
Airbag system
36develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and it is not an indication of 
fire in the vehicle.Airbag covers when the frontal airbags are triggeredT h e  a i r b a g  co v e r s  f o l d  o u t  o f  t h e  s t e e r i n g  w h e e l  o r  d as h  p a n e l  w h e n  t h e  d r i v e r  
and front passenger airbags are triggered ⇒ fig. 21. The airbag covers 
remain connected to the steering wheel or the dash panel.
Fig. 21  Airbag covers reacting when the front airbags 
are triggered
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Airbag system37
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Safety notes on the front airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce the 
risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of 
at least 25cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. If the minimum 
distance is not observed then the airbags do not correctly protect the 
vehicle occupants; risk of fatal injuries! In addition, the front seats and 
head restraints must always be positioned correctly for the height of the 
occupant.•If you are not wearing a seat belt, if you lean forward or to the side while 
travelling or assume an incorrect sitting position, there is a substantially 
increased risk of injury. This increased risk of injury will be further 
increased if you are struck by an inflating airbag.•Never let a child travel on the front seat without an appropriate restraint 
system. If the airbag is triggered in an accident, children can sustain 
serious or fatal injuries from the airbag as it inflates  ⇒page 46, “Child 
safety”.•The deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags 
must not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.•The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once 
they have deployed.•It is also important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or 
telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.•Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any 
way.
Side airbags*Description of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The front side airbags are located in the driver seat and front passenger seat 
backrests  ⇒fig. 22. The rear side airbags are located in the rear wheel 
housing lining. The locations are identified by the text “AIRBAG” in the upper 
region of the backrests and in the rear wheel housing lining.
Together with the seat belts, the side airbag system gives the front seat occu-
pants additional protection for the upper body in the event of a severe side 
collision  ⇒page 40, “Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag 
system”.
In a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to passengers on 
the front seats to the areas of the body facing the impact. In addition to their 
normal function of protecting the occupants in a collision, the seat belts also 
Fig. 22  Side airbag in 
driver seat
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Airbag system
38hold the passengers in the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position 
where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part 
of the vehicle’s overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the 
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their 
seat belts. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, 
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your 
safety  ⇒page 19, “Brief introduction”.
The side airbag system will not be triggered if:•the ignition is switched off•there is a minor side collision•there is a frontal collision•there is a rear-end collision•the vehicle turns over
The main parts of the airbag system are:•an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)•The front side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the rear side 
airbags in the lining of the rear wheel housing•a warning lamp 
 T on the instrument panel  ⇒page 31
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning 
lamp will light up for approx. 4seconds ever y time the ignition is switched on 
(self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•In a side collision, the side airbags will not work, if the sensors do not 
correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors, due to 
air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door panel.•Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
•Never drive if the interior door panels have been removed or if the 
panels have not been correctly fitted.•Never drive the vehicle if the loudspeakers in the door panels have 
been removed, unless the holes left by the loudspeakers have been 
correctly closed.•Always check that the openings are closed or covered if loudspeakers 
or other equipment are fitted in the interior door panels.•Any work carried out to the doors should be made in a specialised work-
shop.•The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the 
occupants are seated correctly  ⇒page 10, “Proper sitting position for 
occupants”.•If a fault has occurred in the airbag system, have the system checked 
immediately by a specialised workshop. Otherwise, during a side collision, 
the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit55
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Operating InstructionsCockpitOverviewOverview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to  familiarise yourself with the 
controls and displays.
Door release lever 
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighting control for instrument and control lighting   . . . . . . .
Headlight range control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air vent
Turn signal and main beam lever and cruise control system*
Controls on the steering wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel:
− Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn (works only when the ignition is on)/ Driver front airbag
Windscreen wiper and washer lever and operation of the 
multifunction display*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Left seat heating button  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for
− Heating* and ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Climatic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Climatronic*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio/Navigator*
Right seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamp for deactivated front passenger airbag . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove compartment lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls on the centre console:
− Central locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− ESP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Tyre pressure control*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Park Pilot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Cigarette lighter / Power socket  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Exterior mirror adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Start-Stop*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column control lever*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handle for releasing the bonnet  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A1A2
118
A3
122
A4
122
A5A6
125, 192
A7
91
A8
57
61
77
A9
30
A10
130, 63
A11
141
A12
159 161
165
A13A14
141
A15
44
A16
30
A17
144
A18
182
A19
148
A20
99
199 85
189
152
135
178
A21
187
A22
123
A23A24
173
A25
171
A26
232
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Cockpit
60LPG system*LPG gaugeLPG system filler level display
The LPG tank  ⇒ in the spare wheel well has a capacity of 39 litres at an 
outside temperature of 15 °C  ⇒page 227, “Refuelling with LPG”.
The charge level can be checked on the analogue gas gauge located on the 
instrument panel  ⇒fig. 37. When the level reaches reserve, a notification 
text is displayed on the screen. Refill with LPG at the earliest opportunity.
If, while driving in LPG mode, a sudden warning signal is heard and the 
warning LPG fault, contact workshop  is displayed on the screen
5), it means 
that there is a fault in the LPG system. Take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to check the LPG system.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause severe 
burns and other injury.•Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.•When parking the vehicle in a closed  area (for example in a garage), 
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical, 
to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.Note
•The values shown in the average fuel consumption and distance to empty 
indications on the multifunction display (MFI)
6) on the instrument panel
5) are 
approximate values only.
•Two different consumption values are given on the MFI, depending on 
whether the vehicle is running in GAS or Petrol mode.•Please check the fuel level on the fuel level gauge on the instrument panel 
⇒ page 58•If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside temper-
ature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on LPG. 
Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank.
5)Depending on the model version
Fig. 37  Instrument panel: 
gas gauge.
6)Optional equipment
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Cockpit
62Recommended gear display* 
This display helps to save fuel.Use the gear display to save fuel. If you are driving in the correct gear, a dot 
will be shown next to the gear display. If you are not in the correct gear, an 
arrow will appear next to the gear display indicating whether you should 
change up or down.Odometer or flexible service interval displayOdometer
The left-hand counter in the display registers the total amount of distance 
covered by the vehicle.
The right-hand counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates 
steps of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by holding down 
the reset button for a few seconds. Service interval display
Ve hi cle s wi th Service intervals dependent on time/distance travelled
 already 
have certain service intervals set. The intervals are calculated individually in 
vehicles with  LongLife service .
The service interval display only indicates the dates of services that include 
engine oil change. The dates of all other services, such as Inspection Service 
or brake fluid change, appear in the sticker on the door pillar or in the Main-
tenance Programme.
A  Service pre-warning  will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A 
“spanner” symbol appears and the display “km” with the distance that can 
be driven until the next service appointment is due. The display will change 
after approximately 10 seconds. A “clock symbol” appears and the number 
of days until the service appointment should be carried out. The following 
message is shown in the instrument panel display*:
Service in
[XXXX]
km
or
[XXXX]
days
The service message will disappear approximately 20 seconds after the igni-
tion is switched on or the engine is running. The normal display can be 
resumed by briefly pressing the reset button on the trip counter or by pressing 
the   button on the steering wheel controls.
With the ignition on, you can  check the current service message at any 
moment in the  Vehicle status menu or turning the reset button to access the 
service display.
An  overdue service  is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or day 
information.
Fig. 40  Gear display
OK
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Cockpit63
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Indications for vehicles with LongLife service
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing 
requirements. With the LongLife System, SEAT ensures that your vehicle only 
has an interval service when it is necessary. The length of the service intervals 
(max. two years) is determined by factors such as conditions under which the 
vehicle is used and personal driving style.
The service pre-warning will first appear 20 days before the date on which the 
service is due. The distance travelled is rounded off to the nearest 100 km 
and the time to full days. The current service message can only be consulted 
500 km after the last service. Until that time, only dashes are displayed.
Note
•If you reset the display manually, the next service interval will be indi-
cated after 15,000 km or one year and will not be calculated individually.•Do not  reset the display between service intervals as the display will 
otherwise be incorrect.•In LongLife Service vehicles, if the battery is disconnected for a long 
period, the days remaining until the next service cannot be calculated. There-
fore, the service message displays on the instrument panel may be incorrect. 
Take into account the maximum authorised service intervals.
Multifunction  display (MFI)*
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on the 
journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 41  Rocker buttons A 
and B. Steering wheel 
controls.Fig. 42  Digital instru-
ment panel display
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Cockpit
64
The multifunction system uses two automatic memories:  1 - Actual 
memory  and 2 - Total memory . The selected memory will be shown 
in the upper right-hand corner of the display.
Selecting a memory
– When the ignition is on, briefly press button  ⇒page 63, fig. 41  
 on the windscreen wiper lever  to change from one memory to 
another or press button   on the steering wheel controls 
⇒ page 63, fig. 41 .
Resetting a memory
– Select the memory that you would like to reset.
– Hold down button   on the windscreen wiper lever or button    on the steering wheel contro ls for at least 2 seconds.The trip memory 1  collects the travel and consumption rates from the 
moment the ignition is switched on until it is switched off. If the journey is 
continued within two hours of switching off the ignition, the new values will 
be added to the existing trip recorder memory. The memory will automatically 
be deleted if the journey is interrupted for more than two hours.
The  total memory 2  collects the trip data for any number of individual jour-
neys (even if the ignition is switched off for longer than two hours) up to a 
total of 19 hours and 59 minutes travel time or 1999 km distance travelled. 
The memory will automatically be deleted if one of the named values is 
reached.
Information in th e multifunction display (MFI)* You can switch between the following displays in the multifunction display 
(MFI) by operating rocker switch  ⇒fig. 43    on the windscreen wiper lever.
AA
AA
AA
AA
Fig. 43  Rocker buttons A 
and B. Steering wheel 
controls.Fig. 44  Digital instru-
ment panel display: 
average fuel consumption 
indicator.
AB
Altea_EN.book  Seite 64  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14