Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: 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 seat  

 → Electrical 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:

• Infotainment system  

• Seat functions  

• Seat belts  

• Airbag system  

• Child seats (accessories)  

WARNING

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   and   .

• 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

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. Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly angled and the distance to the dash panel in the knee area is at least 10 cm. 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 an 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.