vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
●
Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when transporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
●
Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
●
Never allow children to play in or around
the vehicle. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle.
●
Please observe the notes on the
CAUTION
Hard objects on the rear shelf could chafe
against the wires of the heating element in
the heated rear window and cause damage.
Note
●
The tyre pressure must be adjusted accord-
ing to the load. When necessary check the
tyre pressures on the label located on the in-
›››
side fuel tank flap
page
188.
Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
●
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
Transport and practical equipment
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered.
Straps for securing the load to the fasten-
●
ing rings* are commercially available from ac-
cessory shops.
Fastening rings*
›››
page
51.
Location of fastening rings in lug-
Fig. 139
gage compartment.
There may be four fastening rings included in
the luggage compartment for fastening lug-
gage and other objects
Always use suitable and undamaged straps
–
to secure luggage and other objects to the
fastening rings
gage compartment on page
Pull up the fastening rings to attach the
–
straps.
›››
Fig. 139
(arrows).
›››
in Loading the lug-
124.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying
unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal col-
lision at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), this
object generates a force corresponding to 20
times its weight. That means that the effec-
tive weight of the object increases to approxi-
mately 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of
the injuries which might be sustained if this
"object" strikes an occupant as it flies
through the interior of the vehicle. This in-
creased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag.
WARNING
●
If pieces of baggage or other objects are se-
cured to the fastening rings with inappropri-
ate or damaged retaining cords, injuries
could result in the event of braking manoeu-
vres or accidents.
●
Never secure a child seat on the fastening
rings.
125