
ForewordThis owner's manual and the corresponding supplements should be read carefully to familiarise yourself with 
your vehicle.
Also, the regular care, maintenance and correct handling of the vehicle will contribute to preserve its value.
For safety reasons, note the information concerni ng accessories, modifications and parts exchange.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the onboard documentat ion to the new owner as this should be kept with the 
vehicle.
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 1  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Contents
4Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving economically and with respect for the 
environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
 . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle interior  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel  . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit* (Tyre Mobility System)  . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes on the technical data
 . . . . . . . 
What you should be aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
How are the figures measured?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Techn ical  Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 litre 63 kW (86 bhp)  . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6 litre 75 kW (102 bhp)  . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 110 kW (150 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 110 kW (150 hp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 hp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 litre TDI 77 kW (105 bhp) . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 litre TDI 100 kW (136 bhp) . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 100 kW (136 bhp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 litre TDI 103 kW (140 bhp) . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 103 kW (140 bhp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp)  . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
188
190
192
192
193
198
201
201
201
202
202
203
205
205
206
207
208
211
215
218
221
223
225
232
232
234
240
242
249
258
261 267
267
267
269
270
270
272
272
273
274
275
276
278
279
280
282
283
284
285
287
289
291
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 4  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Safe driving17
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor 
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk 
of accident.
Stowing luggageLoading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other loose object s must be safely secured in 
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the 
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the 
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly  in the luggage compartment.
– Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the  luggage compartment.
– Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart- ment.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings  ⇒page 18.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment can 
cause serious injuries.
•
Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on 
the fastening rings.
•
Use suitable specialist straps to secure heavy objects.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown 
forward, injuring vehicle occupants. Th is increased risk of injury will be 
further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag. If this 
happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of fatal injury.
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting 
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to  adjust your speed and driving style 
accordingly, to avoid accidents.
•
Never exceed the allowed axle loads  or allowed maximum weight. If the 
allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-
acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and 
damage to the vehicle.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is 
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door 
behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal 
risk.
•
Never allow children to play in or  around the vehicle. Close and lock 
both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you 
lock the vehicle, make sure that ther e are no adults or children in the 
vehicle.
•
Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every 
passenger must be properly belted in ⇒ page 19.Note
•
Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used 
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that the ventil ation slits are never covered.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 17  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Cockpit
58display
4).  Stop the car and switch off the engine.  Check the coolant level 
⇒ page 215  ⇒ .
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always bear in mind the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 208.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At 
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the 
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone on the dial  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    indicates the 
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine is warm 
and after it has been run-in properly. Ho wever, it is advisable to change up a 
gear or move the selector lever to D (or l ift your foot off the accelerator) before 
the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine 
noise.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    anti-clockwise to 
the stop to set the hour. If the kn ob is turned briefly anti-clock-
wise the clock will advance one hour further.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the limit stop to set the  minutes. If the knob is turned briefly clockwise the clock will 
advance one minute further.
4)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 58  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Cockpit
60Displayed categories
The display in the instrument panel shows the mileage and 
trip recorder as well as the selector lever position.
Control and warning lamps: “Control and warning lamps”.
Clock: “Setting the time”. In some vehicles the ambient temperature is 
displayed to the right of the clock.
There are optional and automatic displays in this field.
- Selectable displays:  e.g. Multi-function display (MFD) and ambient 
temperature display
- Automatic indications:  information or warning messages: “Information 
or warning messages on the screen”
- Menus with diverse information are shown on the screen allowing many  adjustments to be made: “Instrument panel menus”. Mileage display or Service Interval Display “Mileage display or Service 
Interval Display”.
Selector lever position display for the automatic gearbox. The actual 
position of the selector lever or the gear which is engaged (for Tiptronic) 
are highlighted.
Mileage display or Service Interval DisplayDistance display
The left-hand counter in the display registers the total amount of distance 
covered by the vehicle.
The right-hand counter regi
sters the short journeys. The last digit indicates 
steps of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by the reset 
button  ⇒page 56, fig. 33 .
Service interval display
A  Service pre-warning will appear in the mileage display if a service is due 
soon. A “spanner” symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance 
that can be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will 
change after approximately 10 seconds. A “clock symbol” appears and the 
number of days until the service appointment should be carried out. The 
following information text displaye d in the instrument panel display: SERV. IN 
... KM OR ... DAYS . The service message will disappear approximately 20 
seconds after the ignition is switched on  or the engine is running. The normal 
display can be resumed by pressing the re set button on the trip counter or by 
pressing the rocker switch of the MFI  ⇒page 61, fig. 39  .
With the ignition switched on, you can call up the current  service message by 
pressing the trip counter reset knob for 2 seconds.
An  overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in  front of the mileage or day 
information.
Fig. 38  Digital display in 
the instrument panel
A1A1A2
A3A4
A6
AB
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 60  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Cockpit65
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Instrument panel menusMain menu
The menu enables access to the different display functions.Open main menu
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press and hold the eject button   for at least 2 seconds. It may 
be necessary to repeat this operation until the main menu is 
displayed.
Select a menu from the main menu
– To choose an option from the menu, press the upper or lower end  of the rocker switch. The selected option is displayed between 
two horizontal lines. – Press button   to select the entry.
Example of menu use: “Example of menu use”
Fig. 43  Windscreen wiper 
lever: button A to confirm 
the menu point and rocker 
switch B to change the 
menu
Fig. 44  Digital display on 
the instrument panel: 
Main menu
AB
AA
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 65  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Cockpit
66
NoteFor electronic and vehicle equipment on e or more of these menus will be 
displayed. Main menu
Function
Multi-function display Change to multi-function display (MFD): “Multi-function display (MFD)”
Audio The current station will be shown when the radio is switched on.
Navigation This menu is only available if the vehicle is fitted with a navigation system. The navigation system must be 
switched on. When the destination guide is activated, the turning arrows and proximity bars are displayed. The 
display is similar to that of the Navigation system. 
If the destination guide is not activated, the direction of travel (compass) and the name of the street along which 
you are driving are shown.
Telephone This menu is only available if the vehicle is fitted wi th a telephone mounted by the manufacturer: “Fixed tele-
phone installation”
Vehicle condition This menu displays the actual warning or information texts: “Menu Vehicle condition”
This option flashes when any of these texts are displayed.
Configuration This option allows the time, the speed warning when using winter tyres, units, language, independent heating, 
the Light and visibility menu and the Convenience menu to be reset.
Display off The display is switched off. 
 It comes on again on entering the main menu or when a warning, breakdown or service message appears. The 
main menu will be shown in the display for approximately 5 seconds after the ignition is switched on. The display 
will then switch off again.
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 66  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15 

Cockpit67
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Example of menu use 
All the menus on the instrument panel may be used according to the following procedure.The setting of a speed warning will be used as an example of how to 
use the menus. This is a good idea if you are, for example, using 
winter tyres which are not suited for the top speed of the vehicle.
1. Open the main menu
– Switch on the ignition.
– Hold down button   for two seconds to return to main menu 
from other menu. It ma y be necessary to repeat this operation 
until the main menu is displayed.
2. Open the main menu “Configuration”
– To choose an option from the menu, press the upper or lower end  of the rocker switch. The selected option is displayed between 
two lines and there will also be a triangle on the right. –Select menu 
Configuration.
– Press button   on the windscreen wiper lever. The  Configura-
tion  menu is opened.
3. Open the main menu “Winter tyres”
– Select option  Winter tyres using the rocker switch.
– Press button  . The menu  Winter tyres is opened.
4. Program a speed limit warning
– Use the rocker switch to select the menu entry +10 km/h  or -10 
km/h  and press the button to either increase or decrease the set 
speed.
Fig. 45  Windscreen wiper 
lever: button A to confirm 
the menu point and rocker 
switch B to change the 
menu
Fig. 46  Digital screen on 
the instrument panel: 
winter tyre display
AB
AAAA
altea_ingles_0706.book  Seite 67  Mittwoch, 30. August 2006  3:48 15