
Contents
4Trailer towing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instructions to follow  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving tips  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
 . . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle exterior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle interior maintenance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels and tyres
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel  . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit* (Tyre Mobility System)  . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical Specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . 
Description of specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Technical Specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) 
with/without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) DPF 
Start&Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) DPF  
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI PD 103 kW (140 PS) without 
DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
211
211
212
212
213
215
215
216
221
224
224
224
225
225
226
226
227
230
231
232
235
239
241
245
246
249
249
257
257
259
265
267
272
281
284 287
287
287
289
289
290
291
291
292
293
294
296
297
298
300
301
302
304
305
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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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Cockpit
66The speed may be altered using the rocker switch   in steps of 5 km/h 
within 5 seconds of the initial memory value.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake symbol” 
is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this display 
- Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature as 
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Warning or information message in the display
Faults are shown in the display with warning lamps and 
warning/information reports.The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are indi-
cated by symbols with warning or information messages in the display. An 
acoustic warning is given in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols 
(priority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive information 
in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
Note
In the case of screens without warning or information texts, faults are indi-
cated exclusively by the warning lamps.Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will 
be accompanied by  three audible warnings . This is a danger warning. Stop 
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain 
professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be 
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue 
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning 
message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)•Brake system symbol 
 H with the warning message  STOP BRAKE FLUID 
SERVICE MANUAL  or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL . 
•Coolant symbol 
 v with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT 
INSTRUCTION MANUAL . 
•Engine oil pressure symbol 
 E with the warning message STOP ENGINE 
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL . 
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow) If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied 
by one audible warning . The function should be checked as soon as possible.
AB
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be 
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue 
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warning 
message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
•Brake system symbol 
 H with the warning message 
STOP BRAKE FLUID 
SERVICE MANUAL  or STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL .
•Coolant symbol 
 v with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT 
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•Engine oil pressure symbol 
 E with the warning message  STOP ENGINE 
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow) 
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied 
by  one audible warning . Check the corresponding function as soon as 
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the 
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. After 
a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be shown 
as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2  warning messages will not be shown until all  Priority 1 warning 
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow):
10)
•Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL .•Windscreen washer fluid symbol 
 with the information text REFILL 
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Top up the washer fluid level.
Information messages displayed on the screen*
10)Depending on the version of the model.
Message
a)
Description
SERVICE
The service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to an 
authorised service.
IMMOBILISER
Immobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take 
the vehicle to an authorised service.
ERROR
Instrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to an authorised 
service.
CLEAN AIR 
FILTER
Warning: The air filter must be cleaned
NO KEY
Warning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.
KEY BATTERY
Warning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCH
Warning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual 
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/N
Warning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in 
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
--> P
Warning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the 
engine.
STARTING
Warning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop sys-
tem activated.
START 
MANUALLY
Warning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop 
system activated.
ERROR START 
STOP
Warning: Start-Stop system error.
START STOP 
IMPOSSIBLE
Warning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, 
the engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the 
necessary conditions are met
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Cockpit87
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 232.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when 
driving, the brake fluid level  ⇒page 245, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is 
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.•If the brake warning lamp 
 H lights up together with the ABS warning 
lamp 
 J, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could 
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the 
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Bulb defect 
 
The warning lamp lights up when  a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp 
  lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting 
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17):  LEFT FULL BEAM 
FAULTY .
Engine oil pressure 
 E
If this warning lamp is red it indicates that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings , switch off the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, add more 
oil  ⇒page 235.
The instrument panel displays the following message
18):  STOP ENGINE OIL 
PRESSURE INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Checking the oil level 
 E
If the warning lamp is yellow 
 E the engine oil level should be checked as 
soon as possible. Top up the oil  ⇒page 237 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
 E
If the 
 E yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check 
the oil level every time you refuel.
Cruise control system* 
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system 
is switched on.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on. 
For further information on the cruise control system, see  ⇒page 192.
17)Depending on the version of the model.
18)Depending on the version of the model.
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Driving175
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, 
the fuel pump fuse should be checked 
⇒page 267, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions in  ⇒page 281, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary. 
Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach operating 
temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 173, fig. 136   . The 
indicator lamp 
 D will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the  ⇒page 281.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major 
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp  ⇒page 83 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is 
because the system must eliminate air first.
A1A2
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Driving and the environment205
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km.Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed 
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is 
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption 
reduced.
Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by 
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the  brake pad wear. The rate 
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under 
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often 
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we 
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an 
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Ser vice 
Plan.
If you drive with  wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in 
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is 
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). In this case the 
brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk 
of accidents.•New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction 
during the first 400 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also 
applies when the brake pads have to be changed further on.•If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have 
been salted, braking power may be lower than normal.•On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat. 
Before driving down a long steep slope,  it is advisable to reduce speed and 
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Checking and refilling levels231
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using 
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the 
catalytic converter.Petrol 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 226.
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 
fuel conforming to standard EN 590.  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-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
temperatures below 0 °C because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. 
Therefore, “winter-grade 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.
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