
ForewordThis Instruction Manual and its corresponding supplements should be read carefully to familiarise yourself with 
your vehicle.
Besides the regular care and maintenance of the vehicle, its correct handling will help preserve its value.
For safety reasons, note the information concerning accessories, modifications and parts changes.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the onboard documentation to the new owner, as it should be kept with the 
vehicle.
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Contents3
ContentsManual structure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Stowing luggage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Belt tensioners* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Digital instrument panel display  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering column controls*
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio + Telephone Control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control*  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Panorama tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear vision mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and storage compartments
. . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and power point  . . . 
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher  
Luggage compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof carrier* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air conditioning
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control* (GRA)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Practical tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control ABS
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Economical and environmentally-friendly driving
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
 . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle interior maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5
6
7
7
7
9
14
15
17
17
18
21
25
26
26
29
32
36
38
38
40
43
47
47
47
49 50
56
66
66
67
68
70
70
75
76
78
80
82
85
87
87
93
94
95
98
101
101
102
104
106
107
111
114
115
118 120
120
123
126
129
130
130
131
132
133
135
136
143
145
147
151
151
151
152
153
156
156
157
158
160
160
163
163
164
170
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Content
6ContentThis manual is structured to provide the information you need in an organised 
way. The content of this Manual is divided into  sections which belong to 
chapters  (e.g. “Air conditioning”). The entire manual is divided into five large 
parts which are:1. Safety FirstInformation on the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as seat 
belts, airbags, seats, etc.2. Operating instructionsInformation about the distribution of controls in the driver position of your 
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, about how to create a suit-
able climate in the passenger compartment, etc.3. Practical tipsAdvice relating to the driving, caring  and maintenance of your vehicle and 
certain problems you can solve yourself.4. Technical DataFigures, values and the dimensions of your vehicle.5. Alphabetic indexAt the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will help 
you to rapidly find the information you require.
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Airbag system
28Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly monitored 
electronically. The warning lamp 
 will light up for a few seconds every time 
the ignition is switched on (self-diagnosis).
The system must be checked when the warning lamp 
 :
•does not light up when the ignition is switched on,•after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,•it turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,•lights up or flashes while the car is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously. 
Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified workshop.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the 
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn off 
if there is no fault.WARNING
•If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot 
properly perform its protective function.•If a malfunction occured, have the system checked immediately by a 
qualified workshop. Otherwise, in th e event of an accident, the airbag 
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered 
correctly.
Repairs, maintenance and disposal of the airbagsThe parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehicle. 
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the 
system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be  damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the 
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the airbag are 
scrapped. The specialist workshops and the 
Vehicle disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
•If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are used 
incorrectl y, the  ris k of severe or fatal inju ries  is  increase d. T he airbags  may  
fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft 
plastic surface of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, 
and do not obstruct or modify them in any way.•It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.•To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry or a 
water-moistened cloth. Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module 
surface with cleansers containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to 
become porous. If the airbag triggered, disintegrating plastic parts could 
cause substantial injuries.•Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag 
system.•Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the airbag 
components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel) should 
be performed only by a qualified wo rkshop. Qualified workshops have the 
necessary tools, repair inform ation and qualified personnel.•We strongly recommend you to go to a qualified workshop for all work 
on the airbag system.•Never attempt to alter the front bumper or the body.•The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once 
they have deployed.
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Cockpit
54
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake symbol” 
is not shown. You should, for this reason, not rely exclusively on this 
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature as 
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Display field for selector lever position*The position of the automatic gearbox gear lever is shown on the display 
⇒ page 136.
Odometer or Service Interval DisplayOdometer
The upper counter in the display registers the total mileage covered by the 
vehicle.
The lower counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates 100-
metre sections. The trip recorder counter may be reset by pressing the reset 
button  ⇒page 49, fig. 28  .
Service interval display
A  Service pre-warning  will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A 
spanner symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that can be 
driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will change after 
approximately 10 seconds. A clock symbol appears and the number of days 
until the next service appointment is due.
The following message appears on the instrument panel if a service is due:
INSP - Maintenance service
Fig. 33  Digital display: 
Gear lever position for 
automatic gearbox.
Fig. 34  Service interval 
display
A5
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Cockpit55
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the igni-
tion is switched on or the engine is running. This may also be turned off 
pressing the trip recorder reset button for more than 0.5 seconds.
4)
The Service Centre which carries out the maintenance service will reset the 
maintenance interval display once the service is finished.
We recommend you to carry out the repair and maintenance work only in the 
Authorised Service Centres.
If you wish to find out how long before the inspection, press button   
⇒
page 49, fig. 28, and select the relevant option from the menu.4)With “Ignition OFF” the maintenance display remains visible.
A4
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Air conditioning129
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle 
interior. If the air conditioner is switched off, the windows can quickly mist 
over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode switched on for a 
long time (risk of accident).
Note
When engaging reverse gear, the air recirculation is connected automatically 
to prevent the entrance of exhaust fumes in the vehicle on travelling back-
wards. In this case the symbol   for air recirculation is not displayed.General notesPollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter) 
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and 
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter 
must be replaced at the specified intervals in the Maintenance Programme.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very high 
pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than 
stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with button 
 to prevent further damage and have it checked by a qualified workshop.
•Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special 
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a qualified work-
shop.Note
•If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,  condensa-
tion  can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a puddle 
underneath the vehicle. This is completely normal and there is no need to 
suspect a leak.•Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and 
leaves to ensure heating and cooling are not impaired, and to prevent the 
windows from misting over.•The air from the vents flows through th e vehicle interior and is extracted 
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with 
items of clothing or other objects.•The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the 
sliding/tilting roof* closed. However, if the vehicle has been overheated by 
sun, the air inside can be cooled faster by opening the windows for a short 
time.•Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the 
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a 
permanent unpleasant odour.•At low outside temperatures the compressor switches off automatically. 
The   button cannot be switched on either.•It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to 
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling 
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to 
check the system.•To ensure correct operation, the grilles on both sides of the screen must 
not be obstructed•When the engine is under extreme strain, switch off the compressor for a 
moment.
AC
AUTO
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Driving and the environment
160Driving abroadObservationsTo drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:•For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol 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 adaptive headlights, the rotation system must previously be 
disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialist workshop.
Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?Your 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 174.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector 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 in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up to 
the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly 
steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for  altitudes up to 
1,000 m above sea level. With increa sing 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 combination 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. 
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted  drawbar load 
on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.
The figures for  trailer weights and drawbar loads  that are given on the data 
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct 
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