
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 part replacements.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the on-board documentation to the new owner, as it should be kept with the 
vehicle.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 1  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Contents3
ContentsManual structure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety First
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safe driving
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 
Pedal area  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storing objects  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belt tensioners  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating airbags*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brief introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Securing child seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Operating Instructions
 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cockpit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Overview  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Digital instrument panel display  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instrument panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unlocking and locking
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Keys  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights and visibility
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen wipers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seats and storage compartments
. . . . . . . . . . 
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . 
Head restraints  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical 
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher  
Luggage compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air conditioning
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2C-Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Starting and stopping the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Start-Stop function*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Automatic gearbox*/DSG automatic gearbox . . 
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Parking aid acoustic system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cruise control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Practical Tips
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS 
(ABS and TCS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . 
Driving and the environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
5
6
7
7
7
10
16
17
19
19
21
24
28
30
30
34
37
41
44
46
46
48
51 55
55
55
57
60
61
68
77
91
91
92
96
99
99
105
107
109
111
113
115
118
118
126
129
130
134
137
137
138
140
142
144 152
155
156
159
159
161
165
169
171
171
172
173
174
178
181
182
187
189
192
197
197
197
198
199
205
205
206
207
210
Altea_EN.book  Seite 3  Donnersta
g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving7
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Safety FirstSafe drivingBrief introductionDear SEAT Driver
Safety first!This chapter contains important in formation, tips, suggestions and 
warnings that you should read and consider for both your own safety 
and for your passengers’ safety.
WARNING
•This manual contains important information about the operation of the 
vehicle, both for the driver and the passengers. The other sections of the 
owner’s manual also contain further information that you should be aware 
of for your own safety and for the safety of your passengers.•Ensure that the on-board documentation is kept in the vehicle at all 
times. This is especially important when lending or selling the vehicle to 
another person.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is a part of the occupant protection 
system and can reduce the risk of injury in the event of acci-
dent.Never put your safety or the safety of your passengers in danger. In the event 
of an accident, the safety equipment may reduce the risk of injury. The 
following list includes most of the safety equipment in your SEAT:•three-point seat belts,•belt tension limiters for the front and rear side seats,•belt tensioners for the front seats,•belt height adjustment for the front seats,•front airbags,•side airbags in the front seat backrests.•curtain airbags,•active front head restraints*,•“ISOFIX” anchorage points for child seats in the rear side seats with the 
“ISOFIX” system,•height-adjustable head restraints,•head restraints with in-use position and non-use position•adjustable steering column.
The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and 
your passengers with the best possible protection in the event of an accident. 
Altea_EN.book  Seite 7  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving
8However, these safety systems can only be effective if you and your passen-
gers are sitting in a correct position and use this equipment properly.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important, 
h o w  i t  p r o t e c t s  yo u ,  w h a t  yo u  ha v e  to  co ns i d e r  w h e n  u s i n g  i t  a n d  h o w  yo u  a n d  
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety 
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your 
passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone’s business!Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers and 
the safe operation of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note 
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle’s lights and turn signals are working 
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the  surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured  ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according  to your size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the 
head restraints in the in-use position  ⇒page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to  their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly  applied seat belts  ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers  also to assume a proper sitting position  ⇒page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to  fasten their seat belts properly ⇒ page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and 
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers. 
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any circum-
stance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road  ⇒, 
for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by  passengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving abil ity is impaired (e.g. by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 8  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving15
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Rear outer seat head restraints
– The rear outer seat head restraints have 3 positions.
–Two positions for use  ⇒ page 14, fig. 5 . In these positions, the 
head restraints are used normally, protecting passengers along 
with the rear seat belts.
–And one position for  non-use.
– To fit the head restraints in position for use, pull on the edges  with both hands in the direction of the arrow.
Centre rear head restraint
– The centre head restraint only has two positions,  in-use (head 
restraint up) and  non-use (head restraint down).
WARNING
•Under no circumstances should the rear passengers travel while the 
head restraints are in the non-use position. See the warning label located 
on the rear side fixed window  ⇒page 14, fig. 6 .•Do not swap the centre rear head restraint with either of the outer seat 
rear head restraints.•Risk of injury in case of an accident!Caution
Note the instructions on the adjustment of the head restraints ⇒ page 138.
Examples of incorrect sitting positions
An incorrect sitting position can lead to severe injuries to 
occupants.Seat belts can provide optimal protection only when the belt webs 
are properly positioned. Incorrect sitting positions substantially 
reduce the protective function of seat belts and increase the risk of 
injury due to incorrect seat belt position. As the driver, you are 
responsible for all vehicle occupants, especially children.
– Never allow anyone to assume an incorrect sitting position in the  vehicle while travelling  ⇒.The following list contains examples of sitting positions that could be 
dangerous for all occupants. The list is not complete, but we would like to 
make you aware of this issue.
Therefore, whenever the vehicle is in motion:•Never stand in the vehicle,•never stand on the seats,•never kneel on the seats,•never tilt your backrest far to the rear,•never lean against the dash panel,•never lie on the rear bench,•never sit on the front edge of a seat,•never sit sideways,•never lean out of a window,•never put your feet out of a window,•never put your feet on the dash panel,•never put your feet on the surface of a seat,
Altea_EN.book  Seite 15  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving17
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor 
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk 
of accident.
Storing objectsLoading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other loose objects must be safely secured in 
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the 
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the 
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage  compartment.
–Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fastening rings  ⇒page 18.
WARNING
•Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment could 
cause serious injuries.
•Always stow objects in the luggag e compartment and secure them on 
the fastening rings.•Use suitable straps to secure heavy objects.•During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown 
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of 
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating 
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of 
fatal injury.•Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting 
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle’s handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style 
accordingly, to avoid accidents.•Never exceed the allowed axle weights or allowed maximum weight. If 
the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving 
characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries 
and damage to the vehicle.•Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is 
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment, closing the door 
behind them; they will be trapped and run the risk of death.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock all 
the doors and tailgate when you leave the vehicle. Before you lock the 
vehicle, make sure that there are no adults or children in the vehicle.•Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. All passen-
gers must have their seat belt fastened  ⇒page 19.Note
•Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used 
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that the ventilation slits are never covered.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 17  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Seat belts
26The following features are available to adjust the seat belt in the shoulder 
region:•belt height adjustment for the front seats.•front seat height adjustment*.WARNING
•An incorrectly worn seat belt can cause severe injuries in the event of 
an accident.•The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder, 
never across the neck. The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the torso 
⇒ page 25, fig. 13 .•The lap par t of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across the 
stomach. The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis  ⇒page 25, 
fig. 14. Pull the belt tight if necessary to take up any slack.•Read and observe the warnings  ⇒page 23.
Pregnant women must also fasten their seat belts properly
The best protection for the unborn child is for the mother to 
wear the seat belt properly at all times during the pregnancy.The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the seat belt 
is properly positioned  ⇒page 25.
– Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly  ⇒page 10.
– Holding the latch plate, pull the belt evenly across your chest and  as low as possible over the pelvis  ⇒fig. 15 .
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the corresponding seat  and push it down until it is securely locked with an audible click 
⇒ .
– Pull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged in  the buckle.
Fig. 15  Positioning seat 
belts during pregnancy
Altea_EN.book  Seite 26  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Seat belts
28
– Press the upper part of the shoulder  belt guide and hold it in this 
position  ⇒page 27, fig. 17 .
– Move the shoulder belt guide up or down until you have adjusted  the seat belt  ⇒page 25.
– After adjusting, pull the shoulder belt sharply to check that the  catch on the shoulder belt guide is engaged securely.Incorrectly fastened seat belts
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause severe or even mortal 
injuries.Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is 
properly worn. The seat belts must be fastened exactly in the order 
described in this chapter. An in correct sitting position impairs 
substantially the protection a seat belt offers and can lead to severe 
or fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially 
increased when a deploying airbag strikes an occupant who has 
assumed an incorrect sitting position. As the driver, you are respon-
sible for all vehicle occupants, especially children. Therefore:
– Never allow anyone to wear the seat belt incorrectly while the  vehicle is moving  ⇒.
WARNING
•An incorrectly worn seat belt increases the risk of severe injuries.•Before every trip, instruct your passengers to adjust their seat belts 
properly and to wear them for the whole journey.
•Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use 
of seat belts  ⇒page 23.
Seat belt tensionersFunction of the seat belt tensioner
During a frontal collision, the seat belts on the front seats are 
retracted automatically.The seat belts for the front occupants are equipped with belt tensioners. 
Sensors will trigger the belt tensioners during severe head-on, lateral and 
rear collisions only if the seat belt is being worn. This retracts and tightens the 
seat belts, reducing the forward motion of the occupants.
The seat belt tensioner can be triggered only once.
The seat belt tensioners will not be triggered in the event of a light frontal, 
side or rear collision, if the vehicle overturns or in situations where no large 
forces act on the front, side or rear of the vehicle.
Note
•If the seat belt tensioners are triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is 
normal and it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.•The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or 
components of the system are scrapped. Specialised workshops are familiar 
with these regulations, which are also available to you.WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 28  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14