Seats and stowage151
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Loading
–Open the tailgate.
– Press the release catch for the ski bag cover ⇒page 150,
fig. 128 -arrow- and swivel the cover downwards.
– Pull down the centre rear armrest.
– From the passenger compartment, press down the release catch for the ski bag cover and pull out the cover.
– Pull out and unfold the ski bag.
– The long items can now be loaded through the luggage compart- ment into the ski bag ⇒.
Securing
– Insert the fastening belt ⇒page 150, fig. 129 of the ski bag
into the centre seat belt buckle .
– Pull the free end of belt to tighten.
Storing
– Close the cover of the load-through hatch in the luggage compartment.
– Carefully fold away the ski bag.
– Close the inside cover of the load-through hatch from the passenger compartment.
WARNING
The ski bag must be secured in place with the fastening belt after it has
been loaded.
Note
Do not fold away the ski bag after use if it is still damp.Roof carrier / roof rails*Description
Additional luggage can be carried on the roof carrier.Note the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:•We recommend using the cross bars from the of SEAT Genuine Accesso-
ries range.•These cross bars form the basic elements of a complete roof carrier
system. For safety reasons, however, the corresponding additional fastenings
must be fitted to carry luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats. All the
components of this system are available from Authorised Service Centres.Caution
Any damage to the vehicle caused by the use of other types of roof rack or
incorrect installation will not be covered by the factory warranty. The roof
carrier system must therefore be installed exactly according to the instruc-
tions provided.
AA
AB
AC
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
160Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning2C-ClimatronicDescription
The climate control is designed to automatically keep the
passenger compartment at the temperature you find most
comfortable at all times of the year.Recommended settings:
– Set the temperature to 22°C (71°F).
–Press the ⇒page 162, fig. 141 button.The following setting quickly provides a comfortable temperature inside the
vehicle. We therefore recommend you do not modify the setting unless you
find this temperature uncomfortable or where circumstances require as such.
The climate control provides heating and ventilation and also cools and
dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle.
The climate control is fully automatic and will constantly maintain the temper-
ature which has been set. To achieve this, the temperature of the air supplied
to the interior, the blower speed (volume of air delivery) and the air distribu-
tion are regulated automatically. The system also takes solar radiation into
account and, therefore, no subsequent manual readjustments are required.
Therefore, automatic mode ⇒ page 163 should be used for the comfort of all
the passengers in virtually all conditions throughout the year.
Please note the following points:
The humidity of the air is automatically reduced when the system cools the
interior of the vehicle. This helps to prevent condensation on the windows. If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,
condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the air cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
If the outside temperature is low, the blower normally only switches to a
higher speed once the coolant has warmed up sufficiently (this does not
apply to the defrost setting).
In order to achieve maximum engine power, the air conditioning compressor
is tem po ra r ily s witche d o ff whe n pulli ng away f ro m s tan dstill wit h full th rot tle.
The compressor also switches off if the coolant temperature is excessively
high to ensure adequate engine cooling under extreme loads.
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particle filter and activated charcoal filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and
pollen.
For the climate control to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter
element must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the vehicle is driven in areas with a high level of air pollution and the filter
is no longer fully effective, it may be necessary to change the filter element
more frequently.
Caution
•If you suspect that the climate control system is damaged, switch over to
ECON mode to prevent further damage and have the system checked by a
specialist garage.•Repairs to the climate control require specialist knowledge and special
tools. For this reason, please contact a specialist garage if the system is not
working properly.
AUTO
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Driving
188Back-up programme
A back-up system is in place if a fault should occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault should
occur in the control system. This is indicated by a gear-wheel symbol which
lights up on the dash panel display (the symbol represents a gear pinion).
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The manual shift
programme (Tiptronic) is not available when the back-up programme is
active.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: When the selector lever is in position D or S
or in the manual shift programme, the gearbox will remain in 3rd gear if 1st,
2nd or 3rd gears were engaged when the fault occurred. The gearbox will
remain in 5th gear if 4th, 5th or 6th gears were engaged. The gearbox will
then engage 3rd gear when you drive away from a standstill or after the
engine is restarted.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way. However, the
electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you should take
the vehicle to a technical service or qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Steering wheel with paddle levers
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver to
manually select pre-programmed ratios or gears.– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down to a
lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up to a higher gear.The paddle levers are activated when the selector lever is in position D or S,
or the position for the manual shift programme (tiptronic).
The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using the
selector lever in the centre console.
Fig. 159 Steering wheel:
Tiptronic controls
A–A+
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Intelligent technology193
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and corrosion
to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if you only drive low
mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times from a
moderately high speed
⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest qual-
ified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stop-
ping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low.
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other
road users. Risk of accident.
Caution
•Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when you do
not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear position
if your car has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine braking and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes,
it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front spoiler or wheel
covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not obstructed,
otherwise the brakes can overheat.Brake servo
The brake servo assists the driver when brakingThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the motor is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed or
because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
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Intelligent technology
194Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel.
The power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary, this will
place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the steering
wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more
effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.•If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to a quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible.•The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is
located at the front of the engine compartment on the left ⇒ page 295. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power steering to func-
tion properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at the Inspection Service.
ServotronicThe servotronic system electronically adjusts the degree of
power assistanceIn cars equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power assist-
ance ⇒page 194 is adjusted electronically according to road speed.
If a fault should occur in the servotronic system, the power steering will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking) – more effort will be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
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Driving and the environment195
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum 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 friction 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, its life will be increased and its oil consumption,
reduced.
Braking 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 Ser vice
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 slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed and
change down into a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear if
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Driving and the environment
198Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you
will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum
reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round: they will increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12%
more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is not in use. Saving electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipment when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials•Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
Compliance with prohibited materials laws : cadmium, lead, mercury, chrome
VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing
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Driving and the environment199
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit•Solvent-free adhesives•No CFCs used in production•Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building
materials•Overall water consumption reduced•Heat recovery systems•The use of water-soluble paintsDriving abroadObservationsTo drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:•Fo r v eh icles f it te d wit h a ca ta lyt ic co nv er ter e nsur e that unleade d pe tr ol is
available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded
fuel.•In some countries, it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-
tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service
Centre may only carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparation of your vehicle and also about necessary maintenance
and repair possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight
lenses. Further information is available in your Authorised Service Centre.
In vehicles with self-directing headlights, the rotation system must previ-
ously be disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialist workshop.
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