
143
Starting, changing gears, parking
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
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146Starting, changing gears, parking
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi / + 200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle. Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.

155
Driver assistance systems
Safety Assist* (City Safety Assist function) Introduction
The City Safety Assist function covers driving situations at a distance of
about 10 metres in front of the vehicle, in a speed range of approximately
5-30 km/h (3-19 mph).
When the system detects a possible collision with a vehicle in front, the ve-
hicle prepares for a possible emergency braking ⇒
.
If the driver does not react to an imminent collision, the system can auto-
matically brake the vehicle in order to reduce speed faced with a possible
collision. The system can help to reduce the consequences of an accident.
If the City Safety Assist function determines that the driver braked insuffi-
ciently faced with an imminent collision, the system can increase the brake
force in order to reduce speed. The system can help to reduce the conse-
quences of an accident.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Centre console, lower section ⇒ page 12
● Instrument panel ⇒ page 15
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the City Safety Assist system cannot change
the limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. The
increased comfort offered by the City Safety Assist system should never
prompt you to take risks. The driver always assumes the responsibility of
braking in time.
● The City Safety Assist function can not individually prevent accidents,
nor serious injury.
● The City Safety Assist system may carry out unwanted brake interven-
tions in complex driving situations e.g. when a vehicle crosses at a short
distance.
WARNING
Including the role of the City Safety Assist system in driving conduct may
cause accidents and serious injury. The system is not a replacement for
driver awareness.
● 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.
● The City Safety Assist function does not react to people, animals or
vehicles that cross or move in the opposite direction in the same lane.
● If after switching on the City Safety Assist function the vehicle begins
to move, slow the vehicle with the foot brake.
CAUTION
If you suspect that the laser sensor of the City Safety Assist function is dam-
aged, switch off the City Safety Assist function. This will avoid additional
damage.
● Any reparation of the laser sensor requires specialist knowledge. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
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163
Driver assistance systems
The system maintains brake pressure for approximately two seconds after
the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
lurching backwards when it is started. During these two seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal and accelerate without vehicle
moving and without having to use the handbrake, making start-up easier,
more comfortable and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● closed doors,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake,
● besides having a gear engaged or being in neutral for manual gear
change and with the selector lever at positions S, D or R in vehicles with au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active in reversing uphill.
WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off
the brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain condi-
tions. Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake
immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehi-
cle from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal
down for a few seconds before starting off.
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is
equipped with this system.
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164Air conditioning
Air conditioning
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
system
Introduction
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with its activated charcoal cartridge serves as a
barrier against impurities in the interior ambient air.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the dust and pollen
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the filter must be changed more frequently than sta-
ted in the Service Schedule.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 22
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 89
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 197
WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows increases the risk of serious acci-
dents.
● Ensure that all windows are free of ice and snow and that they are not
fogged up preventing a clear view of everything outside.
WARNING (Continued)
● The maximum heat output required to defrost windows as quickly as
possible is only available when the engine has reached its normal run-
ning temperature. Only drive when you have good visibility.
● Always ensure that you use the heating system, ventilation, air condi-
tioner and the heated rear window to maintain good visibility.
● Never leave the air recirculation on for a long period of time. If the
cooling system is switched off and air recirculation mode switched on,
the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or use the air recirculation for
long periods of time; the air in the vehicle interior will not be refreshed.
CAUTION
● Switch the air conditioner off if you think it may be broken. This will
avoid additional damage. Have the air conditioner checked by a specialised
workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.

171
At the filling station
At the filling station Filling the tank
Introduction
The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the vehicle.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Fuel ⇒ page 177
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire re-
sulting in serious burns and injuries.
● Always make sure that you correctly close the fuel cap to avoid evap-
oration and fuel spillage.
● Fuels are highly explosive and inflammable substances that can
cause serious burns and injuries.
● Fuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine is not switched off or if the
filler fuel nozzle is not fully inserted into the tank filler neck when refuel-
ling. This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● When refuelling, turn off the engine and turn off the ignition for safe-
ty reasons.
● Always turn off mobile telephones, radio apparatus and other radio
wave emitting equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic waves could
cause sparks and lead to a fire.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely necessary
to enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before
touching the filler nozzle again. This will prevent the generation of static
electricity. Sparks could cause a fire when refuelling.
● Never handle fuel close to open flames, sparks or objects with slow
combustion (e.g. cigarettes).
● Avoid static electricity and electro-magnetic radiation when refuel-
ling.
● Observe the safety regulations of the service station.
● Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canis-
ter in the vehicle. Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all in case of
an accident and this applies to a full container as well as empty contain-
ers. This could lead to explosions, fires and injuries.
● Observe the following if you exceptionally have to carry fuel in a can-
ister:
–Never place a fuel container, to fill it, inside the vehicle or on the
vehicle, for example, in the luggage compartment. Filling in these cir-
cumstances could create an electrostatic charge and spark that could
ignite fuel fumes.
– Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the neck of the canister as far as possi-
ble.
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172At the filling station
WARNING (Continued)
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the canister while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled anywhere on the vehicle to avoid dam-
age to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel can cause serious engine and fuel
system damage; the resulting malfunctions are not covered by the SEAT
warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of fuel, never start the engine.
This applies to even the smallest amount of the wrong fuel. Seek specialist
assistance. With the engine running, the composition of the wrong fuel
could significantly damage the fuel system and the engine itself.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them. Control lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 108 On the instru-
ment panel: fuel gauge
for petrol
Fig. 109 On the instru-
ment panel: fuel gauge
for petrol and natural
gas.
The fuel gauge can vary depending on the vehicle equipment ⇒ Fig. 108
or ⇒ Fig. 109.

174At the filling station
Refuelling with petrol
Fig. 110 Open tank flap
with tank cap attached to
the holder
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile tele-
phones, auxiliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Opening the fuel tank cap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
● Pull the rear zone of the fuel tank flap to open.
● Unfold the key shaft if necessary
⇒ page 28.
● Insert the vehicle key into the lock cylinder of the fuel tank plug and turn
the key in an anticlockwise direction.
● Take out the fuel tank plug by turning it in an anticlockwise direction
and rest it on the upper part of the fuel tank flap ⇒ Fig. 110.
Refuelling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap ⇒ page 177. ●
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off
as soon as the fuel tank is full ⇒
.
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the ex-
pansion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm.
Closing the fuel tank cap
● Screw on the fuel tank filler plug in a clockwise direction until it is fully
inserted with a click.
● Insert the vehicle key into the lock cylinder of the fuel tank plug, turn the
key in a clockwise direction and remove the key.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled anywhere on the vehicle to avoid dam-
age to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.