Table of Contents
About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt tensioners* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Digital instrument panel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Steering column controls* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Radio frequency remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Panoramic tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seats and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . . 117
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and power socket . . . 128
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher* 131
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 171
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Anti-lock brake system and traction control ABS 175
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 182
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 187
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
3
Table of Contents
31
Airbag system
The danger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger
seat
Rear-facing child seats must never be used on the front pas-
senger seat when the front passenger airbag is enabled. The front passenger front airbag is a serious risk for a child if it is activated.
The front passenger seat is life threatening to a child if he/she is transpor-
ted in a rear-facing child seat. Children up to 12 years old should always
travel on the rear seat.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating
airbag can strike it with such force that it can cause critical or fatal injuries.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to transport children on the rear
seats. That is the safest place for children in the vehicle. Alternatively, the
front passenger airbag can be disabled with a key-operated switch
⇒ page 41. When transporting children, use a child seat appropriate to
the age and size of each child.
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to deactivate the air-
bag, the vehicle must be taken to a Technical Service.
WARNING
● If a child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, the risk to the
child of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident in-
creases.
● Never secure a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat if the
front passenger airbag is enabled. The child can suffer critical or fatal in-
juries if the front passenger airbag is triggered.
WARNING (Continued)
● An inflating front passenger airbag can strike the rear-facing child
seat and project it with great force against the door, the roof or the back-
rest.
● If, under special circumstances, it is necessary to transport a child in
a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, it is absolutely es-
sential that you observe the following safety measures:
–Deactivate the front passenger airbag ⇒ page 41, Deactivating
airbags*.
– Child seats must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for
use on a front passenger seat with front or side airbag.
– Follow the installation instructions of the child seat manufacturer
and absolutely observe all warnings
– Before properly installing the child seat, push the front passenger
seat completely backwards so that the greatest possible distance to
the front passenger airbag is ensured.
– Ensure that no objects prevent the front passenger seat from being
pushed completely back.
– The backrest of the front passenger seat must be in an upright po-
sition.
Control lamp for airbag and seat belt tensioner
This control lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt tension-
er system.
The control lamp monitors all airbags and seat belt tensioners in the vehi-
cle, including control units and wiring connections.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
41
Airbag system
Deactivating airbags*
Front passenger front airbag deactivation
If you fit a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat,
the front passenger front airbag must be de-activated.
Fig. 21 In the glove com-
partment: switch for acti-
vating and deactivating
the front passenger air-
bag
Fig. 22 Control lamp for deactivated front passenger airbag in centre console When the front passenger airbag is
deactivated, this means that
only the front passenger front airbag is deactivated. All the other
airbags in the vehicle remain activated.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Insert the key into the slot of the switch for deactivating the
front passenger airbag ⇒ Fig. 21. About 3/4 of the key should
enter, as far as it will go.
– Then turn the key gently to the OFF position. Do not force it if
you feel resistance, and make sure you have inserted the key
fully.
– Check that the control lamp “PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ” in the
dash panel ⇒ Fig. 22 remains lit ⇒
when the ignition is
switched on.
Activating the front passenger front airbag
– Switch the ignition off.
– Insert the key into the slot of the switch for deactivating the
front passenger airbag ⇒ Fig. 21. About 3/4 of the key should
enter, as far as it will go.
– Then turn the key gently to the ON position. Do not force it if you
feel resistance, and make sure you have inserted the key fully.
– Check that the control lamp “PASSENGERS AIRBAG OFF ” in
the dash panel does ⇒ Fig. 22 not light up when the ignition is
switched on ⇒
.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
42Airbag system
WARNING
● The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated
switch.
● You should only deactivate the front passenger front airbag when, in
exceptional cases, you have to use a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat ⇒ page 43, Child safety.
● Never install a child seat facing backwards on the front passenger
seat unless the front passenger front airbag has been disabled. Other-
wise, there is a risk of death.
● As soon as the child seat is no longer needed on the front passenger
seat, enable the front passenger front airbag again.
● Only deactivate the front passenger front airbag when the ignition is
off, otherwise a fault may occur in the airbag system, which could cause
the airbag to not deploy properly or not deploy at all.
● Never leave the key in the airbag deactivation switch as it could get
damaged or activate or deactivate the airbag during driving.
● When the front passenger front airbag is deactivated, if the control
lamp AIRBAG OFF is not continuously lit up when the front passenger
airbag is disabled, there may be a fault in the airbag system:
–Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a specialised
workshop.
– Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front pas-
senger front airbag could be triggered despite the fact that there is a
fault in the system and, as a result, a child could sustain serious or
fatal injuries.
– It is unpredictable whether the front passenger airbag will deploy
in the event of an accident. Warn all your passengers of this.
44Child safety
WARNING
● Never install a child seat facing backwards on the front passenger
seat unless the front passenger front airbag has been disabled. Risk of
potentially fatal injuries to the child! However, if it is necessary, in excep-
tional cases, to transport a child in the front passenger seat, the front
passenger front airbag must always be disabled ⇒ page 41, Deactivating
airbags*. If the front passenger seat has a height adjustment option,
move it to the highest position.
● For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to deactivate
the airbag, the vehicle must be taken to a Technical Service.
● All vehicle occupants, especially children, must assume the proper
sitting position and be properly belted in while travelling.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap, this can result in potential-
ly fatal injuries to the child!
● Never allow a child to be transported in a vehicle without being prop-
erly secured, or to stand up or kneel on a seat while travelling. In an acci-
dent, the child could be flung through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal
injuries to themselves and to the other vehicle occupants.
● If children assume an improper sitting position when the vehicle is
moving, they expose themselves to greater risk of injury in the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly impor-
tant if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat and the airbag
system is triggered in an accident; as this could cause serious injury or
even death.
● A suitable child seat can protect your child!
● Never leave an unsupervised child alone on a child seat or in the vehi-
cle.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.WARNING (Continued)
● Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall must not wear a normal
seat belt without a child seat, as this could cause injuries to the abdomi-
nal and neck areas during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident.
● Do not allow the seat belt to become twisted or jammed, or to rub on
any sharp edges.
● Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause injuries even in a minor colli-
sion or in sudden braking manoeuvres.
● The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the seat belt is
properly positioned ⇒ page 25, Seat belts.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat ⇒ page 45, Child seats.
69
Cockpit
Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to a Technical Serv-
ice.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: Clean the air filter.
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start-Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in position P/N to start.
Only in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START-STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met.
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model.
Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched while the system operation is verified. It should go out once the
engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
76Cockpit
If the control lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact a Technical Service or a spe-
cialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the warning light comes on, stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down First check the coolant level. If the level of the cool-
ant is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant liquid ⇒
.
WARNING
● If your vehicle is immobilised for technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.
● Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area. Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒ page 206.
Alternator
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop. You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery.
Turn signals
The control lamp flashes when the turn signals are in opera-
tion.
Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left or right
turn signal lamp flashes. Both control lamps will flash at the same time
when the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal.
For further information on the turn signals, please see ⇒ page 107.
“Safe”* Electronic immobiliser
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The electronic immo-
biliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out
of the ignition lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: SAFE. The vehicle
cannot be started in this case
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
77
Cockpit
Note
The vehicle cannot operate properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT key.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications