19
Instrument panel
Rev counter (with the engine running, in thousands of revo-
lutions per minute).
The beginning of the red zone of the rev counter indicates
the maximum speed in any gear after running-in and with
the engine hot. However, it is advisable to change up a gear
or move the selector lever to D (or lift your foot off the accel-
erator) before the needle reaches the red zone ⇒
.
Clock set button .
– If necessary, change the time display by pressing the top
and bottom buttons of the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 11 B
.
– Press the button to change the hour, so that it is flash-
ing.
– To continue setting the time, press button 0.0/SET
. Hold
button down to scroll through the numbers quickly.
– Press the button
again to change the minutes, so that
it is flashing.
– To continue setting the time, press button 0.0/SET
. Hold
button down to scroll through the numbers quickly.
– Press button
again to end the clock setting.
CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
● To prevent damage to the engine, the rev counter needle should only re-
main in the red zone for a short period of time.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel consumption and noise. 5
6
Note
On the screen of the SEAT Portable System (supplied by SEAT) ⇒ page 222
the other instruments can be seen, such as an outside temperature indica-
tor.
Display messages
A variety of information can be viewed on the instrument panel display
⇒ Fig. 9 and ⇒ Fig. 10 2, depending on the vehicle equipment:
● Warning and information messages
● Odometer
● Time
● Outside temperature
● Selector lever positions ⇒ page 124
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox) ⇒ page 124
● Multifunction display (MFI) ⇒ page 22
● Service interval display ⇒ page 21
● Start-Stop system status display ⇒ page 160
● Fuel gauge ⇒ page 171
● Seat belt status display for rear seats ⇒ page 56
Warning and information messages
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Faults in the opera-
tion are displayed on the screen using red and yellow symbols on the in-
strument panel display ( ⇒ page 15) and, in some cases, with audible warn-
ings. The display may vary according to the type of instrument panel fitted.
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications
23
Instrument panel
With the ignition switched on, and memory 1 or 2 displayed, briefly press
OK to change from one memory to another.
1
Trip memo-
ry (for a
single jour-
ney).
The memory stores the values for the journey and the con-
sumption from the moment the ignition is switched on un-
til it is switched off again.
If the journey is broken for more than 2 hours, the memory
is automatically erased. If the journey is continued in less
than 2 hours after the ignition is switched off, the new da-
ta is added to the data already stored in the memory.
2Total mem-
ory (for all
journeys).
The memory stores the values of any number of journeys,
until it counts a total of 19 hours and 59 minutes of driv-
ing, or 1999.9 km or miles of driving, depending on the
type of instrument panel fitted. On reaching either of these
limits, the memory is automatically erased and starts to
count from 0 again.
Possible displays
MenueffectTimeCurrent time in hours (h) and minutes (min).Journey durationThis indicates the hours (h) and minutes (min)
since the ignition was switched on.
Current fuel consump-
tionThe current fuel consumption display operates
throughout the journey, in litres/100 km; and with
the engine running and the vehicle stopped, in li-
tres/hour.
Average fuel consump-
tionAfter turning on the ignition, average fuel con-
sumption in litres/100 km will be shown after trav-
elling approximately 100 metres. Otherwise hori-
zontal lines are displayed. The value shown is up-
dated approximately every 5 seconds.
Operating rangeApproximate distance in km that can still be travel-
led with the fuel remaining in the tank, assuming
the same style of driving is maintained. This is cal-
culated using the current fuel consumption.
MenueffectDistance coveredDistance travelled, after ignition is switched on, in
km.
Average speedAfter starting the ignition, the average speed will
be shown after a distance of approximately 100
metres has been travelled. Otherwise horizontal
lines are displayed. The value shown is updated
approximately every 5 seconds.
Digital display of
speedCurrent speed displayed digitally.
Liquid coolant temper-
ature digital displayDigital display of the current temperature of the en-
gine liquid coolant.
Warning at --- km/hIf the stored speed is exceeded (between 30 -
250 km/h, or 18 - 155 mph), an audible warning is
given together with a visual warning.
Changing between display modes
● Press the rocker switch in the windscreen wiper lever.
Storing a speed for the speed warning
● Select the display Speed warning at --- km/h.
● Press OK
on the windscreen wiper lever to store the current speed and
switch off the warning.
● In addition, set the required speed by pressing the rocker switch on the
windscreen wiper lever or buttons
or on the multifunction steering
wheel for 5 seconds. Next, press OK again or wait a few seconds. The
speed is stored and the warning activated.
● To switch off , press OK
. The stored speed is deleted.
Manually erasing memory 1 or 2
● Select the memory to be erased.
● Press and hold the eject button OK
for approximately 2 seconds.
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132Starting, changing gears, parking
Automatic gearbox malfunction
Back-up programme
When automatic gearbox warning and control lamps light up on the instru-
ment panel, there may be a system malfunction ⇒ page 124. In the event of
some faults the automatic gearbox functions using a backup programme.
When the backup programme is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle,
however, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
With the manual gearbox, in some cases it is not possible to drive with all
the gears.
In all cases the automatic gearbox must be checked at a specialised work-
shop.
Automatic gearbox overheating
The automatic gearbox can overheat with a prolonged start up, or when
stopping and starting continuously. This overheating is displayed with a
warning lamp in the instrument panel. Additionally, an audible warning
can be heard. Stop and let the gearbox cool ⇒
.
The vehicle moves forward or back despite having selected a gear range
When the vehicle does not move in the required direction, the system may
not have the gear range correctly engaged. Press the brake pedal and en-
gage the gear range again. If the vehicle still does not move in the required
direction, there is a system malfunction. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked.
CAUTION
● When the gearbox is displayed as overheating for the first time, the vehi-
cle must be parked safely or must be driven at a speed of more than 20 km/
h (12 mph).
● When the warning lamp lights up and the audible warning is sounded,
the vehicle must be parked safely and the engine switched off. Let the gear-
box cool down.
● To prevent damage to the gearbox, driving must only be continued when
the warning lamps are no longer lit up. While the gearbox is overheated,
starting up and driving at walking speed should be avoided.
Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
displayMeaning
Optimum gear.
Recommendation to change up a gear.
Recommendation to change down a gear.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation contin-
ues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking or climbing a hill.
144Starting, changing gears, parking
Ecological driving
Introduction
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on 3 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.
Economic driving style
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph),
drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(30 mph) in fifth gear.
In addition, skipping gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather and
traffic conditions permitting. Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kick-down
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.
145
Starting, changing gears, parking
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the car before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance
with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only
then should you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the win-
dows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window when it is not moist or covered in ice.
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills. Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 95 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at 2 different outside
temperatures
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
Fig. 95 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
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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.
177
At the filling station
Fuel
Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Refuelling ⇒ page 171
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒ page 237
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire re-
sulting in serious burns and injuries.
● Fuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable substance.
● Observe current safety instructions and local regulations concerning
the handling of fuel.
Types of fuel
The type of fuel to use when refilling will depend on the vehicle's engine.
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
SEAT recommends the use of sulphur-free or low sulphur fuel to reduce con-
sumption and prevent engine damage.
Possible types of fuelAlternative namesFurther information
91a)
RONNormal petrol, normal unlea-
ded petrol
⇒ page 17795 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (95
RON)
98 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (98
RON)
a) RON = Regulation Octane Number
Petrol
Petrol types
Vehicles with petrol engines must refuel using unleaded petrol according to
European norm EN 228 ⇒
.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number (e.g. 91, 95,
98 or 99 RON (RON = “Research Octane Number”). You may use petrol with
a high octane number than the one recommended for your engine. Howev-
er, this has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
SEAT recommends refuelling with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free pet-
rol to reduce fuel consumption for petrol engines.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences the behaviour, performance and service
life of the engine. This is why the petrol you use should carry suitable addi-
tives already included by the petrol industry, free of metals. These additives
will help to prevent corrosion, keep the fuel system clean and prevent de-
posits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with metal-free additives is not available or engine
problems arise, the necessary additives must be added when refuelling
⇒
.
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178At the filling station
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuita-
ble petrol additives may cause significant damage to the engine and the
catalytic converter. Metal additives should never be used. Metal additives
may also be contained in petrol additives for improving anti-detonation rat-
ings or octane ratings ⇒
.
SEAT recommends “genuine Volkswagen Group fuel additives for petrol en-
gines”. These additives can be bought at SEAT Authorised Services, where
information on how to use them can also be obtained.
CAUTION
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of metal additives.
Using them may damage the engine!
● Only use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel sys-
tem. Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the conse-
quent engine fault.
● The use of unsuitable petrol additives could seriously damage the en-
gine and the catalytic converter.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise engine
damage may occur. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or with other metal additives
would seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and could
damage it.
Natural gas
Natural gas, in addition to others, can be in liquid form. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the result of heavy cooling of natural gas.
Therefore its volume is considerably reduced compared with compressed
natural gas (CNG). In vehicles with a natural gas engine, liquefied natural
gas cannot be directly refilled, given that the gas would expand excessively
in the vehicle gas tank.
Therefore, vehicles with a natural gas engine must only be refuelled using
compressed natural gas
⇒
.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Natural gas is divided into the groups H and L depending on its quality.
Gas type H has a superior heating power and inferior nitrogen and carbon
dioxide content than type L. The higher the heating power of the natural
gas, the lower the consumption will be.
However, the heating power and the proportion of nitrogen and carbon di-
oxide can fluctuate within the quality groups. Therefore, vehicle consump-
tion can also vary when using one type of gas only.
The engine management automatically adapts to the natural gas used ac-
cording to its quality. Therefore, different quality gases can be mixed in the
tank, without the need for comprehensive draining before applying a differ-
ent quality gas.
Natural gas and safety
If you can smell gas or suspect that there is a leak ⇒
:
● Stop the vehicle immediately.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the doors to appropriately ventilate the vehicle.
● Immediately extinguish cigarettes.
● Move away from the vehicle or switch off objects that may cause sparks
or a fire.
● If you continue to smell gas, do not continue driving!
● Seek specialist assistance. Have the fault repaired.