
Driving
164•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel  so that there is a distance of at 
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ page 163, 
fig. 134. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not 
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution do es not allow you to mantain the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The 
Authorised Service Centre will help you  to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so tha t it points towards your face, the 
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make 
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steer ing wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and  3 o'clock positions. Never hold the 
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in 
the centre of the steering wheel, or on  the inside of the rim). In such cases, 
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential 
lock (EDL) and the traction control sy stem (TCS). The ESP function works 
together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS 
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is 
only possible to switch TCS off.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 135  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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Driving165
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
when driving in deep sn ow or on loose surfaces,
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for 
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the button light up or flash  ?
•
On switching the ignition  on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry 
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP 
or the TCS is activated. The warning lamp will light up slowly if the TCS is 
switched off.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of 
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet 
roads and when towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in  ⇒page 183, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In this position ⇒ fig. 136 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the 
steering may be locked.
For the  Steering lock  to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering 
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the 
steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent theft of the 
vehicle  ⇒.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be turned 
or it is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the steering 
wheel back and forth until it loosens up.
Fig. 136  Ignition key 
positions
A0
A1
A0
A1
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Driving
166Starting 
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components 
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to 
position . The  repetitive start prevention lock  of the ignition prevents 
possible damage to the starter moto r if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle 
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately 
blocked- Risk of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle, 
even for a short period. This is especi ally important if children or disabled 
people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the 
engine or work electrical equipment su ch as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical 
system, such as the electric window. This could result in serious injury.Caution
The starter motor will only work when  the engine is stopped (ignition key 
position  ).Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving 
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates 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 only be started using a 
genuine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it  in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting ⇒ page 165 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter  motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the 
accelerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it 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.
A2A0A2
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Driving
176•
Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable 
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•
Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is 
locked. They would be unable to open  the vehicle from the inside, and 
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an 
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•
Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle in 
motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear lever / 
selector lever.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it  may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Starting on an uphill*
This function is only included in vehicles fitted with ESP.This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal pressed 
down and vehicle in neutral. The system gets activated on engaging gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is maintained 
for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when put into 
gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING
•
If you do not start the vehicle immedi ately after taking your foot off the 
brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain conditions. 
Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.
•
If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake 
immediately.
•
When following a line of traffic uphill,  if you want to prevent the vehicle 
from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal down 
for a few seconds before starting off.Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is 
equipped with this system.Parking aid acoustic system* Rear parking aid
The parking aid system will use an acoustic signal to warn of 
the approach of any object towards the rear of the vehicle.Description
The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear 
of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors located 
on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts at  approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle  at a distance of:•
side of the rear bumper: 0.8 m
•
middle of the rear bumper: 1.5 m
Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief acoustic 
signal confirms the activation and correct function of the system.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Driving177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the 
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase 
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 25 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop 
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Trailer towing
For factory-fitted vehicles eith a towing 
bar, the parking aid system will not be 
activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer, as the 
trailer's electric connecter will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is 
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal 
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated 
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus,  the system ready indication will not 
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon 
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acous tic warning signal, then the parking aid 
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and 
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.
•
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will 
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver 
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.Caution
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be 
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give 
any further warning. Certain kinds of ob stacles (such as wire fences, chains, 
thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc) may not 
always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging the vehicle 
in such cases.
•
In some cases, obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be 
detected immediately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care 
of this type of obstacle such as corners, rectangular objects, etc.., these can 
cause damage to the vehicle.
•
Be especially careful when manoeu vring into a corner between two 
perpendicular walls. Survey the approach of the wall to the side of the vehicle 
(using the mirrors)
•
The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-
vres.
•
Distant ultra-sonic sources (hammers , tyres, construction machinery, 
other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.
•
Periodic cleaning of the sensors, take care not to damage or scratch them. 
When cleaning with high pressure washers or steam cleaners, the sensors 
should be sprayed for only a very short period and from a distance of more 
than 10 cm.WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Practical tipsIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It works 
only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has 
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to 
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so 
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably 
as the brake servo does not function.
•
If the brake servo is not working, for example when the vehicle is being 
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than 
normal.
Brake assist system (BAS)*
The Brake Assist System (BAS) function is only included in 
vehicles with ESP.In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force. 
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.
The brake assist system intervenes when you press the brake pedal very 
quickly because the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It 
then very quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be acti-
vated more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the br ake pedal. The brake assist system 
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
Emergency braking function
When the vehicle detects sudden braking, the hazard warning lights auto-
matically come on to warn vehicles behind. The hazard warning lights go off 
when the vehicle accelerates or the hazard warning light switch is pressed.
WARNING
•
The risk of accident is higher if yo u drive too fast, if you do not keep 
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery 
or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist 
system.
•
The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and 
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is 
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Intelligent technology185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
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.”
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann ot defy the laws of physics. This 
should be kept in mind, particular ly on slippery and wet roads and when 
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to  the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer 
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel 
which is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner 
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque provided to the  inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the 
outer wheel receives a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This causes 
an overall loss of lateral grip on the front shaft, resulting in understeering or 
“lengthening” of the path.
The XDS system is able, using the ESP sensors and signals, to detect and 
correct this effect.
The XDS, via the ESP, brakes the inner wheel thus counteracting the excess 
drive torque in this wheel. This means that the path requested by the driver 
is more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active, 
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the 
vehicle‘s stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-
ding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of 
ABS, EDL, TCS and 
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the 
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them 
with the actual behaviour of the vehi cle. If the desired course is not being 
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Intelligent technology
186maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable 
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front 
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESP This function aids 
the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For example, in 
case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle will tend 
to destabilize its trajectory to the right to or to the left. In this case the ESP 
recognizes the situation and helps the driver with a counter steering 
manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in 
critical situations.
The vehicle doesn't steer itself with this function, the driver has full control of 
the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that ESP cannot defy the laws of physics. This 
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when 
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driv ing, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to  the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking 
⇒ page 184.Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.EDL 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 system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS 
sensors (in case of an EDL fault th e warning lamp for ABS lights up) 
⇒ page 77.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by 
a slippery road surface on  one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the 
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other 
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts 
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to 
function normally without EDL. For this  reason, the driver is not informed that 
the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
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