
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
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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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Intelligent technology
148Anti-lock brake system and traction control 
ABSAnti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking 
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle’s active 
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is 
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel. 
The driver is made aware of this control process by a  pulsating of the brake 
pedal  and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or 
more of the wheels is tending to lock  and the ABS control function has inter-
vened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed 
so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is 
retained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in  all 
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel 
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•
The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery 
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is 
working (to counteract locked wheels  under braking), you should reduce 
speed immediately to suit the road and  traffic conditions. Do not let the 
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•
The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted 
⇒ page 196.
•
If the running gear or brakes are mo dified, the effectiveness of the ABS 
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from 
spinning when the car is acce lerating. The system always 
includes ABSDescription and operation of the traction  control system during acceleration 
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel 
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the 
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in 
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary, 
it may be turned on or off pushing  the button on the centre console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left 
switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of 
the wheels is required, should it be disconnected, for example•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels199
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations 
marked on the sidewall, for example:
195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre construction:  Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
T Speed rating
The tyres could also have  the following information:
•
A direction of rotation symbol
•
“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only 
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT... 1103...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th 
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by an Authorised 
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary 
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of 
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
WARNING
•
We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been 
approved by SEAT for your model. Fa ilure to do so could impair vehicle 
handling. Risk of accident.
•
Avoid running the vehicle on tyres th at are more than six years old. If 
you have no alternative, you should dr ive slowly and with extra care at all 
times.
•
Never use old tyres or those with an unknown “history of use”.
•
If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the 
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.
•
All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size 
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of accordi ng to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from 
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of 
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your 
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.
•
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the 
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for 
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel 
as soon as possible.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are 
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt 
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
200heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the 
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not  use wheel bolts from a different car - 
even if it is the same model  ⇒page 172.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened  correctly, the wheel could become 
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•
The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil 
to them.
•
Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.
•
If the prescribed torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen 
whilst the vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is 
too high, the wheel bolts and threads could be damaged.Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts  for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and 
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles 
handling. The design of summer tyres  (width, rubber compound, tread 
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a  pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures 
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels. Information on permitted 
winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the 
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth 
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code  ⇒page 198, “New tyres and  wheels” determines the 
following  speed limits : ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted 
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These 
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with 
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel 
⇒ page 198, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise, 
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly 
and reduce fuel consumption.
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If and when
202If and whenVehicle tools, spare wheelVehicle To ols
The vehicle onboard tools are located under the floor panel in 
the luggage compartment.– Lift floor panel
– Take the onboard tools out of the vehicle.The tool kit includes:•
Jack*
•
Hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts*
•
Reversible screwdriver with handle  (including hexagonal interior) for the 
wheel bolts. The screwdriver is a combination tool.
•
Towing ring*
•
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Some of the items listed are only prov ided in certain models / model years, 
or are optional extras.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in  the screwdriver handle to tighten 
the wheel bolts as with this it is not possible to tighten the bolts to the 
required torque, risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels 
on this model. On no account attempt to  use it for lifting heavier vehicles 
or other loads, risk of injury.
•
Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack, risk of accident.
•
I f  wo r k  is  t o  b e  ca r r i e d  o u t  un d e r n ea th the vehicle, this must be secured 
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.WARNING (continued)
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If and when203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Tool box only for 17 inch wheel* - Cupra VersionOn-board tools*/Jack*The vehicle may also have:
Screwdriver with handle (including hexagonal interior) for the wheel 
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible.
Jack. Before replacing the jack in it s compartment, fully insert the arm. 
Then, push the crank against the side of the jack.
Wire hook
Box spanner for wheel bolts
Towing eye
WARNING
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only for this model. It must never be 
used for other heavier vehicles or for other loads.
•
Never start the engine when the car is raised. Risk of accident.
•
When work is being carried out underneath the vehicle, it must be 
secured using suitable frames.Note
Never use the inner hexagon of the sc rewdriver for loosening or tightening 
the wheel bolts.Compact temporary spare wheel* 
If provided as part of the vehicle's equipment, the compact 
temporary spare wheel is only intended for temporary use 
over short distances.The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage 
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the compact temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the compact temporary spare wheel 
is only intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The 
standard-size road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following restrictions when using the compact temporary 
spare wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle, 
thus, it cannot be changed with the spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the 
compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not  be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
Fig. 136  Tool box
A1A2A3A4A5
WARNING (continued)
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If and when
204If you should have a puncture on one of the  front wheels when using snow 
chains, fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. 
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use 
this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•
The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. H igher speeds can cause an accident.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard brakin g and fast cornering, risk of acci-
dent.
•
Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of 
accident.
•
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on 
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
17 inch* spare wheel - Cupra version
The wheel is in a well under the carpet of the boot, secured 
with a threaded plastic nut.
Fig. 137  Access to the 
spare wheelFig. 138  Securing the 
defective wheel in the 
spare wheel well
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If and when205
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Taking out the spare wheel
7)
– Lift the carpet, then remove the plastic nut anticlockwise.
– Take out the tool box* and remove the spare wheel*.
Securing the defective wheel in the spare wheel well
– Put the defective wheel into its housing, and then put the tool 
box* into the hollow in the wheel.
– Turn the plastic nut clockwise until the defective wheel is well  secured.
– Unhook the carpet and place it on the floor.
WARNING
Check the spare wheel and the tools ar e firmly held to avoid injury to 
passengers in the event of sudden braking or collision.Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel) is 
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a contai ner with sealing compound to repair the 
puncture and a  compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will 
reliably seal punctures up to a size of  about 4 mm caused by the penetration 
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not 
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away  from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as 
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the  vehicle. They should wait in a 
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the handbrake  firmly.
– Engage the first gear , or put the selector lever to position  P for 
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the  vehicle tools  and the spare wheel  out of the luggage 
compartment.
7)The 17 inch spare wheel is only carried if the "SEAT racing brakes" option is chosen.
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