General driving rules

Tailgate

To prevent exhaust gases from entering the vehicle interior, always drive with the rear luggage compartment door securely closed.◄

If this condition cannot be met:

1. Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2. Significantly increase the air supply using the climate control.

Exhaust system heat

All vehicles have areas of high heat. Do not remove or coat with underbody protection the heat shields installed in these areas. Make sure the hot exhaust system does not come into contact with flammable materials (hay, dry leaves, etc.). Otherwise there is a risk of fire, which may result in serious injury and property damage. To avoid burns, do not touch hot exhaust pipes.◄

Particulate filter

The filter removes soot from the exhaust gases, which is periodically burned off at high temperature. This filter regeneration process takes several minutes. The driver may notice it by the engine running somewhat louder than usual and producing its normal power at higher engine speeds, and sometimes by noise and smoke from the exhaust pipe, which may continue for some time after the engine is switched off.

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or dirty roads, reduce speed, since a water wedge may form between the tires and the road. This effect, known as hydroplaning, may lead to partial or complete loss of contact with the road surface, resulting in loss of vehicle control and making braking impossible.◄

The risk of hydroplaning increases as tires wear; see also Minimum tread depth.

Water crossings

The vehicle is capable of driving through water to a depth of no more than 45 cm. At this depth, proceed at walking pace, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the engine, electrical system and transmission.

If the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary heating system, the water depth when driving through standing water must not exceed 25 cm, and the vehicle must be driven at walking speed to avoid damaging the system.◄

Reliable braking

The vehicle is equipped with ABS as standard. When circumstances require it, brake firmly, fully depressing the pedal. Since the vehicle retains steerability, you can calmly steer around obstacles in your path.

Pulsation of the brake pedal combined with the noise produced by the hydraulic system indicates to the driver that braking is under ABS control.

In Wet Weather

In wet weather or heavy rain, it is advisable to lightly press the brake pedal from time to time. Make sure your actions do not create hazards for other road users. The brake discs and pads will dry out under the heat generated during braking and will respond without delay when needed.

Driving Downhill

To avoid overheating and reduced brake effectiveness on long or steep downhill grades, select a gear that minimizes the need to brake. Even light but prolonged pressure on the pedal can cause severe heating and wear of the brake components, up to brake system failure.◄

By manually shifting to a lower gear (down to first), you can use engine braking. This relieves the brakes from excessive load.

Never drive with the selector lever in Neutral or with the engine switched off. In Neutral there is no direct connection to the engine, and with the engine off, the brake booster and power steering assist do not operate.

There must be no floor mats or other objects near the pedals that could interfere with pedal travel.◄

Brake Disc Corrosion

Intensive use of disc brakes promotes self-cleaning. Therefore, low mileage, long periods of standstill and light brake use create favorable conditions for corrosion of the brake discs and contamination of the brake pads.

When braking, corroded discs cause vibration, which often cannot be eliminated even by prolonged pressure on the brake pedal.

When parked

Condensate forms in the air conditioner and drains under the vehicle. In this case, water under the vehicle is normal.

Before entering an automatic car wash

To avoid damage, fold in the exterior mirrors to reduce the vehicle's width.

Release the parking brake, especially when the anti-rollback function is active.

Tyres of different construction

Before driving into a car wash, make sure the vehicle will fit through the installation width-wise, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the vehicle and the car wash installation.◄

With comfort access system

Insert the electronic key into the ignition lock.

The engine can be switched off with the selector lever in position N, see also page 39