
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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Cockpit
62
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in 
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a 
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your 
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a area! Before you 
open the bonnet to work on the engin e or in the engine compartment, you 
must switch off the engine and allow it  to cool to reduce the risk of scalding 
or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings  ⇒page 180.Note
•
The appropriate warning lamp for a fa ult will light up in vehicles without 
warning or information texts in the display.
•
In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will ligh t up and a warning or information text 
will also appear in the display.
Alternator 
 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp 
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go 
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer 
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified 
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary 
because this will drain the battery.
If the indicator flashes the voltage is insufficient for normal vehicle 
operation.
Electro-hydraulic steering* 
The level of steering assistance depends on the vehicle speed and on the 
steering angle.
The warning lamp should li ght up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
 
Pollen accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter
⇒page 66
Electronic immobiliser ⇒page 67
Engine oil pressure ⇒page 67
Trailer turn signals in operation ⇒page 67
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A14A15A16A17
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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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Seats and stowage
114
Closing
– Move the ashtray cover towards the gearstick until it engages.
WARNING
Never put paper in the ashtray. Hot ash could ignite the paper in the 
ashtray.Cigarette lighter– Press on the cigarette lighter  ⇒fig. 86  to activate it  ⇒.
– Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the  glowing coil.
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 lighter only works when the ignition is turned on or the engine is 
running. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children unsupervised 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 172.
WARNING
The current sockets and the connected accessories will only operate when 
the ignition is on or when the engine is running. 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 172.
Fig. 86  Cigarette lighter
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Driving
134
– 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 engine, you may need to press 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 immediately, 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 213, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, 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 av oid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  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 230, “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 ne utral 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 132, fig. 100   . 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 may 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 starting the engine, see  ⇒page 230.
A1A2
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Driving
140If, while driving, the selector lever accidentally moves to position  N, first 
release the accelerator pedal and wait until the engine slows to idling before 
selecting a forward gear  ⇒.
Starting
Select a range ( R, D, 3, 2, 1). Wait until the change has taken place and the 
power transmission of the drive wheels has stabilised (slight pressure is 
noticeable). Then depress the accelerator.
Stopping
In the case of a temporary stop, for example at a traffic light, it is not neces-
sary to move to position  N, it is sufficient to brake using the brake pedal. The 
engine should only run at idle speed.
Parking
On slopes, first pull handbrake on firmly and then connect block. This 
prevents overloading of the locking mechanism, making the subsequent 
deactivation easier ⇒ .
Emergency start
For vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox the engine can not be started by 
towing or pushing the vehicle ⇒ page 233.
If the vehicle battery is flat, a battery from another car can be used to jump-
start the car using a set of jump leads  ⇒page 133.
To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing at any time, observe the instructions of 
⇒ page 233, “Towing and tow-starting”.
Back-up programme
In the event of a malfunction of  the gearbox electronics, emergency 
programmes are activated, according to the type of fault.•
The gearbox continues to connect gears automatically, but the operations 
are jerky. Consult the Authorised Service Centre.
•
The gearbox does not automatically engage gears.
In this case they can be changed manually.  3rd gear is only available in posi-
tions  D, 3 and  2 of the selector lever.
In positions  1 and R of the selector lever 1st  gear and reverse gear are avail-
able respectively as normal.
As the torque converter is required to work more, especially due to the lack of 
2nd  gear, it is possible that the gearbox oil may overheat. In this case, consult 
the Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
In all the ranges the vehicle must always be held with the foot brake 
when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox still 
transmits power even at idling speed , and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
•
If, when the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, a range is 
connected, take care not to accelerate accidentally (for example, when 
working in the engine compartment), as the car will start to move immedi-
ately.
•
Before working on a running engine, place the selector lever in position 
P and apply the handbrake.
•
To prevent the vehicle from moving out of control, the handbrake 
should always be applied when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition 
move the selector lever to position P.
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Driving and the environment151
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.
Deep water (Cupra version)The speed of the vehicle through puddles and passages of water must not 
exceed 25 km/h.Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New 
brake pads should be run-in carefully for 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 cause an accident. Drive particularly 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.
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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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