Technical data

Brakes

Brake system warning light

The light illuminates when the handbrake is applied and

extinguishes when it is fully released. If the warning

light illuminates while driving, or fails to extinguish when the

handbrake is fully released, a fault with the braking system is

indicated. Check the brake fluid level; if the light continues to

illuminate, seek qualified assistance before continuing.

If the brake warning light illuminates while driving, bring the

car to a halt as quickly as traffic conditions and safety permit

and seek qualified assistance before continuing. Do not drive with

the warning light illuminated.

Brake pads

Brake pads require a period of bedding in. For the first 300 km,

avoid situations where heavy braking is required.

Remember that regular servicing is vital to ensure that all the brake

components are examined for wear at the correct intervals, and

changed when required to ensure long term safety and optimum

performance.

DO NOT rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving; this

may overheat the brakes, reduce their efficiency and cause

excessive wear.

Brake wear indicators

All disc brakes are fitted with audible brake wear indicators. When

the brake pads need replacing, a distinctive metallic ‘screeching’

sound will be heard (this is not to be confused with the sound of

brakes squeaking, which sometimes occurs during light braking

and is usually caused by dust on the braking surfaces).

HANDBRAKE

DO NOT drive with the handbrake applied, or apply the

handbrake while the car is in motion; this could result in loss

of control, prevent the anti-lock braking system from functioning

correctly, and may even cause damage to the rear brakes.

The handbrake operates on the rear wheels only. To apply the

handbrake, pull the lever up. Always apply the handbrake FULLY

whenever you park the car.

To release, pull the lever up slightly, depress the button (arrowed

in illustration) and fully lower the lever.

When parking on a steep slope, do not rely on the handbrake alone

to hold the car. On manual gearbox models, leave the car parked

with the gearbox in a low forward gear when facing uphill and in

reverse gear when facing downhill. On automatic gearbox models,

selection of ‘P’ (park) will lock the transmission and, together with

the handbrake, prevent the car from rolling away.