
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications179
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be 
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket   are on the lower part of the 
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should 
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and 
including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
from 350 mm to 420 mm (fully loaded vehicle)
959 mm
438 mm
209 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
•Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore, 
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre 
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.•The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting 
of a separate warning lamp).•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and 
reinstalled. The towing bracket securi ng bolts must be tightened using a 
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle’s elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.•Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment 
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.•If the towing bracket is incorrectly in stalled, there is serious danger of 
accident.
•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the 
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to the 
vehicle’s electrical system.Note
Due to the specific design of the exhaust, the fitting of a conventional towing 
bracket is not recommended for some sports versions. Please consult your 
Dealer.
AA
ABACADAEAF
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
182Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences the performance, power and life of the 
engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol containing addi-
tives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the fuel system 
clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur, 
the required additives must be added during refuelling.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel  must conform to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European Standard”). It must 
have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates the 
ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on refuelling  ⇒page 180.Biodiesel*
Caution
•Your vehicle is  not designed to use biodiesel fuel.  Never, under any 
circumstances  refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage 
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel by the 
diesel manufacturer in accordance with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628 is 
authorised and will not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.
•The diesel engine has been designed to be used exclusively with diesel 
fu el con for m i ng  to sta nda rd  E N 59 0 . Never  refuel or use petrol, kerosene, fuel 
oil or any other type of fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle with the 
wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Seek assistance from specialised 
personnel. The composition of these fuels may severely damage the fuel 
system and the engine.Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter diesel
When using summer diesel fuel, difficulties may be experienced at tempera-
tures below 0 °C because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. Therefore, 
winter diesel fuel is available in some countries during the cold months. It can 
be used at temperatures as low as -22 °C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well 
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains 
operational to approx. -24 °C, provided you use winter diesel which is safe to 
-15 °C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24 °C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners or similar products) with diesel fuel.
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Checking and refilling levels183
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear lever to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6.  Raise the bonnet  ⇒page 185.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For 
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 175. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a 
hazardous area.  ⇒.
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves a risk of injury and scalding as well as the risk of 
accident or fire.•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.•Apply the handbrake and move the gear lever to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.•Keep children away from the vehicle.•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 225. The battery could 
explode.•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!•Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.•A l w ays  ma ke  s u re  yo u  ha v e  n o t  l e f t  a n y  obj e c ts ,  s u ch  as  c l ea n in g  cl o t h s  
and tools, in the engine compartment.•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.
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Checking and refilling levels
184•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Da nger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Never accelerate with a gear engaged without taking the necessary 
precautions. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied. 
Danger of death.•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.Caution
When topping up service fluids, make sure not to mistake them. Using the 
wrong fluids could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the grou nd underneath your vehicle. If you  find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected at a specialised 
workshop.
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 levels187
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a 
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in 
diesel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will 
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
•Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.•Only 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 
use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00, VW 506 01, 
VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l).Oil properties
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration 
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the 
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the 
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indi cates the level of the oil.Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
Engine type
Specification
Petrol without flexible service inter-
val
VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service interval 
(LongLife)
VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particulate 
filter (DPF)
VW 505 01 / VW 506 01 / VW 507 00
Diesel. Engines with particulate filter 
(DPF) 
With or without flexible service inter-
val (with or without LongLife)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Fig. 118  Engine oil 
dipstick
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Checking and refilling levels
188
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature is reached and stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and  insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level  ⇒fig. 118 . Top 
up with engine oil if necessary.Oil level in area 
–Do not add oil.
Oil level in area 
–Oil  can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be  after the zone 
Oil level in area 
–Oil  must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be  after in zone 
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is used, 
oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be 
higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be 
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a 
journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 183.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised 
Service Centre.Topping up engine oil 
 E
 
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒  in 
“Safety instructions on working  in the engine compartment” on 
page 183.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening  ⇒fig. 119.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
AAAB
AA
AC
AA
AA
Fig. 119  In the engine 
compartment: Engine oil 
filler cap
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Checking and refilling levels189
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using 
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before 
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area  , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment illustration  ⇒page 235.
Engine oil specification  ⇒page 187.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot 
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area  . Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the 
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the 
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 183, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.•Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.•Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.•When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.•Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.•Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of 
the reach of children.Caution
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
AB
AA
AA
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