
Seats and stowage
110
WARNING
•
Improper use of the cigarette lighter can lead to serious injuries or start 
a fire.
•
Take care when using the cigarette lighter. Carelessness or negligence 
when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns, risk of injury.
•
The cigarette lighter also works when  the ignition is off and when the 
ignition key is removed. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children unsu-
pervised in the vehicle.
Electrical sockets The 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket can also be used for other electrical 
components with a power rating of up to 120 Watt. When the engine is 
switched off, however, the vehicle battery will discharge. Further information 
⇒ page 162
WARNING
The electrical sockets and any appli ances connected to them are also func-
tional with the ignition switched off and the key removed. Improper use of 
the sockets or electrical accessories can lead to serious injuries or cause a 
fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children unsupervised in the 
vehicle.
Note
•
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain the 
battery.
•
Before using any electrical accessories, see the instructions on 
⇒ page 162.
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire 
extinguisherFirst aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisherThe use of reflective warning triangles is obligatory in emergencies in some 
countries. As are the first aid kit and a set of spare lightbulbs.
The first aid kit and extinguisher may be placed in the boot, in the lateral allot-
ments and held in place by the Velcro.
The warning triangle may be placed on  the rear wall of the luggage compart-
ment, held in place by the rubber bands.
Note
•
The first aid kit, the warning triangles and the fire extinguisher are not 
supplied with the vehicle as standard.
•
The first aid kit, the warning triangles and the fire extinguisher should 
meet legal requirements.
•
The expiry date of the content of the first aid kit should be checked.
•
Ensure that the fire extinguisher is  fully functional. The fire extinguisher 
should, therefore, be checked regularly. The sticker on the fire extinguisher 
will inform you of the next date for checking.
•
Before acquiring accessories and em ergency equipment see the instruc-
tions on  ⇒page 162, “Accessories, parts replacement and modifications”.
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Air conditioning
118Cooling system
When the cooling system is switched on, not only the temperature, but also 
the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves comfort for 
the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows when the outside 
air humidity is high.
If the cooling system cannot be switched on this may be due to the following 
reasons:•
the engine is not running.
•
The blower is switched off.
•
The outside temperature is lower than approx. +5°C.
•
the cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off 
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a quali-
fied workshop.
Air recirculation  
Air recirculation mode prevents  fumes or unpleasant smells 
from entering the vehicle.When air recirculation mode  is switched on (button ⇒page 117, fig. 89    
with warning lamp) strong odours in the outside air do not enter the vehicle 
interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in queuing traffic.
When the outside temperature is low,  using air recirculation mode provides 
more effective heating by heating air from the vehicle interior instead of cold 
air from outside.
When the outside temperature is high, using air recirculation mode provides 
more effective cooling by cooling air from the vehicle interior instead of warm 
air from outside. For reasons of safety, air recirculation is 
not possible when the control for air 
distribution is set to the windscreen setting 
.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no ambient air enters the vehicle interior. If the 
air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist over. 
Therefore, you should never leave the air recirculation mode switched on 
for longer periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.
Note
When reverse gear is engaged the air recirculation connects automatically to 
prevent the entrance of exhaust fumes in the vehicle on travelling backwards. 
The control light on the button   does not light up.Economic use of the air conditioningWhen the air conditioning is switched  on, the compressor consumes engine 
power and has an effect on fuel consumption. Observe the following points 
in order to have the equipment operating for a short a time as possible.•
If the vehicle interior has overheated due to excessive solar radiation, it is 
best to open the windows or doors to allow the hot air to escape.
•
When travelling the air conditioning should not be switched on if the 
windows or sun roof are open.*
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Air conditioning
122For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollu-
tion filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high 
levels of air pollution, the pollution  filter must be changed more frequently 
than stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch off the air condi-
tioner with button   to prevent further damage and have it checked by a 
qualified workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and 
special tools. Therefore, we recommend that you take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop should problems occur.Note
•
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,  condensa-
tion  can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle, this is completely normal and there is no need to suspect 
a leak.
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and 
leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the 
windows misting over.
•
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and is 
extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Do not cover these slots with 
articles of clothing  or other objects.
•
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows 
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. However, if the sun has heated up the 
vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for 
a short period.
•
Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the 
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a 
permanent unpleasant odour.
•
At low outside temperatures the compressor switches off automatically. 
The   button cannot be switched on either.
•
It is advidable to connect the air cond itioning at least once a month, to 
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling 
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to 
check the system.
•
For correct operation of the system, do not block the grille between the   button and the button 
.
•
When the engine is under extreme strain, switch off the compressor for a 
moment.
ECON
AUTO
AUTO
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Driving127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter 
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.After starting a very hot e ngine, you may need to pres s the accelerator briefly.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediatel y, switch off the starter after about 
10 seconds and try again after about half  a minute. If the engine still does not 
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked  ⇒page 197, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avo id high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading th e engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or  towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒ page 214, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the  clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then 
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 125, fig. 94   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems to start the engine, see  ⇒page 214.
A1
A2
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Driving and the environment143
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed 
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is 
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life  of the engine will be increased and its oil 
consumption reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully in the first 500 km. New 
brake pads should be run-in carefully in the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect 
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with 
brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip  to start with, and require running-
in. This may be an accident risk. Drive pa rticularly carefully in the first 
500 km.
•
New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction 
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity 
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by 
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the  brake pad wear. The rate 
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under 
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often 
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we 
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an 
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Driving and the environment
150Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin  connector for the electrical connection 
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a  7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is 
available from any Technical Service.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to 
the maximum permitted tr ailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly 
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for  altitudes up to 
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and 
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced 
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The 
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for 
every further 1,000m (or part thereof).  The gross combination weight is the 
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus  the actual weight of the laden trailer. 
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted  draw bar 
weight  on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified 
limit.
The figures for  trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the 
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The 
correct figures for your specific model, which may be  lower than these figures 
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents and 
⇒ Section “Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as 
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them 
moving. Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker 
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in 
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the 
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors 
fitted. Both exterior mirrors shoul
d be mounted on hinged extension 
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection  intervals if the 
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special  regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling of the towing bracket is located in the tool 
boxThe ball coupling is provided with inst ructions on fitting and removing the 
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
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Driving and the environment
152Think ahead when drivingA vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you  think ahead when driving, 
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let 
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next 
traffic lights are red.Regular servicingBy taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you 
can establish a basis for good fuel economy  before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine give s you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as 
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the  oil level every time you fill the tank  ⇒page 174. Oil consumption 
depends to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending 
on your personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 
km.
Avoid short journeysThe engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper  working 
temperature  in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
Directly after a cold start, the engine uses about 50-70 litres of fuel per 
100 km. This figure then drops to 20-30 litres per 100 km after about one 
kilometre. The engine only reaches its working temperature after about  four 
kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level. You should 
therefore avoid short journeys.
The ambient temperature  has a decisive influence.
The illustration shows the different rates of fuel consumption for the same 
distance at both +20
°C and -10
°C. Your vehicle will use more fuel in winter 
than in summer.
Fig. 117  Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at 
two different ambient 
temperatures
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
158
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances 
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the 
tyres. This may be an accident risk.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing 
the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully 
several times  ⇒page 143, “Braking effect and braking distance”.
Cleaning alloy wheelsEvery two weeks
– Wash salt and brake dust from alloy wheels.
– Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheels.
Every three months
– Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.Alloy wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. It is 
important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at 
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective 
coating is damaged, e.g. by stone  impact, the damaged area should be 
repaired immediately.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances 
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the 
tyres. This may be an accident risk.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing 
the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully 
several times  ⇒page 143, “Braking effect and braking distance”.
Underbody sealant
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corro-
sion and damage.The protective coating could be dama ged when driving. We recommend that 
the protective coating under the body  and on the running gear should be 
checked, and reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend that repair work and addi tional anti-corrosion work is carried 
out by your Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corros ion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of 
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! This is a fire 
hazard.
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