
196Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Technical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical require-
ments.
Your vehicle is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara-
van.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects for trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased at an Authorised Service.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 204.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by
a qualified workshop.
● Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive
up long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine
would heat up.
● Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked be-
fore towing a trailer or caravan.
– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒ page 290.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weight.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight,
you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every
subsequent 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined
weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the drawbar load that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒ page 283. Also
refer to ⇒ page 290.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.

197
Trailer towing
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your vehicle, and adjust for “full load” condi-
tions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may
also be necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the
recommendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mirrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means
of the headlight range control. See ⇒ page 119.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have the vehicle serviced be-
tween services. Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additional attention by the driver.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slow to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
Therefore, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of swaying. Never try to stabilise the trailer by accelerating.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake, first brake gently and then harder. This will prevent brake tapping by
the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course before go-
ing down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer
weight. They can be purchased and installed at a Technical Service.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning lamp in the instrument panel should start
flashing, stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down by running it at
idling speed for a few minutes.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

198Trailer towing
Equipment and accessories
Before mounting equipment and accessories (e.g. bicycle
rack) please observe the following notes.
Fig. 150 Load distribu-
tion of equipment and ac-
cessories
The equipment/accessories mounted must not protrude more than 700 mm
from the ball joint 1
.
The total weight (mounted equipment plus the load) must not exceed 75 kg.
The maximum load depends on where the centre of gravity lies.
The maximum weight decreases as the distance between the centre of grav-
ity and the ball joint 1
increases.
The following limits apply:
If the distance is 300 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment mounted) A
must not exceed 75 kg.
If the distance is 600 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment mounted) B
must not exceed 35 kg. Only bicycle racks for
a maximum of three bicycles may be used.
Equipment and accessories mounted on the towing bracket
SEAT recommends that you only mount equipment (e.g. bicycle rack) on the
towing bracket which has been officially approved.. If you wish to attach
other equipment please make sure that it has been approved by the manu-
facturer for use on the towing bracket. If you mount unsuitable equipment,
this can cause damage to the towing bracket. In an extreme case, damage
to the towing bracket could cause it to break ⇒
.
WARNING
● If you wish to mount equipment which has not been approved by
SEAT, please ensure that it is suitable for use on SEAT vehicles.
● Use of unsuitable equipment can result in severe damage to the tow-
ing bracket. The towing bracket could then break while pulling a trailer
and cause an accident.
● Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device, no longer guaranteeing the cor-
rect working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.

288Description of specifications
Information on fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.
The vehicle's fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions can be consulted on the
vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, inside the luggage compart-
ment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emission values refer to the weight category
assigned to your vehicle according to the engine and gearbox combination,
as well as the specific equipment fitted, and is only used to compare be-
tween the different models.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions do not depend only on the per-
formance of the vehicle, they can also differ from the established values de-
pending on other factors such as driving style, road conditions, traffic con-
ditions, environmental conditions, load and number of passengers.
Calculation of fuel consumption
The consumption values have been calculated based on measurements per-
formed or supervised by certified CE laboratories according to the latest ver-
sion of directives 715/2007/EC and 80/1268/CEE (for more information
consult the European Union Publications Office at EUR-Lex: © European Un-
ion, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) and are valid for the kerb
weight indicated for the vehicle.
Note
In practice, and considering all the factors mentioned here, consumption
values can differ from those calculated in the current European regulations. Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for
the weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase
⇒
.
WARNING
● 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. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded,
the driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to acci-
dents, injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Towing a trailer Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive tri-
als according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain cir-
cumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these
data ⇒
.

289
Description of specifications
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint of the towing bracket
must not exceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow approach-
ing the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will
be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with a
wheelbase of less than 1 metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar load.
WARNING
● For safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h limit. This is also valid
in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. If the
permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Wheels
Tyre pressure, snow chains, wheel bolts
Tyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced. ⇒
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels. Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the
tightening torque of the wheel
bolts should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench ⇒
.
The tightening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low,
there is an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
● If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen while the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
Note
We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

291
Technical specifications
Petrol engine 1.8 88 kW (120 PS)
Engine specifications Power output in kW (PS) rpm 88 (120) / 3650-6200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 230 / 1500-3650
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4 / 1798
Fuel Super 95 RON a)
/ Super 91 RON b)
a)
Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
b) Slight power loss.
Performance Maximum speed in km/h 202
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 7
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 10.6
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1980
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1495
Gross front axle weight in kg 1075
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1030
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 740
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1300
Engine oil capacity
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.6 litres
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

292Technical specifications
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 PS)
Engine specifications
Power output in kW (PS) rpm 118 (160) / 4500-6200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 250 / 1500-4500
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4 / 1798
Fuel Super 95 RON a)
/ Super 91 RON b)
a)
Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
b) Slight power loss.
Performance Maximum speed in km/h 225
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 5.9
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 8.6
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1980
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1495
Gross front axle weight in kg 1075
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1030
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 740
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1300
Engine oil capacity
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.6 litres

293
Technical specifications
Petrol engine 2.0 147 kW (200 PS)
Engine specifications Power output in kW (PS) rpm 147 (200) / 5100-6000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 280 / 1800-5000
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4 / 1984
Fuel Super 98 RON a)
/Super 95 RON b)
a)
Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
b) Slight power loss.
Performance ManualAutomatic
Maximum speed in km/h 241 235
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 5.4 5.3
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 7.3 7.3
Weights
Manual Automatic
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1990 2015
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1505 1530
Gross front axle weight in kg 1090 1120
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1030 1030
Permitted roof load in kg 75 75
Trailer weight
ManualAutomatic
Trailer without brakes in kg 750 750
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1600 1700
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1400 1500
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications