
8Safe driving
you and 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 always responsible for the safety of the passen-
gers 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.
– Ensure that all luggage is correctly secured ⇒ page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and rear vision mirrors properly
according to your size.
– Ensure that the passenger in the central rear seat always has
the head restraint in the correct position for use.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to
their height. –
Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly ap-
plied seat belts ⇒ page 42.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers al-
so to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒ page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to
fasten their seat belts properly. ⇒ page 18.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style
and the personal behaviour of all vehicle occupants.
As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any cir-
cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road
⇒
, for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by pas-
sengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medi-
cation, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
– 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.

53
Cockpit
Operating Instructions Cockpit
Overview Overview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays. Door release lever
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Light dimmer for instrument panel lighting* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Headlight range control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Air vents
Turn signal and dipped beam lever and cruise control sys-
tem* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103, 158
Instrument panel and warning lamps:
– Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
– Control and warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Horn (only works when the ignition is on)/ and driver
front airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Steering and starter lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Windscreen wash-wipe/rear window wash-wipe lever* and
operation of the multifunction display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106, 59
Radio
Glove compartment/Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
1
23456
7
8
910
111213
Switches for:
–
Heating and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
– Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
– Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Cigarette lighter / Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Drink holder/Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Controls on the centre console:
- Start-Stop operation button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
- LPG gas system control button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
- Tyre pressure monitoring* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
- Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
- Heated seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
- Central locking* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Dash panel switches:
- ESC OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138, 164
- Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
- Airbag disconnection warning lamp* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30, 40
Handbrake lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Automatic*/manual gear lever / . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147, 146
Storage space
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Steering column control lever* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Steering column controls for audio and telephone* . . . . . . . . .76
14
151617
18192021222324
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

64Cockpit
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning
lampsFurther infor-mation
1Engine fault (petrol engine)⇒ page 68
1
Glow plug system for diesel engine
If lit: glow plug system active
If flashing: engine fault⇒ page 68
2Soot accumulation in the diesel en-
gine particulate filter⇒ page 68
3
Red:
Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 69Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine
oil
4Bulb defective⇒ page 69
5Level of liquid for washing windows
too low.⇒ page 69
6Rear fog light switched on⇒ page 69
7Seat belt warning lamp*⇒ page 18
8Anti-lock brake system (ABS) *⇒ page 69
9
If flashing: the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is working or the ASR
is working
If it remains lit: ESC or ASR faulty⇒ page 70
⇒ page 71
10Brake fluid required or
serious fault in brake system⇒ page 71
11Handbrake on⇒ page 154
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning
lampsFurther infor-mation
12Cruise speed activated (Cruise con-
trol)⇒ page 71
13Tyre pressure*⇒ page 71
14Selector lever lock (automatic gear-
box)⇒ page 73
15Fuel level / reserve⇒ page 73
16Doors open⇒ page 73
17Rear lid open⇒ page 73
18Airbag or belt tensioner system fault
or airbag disabled⇒ page 30
19Main beam switched on⇒ page 73
20Start-Stop system switched off⇒ page 143
21Electro-hydraulic steering⇒ page 73
22Fault in the emission control system⇒ page 74
23Coolant level / coolant temperature⇒ page 74
24Alternator fault⇒ page 74
25If it stays lit: ASR switched off⇒ page 70
⇒ page 71

70Cockpit
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to ⇒ page 163.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the tyre pressure control lamp will
also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible
fault in the brake system ⇒
.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 193, Working in the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp , stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake
fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ page 206, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid lev-
el has dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of acci-
dent. Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS system. 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 assis-
tance.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
The EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped
with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS control lamp . Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further informa-
tion on the EDL see ⇒ page 165, Electronic differential lock (EDL)*.
Traction control system (ASR)* /
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
There are two warning lamps for the traction control system: and . Both
warning lamps light up together when the ignition is switched on and
should turn off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the time taken for the
function check.
The lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will re-
main lit. The warning lamp will also light up if a fault should occur in the
ABS because the ASR operates in conjunction with the ABS. For further in-
formation, see ⇒ page 162, Brakes
The lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected when pressing the switch.
By pressing it again, the ASR function is reactivated and the warning lamp
switched off.

72Cockpit
Tyre pressure*
Fig. 40 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre control lamp 1)
compares wheel revolutions and with it, the wheel
diameter of each wheel using the ESC. If the diameter of a wheel changes,
the tyre control lamp lights up. The wheel diameter changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed. Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels,
the button ⇒ Fig. 40 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on until an
audible warning is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre moni-
tor system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure control lamp
lights up
If the tyre pressure of a wheel is much lower than the value set by the driver,
then the tyre pressure control lamp ⇒
will light up.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure control lamp lights up, reduce speed immedi-
ately and avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible,
and check the tyre pressure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. For
this reason, tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (for example, when driving in a sports-
like manner, in winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre control lamp
may light up or function incorrectly.
Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow warning lamp lights up after
turning the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey.
1)
Depending on the model version

163
Intelligent technology
WARNING
● The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slip-
pery or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake
assist system.
● The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! There-
fore, it is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any
risks when driving.
Anti-lock brake system and traction control
ABS Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking dur-
ing braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one
or more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has
intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully de-
pressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”. If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is re-
tained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in
all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
● The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 209.
● If the running gear or brake system is modified, the effectiveness of
the ABS could be severely limited.
Drive wheel traction control system (ASR)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. The system al-
ways includes ABS
Description and operation of the traction control system during
acceleration (ASR
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR system intervenes, reducing engine
power and preventing the driven wheels from slipping during acceleration.
The system works in the entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a
failure occurs in the ABS, the ASR will also stop working.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

170Driving and the environment
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero (dis-
connection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ⇒ page 58.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly
at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary. Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting exhaust gases, the
engine and the exhaust gas filtration systems should reach the optimum
service temperature.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately
four kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recommend
avoiding short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will increase the fuel consumption, it is
advisable to always check the luggage compartment to make sure that no
unnecessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h (60-75 mph) your vehicle
will use about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused
by the roof rack even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the
need for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, al-
ways turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples
of components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the
rear window heating or the seat heaters*.

172Driving and the environment
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparations that you vehicle requires and also about necessary
maintenance and repair possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlights
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the head-
light lenses. Further information is available at your Technical Service.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the rotation system must previously be
disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialised workshop.
Trailer towing What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already
have the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory require-
ments for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
⇒ page 185.
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 Technical Service.
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 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 documentation or in ⇒ chap-
ter Technical 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.