
Driving
180
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
–Press the    ⇒page 179, fig. 138  located in the centre console. 
When the Start-Stop function is deactivated, the pushbutton 
indicator lights.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts  immediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
–Press the    ⇒page 179, fig. 138  located in the centre console. 
The indicator on the button will go out.Driver messagesWhen the engine is turned off by the Start-Stop function, this is displayed on 
the instrument panel.
Note
There are different versions of the dash panel; the display of indications on 
the screen may differ.
AAAA
Fig. 139  Display on the 
instrument panel during 
Start-Stop function opera-
tion.
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Driving183
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
the full power of the engine. This programme is not recommended for use on 
the motorway or in the city.
Selecting the manual programme (tiptronic)
This programme allows driving similar to a manual gearbox.
This programme may be accessed using the selector lever or from the 
steering wheel controls when this option is fitted 
⇒page 185.
Selector lever locking
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged 
inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.Releasing the selector lever lock
– Start the vehicle. – Press and release the brake pedal, at the same time press the 
button on the selector lever.
The lock is only activated when the vehicle is stopped or at a speed of less 
than 5 km/h. At higher speeds, the lock is automatically released in position 
N.
For rapid changes of position (e.g. from  R to D) the lever will not lock. If the 
lever remains in the position  N more than one second then it is locked. With 
the automatic lock, the lever is prevented passing from  P and  N to any other 
gear without first pressing the brake pedal.
The selector lever must be put in the position  P in order to remove the key.Driving with an automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox
The drive and reverse gears are automatically engaged.
Fig. 144  Deactivating the 
lock
Fig. 145  Driving
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Driving
190
CautionPlease note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be 
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not 
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, 
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be 
detected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
Please refer to the notes on towing  ⇒page 191.SEAT Parking System Plus*: Description
The parking system plus is an acoustic and optical parking 
aid.Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the sensors detect 
an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic and optical signals. The measuring 
range of the sensors starts at approximately:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the 
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m away from the obstacle, the 
warning tone will sound continuously. Stop moving immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about four 
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected 
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
Activating/DeactivatingActivating
– Connects the radio navigator
–Press the switch 
 on the centre console ⇒ fig. 149 or on the 
gear selector gate. You will hear a brief confirmation tone and the 
LED on the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forward faster than 10 km/h, or
–Press the switch  or
– Switch the ignition off.
Segments in the optical display
Some colour segments in front and behind and an acoustic signal enable the 
driver to assess the distance with respect to an obstacle. The amber colour 
Front
Side
0.90
Centre
1.20
Rear
Side
0.60
Centre
1.60
Fig. 149  Centre console: 
Switch for parking aid
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Driving191
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
segments combined with a discontinuous beep indicate the presence of an 
obstacle. As the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle, the colour of the segment 
changes to red and the acoustic signal beeps continuously. When the penul-
timate segment is displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the 
collision zone. Stop moving immediately! 
⇒.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is 
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered. 
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.•Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full 
use of the rear view mirrors.Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be 
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not 
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, 
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be 
detected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•Please refer to the notes on towing  ⇒page 191.•There is a slight delay in the picture display.
To w i n g  b r a c k e tIn towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you select 
reverse gear or press the switch 
. This function may not be guaranteed on 
towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the following restric-
tions:
SEAT Parking System*
No warning is given
SEAT Parking System Plus:*
There is no rear distance warning. The system will still give a warning when 
obstacles are detected while driving forward. The optical display changes to 
towing mode.
Fault messagesIf you hear a long beep for a few seconds and the LED on the switch 
* starts 
flashing when you switch on the parking aid, a system fault has occurred. 
Please refer the problem to an Authorised SEAT dealer or specialised work-
shop.
Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be 
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch 
 the next time you switch on 
the parking aid.
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Intelligent technology
202•The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres’ grip. 
Vehicle behaviour is no different from a vehicle without four-wheel drive. 
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because 
the vehicle still has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do so 
could result in an accident.•On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to aquaplane 
and lose contact with the road if the vehi cle is driven too fast. If this should 
happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed when aqua-
planing begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive vehicle. For 
this reason and for that mentioned above, always choose a driving speed 
suitable for the road conditions. Failure to do so could result in an 
accident.
Brakes
What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km; 
first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
T h e  r a t e  o f  we a r  o n  t h e   brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and 
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for 
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts 
and stops. Wet roads or road salt
When the speed is 
over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are  on, the brake 
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This 
occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a faster 
response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or 
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or 
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should 
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehicle 
is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt 
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads 
has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build 
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are not 
used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is 
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a 
moderately high speed  ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase  suddenly, this may mean that 
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest 
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and 
remember that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and 
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low. 
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment209
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need 
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always 
turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples of 
components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear 
window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
•If you vehicle has 
Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this 
function.•It is recommended to  close the windows when driving at more than 60 
km/h•Do not drive with your foot resting  on the clutch pedal, as the pressure can 
make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch plate 
lining, causing a serious fault.•Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or hand 
brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and you will 
prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.•On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more suit-
able for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes will not 
suffer.Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials 
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials
•Plastic parts and elastomers are rated in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 
11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioner
Compliance with prohibited materials regulation : cadmium, lead, mercury, 
chrome VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing•Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit•Solvent-free adhesives•No CFCs used in production•Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building 
materials•Overall water consumption reduced•Heat recovery systems•The use of water-soluble paints
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Checking and refilling levels237
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– 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 ⇒ page 236, 
fig. 163. 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 232.
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 232.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening  ⇒fig. 164 .
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
AAAB
AA
AC
AA
AA
Fig. 164  In the engine 
compartment: Engine oil 
filler cap
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Wheels and tyres253
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (Electronic Stability Programme) switched on, 
or switch on  ⇒page 198.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from  the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.The run-flat tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description: 
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are 
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can 
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for 
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be 
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if 
necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one 
tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the distance 
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means 
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions  ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•smoke is coming from one of the tyres,•there is a smell of rubber,•the vehicle vibrates,•there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using run-flat tyres?•If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre 
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown 
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.•It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel 
starts overheating and gives off smoke.WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is 
considerably impaired.•The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and 
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.•Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.•Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.•If one or more tyres are being driven in emergency conditions, the 
driving quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•The run-flat tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they are 
supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre cannot be 
detected with a visual inspection.•Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency 
conditions.
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