Air conditioning
166Defrosting
The windscreen and side windows are defrosted or demisted
as quickly as possible.– To enable this mode, press the ⇒page 164, fig. 141 button.
– To disable, press the button again or select the button.The temperature is regulated automatically. The air output is increased to
maximum and most of the air comes out of outlets 1 and 2 ⇒page 169.
The air recirculation and ECON modes are switched off when the button is
pressed.Air recirculation: manual activation
The air recirculation setting prevents fumes etc. from entering
the interior.Activating air recirculation mode
–Press button ⇒page 164, fig. 141 ⇒ .
Deactivating air recirculation mode
– Press the button again or
– Press the button or
–Press button .In this setting, the air in the vehicle is constantly recirculated. We recommend
using the air recirculation mode in the following circumstances:
•When driving through a tunnel or in traffic congestions, to prevent
exhaust gas entering the interior of the vehicle.WARNING
Do not drive for too long with the air recirculation mode enabled because,
if the compressor is disconnected, the windscreen may mist up because no
fresh air is entering the interior of the vehicle, with the subsequent risk of
accidents.ECON Mode (economy)
ECON mode helps save fuel.– To activate, press the button ⇒page 164, fig. 141 .
– To deactivate, press the button again or select the button.Air cooling is disconnected in ECON mode. The heating and the blower are
adjusted automatically. “ECON” stands for “Economy”. Disconnecting air
cooling (compressor) reduces fuel consumption.
Please note that the interior temperature must not be lower than the outside
temperature in ECON mode. The blower does not cool or dehumidify the air in
the interior. The windows could therefore mist up.
In diesel vehicles, the auxiliary heater is switched off in ECON mode to save
fuel.
Note
If the diode on the ECON button continues to light up when the ECON mode
has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been switched on) this is
<
<
<
AUTO <
AUTO <
ECONECONECON
AUTO
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 166 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Air conditioning167
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
due to a defect in one of the air conditioner components. If a malfunction
should occur, please contact a specialised workshop.
Air recirculation: automatic activation*
If the outside air is polluted by diesel and petrol emissions,
an air quality sensor in the vehicle will automatically switch
on the air recirculation.Activating air recirculation mode
– Press the button
⇒fig. 142 .
Deactivating air recirculation mode
– Press the button again or
– Press the button or – Press button .
The automatic air recirculation mode should normally be left switched on at
all times.
The system is ready to operate approx. 30 seconds after the engine ignition
key has been turned. During this initial period, fresh air is fed into the vehicle.
If the
air purity sensor in the air conditioner detects a certain concentration
of fumes in the outside air, the control unit will either pass the incoming air
through the pollution filter or automatically switch on the air recirculation. If
there is a high concentration of pollution in the outside air, the air conditioner
automatically switches to air recirculation and the supply of air from the
outside is cut off. As soon as the level of pollution decreases, air is fed into
the vehicle from the outside again.
The automatic air recirculation operates for a maximum period of 12 minutes.
If the windows mist up when the automatic air recirculation is on, press the button immediately.
The automatic air recirculation switches itself off under certain circumstances
(for instance if or is selected). In “ECON” and at temperatures lower
than approx. 8 °C below zero, the automatic air recirculation mode is limited
to 12 seconds.Switching the temperature display from °C to °F and vice versa
The temperature display can be switched from °C (degrees
Celsius) to °F (degrees Fahrenheit) and vice versa.– Press and hold the button for air recirculation mode and briefly press the plus button of the left-hand temperature
selector ⇒page 164, fig. 141 .
Fig. 142 Button for auto-
matic air recirculation
AUTO
<
<
<
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 167 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Air conditioning
168Switching the air conditioner on/offSwitching the air conditioner off: models with an button
– Press the button. The air conditioner is switched off and the
supply of air from outside the vehicle is cut off.
Switching the air conditioner off: models with a button
– Keep pressing the button for the blower until the display segment is empty. The air conditioner is switched off and the
supply of air from outside the vehicle is cut off.
Switching the air conditioner on: models with an button
– Press the button again, or
– Press the button or
– Press one of the air distribution buttons , or .
Switching the air conditioner on: models with a button
– Press the button for the blower, or
– Press the button or
– Press one of the air distribution buttons , or .The air conditioner also starts to operate if one of the blower or temperature
selector buttons is pressed.
Blower speed
The automatically selected blower speed can be reduced or
increased manually.– Press the and buttons in the centre of the control panel ⇒page 164, fig. 141 to set the blower to the desired speed (and
regulate the volume of air delivery).The air conditioner system automatically regulates the blower speed
according to the interior temperature. However, you can also adjust the air
delivery manually. The current blower setting is illustrated by a bar in the
middle display (above the buttons).Automatic change of passenger temperatureIn order to automatically set the passenger temperature like the driver
temperature, press the button on the driver side for 2 seconds approx-
imately. In order to automatically set the driver temperature like the
passenger temperature, press the button on the passenger side for 2
seconds approximately.
OFF
OFF
-
OFF
OFFAUTO
+AUTO
-+
-
+AUTO
AUTO
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 168 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Air conditioning
170Each of the three buttons has a specific function. The numbers relate to the
air outlets ⇒page 169, fig. 143.
Air directed to windows
This setting directs all the air to outlets 1 and 2. Unlike in setting , the
volume of air delivery remains the same.
Air to the driver/front passenger
All the air comes from outlets 3 and 4 in the dash panel and from the rear of
the centre console.
Air to the footwells
Most of the air emerges from outlets 5 and the outlets under the front seats.
Some of the air will also be issued from outlets 3 and 4.
Note
In all of the above air distribution settings, a small amount of air will still
come from the other outlets.Economical use of the air conditioner
Economical use of the air conditioner will help save fuel.Engine power is reduced and fuel consumption increases when the
air conditioner is in co oling mode. To ensure that the system is only
switched on when it is really necessary, please note the following
points:
– Select ECON mode if you wish to save fuel.
– S e le c t ECO N m o d e i f yo u d e ci d e t o o p e n t h e w i n d o w s o r su n r o o f * while driving. – If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun, open the
windows and doors for a short time to cool the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
By saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from your
vehicle.Key settings
When the ignition is switched on, the air conditioner settings
assigned to the key are selected automatically.The air conditioner settings selected are automatically stored and assigned
to the key in use. When the vehicle is started, the air conditioner automati-
cally selects the settings assigned to the key. Hence, every driver automati-
cally obtains his/her preferred settings without having to select them manu-
ally.
Note
Should another driver use the key and enter other settings, the previous
settings will be deleted.
<
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Driving
186To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock button and at
the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on the model, one or two
reverse lights will come on in selector lever position R (when ignition is
switched on).
N - Neutral (idling)
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forward)
In this position, the gearbox selects the optimal transmission ratio
depending on the engine load, speed and the dynamic gear regulation
programme (DRP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if the
vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountains or towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to tiptronic
mode ⇒page 189, so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to suit
the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
To drive in sports mode, select the position S. The engine power reserve is
used to its maximum. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if the
vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.•In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with the foot
brake when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox
still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
The throttle must on no account be opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) when a gear is engaged with the
vehicle stationary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the selector lever
in position P before opening the bonnet and working on the vehicle with
the engine running. Please observe the important safety warnings
⇒ page 229, “Work in the engine compartment”.Note
•Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:•If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the acceler-
ator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting D or S again.•For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox ratios on
some models are designed so that maximum speed is only obtained when
the gear lever is in position S.WARNING (continued)
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 186 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Driving
188Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance
at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower gear, depending on road
speed and engine speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is delayed until
the engine reaches maximum rpm.
WARNING
P l eas e n o te t ha t i f t h e road s u r fa ce is s l i pp e r y o r w e t , t h e k ick- d ow n fe at u re
could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skidding.Dynamic gear control programme (DCP)
The automatic gearbox is controlled electronically.The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox. The gear
ratios are selected automatically according to preset gearshift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most econom-
ical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay the downshifts to
give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the throttle
quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the vehicle's maximum speed, the
gearbox will automatically select the sport programme.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most suitable shift
programme. At the same time, the driver can also make the gearbox switch to
the sport programme by pressing the accelerator quickly. This makes the
gearbox shift down into a lower gear ratio, allowing a more rapid acceleration
(for instance to pass another vehicle), without having to press the accelerator
all the way down into the kick-down position. After the gearbox has shifted
back up it returns to the original programme, depending on your style of
driving. Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: the gearbox continuously adapts the
gear ratios to gradients. If the brake
pedal is pressed on a downhill gradient
the gearbox automatically shifts to a lower gear ratio. This increases the
engine braking effect.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: in mountainous areas, the gearbox adapts
the gears for uphill and downhill gradients. This helps to avoid constant gear
changes on uphill gradients.
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Driving and the environment
200Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only
30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at idling
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic 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 normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressure is just 1 bar too low, fuel consumption can increase 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 as they 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 rack 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 vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof rack
even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
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 components when you do not need them. Examples of
components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear
window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
•If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this
function.•It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than 60
km/h•Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure can
make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch plate
lining, causing a serious fault.
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 200 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Driving and the environment201
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or hand
brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and you will
prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.•On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more suit-
able for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes will not
suffer.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 easy dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials•Plastic parts and elastomers are rated 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 conditioner
Compliance with prohibited materials regulation : cadmium, lead, mercury,
chrome VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing
•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•Use of water-soluble paintsDriving abroadObservationsTo drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:•Fo r v eh icles f it ted 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 your vehicle model is not sold, and
therefore spare parts are not available or the Authorised Services can only
carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparations that you vehicle requires and also about necessary
maintenance and repair possibilities.
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