
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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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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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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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 123
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Turn the fan control to one of  the two levels depending on the 
speed required.
– Rotate the temperature control to the desired level.
– Close outlets  .
– Open and turn outlets   towards side windows.
Temperature selector  ⇒page 123
Blower control. There are four speed settings for the blower. The blower 
should always be set at the lowest speed when driving slowly.
Air distribution control  ⇒page 123
Air recirculation button    ⇒page 124
Button   – Coolant on button  ⇒page 123WARNING
For your safety, the windows should never be fogged up or covered with 
snow or ice. This is essential to ensu re good visibility. Please familiarise 
yourself with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, 
including the demist/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please observe the general notes.
Vehicle interior heating or cooling system Heating of the vehicle interior
– Disconnect the cooling system using button  ⇒fig. 95    (the 
button light goes off).
– Turn the temperature selector   to set the desired temperature.
– 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).
Cooling the passenger compartment
– Connect the cooling system with button   (the button light  should  light up).
A3
A4
AAABACAD
AE
AC
Fig. 95  On the instru-
ment panel: air condi-
tioning controls
AC
AAAC
AC
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Driving and the environment
160Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For 
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in 
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when 
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of  snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an  overrun brake, apply the 
brakes  gently at first  and then firmly. This will pr event the jerking that can be 
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before 
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle.
Heating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear 
and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the 
coolant  ⇒page 51.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to 
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.Driving economically and with respect for the 
environmentGeneral ObservationsFuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes 
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. Fuel consumption may 
be reduced from 10 to 15 % by driving defensively and economically. Below  we will give you some suggestions to "alleviate" some of the strain in the 
environment and, at the same time, your wallet.
Anticipate the traffic situation well in advance
A vehicle uses most fuel when accele
rating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you will have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is 
possible, let the vehicle roll with a  gear engaged, for example, if you see a red 
light ahead.
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up through the gears  quickly. 
Running the engine at high rpm in  the lower gears uses an unnecessary 
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox:  Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We 
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon 
reaching 2,000 rpms.
Automatic gearbox:  Accelerate slowly and avoid the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel 
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at 
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level 
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only 
30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the 
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to  warm up when it is running at idling 
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high 
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately 
after starting the engine . Avoid running the engine at high speed.
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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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