
149
Driving
The manual gearbox can be activated when the vehicle is either moving or
stationary.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up shortly before the
maximum engine speed is reached.
On shifting up, the gear is only engaged when there is no risk of engine
damage.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed down to the kick-down zone, the
gearbox will shift down in line with the road speed and engine speed.
Note
The kick-down function is also available in manual shift mode.
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the positions P and N when the ignition is on.
Press down on the brake to unlock it. Remember, if the selector lever is in
positions P and N then the ⇒ page 77 warning lamp will light up on the
general instrument panel.
When the selector lever merely moves through position N (e.g. when moved
from R to D), the lever lock is not applied. This makes it possible, for exam-
ple, to rock a stuck vehicle backwards and forwards. The lock is only applied
if the brake is not pressed and the selector lever is moved to position N for
more than 2 seconds.
The selector lever lock is only activated in vehicles that are stationary and at
speeds below 5 km/h (3 mph). It is automatically switched off in position N
at higher speeds. Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever knob prevents the driver from in-
advertently engaging a gear. Press the button to unlock the selector lever.
Safety interlock for ignition key
1)
After switching off the ignition, you can only remove the ignition key if the
selector lever is in position P. When the ignition key is removed, the selec-
tor lever is locked in position P.
Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be reached.
In any gear programme, press down fully on the accelerator for the automat-
ic gearbox to activate the kick-down feature. This function takes priority over
the gear programmes without taking into account the position of the selec-
tor lever (D, S or Tiptronic) and is used to reach maximum acceleration, us-
ing full engine power. Depending on the road speed and engine speed, the
automatic gearbox shifts down and the vehicle accelerates. It only shifts up
after the maximum engine speed has been reached.
Driving programmes
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically-controlled automatic gear-
box. Shifting up or down depends on the programme selected.
For a calm driving style, the gearbox uses the most economic programme.
The gearbox shifts up as quickly as possible and shifts down as late as pos-
sible, thus increasing driving economy.
1)
Valid only for certain countries.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

152Driving
Switching the parking aid system on and off
Parking aid is switched on when the ignition is on and reverse gear engag-
ed. This is confirmed by a short audible warning.
Parking aid is switched off when reverse gear is released.
WARNING
● Parking aid does not free the driver from responsibility when parking
or performing similar manoeuvres. Pay special attention to small children
or animals, as the parking aid sensors may not always be able to detect
them.
● Before reversing or parking, make sure there are no small obstacles,
e.g. stones, narrow pillars, towing brackets, etc. in front and behind the
vehicle. These obstacles may not always be detected by the parking aid
device.
● The surface of certain objects may not reflect the signals of the park-
ing aid sensors. Therefore, people wearing clothing of this kind may not
be detected by the parking aid system.
● Outside noise may interfere with the parking aid system. Under cer-
tain unfavourable circumstances, certain objects or people may not be
detected.
Note
● If a constant sound at a higher frequency is emitted for 3 seconds when
the system is switched on then there is a fault in the system. Please take the
vehicle to a specialised technical service to solve this fault.
● To ensure that the parking aid system works properly, the sensors must
be kept clean (e.g. free of ice).
● If the parking aid system is switched on when the automatic gearbox se-
lector lever is in position P, the acoustic signal will be interrupted (the car
cannot be moved). Cruise control (Cruise control system)*
Introduction
The cruise control system allows you to drive at a constant speed of 30 km/
h (19 mph) or higher without having to press the accelerator. However, the
speed is only maintained within the margin permitted by the engine power
and the braking effect of the engine.
The warning lamp lights up on the general instrument panel if cruise con-
trol is switched on.
WARNING
● For safety reasons the cruise control system must not be used in
dense traffic or where roads conditions are poor (e.g. due to ice, aqua-
planing, loose grit, snow). Risk of accident!
● The programmed speed can only be re-established if it is not too high
for current traffic conditions.
● Always switch the cruise control system off after using it in order to
avoid involuntary use.
CAUTION
● The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when the vehicle is
moving downhill. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight.
Therefore, shift down or use the brake pedal in good time to slow the vehi-
cle.
Note
● In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the cruise control system cannot
be switched on if the selector lever is in position P, N or R.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the cruise control cannot be switched
on if first gear or reverse gear is engaged.

154Driving
To recover the set speed, briefly press switch B
in RES once you have re-
leased the brake or clutch pedal.
Switching off cruise control completely
– Move knob A ⇒ Fig. 109 ⇒ page 153 to OFF.
START-STOP*
Fig. 110 Instrument
panel: Start-Stop system
button
The START-STOP system helps save fuel and reduce harmful emis-
sions and CO 2.
The system is automatically switched on every time the ignition is
switched on.
The system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle
is stationary, e.g. waiting at traffic lights.
The current status of the START-STOP system is displayed on the
general instrument panel display. Automatic engine shut down (Stop phase)
–
Stop the vehicle (if necessary using the handbrake).
– Shift to neutral.
– Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine start up (Start phase)
– Release the clutch pedal.
Switching the START-STOP system on and off
The START-STOP system can be switched on and off by pressing the
⇒ Fig. 110 button.
The warning lamp in the button will light up when the system is
switched off.
If the vehicle is in Stop phase when the button is pressed, the en-
gine will start immediately.
The START-STOP system works under complex driving conditions that are dif-
ficult to detect without specialist technology. The set of necessary condi-
tions for the correct operating of the START-STOP system are indicated be-
low.
Conditions for automatic engine shut down (Stop phase)
● Selector lever in neutral
● Clutch pedal not pressed
● Driver with seat belt fastened
● Driver door closed
● Bonnet closed
● Vehicle stationary
● The factory-fitted towing bracket is not electrically connected to a trailer

155
Driving
● Engine at operating temperature
● Vehicle's battery sufficiently charged
● Vehicle not on a very steep slope
● Engine speed below 1200 rpm
● Vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low
● Sufficient brake system pressure
● Difference between outside temperature and set interior temperature
not too great
● Vehicle speed since last time the engine started was above 3 km/h (2
mph)
● Particulate filter ⇒ page 74 not being cleaned
● Front wheels not overly turned (steering wheel turned less than three
quarters of a turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed
● Max./min. temperature set
● Windscreen defrost function switched on
● High blower speed
● START-STOP button pressed
Conditions for automatic engine start up without driver involvement
● Vehicle moving at a speed of over 3 km/h (2 mph)
● Difference between outside temperature and interior temperature is too
great
● Vehicle's battery insufficiently charged
● Insufficient brake system pressure
If the driver seat belt is unfastened for more than 30 seconds in Stop phase,
the engine must be started using the ignition key. Please observe the mes-
sages on the general instrument panel display. Warnings on the instrument panel display (valid for vehicles not fitted with
an informative display)
FAULT: START-STOPFault in the START-STOP systemSTART-STOP IMPOSSIBLEEngine cannot be automatically shut
down
START-STOP ACTIVEAutomatic engine shut down (Stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITIONSwitch the ignition offSTART MANUALLYStart the engine manually
WARNING
● If the engine is switched off, neither the brake servo or the power
steering will work.
● Do not move the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
CAUTION
Switch off the START-STOP system ⇒ page 162 before driving through a
pool of water on the road.
Note
● The battery temperature may reflect the changes in outside temperature
after several hours. If the vehicle has been stopped outside at temperatures
below zero or in direct sunlight, for example, the battery temperature may
take several hours to reach the values required for the correct operating of
the START-STOP system.
● If the Climatronic system is operating automatically, this could impair
automatic engine shut down in certain conditions.
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157
Driving and the environment
New tyres
New tyres must be submitted to “running in”, given that initially their grip is
not yet at the maximum level. During approximately the first 500 km (120
miles) drive very carefully.
New brake pads
New brake pads do not yet provide maximum friction capacity. New brake
pads must be “run in” first. During approximately the first 200 km (120
miles) drive very carefully.
Catalytic converter
An exhaust gas emission control system (catalytic converter) that functions
perfectly is vitally important for vehicle operation that respects the environ-
ment.
Please observe the following indications:
● Refuel only using unleaded petrol ⇒ page 180, Unleaded petrol in pet-
rol engine vehicles.
● Do not add too much oil to the engine ⇒ page 186, Checking the en-
gine oil level;.
● Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you are required to drive in a country where unleaded fuel is not available
and when returning to a country where using a catalytic converter is obliga-
tory, the catalytic converter must be replaced.
WARNING
● Due to the high temperatures that the catalytic converter can reach,
the vehicle must be stopped so that the catalytic converter does not
come into contact with easily flammable material underneath the vehicle.
Risk of fire!
● Never use substances for additional underbody protection or anti-cor-
rosion for the exhaust pipes, the catalytic converter or the antithermic
screen. Risk of fire!
CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! An irregular fuel supply can cause ig-
nition faults, which can result in damage to a substantial amount of engine
parts and the exhaust system.
● Refuelling just once with leaded petrol disables the exhaust system!
Economical and ecological driving General notes
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on three factors:
● personal driving style
● the conditions in which the vehicle is used
● prior technical conditions
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

172Care of the vehicle and cleaning
Care of the vehicle and cleaning
Care of the vehicle
Introduction
Regular and suitable care helps to maintain the useful life of your vehicle.
This may also be one of the requirements for upholding any warranty claims
in the event of corrosion or paint defects.
We recommend you use cleaning products from the SEAT Original Accesso-
ries programme available in SEAT dealers. Please follow the instructions for
use on the packaging.
WARNING
● Cleaning products and other materials used for car care can damage
the health if misused.
● Always keep car care materials in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. Risk of poisoning!
● When washing the car during the winter season: Moisture and ice on
the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk of accident!
● The ignition must always be switched off when the car is washed.
Risk of accident!
● Do not clean the underside of the car or inside the wheel arches with-
out protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp metal
parts!
● Perfumes and air fresheners inside the vehicle may be harmful to
health at high temperatures in the interior.
CAUTION
● Check the colour stability of your clothing to avoid damaging or visibly
staining the fabric (leather), upholstery and fabric trim.
● Cleaning products containing solvents may damage the material being
cleaned.
● Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Risk of damage to paintwork.
● If washing the vehicle with a hose in winter, do not direct the jet of water
directly at the locks or at the door seals or bonnet. Risk of freezing.
● Do not use insect sponges or abrasive household sponges, etc. on pain-
ted surfaces. Risk of damage to the painted surface.
● Do not put stickers on the inner side of the window in areas where heat-
ing elements or the aerial is located. This could cause damage and, in the
case of the aerial, radio and navigation system reception faults.
● Do not clean the inner side of the window with sharp objects or corro-
sive or acidic cleaning products. Risk of damaging the heating elements or
the aerial.
● Do not attach any fragrance or air freshener to the dash panel. Risk of
damage to the dash panel.
● To avoid damaging the parking aid system sensors, spray them only
briefly at a minimum distance of 10 cm when cleaning the vehicle with a
high-pressure or steam cleaner.
● Do not clean the roof panel with a brush. Risk of damage to the panel
surface!
For the sake of the environment
● The packaging of the product used to care for your vehicle is hazardous
waste. It must be disposed of according to current local law.
● Only wash the car in special wash bays.

179
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels Fuel
Introduction
The correct type of fuel for your vehicle is indicated on a sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap, along with the tyre size and pressure ⇒ Fig. 122
.
WARNING
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on transporting spare fuel can-
isters. For safety reasons, we do not recommend carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident and fuel
may leak. Risk of fire!
CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! If there is an irregular fuel supply, mis-
firing can occur that can cause damage to many of the engine parts and the
exhaust system.
● If any fuel is spilt onto the paintwork of the vehicle, it should be re-
moved immediately. Risk of damage to paintwork! Refuelling
Fig. 122 Vehicle as seen from the rear right: Fuel tank flap/fuel tank flap with tank un-
screwed cap attached
Opening the tank cap
– Press the flap in the direction of the arrow 1
⇒ Fig. 122.
– Open the cover in the direction indicated by the arrow 2
.
– Hold onto the fuel tank cap with one hand and unlock it using
the ignition key, turning it anti-clockwise.
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and place it on top of the
tank flap ⇒ Fig. 122 .
Closing the tank cap
– Screw the tank cap clockwise until it clicks into place.
– Hold onto the fuel tank cap with one hand and lock it using the
ignition key, turning it clockwise
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

181
Checking and refilling levels
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
⇒
.
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!
● All SEAT vehicles with petrol engines can only run on unleaded petrol.
Refuelling just once with leaded petrol disables the exhaust system!
● Use of petrol with a lower RON to that prescribed could damage the en-
gine components.
● Fuels marked as containing metal on the garage fuel pump cannot be
used. Risk of damage to most engine parts or the exhaust system!
● The use of unsuitable additives in petrol can cause damage to most en-
gine parts or the exhaust system. Diesel fuel
Your vehicle can only run on
diesel fuel that complies with the Standard EN
590 (in Germany, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590 , in Russia
also GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 ).
Winter driving – winter-grade diesel
In winter use diesel fuel that complies with the Standard EN 590 (in Germa-
ny, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia also GOST R
52368-2005/EN 590:2004). “Winter-grade diesel” still performs well at
-20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with other weather conditions, diesel is often available that be-
haves differently with regards to the temperature. The authorised SEAT deal-
ers and petrol stations in each country will inform you on the normal diesel
fuel of the country in question.
Preheating the fuel filter
The vehicle is fitted with a glow plug system for the fuel filter. Therefore, the
reliability of the diesel is ensured at ambient temperatures of down to ap-
prox. -25 °C (-13 °F).
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, known as “thinners” (petrol or similar substances) should
not be mixed with the diesel fuel.
CAUTION
● Even one tankful of diesel fuel that does not comply with the standard
could damage engine parts, the fuel system and the exhaust system!
● If fuel different to the prescribed diesel fuel (e.g. petrol) is used by mis-
take, never start the engine or switch on the ignition! Risk of serious dam-
age to the engine! Contact an authorised SEAT dealer to clean the engine
fuel system.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications