
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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Cockpit53
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone on the dial ⇒ page 52, fig. 32   indicates the 
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine is warm 
and after it has been run in properly. However, it is advisable to change up a 
gear or move the selector lever to D (or li ft 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.
Engine coolant temperature display 
 
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
Needle in cold zone 
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads  ⇒fig. 33.
Needle in normal zone 
In normal driving conditions, the needle  should be in the middle section of 
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard, 
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern, as long 
as the warning lamp   does not li ght up on the instrument panel.
Needle in warning zone 
The warning lamp*  ⇒page 60, fig. 40    will light up and a buzzer will be 
heard if the needle is in the warning zone.  Stop the car and switch off the 
engine.  Check the coolant level ⇒ page 187 ⇒.
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.
A1
Fig. 33  Engine coolant 
temperature
AAABACAC
A2
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Cockpit63
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
There is a fault in the electro-hydraulic steering system if the lamp does not 
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. Take the vehicle to the 
Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
Note
When towing the vehicle with the engine stopped or due to a fault in the 
power steering, this will not operate. The vehicle can still be steered, but it 
will require greater force to turn the steering wheel.Engine management 
 
This warning lamp monitors th e engine management system 
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp 
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition 
is switched on to show that the lamp  is working properly. It should go out 
when the engine has started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are 
driving, this warning lamp will light  up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault* 
 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp 
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the 
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away. Warning lamp 
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving, 
the glow plug lamp will flash 
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service 
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Tu r n  si g nals  
 
The warning lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left 
 or right 
 indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both warning lamps  will flash at the same time when the 
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the warning  lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
Further information on the turn signals  ⇒page 93.
Coolant Level* / temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too 
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while 
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒  are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature 
is too high.
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Cockpit
64Coolant temperature too high
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too 
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial.  Stop the vehicle, 
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary  ⇒page 213.
If the warning lamp lights up again  after driving on for a short distance,  stop 
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Contact an Authorised Service Centre 
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal 
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity  ⇒.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a 
safe distance from traffic. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and 
place the warning triangle.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no 
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area! 
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the 
engine and allow it to cool down. Alwa ys note the corresponding warnings 
⇒ page 180.
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the main beams are on or when the 
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information  ⇒page 93.
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is down to 
the reserve level.This lights when only 7 litres of  fuel remain in the tank. Also, an  audible 
warning  is given. This serves as a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest 
opportunity  ⇒page 177.Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
 
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic 
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go  out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
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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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Cockpit67
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Electronic immobiliser 
Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into  the ignition. The immobiliser will be 
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition 
lock.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine 
key is used.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT 
key.Engine oil pressure 
This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is 
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings , switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too 
low, add more engine oil  ⇒page 183.
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Trailer turn signals 
This warning lamp also flashe s when the turn signals are 
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The warning lamp 
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a 
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL  ⇒page 150, “Electronic diff erential lock (EDL)*”
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Unlocking and locking85
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Buttons in the driver door
Button for window in front left door
Button for window in front right door
Buttons for rear windows* Safety switch for deactivating the electric window buttons in the rear 
doors
Button for window in rear right door
Button for window in rear left door
Safety switch 
*
Safety switch   in the driver door can  be used to disable the electric window 
buttons in the rear doors.
Safety switch not pressed: buttons on rear doors are activated.
Safety switch pressed: buttons on rear doors are deactivated.
WARNING
•
Incorrect use of the electric windows can result in injury.
•
Never close the tailgate without observing and ensuring it is clear, to do 
otherwise could cause serious injury to you and others. Make sure that no 
one is in the path of a window.
•
Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
•
Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle, particularly if 
they have access to the keys. Unsupervised use of a key could mean that 
the engine is started or that electrical equipment is used (e.g. electric 
windows). Risk of accident. The door s can be locked using the remote 
control key. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an 
emergency.
•
The electric windows will work until the key has been removed from the 
ignition and one of the front doors has been opened.
•
If necessary, use the safety switch to disable the rear electric windows. 
Make sure that they have been disabled.Note
If the window is not able to close becau se it is stiff or because of an obstruc-
tion, the window will automatically open again ⇒ page 86. If this happens, 
check why the window could not be closed before attempting to close it 
again.One-touch opening and closing* 
The one-touch opening and closing function is only possible 
on the front doors and can only be activated from the driver's 
door.One-touch closing
– Pull up the button for the window briefly to the second position.  The window closes fully.
One-touch opening
– Push down the button for the window briefly to the second posi- tion. The window opens fully.
Restoring one-touch opening and closing
– Close all windows.
A1A2A3A4A5
A3
WARNING (continued)
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
124
– Turn the temperature control switch until the desired interior temperature is obtained.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration  desired:   (towards the windsc reen),   (towards the chest), 
 (towards the foot rest) and   (towards the windscreen and 
foot rest areas).Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is 
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Coolant 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 +5°C.
•
the cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off 
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The air conditioning fuse is faulty.
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a qual-
ified workshop.
Air recirculation  
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells 
from entering the vehicle.When air recirculation mode is switched on (button  ⇒page 123, fig. 95    
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, us ing 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 fr om 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 back-
wards. The control light on th e button   does not light up.
•
If the temperature control is turned to the coldest setting (blue point) and 
the switch   is activated, the “Air recirculation” function is automatically 
activated in order to cool the passenger compartment rapidly using a 
minimum of energy and the function indicator will light.
AC
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