
Driving
134operation cannot be performed, risk  of accidents and serious injury may 
exist.•The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed 
from the ignition. The steering wheel cannot be turned. Risk of accident.Caution
When the engine has been running under  a heavy load for a long period, heat 
can accumulate in the engine compartment and cause engine damage. For 
this reason, you should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you 
switch it off.Start-Stop function*Description and operationThe Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is 
stopped and starts it automatically when required.
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the  clutch pedal. The engine will stop.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again.
– The instrument panel screen displays information about the  status of the Start-Stop function  ⇒page 136, fig. 98 .Start-Stop function conditions•The driver seat belt must be buckled.
•The engine hood must be closed.•The engine must be at operating temperature•The steering wheel must be straight.•The vehicle must be on flat ground.•The vehicle must not be in reverse.•A trailer must not be connected.•The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the 
convenience limits (  button should be selected).•The windscreen de-mist function must be off.•If in an increase in airflow is  not requested.•The temperature must not be set to  HI or  LO.•The driver door must be closed.•The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel 
engines.•The battery charge must not be low for the next start.•The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 55 °C.
Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and the 
engine will automatically start:•The vehicle starts moving.•The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.•The battery has been discharged excessively.•The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.•The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.•The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the convenience 
limits (  button).•If the airflow is increased by more than 3 presses.•Temperature setting HI  or LO is selected.
WARNING (continued)
AC
AC
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Driving135
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.•The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.•If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfilled.WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You 
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious 
injury.•The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more force 
to stop the vehicle.•Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is 
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.•Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording 
streams, etc.).Note
•For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when the 
engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.•When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the 
instrument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.•The vehicle can be restarted by rotating the steering wheel three times, 
that is, more than 270°.
Switching the Start-Stop function on and offEvery time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is 
automatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press button    ⇒fig. 97  located on the centre console. When 
the Start-Stop function is switched off, the indicator lamp comes 
on.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts  immediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press button    ⇒fig. 97  located on the centre console. The 
indicator lamp will turn off.
Fig. 97  The Start-Stop 
function button.
AAAA
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Driving
136Driver messagesFig. 98  Display on the instrument panel during Start-Stop function operation.When the engine is turned off by the Start-Stop function, this is displayed on 
the instrument panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on, the 
 › lamp will appear on the 
instrument panel.
Note
There are different versions of the dash panel; the display of indications on 
the screen may differ.
Manual gearboxDriving with a manual gearboxEngaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the  clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse position  shown on the gear lever.Certain versions of the model may include a 6-speed manual gearbox, and its 
diagram is shown on the gear lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When 
the engine is running and before engaging this gear, wait about 6 seconds 
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox.
Fig. 99  Centre Console: 
gear shift pattern of a 5-
speed manual gearbox
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Driving
138If you select the sport programme,  S, you will drive in a sporty mode, i.e. a 
programme in which shifts into high gears are postponed in order to use the 
full power of the engine.Selector lever lock functions
The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from 
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle 
to move.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on.
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down and at the same time, hold  the selector lever lock on the left of the selector lever also 
pressed down.The warning lamp 
 K on the instrument panel lights up when the brake pedal 
should be applied. This is essential when the selector lever is taken from the 
P or N positions.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at 
speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever lock is automatically 
unlocked in the  N position.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if it is moved quickly through position 
N  (e.g. when shifting from  R to D). This makes it possible, for instance, to 
“rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The 
selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed 
and the lever is in position  N for more than about 1second.
Fig. 101  Automatic 
gearbox
Fig. 102  Automatic 
gearbox: Instrument 
panel display
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Driving
142Changing gears in the normal or sport programme using the steering wheel 
paddle levers
If the paddle levers ⇒ page 141, fig. 105 are used in the normal or sport 
programme, the system switches temporarily to tiptronic mode. To exit 
“tiptronic” mode again, press the right paddle lever   towards the steering 
wheel for approximately one second. You will also leave tiptronic mode if the 
paddle levers are not moved for a certain time.
Note
•The gear paddle levers on the steering wheel can be operated with the 
selector lever in any position and with the vehicle in motion.Selector lever positions
The selector lever positions and gears are shown on the 
instrument panel screen.
Selector lever positions
The selected gear is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the 
instrument panel screen. The currently selected gear for the automatic 
gearbox will also be shown on the display.
Tiptronic gear indicator
If the automatic gearbox is shifted manually, the selected gears are shown on 
the screen.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the drive wheels are locked 
mechanically.
Position P on the lever must only be selected if the vehicle is stationary.
To move selector lever from position  P, the locking button on the selector 
lever handle must be pressed and the brake pedal depressed at the same 
time while the ignition is switched on.
To put the selector lever in position  P, simply press the lock button down and, 
if necessary, depress the brake pedal down.
R - Reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the 
engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position  R, press the lock button down and, at 
the same time, press the brake pedal down, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position  R and the ignition switched on the 
following occurs:•Reverse lights light up.•The air conditioner automatically changes the air recirculation mode.•The wiper starts if the windscreen washer is on.•The parking distance warning system switches on.*
+Fig. 106  Automatic 
gearbox: Instrument 
panel display
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Driving143
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
N - Neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmitted 
to the wheels and the engine does not have a braking function.
Never use the 
N position to drive down a hill. The engine does not function as 
a brake and the brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if you drive down hills with the gear 
lever in position  N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forward)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes to a lower or higher gear, 
according to the engine’s requirements, the driving style and speed. The 
braking effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited when the 
selector is in this position. The instrument panel displays the selected gear 
as well as the selector lever in position  D.
If position  N has been selected and you wish to select  D, you must press the 
foot brake if the vehicle is stationary, or travelling at under 5 km/h.
S - Standard driving position (Sport programme)
When the selector lever is in position  S, it will automatically change up into a 
h igh er  gea r late r,  an d change  d own i nto a  low g ea r,  if  com pare d  wi th p osi ti on 
D . This way, it is possible to take full advantage of the engine reserve power, 
depending on the engine demand, driving style and speed. The braking 
effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited. On the instrument 
panel display the selected gear is shown as well as the selector lever to posi-
tion  S.
To select gear range  S, press the lock button on the selector lever.
WARNING
If the vehicle moves with no control, an accident and serious injury may 
occur.
•As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running 
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is 
running, you must always apply the handbrake and engage parking lock P.•If the engine is running and if D or R are engaged, you will need to hold 
the the vehicle stopped by depressing footbrake down. The car would creep 
forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted even when the 
engine is idling.•Never accelerate when moving the selector gear or you may cause an 
accident.•Never move the selector lever to “R” or “P” when driving. Risk of acci-
dent.•Before driving down a very steep slope, reduce your speed and shift to 
first gear.•Always hold the vehicle on the foot brake if you stop on hills. Other-
wise, the vehicle could roll back.•Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often 
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and 
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking 
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.WARNING
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. You could lose 
control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious injury.•The airbags and belt tensioners do  not work when the ignition is 
switched off.•The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more force 
to stop the vehicle.•Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is 
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
186If  the  b onn et  d o es  n ot clos e , do  not  p ress  d ownwa rds .  Op e n it o nce  m or e an d 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it  could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately  and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the 
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the 
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance 
Programme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised 
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in 
⇒page 187, “Oil 
properties”.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on 
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme 
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service 
programmed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent 
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been  developed which, depending on the 
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil change 
service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only  
be used observing the following indications:
•Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low 
⇒ page 187 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once) 
with oil for  fixed service intervals  ⇒ page 187 (up to a maximum of 0.5 
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been 
disabled (by request), you may use oils for  fixed service intervals, which also 
appear in  ⇒page 187, “Oil properties”. In this case, your vehicle must be 
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (whatever comes first) 
⇒ Booklet  “Maintenance Programme”.•In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low 
⇒ page 187 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can 
put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or 
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
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Checking and refilling levels195
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service 
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It 
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment illustration  ⇒page 235. The brake fluid reservoir has a black 
and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the 
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the 
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low 
⇒page 56.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 183.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid 
change intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 183 in 
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from 
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake 
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the 
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which 
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with US standard 
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 124  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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