Volkswagen Touran Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Stowing items of luggage  

 → Driving with an open tailgate  

 → Driving a loaded vehicle  

 → Vehicle-specific weight ratings  

Heavy items must always be stowed securely 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 to secure heavy items. 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 of the vehicle  .

Additional information and warnings:

• Tailgate  

• Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards  

• Lights  

• Luggage compartment  

• Roof carrier  

• Towing a trailer  

• Wheels and tyres  

WARNING

Objects which are not secured or which are secured incorrectly could cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This will apply in particular if objects are struck by the airbag when activated and are then flung through the vehicle interior. Please observe the following points to reduce the risk of accidents:

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

• Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage from entering the deployment zones of the side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an accident.

• Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.

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

• All objects must be removed from the seat cushion of the front passenger seat if the front passenger backrest is folded forward. Even light and small items could be pressed into the weight detection mat underneath the seat cushion by the backrest when it is folded forwards and thus send incorrect information to the airbag control units.

• The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.

• Any stowed items must not cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.

• If an item is being stowed on a seat, this seat must not be used by any passengers.

WARNING

The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if you are transporting large or heavy objects.

• Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Accelerate carefully and gently.

• Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

• Brake earlier than in normal driving.