2014 Seat Altea fuel consumption

73
Cockpit
Configuration menu
This menu is used to make the settings for the vehicle func-
tions. Open Configuration menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK

A ⇒ Fig. 45 on the windscreen
wiper lever. or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ Fig. 46 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 68.
Displayed on the
screeneffect
Multifunction display
data.This menu is used to establish the data in the mul-
tifunction display menu to be displayed on the in-
strument panel ⇒ page 70
ConvenienceThis menu allows you to make the settings for the
convenience functions in the vehicle.
Lights and visibilityFrom this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle
lighting settings.
TimeThe hours and minutes of the clock and the naviga-
tion system can be changed. Choose between 12
and 24-hour format and change to summer time.
Winter tyresThe menu allows the setting of a speed at which an
optical and acoustic warning will be given by the
system. You can use this function, for example, if
you have fitted winter tyres which are not suited for
the top speed of your vehicle. Please see the sec-
tion “Wheels and tyres”.
LanguageThe display texts and the navigation system texts
can be seen in different languages.
UnitsThis option allows you to select the units for dis-
playing temperature, fuel consumption values and
distances.
sel. speedThe instrument panel also displays the speed in
another different unit of measurement (mph or km/
h) to that given on the speedometer.
Inter ServiceConsult service messages and reset service interval
display here.
Factory settingsThe manufacturer's predefined values for the func-
tions of this menu are restored.
Backa)This returns to the main menu.a)
Only if the windscreen wiper lever is used (MFI).
Note
● For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed.
● SEAT dealerships are able to programme other functions or change the
existing functions depending upon the vehicle equipment.
● The Configuration menu is only accessible when the vehicle is at a
standstill. 
Convenience menu
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle conven-
ience settings.
Open menu Convenience
– Choose the option Configuration from the main menu and press
the button OK

A ⇒ Fig. 45 on the windscreen wiper lever. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

177
Driving
Applies to the model: ALTEA / ALTEA XL Driving with LPG*
Fig. 141 Centre console:
gas system control
switch.
Your SEAT vehicle has a bivalent engine able to run on either LPG or petrol.
The LPG tank ⇒ page 230, Refuelling with LPG is in the spare wheel well
⇒ 
.
Connecting LPG operating mode
● Press button GAS
.
After checking the system, the engine automatically switches from petrol to
LPG provided the following conditions are met:
● There is enough LPG in the tank.
● The engine coolant has reached the necessary temperature for LPG oper-
ation.
● The outside temperature is suitable for LPG to work.
● The engine speed is always above 1200 rpm. ●
The LPG system check has been completed and the established waiting
time has elapsed (this operation may take several minutes).
● No fault was detected during the system check.
The  green control lamp will light up on the instrument panel.
Connecting petrol operating mode
● Press button GAS
.
The  green control lamp will go out on the LPG level indicator.
The petrol operating mode connects automatically when the engine is star-
ted or when any of the LPG operating mode conditions are met. As soon as
the necessary conditions are met again, the LPG operating mode is connec-
ted again.
LPG system fault
Message in the instrument cluster
displayHow to proceed
Error: LPG Visit the workshop!Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a specialised workshop.
Gas operating mode currently impos-
sible See the manual!
Check that all the conditions for LPG
operating mode are met
⇒ page 177. If so, have the system
checked immediately by a special-
ised workshop.
Petrol operating mode currently im-
possible. See the manual!Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a specialised workshop.
LPG quality and consumption
Quality requirements for LPG are regulated for all Europe in DIN EN 589 and
permit the use of LPG throughout Europe without any problems.
LPG is a mixture of propane and butane. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

178Driving
A difference is drawn between winter gas and summer gas. Winter gas has a
higher proportion of propane gas. As a result, the driving range of winter
gas may be lower (due to increased consumption) than that of summer gas.
The vehicle's engine management adapts automatically to the LPG used.
Therefore, both types of LPG can be mixed in the tank, without the need for
comprehensive draining before applying a different quality LPG.
LPG and safety
If you can smell gas or suspect that there is a leak in the LPG system. ⇒ 
●Stop the vehicle immediately.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the doors to appropriately ventilate the vehicle.
● Extinguish cigarettes immediately.
● 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.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause se-
vere burns and other injury.
● Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.
● When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechani-
cal, to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.
WARNING
Failure to act when you can smell gas in the vehicle or when refuelling
can cause serious injuries.
● Carry out the necessary operations.
● Leave the danger zone.
● If necessary, warn the emergency services.
Note
● The LPG system must be subject to regular inspections at a specialised
workshop in accordance with the Maintenance Plan.
● The engine is always started with petrol, even when LPG was being used
when it was switched off. For this reason the tank should never be drained
of petrol completely.
● If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside tem-
perature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on
LPG. Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank.
● If while you were driving the system switched automatically to petrol op-
erating mode because the LPG tank was almost empty, the next few times
the engine starts up, and according to the outside temperature and and
driving style, it may switch briefly to LPG operating mode to use up what is
left in the tank.
● When the system switches automatically to petrol operating mode be-
cause the LPG tank is almost empty, you can revert to gas operating mode
by pressing the button ⇒ Fig. 141 GAS
while driving slowly and with low ac-
celeration. This procedure can be repeated several times while driving with
precaution until all the LPG left in the tank has been used up.
● Vehicles that can display information or warning messages on the dash-
board may show information related to LPG.
● The notification LPG mode not possible may be displayed.

206Driving and the environment
Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced
by burning diesel.
Fig. 157 Vehicle data
sticker on back cover of
the Maintenance Pro-
gramme
Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel particulate filter) if the vehicle data
sticker (back cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists the PR code 7GG
or 7MG ⇒ Fig. 157.
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates most of the soot from the ex-
haust gas system. Under normal driving conditions, the filter cleans itself. If
driving conditions do not allow the filter to clean itself (for example, multi-
ple short trips) the filter will be obstructed by dust and pollen and the diesel
engine particulate filter warning lamp  will light up. This does not repre-
sent a fault, it is a warning that indicates that the filter has not been able to
regenerate automatically and that you must carry out a cleaning cycle, as in-
dicated in ⇒ page 82.
WARNING
● The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high temper-
atures; the vehicle should be parked so that the exhaust pipe does not
come into contact with flammable materials underneath the vehicle. Oth-
erwise there is a risk of fire.
CAUTION
● Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any cir-
cumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the
diesel producer in accordance with standard EN 590 is authorised and will
not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur content may significantly reduce
the useful life of the diesel particulate filter. Your Technical Service will be
able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content. 
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving
Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. By adopting an eco-
nomical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. Some tips on how to help you
reduce pollution while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible, 

207
Driving and the environment
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero (dis-
connection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly
at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary. Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting exhaust gases, the
engine and the exhaust gas filtration systems should reach the optimum
operating temperature.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately
four kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recommend
avoiding short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar (14.5 psi / 100 kPa) too low, fuel consump-
tion can increase by as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance,
under-inflation also increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will increase the fuel consumption, it is
advisable to always check the luggage compartment to make sure that no
unnecessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and 120 km/h
(75 mph) your vehicle will use about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the
need for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, al-
ways turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples
of components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the
rear window heating or the seat heaters*. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

208Driving and the environment
Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not recommended to switch this func-
tion off.
● It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than
60 km/h (40 mph)
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure
can make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch
plate lining, causing a serious fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or
hand brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and
you will prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more
suitable for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes
will not suffer. 
Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and manufacture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
● Increased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part if its components are not
easily separated. ●
Use of recycled materials and/or materials originating from renewable
sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, including odour, in plastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions dictated by law (Annex II of ELV
Directive 2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the protective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during vehicle transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling systems.
● Recycling and energy recovery from residues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual heat (thermal recovery, en-
thalpy wheels, etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints 
Driving abroad Observations
To drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration: 

232Checking and refilling levels
Note
The four most common types of adapter in Europe are the ACME adapter 1,
the Dish Coupling adapter 2, the bayonet adapter 3 and the EURO adapt-
er 4. On the whole, we recommend you carry all four adapters in your vehi-
cle, as some countries use more than one type of filling system. The intro-
duction of a single system (Euronozzle) throughout Europe is being studied. 
Applies to the market: Spanish Fixed adapter
Fig. 163 Fuel tank flap
open with EURO-type
connector.
The end of the filling tube has a EURO-type connector so that you can refill
LPG without having to use an additional adapter ⇒ Fig. 163. 
LPG fuel
LPG is an alternative vehicle fuel and is a blend of propane and butane. The success of LPG is due to the strict regulations concerning exhaust gas
emissions. Compared to other fossil fuels, LPG is characterised by its re-
duced emissions.
LPG quality and consumption
Quality requirements for LPG are regulated for all Europe in DIN EN 589 and
permit the use of LPG throughout Europe.
A difference is drawn between winter gas and summer gas. Winter gas has a
higher proportion of propane gas. As a result, the driving range of winter
gas may be lower (due to increased consumption) than that of summer gas.
LPG supplier network
The number of LPG pumps is constantly increasing.
Lists of existing LPG pumps may be found on Internet.

LPG safety
A series of collision tests performed on this vehicle while running with LPG
have confirmed its high level of safety.
The safety of the LPG system guarantees operation without risk. The follow-
ing safety measures have been adopted:
● The LPG tank has a solenoid valve which closes automatically when the
engine is switched off (ignition off) or when running on petrol.
● A solenoid type main valve disconnects the supply of gas to the engine
compartment when the engine is switched off or running on petrol.
● A safety valve in the LPG tank with pipes to the outside prevents the gas
from entering the vehicle interior.
● All anchorage points and materials have been designed to ensure the
maximum possible levels of safety. 

233
Checking and refilling levels
The condition of the LPG system should be checked regularly to guarantee
safe driving conditions ⇒ 
. These checks are included in the Maintenance
Programme.
WARNING
● If there is a smell of gas or a suspected leak, stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the ignition. Open the doors to ventilate the vehicle.
Do not carry on driving! Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired.
● Immediately extinguish any cigarettes and remove from the vehicle
any objects which might produce a spark or cause a fire, and switch off
immediately if gas is smelt or a leak is detected.
● LPG tanks are subject to pressure and must be checked regularly. The
owner of the vehicle must check that these services are performed cor-
rectly.
● When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechani-
cal, to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.
Note
For any fault in the LPG system, please refer to the SEAT web page, which
lists the workshops authorised to repair these faults. Petrol
Petrol types
The recommended fuel types are listed on a sticker inside
the fuel tank flap.
Only unleaded petrol conforming to standard DIN EN 228 may be used for
vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Research Octane Number”, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one rec-
ommended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle is given in the technical table for the
engine, in the Technical Data section.
CAUTION
● Petrol with standard EN 228 may be mixed with small quantities of etha-
nol. However, bioethanol fuels available at commercial establishments with
reference E50 or E85, which contain a high percentage of ethanol, may not
be used, as they will damage the fuel system.
● Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.
● High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the
catalytic converter. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications