
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 

Content
6ContentThis manual is structured to provide the information you need in an organised 
way. The content of this Manual is divided into  sections which belong to 
chapters  (e.g. “Air conditioning”). The entire manual is divided into five large 
parts which are:1. Safety FirstInformation on the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as seat 
belts, airbags, seats, etc.2. Operating instructionsInformation about the distribution of controls in the driver position of your 
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, about how to create a suit-
able climate in the passenger compartment, etc.3. Practical TipsAdvice relating to the driving, caring  and maintenance of your vehicle and 
certain problems you can solve yourself.4. Technical SpecificationsFigures, values and the dimensions of your vehicle.5. Alphabetic indexAt the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will help 
you to rapidly find the information you require.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 6  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 driving11
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Fasten your seat belt securely  ⇒page 19.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle under  control at all times.Adjustment of the driver seat  ⇒page 137.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between 
the centre of the chest and the centre of the steering wheel  ⇒page 10, 
fig. 1 . If you are sitting closer than 25 cm, the airbag system cannot protect 
you properly.•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a specialised workshop. The work-
shop will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. This reduces the 
risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position, or in any other 
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the 
airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.•To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeu-
vres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag 
system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her seat belt 
properly. The further the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk 
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or to the incorrect 
sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.
Proper sitting position for front passenger
The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the 
dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest 
possible protection in the event that it is triggered.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an 
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front 
passenger:
– Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible  ⇒.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your backrests  completely against it.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same  level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same 
level as the top of your head ⇒ page 13.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the front passenger seat.
– Fasten your seat belt securely  ⇒page 19.It is possible to deactivate the passenger airbag in  exceptional circum-
stances  ⇒ page 25.
Adjusting the front passenger seat  ⇒page 140.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe 
injuries.•Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is at least 25 cm between 
your chest and the dash panel. If you are sitting closer than 25 cm, the 
airbag system cannot protect you properly.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 11  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving
12•If your physical constitution pr events you from maintaining the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a specialised workshop. The work-
shop will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•Al ways  kee p you r feet  in t he footw ell  w hen t he vehicle  is moving; never 
rest them on the dash panel, out the window or on the seat. An incorrect 
sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in case of a 
sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain 
severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position.•To reduce the risk of injury to the  front passenger in events such sudden 
braking manoeuvres or an accident, never travel with the backrest tilted far 
back! The airbag system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection 
when the backrest is in an upright position and the front passenger is 
wearing his or her seat belt properly. The further the backrests are tilted to 
the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the 
belt web or to the incorrect sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum 
protection.
Correct sitting position for passengers in the rear seats
Passengers in the rear seats must sit up straight, keep their 
feet on the footwells, have the head restraints positioned for 
use and wear their seat belts properly.To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking 
manoeuvre or an accident, passengers on the rear bench seat must 
consider the following:
– Adjust the head restraint to the correct position  ⇒page 14. – Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the rear seat.
–Fasten your seat belt securely 
⇒page 19.
– Use an appropriate child restrain t system when you take children 
in the vehicle  ⇒page 46.
WARNING
•If the passengers on the rear seat are not sitting properly, they could 
sustain severe injuries.•Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum protec-
tion.•Seat belts can only provide optimal protection when backrests are in an 
upright position and the passengers are wearing their seat belts properly. 
If passengers on the rear seat are not sitting in an upright position, the risk 
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the seat belt increases.
WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 12  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Safe driving
16•do not allow anyone to travel in the footwell,•never travel without wearing the seat belt,•do not allow anyone to travel in the luggage compartment.WARNING
•Any incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe injuries.•Sitting in an incorrect position exposes the occupants to severe injuries 
if airbags are triggered, by striking a passenger who has assumed an incor-
rect sitting position.•Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-
tain it throughout the trip. Before every trip, instruct your passengers to sit 
properly and to stay in this position during the trip  ⇒page 10, “Proper 
sitting position for occupants”.
Pedal areaPedals
The operation of all pedals must never be impaired by objects 
or floor mats.– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and  clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi- tions.Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely 
fastened on the footwell. If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be pressed down thoroughly in 
order to stop the vehicle.
Wearing suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good 
feeling for the pedals.
WARNING
•Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.•Never place objects on the driver footwell. An object could move into 
the pedal area and impair pedal operation. In the event of a sudden driving 
or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake, clutch or 
accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened 
in the footwell and do not impair operation of the pedals.– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip  and do not obstruct the pedals  ⇒.Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to 
prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a special-
ised dealership. Fasteners* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
WARNING
•If the pedals are obstructed, an accident may occur. Risk of serious inju-
ries.•Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 16  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 

Safe driving
18•Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially 
available.Fastening rings*
There can be four fastening rings in the luggage compart-
ment for fastening luggage and other objects.– Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage  and other objects to the fastening rings  ⇒ in “Loading the 
luggage compartment” on page 17.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the straps.During a collision or an accident, even small and light objects can build up so 
much energy that they can cause very severe injuries. The amount of kinetic 
energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the object. The 
most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the vehicle. During 
a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, this object generates a force corre-
sponding to 20 times its weight. That means that the effective weight of the 
object increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of the injuries 
which might be sustained if this object strikes an occupant as it flies through 
the passenger compartment. This increased risk of injury will be further 
increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.
WARNING
•If pieces of luggage or other objects are secured to the fastening rings 
with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could be sustained 
in the event of braking manoeuvres or accidents.
•To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying forward, 
always use appropriate retaining cords which are secured to the fastening 
rings.•Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 18  Donnersta g, 2. September 2010  2:00 14