
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 

Manual structure5
Manual structureWhat you should know before reading this manualThis manual contains a description of the equipment  supplied with the 
vehicle at the time of press. Some of the equipment hereunder described will 
not be available until a later date, or is only available in certain markets.
Because this is a general manual for the ALTEA, some of the equipment and 
functions that are described in this manual are not included in all types or 
variants of the model or model year; they may vary or be modified depending 
on the technical requirements and on the market; this is in no way deceptive 
advertising.
The  illustrations  are intended as a general guide and may vary from the 
equipment fitted in your vehicle in some details.
The  direction indications  (left, right, front, rear) appearing in this manual 
refer to the normal forward working direction of the vehicle except when 
otherwise indicated.
The equipment marked with an asterisk * *  is  f it ted  as sta nda rd  only in cer ta in 
versions, and is only supplied as optional extras for some versions, or are 
only offered in certain countries.
® All registered marks are indicated with  ®. Although the copyright symbol 
does not appear, it is a copyrighted mark. b
The section is continued on the following page.
 ž
Marks the  end of a section .WARNING
Texts preceded by this symbol contai n information on safety. They warn 
you about possible dangers of accident or injury.
Caution
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to potential sources of damage to 
your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts preceded by this symbol contain additional information on the protec-
tion of the environment.
Note
Texts preceded by this symbol contain additional information.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 5  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 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.
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Safe driving9
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate for road, traffic and 
weather conditions.
– When travelling long distances, take breaks regularly - at least  every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip, the risk of injury and acci-
dents increases.
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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.
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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)
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Safe driving13
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Correct adjustment of front seat head restraints
Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of 
passenger protection and can reduce the risk of injuries in 
most accident situations.
Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum 
protection.
– 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 and, at the very least, at eye level 
⇒fig. 3  and ⇒fig. 4 .Adjusting the head restraints  ⇒page 137.
WARNING
•Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted 
increases the risk of severe injuries.•Incorrectly adjusted head restraints could result in death in the event of 
a collision or accident.•Incorrectly adjusted head restraints also increase the risk of injury 
during sudden or unexpected driving or braking manoeuvres.•The head restraints must always be adjusted according to the 
passenger’s height.
Active head restraints*Vehicle occupants are pressed into their seats during a rear end collision. The 
resulting body pressure on the backrest activates the active head restraint* 
on the front seat, which moves rapidly forwards and upwards at the same 
time. This movement reduces the distan ce between the occupant’s head and 
the head restraint, thus reducing the risk of head injuries such as brain 
trauma.
Fig. 3  Properly adjusted 
head restraint viewed 
from the frontFig. 4  Properly adjusted 
head restraint viewed 
from the side
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