
173
Driving
CAUTION
When travelling at high speeds or at high engine speeds, selecting a gear
that is too low can cause considerable damage to the clutch and the gear-
box. This can also occur if the clutch pedal is pressed and held and it does
not engage.
CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature wear, please observe the follow-
ing:
● Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving. The pressure ap-
plied by your hand is transmitted to the gearbox selector forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped before engaging
the reverse gear.
● Always press the clutch to the floor when changing gears.
● Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on hills with the engine on.
Automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox* Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled manual gearbox.
Torque between the engine and the gearbox is transmitted via two inde-
pendent clutches. They replace the torque converter found on conventional
automatic gearboxes and allow for smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of
the vehicle.
The tiptronic system allows the driver to change gears manually if desired
⇒ page 178, Changing gears in tiptronic mode*. Selector lever positions
The selector lever position engaged is highlighted on the display in the in-
strument cluster. With the selector lever in the manual gearbox positions G,
D, E and S, the engaged gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the driven wheels are locked me-
chanically. The parking lock must be engaged only when the vehicle is
sta-
tionary ⇒
.
The interlock button (the button on the selector lever handle) must be
pressed in and simultaneously the brake pedal must be depressed before
moving the selector lever either in or out of position P.
R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling ⇒
.
To move the selector lever to position R, the interlock button must be press-
ed in and at the same time the brake pedal must be depressed. The reverse
lights come on when the selector lever is in the R position with the ignition
on.
N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables the gears to be controlled in
normal mode (D) or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move the selector
lever backwards. Moving the lever again will select normal mode (D). The
selected driving mode is shown on the instrument panel display.
In normal mode (D), the gearbox automatically selects the best gear ratio.
This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the dynamic gear
control programme (DCP).
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

178Driving
Downhill speed control*
The downhill speed control function helps the driver when
driving down steep gradients.
Downhill speed control is activated when the selector lever is in D/S and
the driver applies the foot brake. The automatic gearbox automatically en-
gages a lower gear that is suitable for the slope. The downhill speed control
function attempts to maintain the speed at which the vehicle was travelling
when the foot brake was applied (subject to the laws of physics and techni-
cal drive limitations). It may be necessary to adjust the speed again using
the foot brake in certain situations. Given that the downhill speed control
can only change down to 3rd gear, on very steep descents the tiptronic
mode may be required. In this case, manually reduce the tiptronic to 2nd or
1st gear to use the engine brake and reduce the charge on the brakes.
Downhill speed control is deactivated as soon as the road levels out again
or you press the accelerator pedal.
On vehicles with cruise control system* ⇒ page 184, downhill speed con-
trol is activated when you set a cruising speed.
WARNING
The downhill speed control cannot defy the laws of physics. Therefore,
speed cannot be maintained constant in all situations. Always be pre-
pared to use the brakes!
Changing gears in tiptronic mode*
The tiptronic gives the driver the option to change gears
manually.
Fig. 123 Centre console:
changing gear with Tip-
tronic
Fig. 124 Steering wheel:
automatic gearbox levers
Changing gear manually with the selector lever
It is possible to change to tiptronic mode, both when the vehicle is
stopped and while driving.

179
Driving
– To switch to tiptronic mode, move the selector lever from posi-
tion D/S to the right. As soon as the change is made, the selec-
tor lever will be shown in the position G (i.e. G4 means that 4th
gear is engaged) on the instrument panel display.
– Move the selector lever forwards +
to select a higher gear
⇒ Fig. 123.
– Move the selector lever backwards -
to select a lower gear.
Changing gear manually with the gearshift paddles*
The gearshift paddles can be used when the selector lever is in the
position D/S or G.
– Press the gearshift paddle +
to select a higher gear
⇒ Fig. 124.
– Press the gearshift paddle -
to select a lower gear.
– With the selector lever in position D/S, if no paddle is operated
during a short period of time, the gearbox control system
switches back to automatic mode. To switch to permanent man-
ual gear change using the gearshift paddles, move the selector
lever from position D/S to the right.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear
shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gearbox will not shift down until
there is no risk of overrevving the engine.
When the kick-down feature is used, the gearbox shifts down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be
reached.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resist-
ance at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower gear, depending
on road speed and engine speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is de-
layed until the engine reaches maximum rpm.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-down fea-
ture could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skid-
ding.
Launch Control Programme 1)
The Launch control programme enables maximum accelera-
tion.
Important: the engine must have reached operating temperature
and the steering wheel must not be turned.
The engine speed for “launch control” is different in petrol and die-
sel engines. To use the launch-control you must disconnect the an-
ti-slip regulation (ASR) through the Easy Connect system in the
menu ⇒ page 79. The warning lamp will stay switched on or will
1)
Valid for vehicles: with Launch Control/6-Speed DSG with diesel engines superior to 125
kW and petrol engines superior to 140 kW.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

203
Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● In complex driving conditions, the Front Assist may unnecessarily
warn and act unintentionally on the brakes, such as, for example, in the
case of traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is impaired, for example, because
of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system may
issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The ACC does not react during driving to people or animals or vehi-
cles changing lane or approaching in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take control of the vehicle again.
Note
● When the Front Assist causes a braking, the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the Front Assist braking may be interrupted
by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as described in this chapter (e.g. if it
intervenes several times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the system
checked by a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership. Warning lamps and messages on the display
Fig. 138 On the instrument panel display: Warning messages
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
Collision warning
a)
. The sys-
tem detects a possible colli-
sion with the vehicle in
front.Brake or change course! Use
the foot brake!
Safety distance warning
with the vehicle in front.Increase the safety dis-
tance!
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Distance warning
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the following warning ⇒ Fig. 138
(magnified image).
Increase the distance!
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

208Driver assistance systems
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Lane Assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the very nature of the sys-
tem. Careless or uncontrolled use of the Lane Assist system may cause
accidents and injury. The system is not a replacement for driver aware-
ness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so it can be turned at
any time.
● The Lane Assist system does not detect all road markings. The road
surfaces, road structures or objects in poor condition can be incorrectly
detected as road markings under certain circumstances by the Lane As-
sist system. In such situations, switch the Lane Assist system off imme-
diately.
● Please observe the indications on the instrument panel and act as is
necessary.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's surroundings.
● When the area of vision of the camera becomes dirty, covered or is
damaged, the Lane Assist system function can be affected.
CAUTION
In order to avoid influencing the operation of the system, the following
points must be taken into account:
● Regularly clean the area of vision of the camera and keep it in a clean
state, without snow or ice.
● Do not cover the area of vision of the camera.
● Check that the area of vision of the windscreen camera is not damaged.
Note
● The Lane Assist system has been exclusively developed for driving on
paved roads only.
● If the Lane Assist system does not work as described in this chapter, do
not use it and contact a specialised workshop.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it checked by a specialised work-
shop.

210Driver assistance systems
Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Operating mode
Fig. 143 In the wind-
screen: Field of vision of
the Lane Assist system
camera
Using the camera located in the windscreen, the Lane Assist system detects
the possible lines dividing the lanes. When the vehicle involuntarily ap-
proaches a dividing line it has detected, the system notifies the driver with
a corrective steering movement . The corrective steering movement can be
overruled at any moment.
No warning is produced with the turn signals activated, given that the Lane
Assist system understands that a lane change is required.
Steering wheel vibration
The following situations cause vibration in the steering wheel and require
the driver to take active control of driving: ●
When the limits of the very nature of the system are reached.
● When the maximum rotational torque during the corrective steering
movement is not enough to keep the vehicle inside the lane.
● When no lane is detected during the corrective steering movement.
Switching the Lane Assist system on or off
Through the Easy Connect system
● Push the Easy Connect button CAR
●
Push the Setup function button
● Push the driver assist function button to open the menu
Alternatively: through the driving assist button on the turn signal level*. The Lane centring guide is activated/deactivated in the Easy Connect system
using the CAR
button and the button on the Setup function ⇒ page 79.
Self-deactivation: The Lane Assist system can be automatically deactivated
if there is a system malfunction. The control lamp disappears.
Hands-Off Function
● If the driver does not exert any physical action on the steering wheel for
about 10 to 12 sec. the function deactivates.
● Visual and audible warnings on the instrument panel.
● The function switches off 2 seconds after the warning.
The Lane Assist system is active but it is not available (the control lamp is
lit up yellow)
● When driving at speeds below 65 km/h (38 mph).
● When the Lane Assist system does not detect the dividing lines of the
road. For example, in the event warnings indicating road works, and snow,
dirt, moisture or reflections.
● When the radius of a curve is too small.
● When no road markings can be seen.
● When the distance to the next marking to too great.

214Driver assistance systems
display ⇒ Fig. 145. The message on the instrument panel display is shown
for about 5 seconds, and depending on the case, is repeated. The system
stores the last message displayed.
The message on the instrument panel display can be switched off by press-
ing the
button on the windscreen wiper lever or the button on the
multi function steering wheel ⇒ page 73.
The message can be recalled to the instrument panel display using the mul-
tifunction display ⇒ page 73.
Conditions of operation
Driving behaviour is only calculated on speeds above about 65 km/h (40
mph) up to around 200 km/h (125 mph).
Switching on and off
Tiredness detection can be activated or deactivated in the Easy Connect
system with the button
and the function button
⇒ page 79. A mark
indicates that the adjustment has been activated.
System limitations
The Tiredness detection has certain limitations inherent to the system. The
following conditions can limit the Tiredness detection or prevent it from
functioning.
● At speeds below 65 km/h (40 mph)
● At speeds above 200 km/h (125 mph)
● When cornering
● On roads in poor condition
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● When a sporty driving style is employed
● In the event of a serious distraction to the driver
Tiredness detection will be restored when the vehicle is stopped for more
than 15 minutes, when the ignition is switched off or when the driver has
unbuckled their seat belt and opened the door. In the event of slow driving during a long period of time (below 65 km/h (40
mph) the system automatically re-establishes the tiredness calculation.
When driving at a faster speed the driving behaviour will be recalculated.
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 73
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 238
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 265
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pressure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. Tyre pressure that is too low could cause overheat-
ing, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
cold at all times ⇒ page 307.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
change the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.

216Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause them damage and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate tyres to the correct pressure.
● Tyres with insufficient pressure are subjected to more flexing. Due to
this, the tyre could become excessively hot, causing tread separation
and also tyre blow-out.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of
the tyre, affecting vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialised workshop at a moderate
speed and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
● If excessively low tyre pressure is detected with the ignition on, an audi-
ble warning will sound. In the event that there is a fault in the system, an
audible warning will sound.
● Driving on dirt tracks for a long period of time or driving in a sporty style
can temporarily deactivate the TPMS. The control lamp shows a fault, but
disappears when road conditions or the driving style change.
Tyre monitoring indicator
Fig. 146 Instrument
panel: warning of loss of
tyre pressure
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this infor-
mation, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the rolling circum-
ference of one or more wheels has changed, the tyre monitoring indicator
will indicate this on the instrument panel through a warning lamp and a
warning to the driver ⇒ Fig. 146. When only one specific tyre is affected, its
position within the vehicle will be indicated. Loss of pressure: Check left tyre pressure!