitoring system  
Windscreen washer fluid level too low. → Windscreen wipers and
washer  
Fuel tank almost empty.
→ Filling the tank  
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine.
Lit up: engine oil level too low.
→ Engine oil  
Flashing: engine oil system fault.
Fault in airbag and belt tensioner system.
→ Airbag system   Front passenger front airbag switched off (PASSENGER AIR BAG ).
Front passenger front airbag switched on (PASSENGER AIR BAG ).
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) currently not available. → Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)  
Fault in Sport Select suspension. → Sport Select suspension  
Gearbox fault. → Changing gear  
Hazard warning lights switched on. → In an emergency  
Turn signal, left or right.
→ Lights  
Trailer turn signal.
Lit up: depress the brake pedal.
Starting the engine → Starting
and stopping the engine  
Changing gear → Changing
gear  
Brakes → Braking, stopping
and parking  
Flashing: the lock button in the selector lever is not engaged.
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched on. → Cruise Control System
(CCS)  
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active. → Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)  
Main beam is switched on or the headlight flasher is being operated. → Lights  
ACC is active. No vehicle has been detected ahead.
→ Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)  When displayed in white: ACC active. Vehicle detected ahead.
When displayed in grey: ACC not active. System switched on, does not regulate.
Lit up: service alert / service due. → Instruments 
→ Changing gear  
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intervals. The lamp will then light up without interruption for
approximately 30 seconds.
Fault in the locking system. Go
to a qualified workshop.
Fault in the locking system. Go to a qualified
workshop.
Description of the central locking system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction 
The central locking system enables you to lock or unlock all the doors, the tailgate and tank flap from one central point:
From outside the vehicle with the vehicle key → Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the outside   .
From inside the vehicle with the central locking button → Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside   .
Certain central locking functions can be activated or deactivated in the infotainment system using the button and the and
Opening and closing function buttons → Menu and system settings (SETUP)   , or the vehicle can be taken to a qualified workshop.
The doors, the tailgate and the tank flap can be locked or unlocked manually if the vehicle key or central locking system fails → Manual opening
and closing   .
Automatic locking (Auto Lock)
The vehicle may lock itself automatically at speeds of approximately 15 km/h (10 mph) and above → Menu and system settings (SETUP)   . The
indicator lamp in the central locking button will light up yellow when the vehicle is locked → Fig. 28 .
Automatic unlocking (Auto Unlock)
In some cases, the vehicle automatically unlocks all doors and the tailgate. This will happen in any of the following situations → Menu and system
settings (SETUP)   .
The vehicle is at a standstill and the vehicle key has been removed.
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox: the selector lever is in position P and the ignition has been switched off.
In an accident, when airbags have triggered → Manual opening and closing   .
Automatic unlocking gives emergency response crew access to the vehicle.
If the buttons on the vehicle key → Fig. 26  or → Fig. 27  or one of the central locking buttons → Fig. 28  are pressed repeatedly within a
short period of time, the central locking system will switch off briefly to prevent overloading. The vehicle is then unlocked for approximately 30
seconds. If the doors or the tailgate are not opened during this time the vehicle will lock again automatically.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the outside
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
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→ Convenience opening and closing   .
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
→ The dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position  
→ Correct sitting position  
→ Mechanical controls on the front seats  
→ Adjusting the head restraints  
→ Removing and fitting head restraints  
→ Adjusting the steering wheel position  
→ Centre armrest  
Number of seats
The vehicle has a total of 5 seats: 2 at the front and 3 at the rear. Each seat is equipped with a seat belt.
Additional information and warnings:
Seat functions → Seat functions  
Seat belts → Seat belts  
Airbag system → Airbag system  
Child seats → Child seats  
Cleaning and caring for the interior → Cleaning and caring for the interior  
Sitting correctly and safely
Adjusting the seat 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 → Airbag system   ,
→ Child seats   .
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
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The dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
First read and observe the introductory information 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.
Always adjust seats, seat belts and head restraints to their correct position before any journey and ensure that all passengers have fastened
their seat belt.
Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the hub of the steering wheel. If your physical build
makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement, you must contact a qualified workshop so they can make any necessary modifications.
Never travel with the backrest tilted far back. The further back the backrest is tilted, the greater the risk of injury caused by incorrect seat belt
routing or an incorrect sitting position.
Never travel with the backrest tilted far forwards. When a front airbag is triggered it could force the seat backrest backwards and injure
vehicle occupants on the back seats.
Adopt and maintain the greatest possible distance from the steering wheel and dash panel.
You should always sit upright with your back against the seat backrest with the front seats properly adjusted. Do not position any body part
too close where the airbags are fitted.
The risk of serious injury is increased for passengers on the rear seat if they are not sitting upright because the seat belts are incorrectly
positioned.
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and serious injuries.
The seats may only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary, or else the seat could change position unexpectedly while the vehicle is in
motion, leading to a loss of control of the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is adopted while adjusting the seat.
Only adjust the height and tilt of the seat or move it forwards and backwards when the area around the seat is clear.
There should be no objects in the adjustment area of the front seats.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to serious burns and other injuries.
Before adjusting the seats always make sure that there is no lighter on or near the moveable parts of the seat.
Before closing stowage areas or compartments always make sure that there is no lighter in the way.
Never stow lighters in stowage areas or compartments or on other surfaces in the vehicle. Cigarette lighters may self-ignite on high-
temperature surfaces, especially in summer.
WARNING
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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 front armrest.
Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
Never travel in the luggage compartment.
Correct sitting position
Fig. 39 There must be a distance of at least 25 cm between the driver and the steering wheel
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 being too close to the airbag exposes the occupants to the risk of sustaining
critical or fatal injuries, especially if the airbags are triggered and strike an occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position.
WARNING
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Fig. 40 Correct seat belt routing and head restraint adjustment
First read and observe the introductory information 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. 39  and → Fig. 40 .
When adjusting for short people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then underneath the top edge of the head
restraint.
For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
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:
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance → Fig. 39 â’¶   between the steering wheel and your breastbone is at least 25 cm and the
circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the sides with the arms slightly bent.
The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
Adjust the driver seat so that you are able to press the pedals with your knees still slightly bent.
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:
Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum protection if it is triggered.
Mechanical controls on the front seats