Can anyone tell me please what exactly are "active" headrests? :confused:

The front head restraints are connected to a mechanism in the upper part of the seat.

When something hits you front behind the sudden forward lurch forces you into the seat that in turn activates the mechanism forcing the head restraint forwards and slightly upwards to reduce the whiplash effect.

Standard on L&K, optional everywhere else I believe, not sure about the Scout though.

They help to prevent whiplash-type injuries by providing more support to your head in the event of a collision. Particularly helpful in the event of a rear-end shunt, they move forward to support your head.

Further info here:

Saab's Head Restraint

Yes, it's a SAAB system but it operates on the same system as the Skoda.

Curtain airbags, active head restraints and ESP will always be on a new car of mine whether it's standard or I have to pay. Active head restraints have helped me once before and SWMBO quite recently.

Does anyone have a picture of an active headrestraint (can you tell if you've got them?) and can they be retro-fit? I bought my Octy a few months old and had loads of kit on it and I've never come across an active restraint so wouldn't know if I had them or not (although I suspect not). Thanks

I wouldnt have thougha retro fit would be possible as it must be a mechanism within the seat itself the triggers all this?

Slightly off topic, but do your headrests swivel forward to touch the back of your head better? Mine do, but I've seen most cars don't.

Slightly off topic, but do your headrests swivel forward to touch the back of your head better? Mine do, but I've seen most cars don't.

Yes, yes they do.

And how do I tell if I have the active ones? Never been rear ended to see if they are or not.

I've got active headrests in my passat, the only difference i can tell from the vRS which didnt have them is that I cant totally remove them from the seat, where as the vRS I could pull them out

Hm. I'll go see.

waits for the thud as they unexpectedly hit the headlining