SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
99
Handbrake
100
Parking
100WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 104, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 99 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing 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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
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 »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders 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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
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 appropri-
ately, 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 31,
 Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
99Starting-off and Driving

WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 99
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 99 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 99 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following instruction is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 99 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission ,place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission , select the 1st gear or reverse gear.
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
101
Pedals
101100Driving

Manual gear changingFig. 100
Gear shift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
The individual gear positions are shown on the gear shift » Fig. 100.
The gear shift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 38.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Engaging reverse gear
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position, switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the left and then forward into the Rposi-
tion » Fig. 100 .
The reversing lights will come on once the reverse gear is engaged, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gear shift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to keep the vehicle in position by using
the accelerator pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's foot well, only a foot mat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied foot mats or foot mats from the range of
ŠKODAOriginal Accessories, which are fitted to two the two required attach-
ment points.WARNINGNo objects may be placed in the driver's foot well – risk due to obstruction
or limitation of pedal operation!
Automatic gearbox
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
102
Selector lever lock
102
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
103
Starting-off and driving
103
The automatic transmission performs automatic gear changes.
The modes for the automatic transmission can be adjusted by the driver by
means of the selector lever.
WARNING■ Never accelerate when the mode for moving forward is set with the se-
lector lever - there is a risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running, the vehicle must
be held in mode D, S or R with the brake pedal. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
crawls forward.
■
When leaving the vehicle, the selector lever is always to be put in the P
mode. Otherwise the vehicle could then start to move and potentially cause
an accident. 
101Starting-off and Driving

CAUTION■If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its
idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever, when
starting, must always be in P mode.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to keep the vehicle in position by using
the accelerator pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the
selector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 101
Selector lever/display
Fig. 102
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 101 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 101.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 101.P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is at idling speed.
N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the en-
gine load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher
engine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D , the shift lock button must be press-
ed in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 102.
Fault in the automatic gearbox
A fault in the automatic gearbox is noticeable e.g. with the following.
› Only certain gears are selected.
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
CAUTION
If a fault occurs on the automatic gearbox, help from a professional service
provider should be sought immediately - there is a risk of damaging the vehi-
cle.
Selector lever lock
Read and observe
and on page 101 first.
The selector lever is locked in modes P and N to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is only locked when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light. 
102Driving

The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 102 on page 102 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be emergency released » page 162.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being acci-
dentally selected.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 103
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 101 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the » Fig. 101 on page 102 display.
The gear shift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 38.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the gear selector from mode D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears›
Push the selector lever
+
» Fig. 103 forwards.
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever
-
» Fig. 103 backwards.
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 on the brakes » page 99, Information on braking .■
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
risk of the engine over-revving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 101 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 102 on page 102 and
keep pressing.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 102and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
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.
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 activa-
ted in any forward driving mode. 
103Starting-off and Driving

The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, 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.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of vehicle
control – risk of accident!
Driving in an economical driving style
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving in
104
Tips for economical driving
104
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Driving in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. During this peri- od, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1,000 km ,we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and not to use
a trailer.
In the range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the best possible braking effect.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Change gear in an energy saving and timely manner
Observe the recommended gear » page 38.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only 3/4 of the possible top
speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
When the engine is switched off, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel
economy is already greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is re-
quired for engine re-start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 143.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 1 l/100 km. At a speed of
100-120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating, air conditioning and the like) should
only be turned on for as long as necessary.104Driving

Driving through water and driving off made-up roads
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving through water
105
Driving off paved roads
105WARNINGImmediately after driving through water, mud, slush and the like, braking
effectiveness will be temporarily impaired » page 99, Information on brak-
ing . For this reason, sudden and violent braking manoeuvres are to be avoi-
ded - there is a risk of accident!
Driving through water
Fig. 104
Driving through water
Read and observe on page 105 first.
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Therefore, always determine the depth of the water before driving through
water.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower beam » Fig. 104.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air induction system or other parts
of the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
CAUTION■ When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. A vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Driving off paved roads
Read and observe
on page 105 first.
Only drive on such roads and in such terrain, which match the vehicle parame-ters » page 172 , Technical data as well as your driving skills.
The driver is always responsible for deciding whether the vehicle can handle
travelling in the given terrain.
WARNINGDrive particularly considerately and pro-actively when not on paved roads.■Always adjust your driving to the current terrain and weather conditions.
Excessive speed or incorrect driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the
vehicle and lead to serious injuries.■
Objects trapped under the base of the vehicle can damage the fuel lines,
the brake system, the seals and other parts of the chassis. Check the un-
derside of the vehicle and remove the trapped objects.
■
Combustible objects such as dry leaves or twigs caught under the base of
the vehicle could ignite on hot vehicle parts - risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! When driving over ob-
jects which are larger than the ground clearance, the chassis and its compo-
nents can get damaged.■
Drive slowly in unknown terrain and watch out for unexpected obstacles,
such as potholes, rocks, stumps, etc.
■
Check up on confusing sections of unpaved roads before travelling on them
and consider whether such travelling is possible without risk.
105Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
106
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
106
Traction Control System (TCS)
106
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
107
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
107
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
107
This chapter deals with the functions of the braking and stabilisation systems,
with the error indicator referred to in chapter » page 30, Indicator lights .
The braking and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time
the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems must not
tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Fig. 105
Buttons for the ESC system: Acti-
vating/deactivating TCS
Read and observe on page 106 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as when the vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention in the system, the control light will blink in 
the instru-
ment cluster.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The AST can only be 
» Fig. 105 deacti-
vated with the symbol key » page 106.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the ASR is deactiva- ted .
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking. Thereby, it helps the
driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces thedrive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thereby,
for example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 106 . 

106Driving

NoteFor vehicles without stabilization control (ESC), during a TCS intervention the
control indicator blinks in the instrument cluster.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
The EDL switches off automatically in order to avoid excessive heat generation
on the brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven
and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. Once the
brakes have cooled down, there is an automatic re-activation of EDL.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking dis-
tance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 106 first.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-al to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is always
only active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
108
Activation/deactivation
108
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to only as a system) draws attention via
acoustic signals and an indication in the radio or navigation display when ma-
noeuvring around obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
WARNING■ The system only serves as an assistance and does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. For this reason, such people or
objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to be not recog-
nised by the system.
■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer draw-bars etc. behind your vehicle. Such
obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors clean, snow-and ice-free and do not cover with any
objects of any kind, otherwise the system functioning may be impaired.■
The system function may be limited under adverse weather conditions
(heavy rain, water vapour, very low or high temperatures etc.).
■
Additionally installed accessories such as e.g. bicycle carriers can impair the
function of the parking aid.
107Assist systems

FunctionFig. 106
Range of sensors
Read and observe and on page 107 first.
Approximate range of sensors
Range » Fig. 106Distance behind the vehicle (in cm)A160B60
Acoustic signals and display
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on, do not continue reversing!
Description of the indications in the radio or navigation system display, » the
radio instruction manual, navigation system user guide.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 107 first.
The system is activated automatically by engaging the reverse gear. This is
confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Displaying an error
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
NoteFor vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the system cannot be activa-
ted when towing a trailer.
Cruise Control System
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Functioning
108
Operating Description
109
The Cruise Control System (CCS) maintains a set speed without you having to
actuate the accelerator pedal.
The status where the CCS maintains the speed is referred to hereinafter as the
control .
WARNING■
The CCS only serves as an assistance and does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Always adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weath-
er, road and traffic conditions.
Functioning
Read and observe
on page 108 first.
Basic requirements for starting the control The CCS is activated.
On vehicles with a manual transmission , the second gear or higher must
be engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever must be in
the D, S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The current speed must be higher than 20 km/hr.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine. 
108Driving