
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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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 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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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 levels183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
If the bonnet does not close, do not pr
ess downwards. Open it once more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standard s with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used  instead. The use of this type of oil may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
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Checking and refilling levels
184Oil properties
Viscosity
The viscosity class of the oil is selected according to the diagram.
When the ambient temperature falls outside the limits of the scale for a short 
period, an oil change is not required.
Mono-grade oil
Single grade oils are generally not suitable for all year round use, due to 
ranges of viscosity
6). These oils are only useful in a climate 
that is constantly very cold or very 
warm.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed  with the engine oil. The deterioration 
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Fig. 126  Types of oil 
according to temperature
Engine type Specification
Petrol VW 501 01/ VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Diesel VW 505 00/ VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Injector Pump 
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Injector Pump Motor 118 kW
a)
VW 506 01/ VW 507 00
Diesel Engines with Particulate filter (DPF)
a)
VW 507 00
6)Viscosity: oil density
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Checking and refilling levels
186Topping up engine oil 
 
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 180.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 128.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using  small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before 
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area  , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler openi ng is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment diagram ⇒ page 242. Engine oil specification 
⇒page 183.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot 
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do  not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area  . Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the 
exhaust system.Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the 
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!
Fig. 128  In the engine 
compartment: Engine oil 
filler cap
AB
AA
AA
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Checking and refilling levels187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 180, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
•
Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
•
When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it  comes into contact with engine oil.
•
Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of 
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine  oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•
Because of the disposal problems, the necessa ry special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we reco mmend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It has to be large 
enough to hold all the engine oil.
CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of 
our coolant additive G 12+ or an addi tive with the specification TT-VW 774 F 
(it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to 
-25
°C and protects the al loy parts of  the cooling system again st corrosion. It 
also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must  always be at least 40% - even if frost 
protection is not required.
If greater frost protection is required in  very cold climates, the proportion of 
the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of 
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost 
protection. It would also reduce th e cooling effect. A mixture with 60% 
coolant addit ive will give f rost protection to approx. -40
°C.
WARNING
•
The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the 
coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the 
reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to 
provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that 
can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant 
could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also 
not work in this situat ion, there is a risk of suffering exposure!
WARNING (continued)
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