
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 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 

Lights and visibility
134Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen 
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering 
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights or 
main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the 
headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
•To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the 
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer 
spray.•To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to 
time, the headlight wipers will be activated every three cycles.Rear-view mirrorsInterior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if yo u cannot see clearly through the 
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the mirror should 
be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function.
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and off 
as desired.Switching off the anti-dazzle function
–Press button   ⇒ fig. 89. Indicator lamp   goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
–Press button   ⇒ fig. 89. Warning lamp is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on. 
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior mirror will darken auto-
matically  according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-dazzle func-
tion is cancelled if reverse gear is engaged.
Fig. 89  Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
AA
AB
AA
Altea_EN.book  Seite 134  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Lights and visibility135
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Note
•The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if the sun 
blind* for the rear window is retracted and there are no other objects 
preventing light from reaching the rear view mirror.•If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in 
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the anti-dazzle function from 
working well or even from working at all.Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using the rotary knob in 
the centre console.Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob  ⇒fig. 90  to position  L ( left exterior mirror). 2.  Turn the rotary knob to positi
on the mirror so that you have a 
good view to the rear of the vehicle.
3.  Turn knob to position  R (right exterior mirror ).
4.  Swivel the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a  good view to the rear of the vehicle  ⇒.
Heating the exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob forwards to the central position  ⇒fig. 90    so 
that the heated rear view mirrors warm up and the heated wind-
screen* in the wiper blade rest area is activated ⇒ page 130.
– The exterior mirror heating is not activated in temperatures  above approximately 20 °C.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
–Turn the control  ⇒fig. 90  to position 
 to fold in the exterior 
mirrors. You should always fold in  the exterior mirrors if you are 
driving through an automatic car wash. This will help prevent 
damage.
Folding exterior mirrors with convenience control*
– The exterior mirror will fold back automatically with convenience  closing (with the remote or the key)
– To unfold it again, open the door and use the contact
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the extended position*
– Turn the knob to another position to fold the exterior mirrors back  out  ⇒ .
Fig. 90  Controls of exte-
rior mirrors
A1
Altea_EN.book  Seite 135  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Lights and visibility
136
Synchronised mirror adjustment
1. Turn the control to the position  L ( left exterior mirror ).
2.  Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a  good view to the rear of the vehicle. The  right exterior mirror will 
be adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
WARNING
•Convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision however the 
objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you use these 
mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when changing 
lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.•If possible, use the rear view mirror to estimate distances to vehicles 
behind you.•Make sure that you do not get your finger trapped between the mirror 
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer 
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
•If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be 
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.•In vehicles with electric exterior mirrors, the following points should be 
observed: if, due to an external force (e.g. a knock while manoeuvring), the 
adjustment of the mirror housing is altered, the mirror will have to be 
completely folded electrically . Do not readjust the mirror housing by hand, as 
this will interfere with the mirror adjuster function.
•The rear view mirrors can be adjusted separately or simultaneously, as 
described before.•The fold-in function on the exterior mirrors is not activated at speeds of 
above 40 km/h.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 136  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving189
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is 
equipped with this system.Parking aid acoustic system*General notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in 
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT Parking System* gives an acoustic warning if there are any obsta-
cles behind your vehicle.
When you are parking, the SEAT Parking System Plus* warns you acoustically 
and optically
23) about obstacles “in front of” and “behind” the vehicle.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept 
clean and free of snow and ice.
SEAT Parking System: Description
The Parking System is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obstacle, 
you are alerted by acoustic 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. Do not drive on!
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).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged. 
You will hear a brief confirmation tone.
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.
23)Vehicles with a navigation system.
Rear
Side
0.60
Centre
1.60
Altea_EN.book  Seite 189  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

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.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 191  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14