fuel consumption SKODA RAPID 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

Engine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The red scale of the rev counter 1
» Fig. 2 on page 8 indicates the range in which
the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted
with an automatic gearbox.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 11. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life
and reliability of the engine. ÐFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 8.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120
km/h.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit. Note
This function is only valid for some countries. ÐCoolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The coolant temperature gauge 4
» Fig. 2 on page 8 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on. ä
ä
ä The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to
avoid any damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads »

page 19,
Coolant temperature/coolant level  . Ð Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The fuel gauge 7
» Fig. 2 on page 8 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve mark-
ing » page 21 . CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! An irregular supply of fuel can
lead to irregular engine running. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter. Note
On some vehicles, the fuel gauge is shown in the display of the instrument clus-
ter. Ð
ä
9
Instruments and Indicator Lights

■
If the instrument cluster is exchanged after a repair, the correct values must be
entered in the counter for the Service Interval Display. This work is carried out by
a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ After resetting the display with flexible service intervals, the displayed data is
the same as that for a vehicle with fixed service intervals. We therefore recom-
mend that the Service Interval Display is only reset by a

ŠKODA Service Partner,
who will reset the display with a vehicle system tester.
■ For more information on the service intervals » Service Plan. ÐDigital clock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The clock is set with the buttons 5
and 6
» Fig. 2 on page 8.
Select the display that you wish to change with the button 5
and carry out the
change with the button 6
.
On vehicles that are fitted with the information display, it is also possible to set
the clock in the menu Time » page 15. ÐRecommended gear
Fig. 3
Recommended gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The currently engaged gear B
is shown in the instrument cluster display
» Fig. 3.
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an-
other gear is indicated in the display.
ä
ä If the control unit recognises that it is beneficial to change gear, an arrow A
is
shown in the display. The arrow points up or down, depending on whether you
should shift into a higher or lower gear.
At the same time, the recommended gear is indicated instead of the currently en-
gaged gear B
.
CAUTION
The driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different driving
situations, such as overtaking. Ð Multifunction display (onboard computer)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Memory 12
Operation 12
Multifunction display details 13
Warning against excessive speeds 14
The multifunction display can only be operated when the ignition is switched on.
After the ignition is switched on, the function displayed is the one which you last
selected before switching off the ignition.
The multi-functional indicator appears in the display » Fig. 4

on page 12.
In vehicles with an information display » page 14, there is an option to fade out
some of the information. WARNING
■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle. ■ Do not only rely upon the information given on the outside temperature dis-
play that there is no ice on the road. Even at temperatures around +4 °C, black
ice may still be on the road surface – warning, drive with care! £
11
Instruments and Indicator Lights

The following readouts of the selected memory will be set to zero by button B
:
› Average fuel consumption
› Distance driven
› Average speed
› Driving time ÐMultifunction display details
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
Outside temperature
The current outside temperature is shown in the display.
If the outside temperature drops below +4
°C, a snow flake symbol (warning sig-
nal for ice on the road) appears before the temperature indicator and an audible
signal will sound. After pressing the rocker switch A
» Fig. 5 on page 12, the func-
tion which was shown last is indicated.
Driving time
The driving time which has elapsed since the memory was last erased, appears in
the display. If you want to measure the driving time from a particular moment in
time on, at this moment, reset the memory by setting the button B
» Fig. 5 on
page 12 to zero.
The maximum time indicated in both memories is 19 hours and 59

minutes and on
vehicles which are fitted with an information display, it is 99 hours and 59 mi-
nutes. The indicator is set back to zero if this period is exceeded.
Current fuel consumption
The current fuel consumption level is shown in the display in litres/100 km1)
. You
can use this information to adapt your driving style to the desired fuel consump-
tion.
The display appears in litres/hour if the vehicle is stationary or driving at a low
speed 2)
.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption since the memory was last erased is shown in the
display in litres/100 km 1)
» page 12.
ä
If you wish to determine the average fuel consumption over a certain period of
time, you must set the memory at the start of the new measurement to zero us-
ing the button B

» Fig. 5 on page
12. After erasing the memory, no value appears
in the display until you have driven approx. 300 m.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving.
Range
The estimated range in kilometres is shown on the display. It indicates the dis-
tance you can still drive with your vehicle based on the level of fuel in the tank
and the same style of driving.
The display is shown in steps of 10 km. Once the fuel gauge pointer reaches the
reserve marking, the range is displayed in 5 km.
The fuel consumption over the last 50 km is used to calculate the range. The
range will increase if you drive in a more economical manner.
If the memory is set to zero (after disconnecting the battery), the fuel consump-
tion of 10 ltr./100 km is calculated for the range; afterwards the value is adapted
accordingly to the style of driving.
Distance travelled
The distance travelled since the memory was last erased is shown in the dis-
play » page 12. If you want to measure the distance travelled from a particular
moment in time on, at this moment, reset the memory by setting the button B
» Fig. 5 on page 12 to zero.
The maximum distance indicated in both memories is 1,999 km or 9,999
km on
vehicles with an information display. The indicator is set back to zero if this period
is exceeded.
Average speed
The average speed since the memory was last erased is shown in the display
in km/hour » page 12. To determine the average speed over a certain period of
time, set the memory to zero at the start of the measurement using button B
» Fig. 5 on page 12.
After erasing the memory, no value appears in the display until you have driven
approx. 300 m.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving. £1)
On some models in certain countries, the display appears in kilometres/litre.
2) On some models in certain countries, – -.- km/ltr. is displayed when the vehicle is stationary.
13
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Glow plug system 
(diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine can be started immediately after the pre-glow warning light goes out.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐEPC 
fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 

 lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The engine
control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐDiesel particulate filter 
(diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light  lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
To clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of
at least 60 km/h » at engine speeds of 1 800 – 2 500 rpm for at least 15 mi-
nutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th
gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it.
The warning light  only goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been
successfully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash.
The following is displayed in the information display: Diesel particulate filter: Owner's manual! The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After
switching the ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light

also lights up.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials – risk of fire!
■ Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine. Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided. ■ Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A
ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content. Ð Fuel reserve 
The indicator light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
The following is displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range ...

km Note
The text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. Ð
21
Instruments and Indicator Lights

WARNING
■ If the vehicle is locked from the outside, do not leave anybody in the vehicle
as it is not possible to open the windows from the inside in the event of an
emergency.
■ It is recommended to deactivate the electrical power windows in the rear
doors (safety pushbutton) S
» Fig. 17
on page 32 when children are being
transported on the rear seats. CAUTION
■ Keep the windows clean to ensure the correct functionality of the electric win-
dows. ■ In the event that the windows are frozen, first of all eliminate the
ice » page 120, De-icing windows and exterior mirrors and only then operate the
electrical power windows. Otherwise, the electrical power window mechanism
could be damaged. ■ When leaving the locked vehicle make sure that the windows are closed at all
times. Note
■ When driving always use the existing heating, air conditioning and ventilation
system for ventilating the interior of the vehicle. If the windows are opened, dust
as well as other dirt can get into the vehicle and in addition the wind noise is
more at certain speeds. ■ At high speeds, you should keep the windows closed to prevent unnecessarily
high fuel consumption. Ð Opening/closing the windows
Fig. 17
Buttons on the driver's door/in the rear doors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 31.
The electrical power windows can only be operated when the ignition is switched
on.
Opening
›
A window is opened by pressing lightly on the respective button in the door.
The opening process stops when one releases the button.
› Additionally, the driver's window can be opened automatically (fully open) by
pressing the button to the stop. Renewed pressing of the button causes the
window to stop immediately.
Closing
› A window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective button in the door.
The closing process stops when one releases the button.
Buttons for the electrical power windows
Button for electrical power window of the driver's door
Button for electrical power window of the front passenger door
Safety pushbutton
Safety pushbutton
The buttons for electrical power windows in the rear doors can be deactivated by
pressing the safety pushbutton S
» Fig. 17. The buttons for the electrical power
windows in rear doors are activated again by pressing the safety pushbutton S
again.
£
ä
A
B
S
32
Using the system

Visibility
Rear window heater
Fig. 26
Switch for rear window heater
› The rear window heater is switched on or off by pressing the switch
 » Fig. 26
the warning light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 7 minutes. For the sake of the environment
The heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy »

page 112, Saving electricity .Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater switches off automatically,
in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control »

page 136,
Automatic load deactivation . Ð Sun visors
Fig. 27
Sun visor: Driver's side/front passenger's side
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of the arrow 1
» Fig. 27
or 2
.
The purpose of the strap A
is to store small, light objects, such as a notepad, etc.
The front passenger sun visor has a vanity mirror B
with a cover. Push the cover
in the direction of the arrow 3
.
WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are
attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed. Ð Windscreen wipers and washers
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers 40
Headlight cleaning system 41
Replacing the front windscreen wiper blades 41
Replacing the rear window glass wiper blades 42
£
39
Lights and visibility

›
The mounts of the cover 3
» Fig. 41 must be positioned above the holders 2
of the side trim panel.
› Interlock the cover by lightly knocking on the top side of the cover in the area
between the holders.
› Hook the support straps 1
on the boot lid.
WARNING
No objects should be placed on the boot cover, the vehicle occupants could be
endangered if there is sudden braking or the vehicle collides with something. CAUTION
■ The maximum permissible load of the luggage compartment cover is 1 kg.
■ When closing the boot lid, jamming and damage to the luggage compartment
cover or the side trim panel can occur if handled in an unprofessional way. The
following guidelines must be observed. ■ The mounts of the cover 3
» Fig. 41 must be interlocked in the holders of the
side trim panel 2
.
■ The items which are transported must not exceed the height of the luggage
compartment cover. ■ The cover must not be jammed in the seal of the boot lid when it is in the
opened position.
■ There must be no object in the gap between the opened cover and the rear
backrest. Note
Opening the boot lid also lifts up the boot cover. ÐRoof rack system
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Attachment points 52
Roof load 52 WARNING
■ The items which you transport on the roof bar system must be reliably at-
tached – 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.
■ The handling properties of your vehicle change when you transport heavy or
bulky items on the roof bar system as a result of the displacement of the cen-
tre of gravity and the increased wind attack area – risk of accident! The style
of driving and speed must therefore 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 your vehicle must not be exceeded under any circumstances – risk
of accident! CAUTION
■ Only use roof rack systems approved by
ŠKODA.
■ If other roof rack systems are used or if the roof bars are not fitted correctly,
any resulting damage to the vehicle is not covered by the warranty. It is therefore
essential that the supplied fitting instructions for the roof rack system are ob-
served.
■ On models fitted with a power sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the opened slid-
ing/tilting roof does not strike any items of luggage transported on the roof. ■ Ensure that the boot 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. Ð
51
Seats and Stowage

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak! WARNING
■ For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how
to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and
defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
■ Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the boot.
■ We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor). ■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry »
page 156 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 9.
If you cannot rectify the functional fault yourself, or the cooling capacity decrea-
ses, the cooling system must be switched off. Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
59
Heating and air conditioning system

Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
the Shiftlock button is pressed.
Ignition key withdrawal lock 1
)
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever
is blocked in position P. ÐKickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving pro-
gramme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one or sev-
eral gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox
does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum
revolutions for this gear range. ÐDynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving
will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption. ä
ä When adopting a
sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator
pedal combined with sharp acceleration, frequent changes in speed and exploit-
ing the top speed of the car, the gearbox will adjust to this style of driving once
the accelerator pedal (kickdown function) is depressed and will shift down earlier,
frequently by several gears in comparison to a moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driv-
ing is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch
or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rap-
idly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear in accordance with the speed,
therefore enabling rapid acceleration (e.g. when overtaking) without the accelera-
tor pedal having to be depressed into the kickdown range. The original pro-
gramme will be reactivated to match your particular style of driving once the
gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negoti-
ating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque. Ð Emergency programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are
functional faults in the gearbox electronics. All of the display elements illuminate
or go out.
A functional fault can have the following effect:
› The gearbox only shifts into certain gears;
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used,
› The manual shift programme is switched off in emergency mode. Note
If the gearbox has switched to emergency mode, drive to a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage to have the fault rectified. Ð
ä
1)
Only valid for some countries.
82 Using the system

Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 km
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres › Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
› No full throttle.
› Avoid high engine speeds.
› Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1
500 kilometres
› Gradually
increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1

500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the
red scale area of the revolutions counter. On vehicles fitted with a manual gear-
box, at the very latest shift up into the next gear when the red area is reached.
During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally high engine
speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected against too
high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the gears re-
sulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted maximum
revolutions which can lead to engine damage.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do
not drive at an engine speed that is too low. Shift down a gear when the engine
is no longer running smoothly. Observe the recommended gear » page 11, Recom-
mended gear . CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature. Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving in individual gears. For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear
as early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise
levels and protects the environment. Ð New tyres
New tyres have to be “
run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so. Ð New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide full braking efficiency. The brake pads
must initially be “run in

”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so. Ð Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
The following guidelines must be observed: › Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 125, Unleaded petrol ;
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 129, Checking the engine oil
level;
› Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. £
109
Driving and the Environment