
Driving131
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Ignition switched off, steering lock 
In this position 
⇒page 130, fig. 96  the ignition and the engine are OFF and 
the steering may get 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 vehicle 
theft  ⇒ .
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 from one side to the other until it is released.
Starting 
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 motor 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 when leaving the vehicle, even 
for a short period. This is especially important if children or disabled 
people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the 
engine or work electrical equipment  such 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.
A1
A2
A1
A2
A3A1
A3
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Driving
146•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.•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Hill-start assist*
This function is only included in vehicles 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 putting 
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 immediately 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
Your Authorised Service or a specialised workshop can tell you if your vehicle 
is equipped with this system.Acoustic parking aid 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  approximately 
and depending on the nature of the obstacle  at a distance of:•side of the rear bumper: 0.6 m•middle of the rear bumper: 1.6 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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Driving147
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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 30cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop 
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Models with a factory-fitted towing bracket: When the vehicle is less than 
0.35 m away from the obstacle the warning tone will sound continuously. The 
driver should then not reverse any further.
The warning tone decreases by 30% after 3 seconds from the start of the 
system.
Provided that it is not in continuous mode, the tone on the parking aid system 
stops when it detects a wall parallel to the vehicle.
Trailer towing
For vehicles factory-fitted with 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 connector will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous beep 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 acoustic 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 obstacles (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 (corners, rectangular objects, etc.), as they can cause 
damage to the vehicle.•Be especially careful when manoeuvring into a corner between two 
perpendicular walls. Carefully watch 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.•External ultra-sonic sources (pneumatic drills, construction machinery, 
other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.•P e r i o d i c  c le a n i n g  o f  t h e  s e ns o r s ,  ta ke  ca r e  n o t  to  d a m a ge  o r  s cr a tch  t h e m .  
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.
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Intelligent technology153
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Practical TipsIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo increases 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 
when the brake servo is not active.•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.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
The Hydraulic Brake Assist function (HBA) 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.
This is when the brake assist system comes into action. When pressing the 
brake pedal rapidly, the assistant interprets it as an emergency. It then very 
quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated 
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system 
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
Automatic hazard warning lights activation
The brake lights flash automatically to indicate that the vehicle is braking 
suddenly or in an emergency situation. If the emergency braking continues 
until the vehicle comes to a standstill, the hazard warning lights will then 
come on and the brake lights will remain on permanently from that moment. 
The hazard warning lights will automatically switch off when the vehicle 
begins to move again or when the warning light button is pressed.
WARNING
•The risk of accident is higher if you 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.
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Intelligent technology155
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
T h e  T C S  is  s w i tch e d  o n  a u t o m a t i ca ll y  w h e n  t h e  e n g i n e  is  s ta r t e d .  I f  n e ce s sa r y,  
it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the ESP button on the centre 
console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp 
 l is lit. The TCS should normally be left 
on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the slipping of the wheels is 
required, can they be disconnected using the ESP button, for example.
•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 as soon as possible.WARNING
•It must be remembered that TCS 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 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 wheels 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 
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner 
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the 
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the 
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This 
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer 
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESP sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to detect and 
correct this effect.
Through the ESP, the XDS brakes the inner wheel, thereby counteracting the 
excess drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver’s desired trajec-
tory is much more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active, 
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle’s 
stability on the road.The Electronic Stability Programme helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) consists of  ABS, EDL and TCS.
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Intelligent technology
156Electronic Stability Programme (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 vehicle. If the desired course is not being 
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP 
compensates 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.
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 driving, as 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 154Electronic 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 the warning lamp for ABS lights up) 
⇒ page 61.
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.
WARNING
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, 
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may start to 
spin. This could impair the vehicle’s stability.
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Driving and the environment161
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Economical and environmentally friendly 
drivingEconomical and environmentally friendly drivingFuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes 
and tyres depend mostly on your driving style. By adopting an economical 
driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily 
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. Some tips on how to help you reduce 
pollution while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible, 
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged , for example, if you see a red light 
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of 
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero 
(disconnection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up  quickly through the gears. 
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary 
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox:  Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We 
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon 
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the recommended gear indication that appears on 
the instrument panel  ⇒page 51.
Avoid 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 long time to warm up when it is idling. 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 one 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.
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Driving and the environment163
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•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 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.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 at your Authorised Service Centre.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the rotation system must previously be 
disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialised 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. If you wish to  retrofit a towing bracket, consult 
⇒ page 178.
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 
1000 m above sea level. With increasing  altitude the engine power and there-
fore 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 1000 m of height. 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 th e ba ll jo int  
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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