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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Correct sitting position

Fig. 41 specifies exact clearances for the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 driving position — at least 25 cm between driver and steering wheel, and at least 10 cm to the dash panel at the knees — while Fig. 42 shows correct seat belt routing and head restraint height. This page turns those figures into a practical checklist for setting up your seat before every drive.

Fig. 41 There must be a distance of at least 25 cm between the driver and the steering wheel The distance to the dash panel must be at least 10 cm in the knee area

Fig. 42 Correct seat belt routing and head restraint adjustment

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

The following details the correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers.

If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they should contact a qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts and airbags can only provide a maximum level of protection if a correct sitting position is assumed. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Volkswagen recommends the following seating position for your own safety and to reduce the level of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident:

The following applies to all vehicle occupants:

  • Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but not lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as possible   and  .
  • When adjusting for short people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located underneath the top edge of the head restraint.
  • For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
  • Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Adjust and fasten seat belts properly   .

Additional points for the driver:

  • Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
  • Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone is at least 25 cm   and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the sides with the arms slightly bent.
  • The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
  • Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards so that you are able to press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly angled and the distance to the dash panel in the knee area is at least 10 cm  .
  • Adjust the height so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
  • Always leave both feet in the footwell, to help ensure you maintain control of the vehicle at all times.

Additional points for the front passenger:

  • Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
  • Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum protection if it is triggered.

    Questions & answers

    Correct sitting position — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    What is the correct driving position in the Golf Mk7?
    Sit at least 25 cm from the steering wheel, keep a minimum 10 cm gap between the knees and the dash, and hold the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions with slightly bent arms.
    How should the Golf Mk7 head restraint be set?
    The centre of the head restraint should be level with the top of the occupant's ears. This minimises whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.
    Where should the Golf Mk7 seat belt sit across the body?
    The shoulder section must cross the chest and collar bone — never the neck. The lap section must sit tightly across the hips, not over the abdomen.
    Is the correct sitting position the same for the front passenger?
    Yes. The same rules for distance, belt routing and head restraint height apply to the front passenger. The passenger seat should also be pushed as far back as practical.
    What is the correct seat belt position during pregnancy in the Golf Mk7?
    The lap belt must always pass below the bump, lying flat across the hips. The shoulder belt crosses the chest as normal. A seat belt worn over the bump can injure the unborn child in a collision.
    The dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
    First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases. Seat belts can onl ...

    Mechanical controls on the front seat
    Fig. 43 Front left-hand seat controls First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings The layout of the controls on the front right-hand seat is a mirror image of the ...

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