
Trailer towing197
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 199.
Connector
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co nnector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer co mbination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒Section
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
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Trailer towing
198•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tipsDriving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
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 prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Sele ct 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 moni tor the temperature indicator for the
coolant ⇒page 55.
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.
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Trailer towing
200If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket are underneath the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the measurement indicated when the vehicle is fully
loaded including the maximum resting weight.
Measurement for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
344 mm
531 mm
1,044 mm
1,040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•
Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•
Observe the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate warning lamp).
•
Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securin g bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and an electrical sock et must be used to connect to the
vehicle's electrical system. This requ ires specialist knowledge and tools.
•
The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points
which must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.
•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of
an accident.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•
If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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General notes on the technical data 277
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
How are the figures measured?Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehi cle data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of the vehicle can be found on the
vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures given are based on the weight
category of the car, which is determined according to the engine/gearbox
combination and the equipment fitted. The consumption and emission figures are calculated in accordance with the
EC test requirements 1999/100/EC. The
se test requirements specify a real-
istic test method based on normal everyday driving.
The following test conditions are applied:
Note
•
Actual consumption may vary from quoted test values, depending on
personal driving style, road and traffic conditions, the weather and the condi-
tion of the vehicle. Urban cycle
The urban cycle starts with an engine cold start. City driving is then simulated.
Extra urban cycle In the extra urban cycle the vehicle undergoes frequent acceleration
and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday driving. The
road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
Combined The average overall consumption is calculat
ed with a weighting of around 37% for the urban cycle and 63% for the extra urban
cycle.
CO2 emissions The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to calculate carbon dioxide emissions. The gas composition is then
analysed to evaluate the CO
2 content and other emissions.
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General notes on the technical data
278WeightsKerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase ⇒.
WARNING
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehi cle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and dr iving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
•
Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
To w i n g a t r a i l e rTrailer weightsTrailer weights
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figu res may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicl e documents take precedence over these
data ⇒ . Drawbar load
The
maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if th e drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with an axle
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•
For safety reasons, you should not drive at speeds above 80 km/h when
towing a trailer. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
•
Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the perm issible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
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Technical data
280Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (86 bhp)General engine data
Performance figures
Weights
Trailer weights Power output in kW (bhp)
rpm 63 (86)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 132/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Compression ratio 10,5 ± 0,3
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 169
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 9,9
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 15,1
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1950
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1405
Gross axle weight, front in kg 934
Gross axle weight, rear in kg 1033
Permitted roof load in kg 75
With no brakes, gradients up to 12% 700
With brakes, gradients up to 12% 1000
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Technical data281
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine oil capacity
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp)General engine data
Performance figures
Weights
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change
2.8 litres
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 92 (125)/ 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 200/ 1750-4000
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Compression ratio 9,7 -0,4
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 194
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 7,0
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 10,5
Gross vehicle weight in kg 2023
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1478
Gross axle weight, front in kg 1004
Gross axle weight, rear in kg 1036
Permitted roof load in kg 75
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Technical data
282Trailer weights
Engine oil capacityPetrol engine 1.6l 75 kW (102 bhp)General engine data
Performance figures With no brakes, gradients up to 12%
730
With brakes, gradients up to 12% 1200
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 3.3 litres
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 75 (102)/ 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 148/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1595
Compression ratio 10,5 ± 0,5
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 181
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 8,7
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 13,0
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