2012 Seat Altea Freetrack weight

201
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Instructions to follow
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
⇒ page 202.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
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 combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When 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. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
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 vehicle documents or in ⇒ chapter Tech-
nical Data.
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.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
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. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension brack-
ets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

202Trailer towing
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook
may be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate. 
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care. Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed
in an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill. You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of
snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can
be caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in due course be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 55.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* (ESP) system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or
rocking. 
Fitting a towing bracket*
It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle. 

276Description 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 ⇒ 
. 

277
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.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

279
Technical specifications
Petrol engine 2.0 155 kW (211 PS) Front-wheel drive
Engine specifications Power output in kW (PS) rpm 155 (211)/ 5300-6200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 280/ 1700 - 5200
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1984
Fuel Super 95 RON / Regular 91 RON a)
a)
With a slight power loss
Performance Maximum speed in km/h 220
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 5.5
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 7.7
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 2150
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1606
Gross front axle weight in kg 1115
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1055
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 750
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1650
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1400
Engine oil capacity
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.6 litres

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

280Technical specifications
Petrol engine 2.0 155 kW (211 PS) All-wheel drive
Engine specifications
Power output in kW (PS) rpm 155 (211)/5300-6200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 280/ 1700 - 5200
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1984
Fuel Super 95 RON / Regular 91 RON a)
a)
With a slight power loss
Performance Maximum speed in km/h 218
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 5.3
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 7.6
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 2205
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1661
Gross front axle weight in kg 1140
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1085
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 750
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1650
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1650
Engine oil capacity
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.6 litres


281
Technical specifications
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) DPF with/without Start-Stop
Engine specifications Power output in kW (PS) rpm 77 (105)/ 4400
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 250/ 1500 - 2500
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1598
Fuel Min. 51 CN
Performance
Maximum speed in km/h 177
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 8.3
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 12.6
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 2049
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1505
Gross front axle weight in kg 1045
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1035
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 1400
Engine oil capacity
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.5 litres

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

282Technical specifications
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) DPF All-wheel drive
Engine specifications
Power output in kW (PS) rpm 103 (140)/ 4200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 320/ 1750 - 2500
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1968
Fuel Min. 51 CN
Performance
Maximum speed in km/h 193
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 6.9
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 10.2
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 2159
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1615
Gross front axle weight in kg 1110
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1070
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 750
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1650
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1650
Engine oil capacity
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.5 litres
