Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Wheel trims* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Changing a wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Vehicle tool kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Towing and tow starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS) Automatic . . 353
Petrol engine 2.0 147 kW (200 PS) Automatic . . 354
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 85 kW (115 PS) . . . . . . 355
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 100 kW (136 PS) . . . . . 357
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 100 kW (136 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) . . . . . 359
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) All-
wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS) . . . . . 363 Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
4Table of Contents
149
Seats and storage
can be located in the storage compartment 1
.. The cover of the compart-
ment 1 can be used to safely store the covers of the rear shelf supports.
Compartments in the luggage compartment floor
More storage compartments can be found in the luggage compartment
floor.
FunctionNecessary operationsOpen the front compartment
⇒ Fig. 115 3:
Pull the front of the luggage compart-
ment floor back using the handle.
Open the rear compartment 4: Lift the rear of the luggage compart-
ment floor using the handle.
Keeping the rear compartment
open: Move the hook at the rear right of the
luggage compartment and hook the lug-
gage compartment floor onto it
⇒ page 126.
Closing the compartment:
Push back the hook and push the rear
of the luggage compartment floor 4
down.
Fold the front part of the luggage com-
partment floor forwards 3
.
Other storage compartments:
●
in the centre console, front and rear.
● in the door trims, front and rear.
● Coat hooks on the central door pillars and on the rear roof handles.
● Bag hook in the luggage compartment ⇒ page 126.
WARNING
Clothing hung on the coat hooks could restrict the driver's view and lead
to serious accidents.
● Hang the clothes from the hooks so that driver's view is not restric-
ted.
● The coat hook is suitable for light items of clothing. Never place
heavy, hard or sharp objects in the bags.
CAUTION
Keep the CD changer compartment closed while the vehicle is in motion to
reduce vibrations that could damage the changer.
Note
The first aid kit is located in the rear left compartment of the luggage com-
partment.
Drink holders Introduction
Bottle holders
There is a bottle holder in the open compartments in the driver and front
passenger doors and in that of the sliding door.
Additional information and warnings:
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 252
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications
189
Driving
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
● For the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to
be pressed with more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring ex-
treme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances in-
crease.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking ef-
fect and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and
to reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may over-
heat and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brake pads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thorough-
ly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications
203
Driving
Park Assist system* Introduction
The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
insert the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to
leave parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that
the driver is especially attentive ⇒
.
The parking sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 184
● Parking sensor system ⇒ page 199
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 245
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run
any risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver
awareness.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● The surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external
sound sources may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on
the system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
ways detect small children, animals or objects.
CAUTION
● The park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, with-
out taking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop ma-
noeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
draw bars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in dam-
age to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence
of an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measure-
ment of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer
indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the
warnings of the parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to
the vehicle. This is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park be-
hind a truck or motorcycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the
area in front of and behind the vehicle while parking, and intervene prompt-
ly if necessary.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications
228Driving and the environment
Practical tips
Driving and the environment
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ page 296
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ page 188
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced.
Ecological driving Introduction
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Savings of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips.
WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation.
251
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
● Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean anodized surfaces.
● If there is a lot of dirt, use a special cleaning product which does not
contain solvents.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the anodized surfaces:
● Do not use products containing solvents.
● Do not use polish or hard wax.
● Do not use abrasive products.
● Do not polish anodized surfaces in sandy or dusty environments.
● Do not polish dirty surfaces.
Cleaning wheels
Cleaning steel wheels
Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Therefore, clean wheels reg-
ularly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the
metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels approximately
once a fortnight. Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims. SEAT
recommends treating the wheels thoroughly with a wax compound about
once every three months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheel rims. Car polish or other
abrasive agents should not be used for maintaining the rims. If the protective coating on the paint has been damaged (for example, hit by
a stone), it should be repaired immediately.
Caring for rubber seals
The rubber seals on doors, windows, etc., remain flexible, provide a better
seal and last longer if they are regularly treated with a product specifically
designed for use on rubber.
Before applying the product, use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from
the rubber seals.
De-icing the door lock cylinder
To de-ice the lock cylinders, SEAT recommend the use of genuine SEAT spray
with lubricating and anti-corrosive properties.
CAUTION
The use of products containing degreasing agents to de-ice the locks may
rust the lock cylinder.
Protection of vehicle undercarriage
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical and mechanical
damage. The protective coat on the undercarriage may wear through use
while driving. Therefore, SEAT recommends that the protective coating on
the undercarriage and on the running gear should be regularly checked, and
repaired if necessary.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications
256Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
CAUTION
● On no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or
similar materials on leather.
● If the stain remains on the leather for long, it will soak in and be impos-
sible to remove.
● In the event of spilt liquids, dry immediately with an absorbent cloth to
prevent the liquid penetrating through the leather or seams.
● If the vehicle is left standing in the sun for long periods, the leather
should be protected against direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
Note
The leather will usually change colour slightly with use.
Cleaning synthetic leather upholstery
Before cleaning the synthetic leather upholstery, bear in mind the following
recommendations ⇒ page 254, Cleaning the fabric on heated seats and
electrically adjustable seats or seats with airbag components
Only use water and neutral cleaning products to clean synthetic leather up-
holstery.
CAUTION
Do not use solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain removers or similar prod-
ucts on synthetic leather. These will stiffen the material, causing it to crack
prematurely. Cleaning storage compartments, drinks holders and
ashtray
Cleaning storage compartments and drinks holders
Some storage compartments and drinks holders have a removable rubber
mat.
●
Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
● If this does not provide satisfactory results, we recommend using a spe-
cial solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
● Extract the ashtray and empty it.
● Clean the ashtray with a dishcloth.
Use a toothpick or similar to remove ash from the area where cigarettes are
stubbed out.
Care and cleaning of plastic parts, wooden trim and the
instrument panel
● Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
● Clean plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the dash panel
with a special solvent-free product for the care and cleaning of plastic, ap-
proved by SEAT ⇒
.
● Wash wooden trims with a mild soap and water solution.
296Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard with anti-puncture technology
tyres (Conti-Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of up to 5 mm, the
tyre seals the hole with a protective layer inside the tread.
The inclusion of such technology means that there is no type of spare
wheel, nor puncture repair kit included in the vehicle's inventory.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a speci-
alised workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement
parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 236
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 184
● Park assist system ⇒ page 203
● Tyre control systems ⇒ page 224
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 245
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 307
● Change wheel ⇒ page 309
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 258
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) are worn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (370 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist systems also depends on
the grip of the tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.