
Contents
4Cleaning 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
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle tools, 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 1.2 44 kW (60 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.2 51 kW (69 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (86 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 litre 55 kW (75 hp). Automatic
Petrol engine 1.4 74 kW (100 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6l 77 kW (105 bhp) . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.8 110 kW (150 bhp)  . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.8l 132 kW (180 bhp) CUPRA  . . 
Diesel engine 1.4 litre TDI 51 kW (70 bhp)  . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.4 litre TDI 59 kW (80 bhp)  . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9l TDI 74 kW (100 bhp)  . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9l TDI 96 kW (131 bhp)  . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 TDI 118kW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
163
163
164
170
172
172
172
173
173
175
177
177
178
179
180
183
187
189
192
194
196
202
202
205
211
213
219
230
233
237
237
237
239 240
240
242
242
243
244
245
247
248
249
251
252
253
254
256
257
258
260
261
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Cockpit61
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
Alternator fault ⇒page 62
Electro-hydraulic steering ⇒page 62
Engine fault (petrol engine) ⇒page 63
Glow plug system for diesel engine 
If lit: preheating active 
If flashing:  engine fault ⇒
page 63
 
Turn signals in operation ⇒page 63
Coolant level / coolant temperature  ⇒page 63
Main beam switched on ⇒page 64
Fuel level / reserve  ⇒page 64 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) * ⇒page 64
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system ⇒
page 65
Airbag or belt tension device system fault or airbag disabled ⇒page 24  ⇒page 27
Seat belt warning lamp* ⇒page 16
Fault in the emission control system ⇒page 65
Traction control system (TCS)*/Electronic stabilisation pro-
gramme (ESP)* ⇒
page 66
A1A2A3A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13
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Cockpit65
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control 
function will not function). Please take 
the vehicle to a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the  ⇒page 148.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp 
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault 
in the brake system  ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 180, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 should light up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir  ⇒page 192, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has 
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. 
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have 
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear 
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break 
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.
Brake system* / handbrake 
 
The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the 
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake 
system.
This warning lamp 
 lights up if
•
If the handbrake is on
•
If the brake fluid level is too low  ⇒page 192
•
If there is a fault in the brake system
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system 
warning lamp.
WARNING
•
If the brake warning lamp does not  go out, or if it lights up when 
driving, the brake fluid level  ⇒page 192, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is 
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 lights up together with the ABS warning 
lamp 
, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could 
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the 
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp 
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce 
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the 
engine checked.
Warning lamp  is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the 
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to 
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
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Driving and the environment
152Braking 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 
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service 
Schedule.
If you drive with  wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in 
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): The brakes should 
be “dried” by pressing the pedal to restore full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk 
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run in and  do not have the correct friction 
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also 
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have 
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over 
heat. Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce 
speed and change to a lower gear (or mo ve the selector lever to a lower gear 
if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine 
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous 
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking 
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking 
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid 
is left in the system for too long . This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers  could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions 
before purchasing accessories  ⇒page 172, “Modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary 
journeys.
Exhaust gasses purification systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not run the fuel tank dry.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil  ⇒page 186, “Topping up engine oil  ”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 230.
WARNING (continued)
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Cleaning and caring for your vehicleGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your 
vehicle.Regular care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may 
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the 
event of corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to 
wash and wax it frequently. The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-
pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt 
and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they 
do to the paintwork. High temperatur es (for instance in strong sunlight) 
further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the 
underside  of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Car care products
Car care products are available from your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the 
product instructions until you have used up the product.
WARNING
•
Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept 
closed in their original container. Keep out of children's reach. Failure to 
comply could result in poisoning.
•
Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package 
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or  your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours; 
these should be used in well ventilated areas.
•
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other 
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. There is a fire / explo-
sion risk.
•
Before you wash your vehicle, or carry out any maintenance, switch off 
the engine, apply the handbrake firmly  and remove the key from the igni-
tion.Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry. 
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for clea ning purposes. This could damage the 
paintwork or glass on your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty of 
water.
For the sake of the environment
•
When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are not 
harmful to the environment.
•
Left over car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary house-
hold waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
180•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For 
this reason, we recommend that, about every 300 or 400 km, following a fuel 
change, also change the fuel filter. Also  note the instructions in the Inspec-
tion and Maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we 
recommend filling the fuel tank with  biodiesel and driving about 50 km in 
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel  thickens due to wax separation. For 
this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during 
the cold months. It can be used  at temperatures as low as -22
°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel sold generally 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for 
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to 
approx. -24
°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15
°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24
°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position  P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet  ⇒page 182.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g.  coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed . SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service  Centres concerning modifications. For 
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Checking and refilling levels181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions 
⇒page 172. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area  ⇒.
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk 
of accident or fire.•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwis e, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or  coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•
Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•
Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.
•
Keep children away from the vehicle.
•
Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•
Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.
•
Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 231. The battery could 
explode.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths 
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securi ng the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.
•
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose cl othing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and  cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is 
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could 
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following sa fety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
192
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to 
clean the window.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service 
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It  should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment diagram  ⇒page 242. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and 
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the 
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
Fig. 133  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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