Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Folding the seat cushion and backrests on the rear bench seat forwards and backwards
 → Luggage compartment cover
 → Variable luggage compartment floor
 → Fastening rings
 → Bag hook

Heavy objects must always be transported in the luggage compartment and you must ensure that the rear seat backrests are securely engaged in the upright position. Always use suitable securing straps with the fastening rings. Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance .

Additional information and warnings:

• Airbag system

• Lights

• Transporting items

• Towing a trailer

• Wheels and tyres

WARNING

When the vehicle is not in use or is not being supervised, always lock the doors and tailgate to reduce the risk of severe or fatal injuries.

• Never leave children unattended, especially when the tailgate is open. Children could make their way into the luggage compartment, close the tailgate and be unable to get out. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.

• Never let children play in or around the vehicle.

• Do not travel with people in the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle interior. Please apply the following rules to reduce the risk of accidents:

• Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Always stow luggage and heavy objects in the luggage compartment.

• Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage from being thrown through the vehicle interior and entering the path of the side airbag or the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an accident.

• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.

• Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle's open stowage areas, on the luggage compartment cover or on the dash panel.

• Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags inside the vehicle and stow them securely.

WARNING

Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle driving characteristics and increases the braking distance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and can cause serious injury.

• Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle's handling and the centre of gravity.

• The payload should be distributed as evenly as possible in the vehicle.

• Always secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.

NOTICE

• Hard objects on the rear parcel shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element or aerial in the rear window and cause damage.

• Hard objects could rub against the aerial in the side windows and cause damage.

Do not cover the ventilation openings underneath the loading edge and in the area above the first-aid kit as this prevents stale air from escaping the vehicle.