Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015 year). Instruction — part 11

Luggage compartment cover

Fig. 91 In the luggage compartment: Closing the luggage compartment cover.

Fig. 92 In the luggage compartment: Removing the luggage compartment cover.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

You can put light articles of clothing on the luggage compartment cover. But remember that your view
through the rear window must not be obstructed.

Opening the luggage compartment cover

Push the rear area of the luggage compartment cover

⇒

fig. 91

(1)

downward slightly. The luggage

compartment cover will retract automatically to the center position.

If you press it again, the luggage compartment cover will fully retract to the forward position.

Closing the luggage compartment cover

Pull the retracted luggage compartment cover evenly toward the rear.

Removing the luggage compartment cover

Open the luggage compartment cover, if necessary.

Push the retainer for the luggage compartment cover

⇒

fig. 92

(1)

in the direction of the arrow.

Lift the luggage compartment cover up and out at the retainer.
If necessary, the removed luggage compartment cover can be stowed under the variable luggage

compartment floor

⇒ Variable luggage compartment floor.

Installing the luggage compartment cover

Place the left end of the luggage compartment cover in the mounting in the side trim.
Push the luggage compartment cover retainer

(1)

into the right-hand mounting.

Make sure the retainer has securely locked into place.

WARNING

In a sudden braking or other maneuver, or in a collision, unsecured or improperly secured
objects or animals on the luggage compartment cover can cause serious personal injury.

Never leave hard, heavy or sharp objects in bags or loose on the luggage compartment

cover.

Never let animals ride on the luggage compartment cover.

WARNING

Clothes or other items on the luggage compartment cover behind the rear seat backrest may
limit visibility and cause accidents and severe personal injuries.

Always hang clothes so that they do not limit visibility.

NOTICE

Things on the luggage compartment cover can damage it.

The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that

rub against them.

The ventilation slots beneath the side windows in the luggage area must not be blocked so that

stale air can escape from the vehicle.

Stowing the luggage compartment cover

Fig. 93 Under the variable luggage compartment floor: Stowing the luggage compartment cover.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The removed luggage compartment cover can be stowed under the variable luggage compartment
floor.

Fold the variable luggage compartment floor forward or lift it up

⇒ Variable luggage compartment

floor.

If necessary, lift out the side walls of the side storage compartments and stow them, for example,

in the rear storage compartment or in the storage compartments in the spare wheel well

⇒ Storage

compartments in the spare wheel well.

Stow the removed luggage compartment cover

⇒

fig. 93

(1)

, as shown, on the rear recesses of the

side racks.

Fold the variable luggage compartment floor back into place

⇒ Variable luggage compartment

floor.

Luggage compartment pass-through

Fig. 94 In the rear seat backrest: Opening the luggage compartment pass-through.

Fig. 95 In the luggage compartment: Opening the pass-through.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

There may be a pass-through for transporting things like skis in the rear seat backrest behind the
center armrest.

To help prevent soiling the vehicle interior, cover dirty items before sliding them into the pass-through.

If the center armrest is folded down, no one can sit on the middle seat of the rear bench.

Opening the pass-through

Fold down the rear center armrest

⇒ Adjusting the seating position.

Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 94

(1)

and fold the pass-through cover all

the way forward.

Open the rear hatch.
Slide long objects from the luggage compartment through the pass-through.
Secure objects with the safety belt.
Close the rear hatch.

Closing the pass-through

Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow

(1)

and fold the pass-through cover back until it

engages securely. The red marking on the luggage compartment side should not be visible.

Close the rear hatch.
If necessary, fold the center armrest up.

The pass-through can also be opened from the luggage compartment. Press the release lever

⇒

fig. 95

in the direction of the arrow and push the cover forward.

Tie-downs

Fig. 96 In the luggage compartment: Tie-downs.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

There are tie-downs in the front and rear of the luggage compartment, which you can use to secure

luggage or other items

⇒

fig. 96

(arrows).

Some tie-downs may have to be folded open for use.

Elastic straps can snap back toward you if they are not properly attached

⇒ .

If you use elastic straps to secure items in the luggage compartment, be sure to fist securely attach
them to the tie-downs just behind the rear seat backrest first and then to the tie-downs at the loading
edge of the luggage compartment.

Remove the hooks from the tie-downs in the reverse order described above, first from the tie-downs at
the loading edge and then from the tie-downs behind the rear seat backrest so that if the hooks come
loose suddenly, they will move away from you.

WARNING

Unsuitable, worn, or damaged tie-down straps (elastic or non-elastic) can snap or come loose
during braking or other maneuvers or in a collision. Objects secured with these straps can
then come loose and fly through the passenger compartment, causing severe personal inju-
ries or death.

To help prevent baggage or other items from coming loose and flying around, always use

suitable undamaged tie-down straps.

Securely fasten the tie-down straps to the tie-downs.
Loose or improperly secured objects in the luggage compartment can slide about sudden-

ly and change the vehicle's handling.

Secure even small and light objects. Loose objects in the luggage or passenger compart-

ment can fly about during sudden braking maneuvers or in the event of an accident and in-
jure occupants.

Never exceed the maximum allowable load on the tie-downs when securing objects.
Never secure a child restraint to the tie-downs.

WARNING

Elastic straps have to be stretched when being attached to the tie-downs in the luggage
compartment. Hooks on these straps can cause serious personal injury if not handled
properly and attached securely.

Always protect eyes and face from injury from the hooks when attaching them to the tie-

downs in the luggage compartment.

Always hold the hooks on elastic straps firmly when attaching to the vehicle and do not let

them snap back and hit you.

First attach the hooks on the straps to the tie-downs at the rear seat backrest in the lug-

gage compartment and then to the tie-downs near the loading edge of the luggage compart-
ment. This way, if one of the hooks on the elastic straps snaps back, it will move away from
you, decreasing the risk of personal injury.

The maximum load for the tie-downs is about 380 lbs. (172 kg).

For suitable straps and luggage stowage systems, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Shopping bag hooks

Fig. 97 In the luggage compartment: Front shopping bag hooks.

Fig. 98 In the luggage compartment: Rear shopping bag hooks.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The shopping bag hooks can hold light shopping bags.

Front shopping bag hooks

Folding shopping bag hooks are located on the left and right front area of the luggage compartment
⇒

fig. 97

.

To fold down, pull the bag hook in the direction of the arrow.

To fold up, press the bag hook against the direction of the arrow.

Rear shopping bag hooks

Additional shopping bag hooks are located on the left and right rear area of the luggage compartment
⇒

fig. 98

.

WARNING

Never use the shopping bag hooks as tie-downs. The hooks could break off during sudden
braking maneuvers or in a collision.

NOTICE

The maximum load for each shopping bag hook is 5 lbs. (2.5 kg).

Variable luggage compartment floor

Fig. 99 In the luggage compartment: A: Handle for lifting the luggage compartment floor. B: In position 1, the
luggage compartment floor latch is closed. In position 2, the latch is open.

Fig. 100 In the luggage compartment: A: Raised luggage compartment floor, B: Removing the luggage com-
partment floor supports.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

You can stow small items in the storage areas under the variable luggage compartment floor.

The variable luggage compartment floor is height-adjustable

⇒ .

Additional storage partitions may be located under the variable luggage compartment floor

⇒ Storage

compartments in the spare wheel well.

Opening and closing the variable luggage compartment floor

Open the rear hatch, if necessary.

To open the luggage compartment floor, pull the recessed handle

⇒

fig. 99

A and lift the floor up-

ward (arrow).

Lift the luggage compartment floor sections or fold them forward as required.

To close, fold the luggage compartment floor sections to the rear and place them on the supports.

Opening and closing front storage compartment or removing the luggage compartment
floor

Open the rear hatch, if necessary.
To open the storage compartment or remove the luggage compartment floor, turn the two latch-

es

⇒

fig. 99

B (magnified view) a quarter turn (90°) in the direction of the arrow (position

(2)

).

Pull the recessed handle in the luggage compartment floor

⇒

fig. 99

A and lift the floor upward

(arrow).

Fold all luggage compartment floor sections to the front or lift the folded luggage compartment floor

up and out of the luggage compartment.

To insert the luggage compartment floor, make sure that the two latches

⇒

fig. 99

B (magnified

view) are in position

(2)

.

Place the folded luggage compartment floor in the side supports at the very front of the luggage

compartment.

To close the storage compartment, fold the luggage compartment floor sections to the rear and

place them on the supports.

Turn the two latches

⇒

fig. 99

B (magnified view) a quarter turn (90°) against the direction of the

arrow (position

(1)

).

Raising the luggage compartment floor

Pull the recessed handle in the luggage compartment floor

⇒

fig. 99

A and lift the floor upward

(arrow).

Fit the outer edges of the rear luggage compartment floor section into the recesses on the supports

⇒

fig. 100

A (magnified view, arrow).

Extending the luggage compartment downward

Turn the two latches

⇒

fig. 99

B (magnified view) a quarter turn (90°) in the direction of the arrow

(position

(2)

).

Pull the recessed handle in the luggage compartment floor

⇒

fig. 99

A and lift the floor upward

(arrow).

Fold all luggage compartment floor sections to the front or lift the folded luggage compartment floor

up and out of the luggage compartment.

If necessary, lift out the side walls of the side storage compartments and set them aside.

Pull the front luggage compartment floor support

⇒

fig. 100

B

(1)

upward in the direction of the

arrow and remove it from the luggage compartment.

Unlock both retaining pins

⇒

fig. 100

B

(2)

(magnified view) by turning them a quarter turn (90°) in

the direction of the arrow and lifting them out.

Place the retaining pins outside the luggage compartment.

Lift the two side luggage compartment floor supports

⇒

fig. 100

B

(3)

at the rear in the direction of

the arrow and pull them out of the front mountings to the rear.

Remove the luggage compartment floor supports from the luggage compartment.
Place the folded luggage compartment floor at the very front of the luggage compartment.
Fold and place the luggage compartment floor sections to the rear.
If necessary, install the side walls from the side storage compartments in the holders on the lug-

gage compartment trim.

Safely stow away the removed luggage compartment floor supports

⇒

fig. 100

B

(1)

,

(3)

and the

retaining pins

⇒

fig. 100

B

(2)

.

WARNING

During hard braking or an accident, loose objects can fly through the passenger compart-
ment and cause serious or even fatal injuries.

Even if the luggage compartment floor panel is properly raised, it is still necessary to

secure all objects.

The maximum weight rating of the variable luggage compartment floor is 330 lbs (150 kg)

in the upper position

NOTICE

Do not let the luggage compartment floor fall freely when closing it. Always guide it down into
place. The trim or the luggage compartment floor could be damaged.

If you store the luggage compartment cover under the variable luggage compartment floor, insert

the luggage compartment floor into the upper guides.

Storage compartments in the spare wheel well

Fig. 101 In luggage compartment: Inserting the partitions in the spare wheel well.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Depending on the vehicle equipment level, smaller items can be stowed in storage compartments in
the spare wheel well.

The partitions

⇒

fig. 101

(1)

and

(2)

for the storage compartments can be lifted out.

Depending on the size of the load secured, one or both partitions can be inserted lengthwise or
crosswise in the spare wheel well.

Inserting a single partition

Fold the variable luggage compartment floor forward or lift it up

⇒ Variable luggage compartment

floor.

Insert partition

(1)

lengthwise or partition

(2)

crosswise into the slots in the spare wheel well.

When inserting partition

(1)

, make sure that the rib (magnified view, arrow

(A)

) is at the front.

When inserting partition

(2)

, make sure that the rib (magnified view, arrow

(B)

) is on the left.

Secure the partition section that is not required.

Inserting both partitions

Fold the variable luggage compartment floor forward or lift it up

⇒ Variable luggage compartment

floor.

Insert partition

(1)

lengthwise into the slots in the spare wheel well. Make sure that the rib (magni-

fied view, arrow

(A)

) is at the front.

Insert partition

(2)

crosswise into the slots in the spare wheel well. Make sure that the rib (arrow

(B)

) is on the left.

Roof rack

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Securing a load on the roof rack

The roof of your vehicle has been designed to optimize aerodynamics and does not have traditional
rain gutters that are used to attach many kinds of roof racks.

Since the rain gutters are molded into the roof to provide efficient aerodynamics, only Volkswagen-
approved base carrier mounts and roof racks can be used.

When should the roof rack be removed?

When it is no longer needed.
Before driving through an automatic car wash.
When the vehicle would otherwise be too high for minimum clearance to enter, for example, a

garage.

More information:

Exterior views
Lights
Transporting
Tires and wheels
Saving fuel and helping the environment
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Transporting heavy or bulky loads on the roof rack will change the way the vehicle handles
by shifting the vehicle's center of gravity and increasing the wind drag.

Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will

not shift.

Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a negative effect on the vehicle's

aerodynamics, center of gravity and overall handling.

Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

NOTICE

Always remove the roof rack before driving through an automatic car wash.
Your vehicle is higher when the roof rack is installed, especially when it is loaded. Compare

the vehicle height with existing clearance heights, such as underpasses and garage doors.

Always make sure that the roof rack system and anything being carried on it does not inter-

fere with the roof antenna, the power sunroof, or the rear hatch.

Make sure that the rear hatch does not touch items on the roof rack when opened.

If a roof rack is installed, fuel consumption increases due to increased air resistance.

Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Fig. 102 Mounting the base carrier and roof rack.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The base carrier is the basis of a complete roof rack system. For safety reasons, additional attach-
ments are necessary for transporting luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis, and small boats. Suitable
accessories can be purchased from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

Mounting the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Always attach the base carrier and roof rack correctly.

Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the base carrier or roof rack manufacturer.

The base carrier is mounted on the roof rails. The distance between the front base carrier crosspiece

and the front foot of the roof rail

⇒

fig. 102

(A)

must be at least 2 inches (5 cm). The distance between

the base carrier bars

(B)

should be about 29.5 inches (75 cm).

Only mount the roof rack base carrier as shown in the illustration.

Once you have installed the base carrier correctly, you can secure the roof rack on the base carrier
according to the manufacturer's instructions.

WARNING

Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off
the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.

Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.
Secure the roof rack base carrier only at the attachment points shown in the illustration

⇒

fig. 102

.

Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.
Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before

every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short distance. During a long trip,
check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.

Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.

Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.

Follow the installation instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them

in the vehicle.

Securing a load on the roof rack

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

It is not possible to secure a load unless the roof rack system has been properly installed

⇒ .

Maximum permissible roof load

The maximum permissible roof load is 165 lbs. (75 kg). The roof load is the combined weight of the

roof rack and the items being carried on the roof

⇒ .

Be sure you know the weight of the roof rack and the items you want to transport on the roof. Weigh
them if necessary. Never carry a total of more than the maximum permissible roof load.

When using a roof rack with a lower load limit, do not load the rack to the maximum weight mentioned
above. In this case, you may only load the roof rack to the weight limit specified in the system's instal-
lation instructions.

Distributing the load

Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly

⇒ .

Checking the mountings

After the base carrier and roof rack have been installed, check all bolts and fasteners after driving a
short time and at regular intervals thereafter.

WARNING

If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage
may occur.

Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating, or the

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is

not fully utilized.

Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as

possible, toward the front.

WARNING

Loose or improperly secured items can fall off the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.

Always use suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratchet straps.
Secure the load properly.

Trailer towing

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Technical requirements

Hitching up and connecting a trailer

Loading the trailer

Driving with a trailer

Ball mount

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Maximum permissible trailer weight

Obey country-specific requirements about trailer towing and trailer hitches.

Volkswagen does not recommend installing a trailer hitch on your vehicle. Your Volkswagen was
mainly designed for carrying passengers. If you plan to tow a trailer, please remember your vehicle will
be performing a job for which it was not primarily intended. The additional load will affect durability,
handling, fuel economy, and performance, and may require the vehicle to be serviced more often.

Trailer towing not only places more stress on the vehicle, it calls for more concentration from the
driver. Always follow the operating and driving instructions given, and use common sense.

Under winter conditions, install winter tires on the vehicle and the trailer.

More information:

Power locking system
Anti-theft alarm system
Lights and vision
Tires and wheels
Braking and parking
Saving fuel and helping the environment
Starting assistance systems
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Riding in a trailer is dangerous and may be illegal.

WARNING

Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and injuries. An improperly installed,
incorrect, or damaged trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle
and cause serious personal injuries.

Only use an undamaged, properly mounted trailer hitch.
Never repair or modify the trailer hitch.
To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists

when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball mount when you are not towing a trailer.

Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The

vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch attachment can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.

WARNING

Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.

Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or large things can change the way the vehicle

handles, increase the distance it needs to stop safely, and cause accidents.

Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will

not shift.

Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under

unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.

Trailers with a high center of gravity tip more easily than trailers with a low center of gravi-

ty.

Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Always obey speed limits. In some areas, the speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are

lower than for vehicles without trailers. Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h; under ex-
ceptional circumstances, 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer. This applies even if the
local speed limit is higher.

If you are driving a new vehicle or a vehicle with a new or rebuilt engine, do not tow a trailer

during the break-in period, about 600 miles (1000 km)

⇒ Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifica-

tions.

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need maintenance more often because of the extra load it

has to move.

When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch ball. This helps keep the trailer hitch from

causing damage to your vehicle and to others if your vehicle is hit from behind.

Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehicles. You may want to always

carry the ball mount in the vehicle after it has been removed. Be sure to stow it securely.