OperationPosi-
tionsDenomi- nationMeaning ›››
Standard
driving po- sition
The gears are changed (up
and down) automatically. The
gear shifts are determined by
the engine load, your individ-
ual driving style and the
speed of the vehicle.
Tiptronic
driving po- sition
(manual
shift pro- gramme)All gears can be changed (up
and down) manually
››› page 96. This is possible
as long as the system is not
changing gear automatically
due to a traffic situation. WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect posi-
tion may cause loss of control of the vehicle
and a serious accident.
● Do not press the accelerator when engag-
ing a range of gears.
● With the engine running and a gear range
selected, the vehicle will move off when the
brake pedal is released.
● Never engage reverse gear while driving.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle
could cause serious injury.
● As a driver, you should never leave your ve-
hicle if the engine is running and a gear range
is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle
while the engine is running, you must always
apply the handbrake and put the selector lev-
er in position N. ●
Never engage the R gear range when the
vehicle is moving.
● Never leave the vehicle without applying
the handbrake. With the engine running the
vehicle moves downhill regardless of the gear
range selected. Note
If, while driving, the selector lever is acciden-
tally placed in position N, lift your foot off the
accelerator. Wait until the engine is running
at idle speed before selecting a new gear
range. Engaging gear with Tiptronic
Fig. 83
Lever in the Tiptronic position With Tiptronic, the gears can be changed up
or down manually with the automatic gear-
box. When you change to the Tiptronic pro-
gramme, the vehicle remains in the currentlyselected gear. This is possible as long as the
system is not changing gear automatically
due to a traffic situation.
Using Tiptronic
● Place the lever in the position D to the left
on the Tiptronic shift gate M
›
›› in Auto-
matic gearbox: engaging a gear on page 96.
● Press the lever forwards + or backwards
– to move up or down a gear
››› Fig. 83 .
● Plac
e the lever back to the position M
to
the left on the Tiptronic shift gate, to leave
Tiptronic mode ››› in Automatic gearbox:
engaging a gear on page 96.
With the lever in the position D, and pressing
forwards + or backwards
– the Tiptronic
programme can be selected M. CAUTION
● When accelerating, the gearbox automati-
cally shifts up into the next gear shortly be-
fore the maximum engine speed is reached.
● When reducing speed manually, the gear
box only shifts gear when the engine can no
longer exceed the maximum engine speed. Driving with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatical-
ly as the vehicle moves.
96
Driving
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear
you will need to select. The lowest gears in-
crease the engine braking work. Never go
down hills with the selector lever in neutral
N .
● You shou
ld reduce speed accordingly.
● Place the lever in the position D to the left
on the Tiptronic shift gate M
››› page 96.
● Gently pull the selector lever back – to
change down a gear.
Starting when going up a slope
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear
you will need.
When stopping on a slope with a gear range
engaged, the vehicle must be prevented from
rolling backwards by always pressing the
brake pedal or pulling the handbrake lever
up. When starting, release the brake pedal or
the handbrake ››› .
Kick-down
The kickdown system provides maximum ac-
celeration when the gear selector lever is in
the position D
, or in the Tiptronic position M
.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down, the automatic gearbox will shift down
to a lower gear, depending on road speed
and engine speed. This takes advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle
››› .
When the accelerator is pressed to the floor,
the automatic gearbox shifts to the next gear
only after the engine reaches the specified
maximum engine speed. WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skidding, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and serious injury.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the
flow of traffic.
● Only use the kick-down function or rapid
acceleration if visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions so permit.
● Never put other road users in danger by ac-
celerating or with your driving style. CAUTION
If you stop on a hill with a gear range engag-
ed, do not try to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing back by pressing on the accelerator. Oth-
erwise, the automatic gearbox may overheat
causing damage. Automatic gearbox malfunction
Back-up programme
When automatic gearbox warning and control
lamps light up on the instrument panel, there
may be a system malfunction
››› page 93. In
the event of some faults the automatic gear-
box functions using a backup programme.
When the programme is activated, it is possi-
ble 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 workshop.
Automatic gearbox overheating
The automatic gearbox can overheat with a
prolonged start up, or when stopping and
starting continuously. This overheating is dis-
played with a warning lamp in the instru-
ment 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 re-
quired direction, the system may not have
the gear range correctly engaged. Press the
brake pedal and engage the gear range
again. If the vehicle still does not move in the »
97
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
required direction, there is a system malfunc-
tion. Seek specialist assistance and have the
system checked. CAUTION
● When the gearbox is displayed as overheat-
ing for the first time, the vehicle 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 heard, the vehicle must be
parked safely and the engine switched off.
Let the gearbox 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, even
at a slow 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 continues to lie with the
driver, for example when overtaking or climb-
ing a hill. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the
situation will help you to save fuel. Note
● The recommended gear display is switched
off when the clutch pedal is pressed.
● On the display of the Portable Navigation
System (supplied by SEAT) ››› page 123 the
recommended gear can also be seen. Run-in and economical driving
Running-in Please observe the instructions for running-in
new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first
1,500 km. During its first few hours of run-ning, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving
parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it
should be driven at a moderate speed, espe-
cially when the engine is cold, as this will re-
duce engine wear and increase its useful life.
Never drive at extremely low engine speeds.
Change down to a lower gear when the en-
gine no longer runs “smoothly”.
Up to 1,000
k i
lometres the following instructions apply:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of
its maximum speed.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres, gradu-
ally increase power until reaching the maxi-
mum speed and high en
gine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres
››› page 158
● Notes on the brakes ››› page 89 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the
engine will be increased and the engine oil
consumption reduced. 98
Operation
(25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(31 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 in-
dicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the
fuel supply is stopped and consumption is
reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating,
for example when approaching a red traffic
light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too
slowly or the distance 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 ex-
ample, while waiting at a level crossing.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considera-
bly 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 accel-
erator. 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 effi-
cient to drive at a constant and more moder-
ate speed than to be continuously accelerat-
ing 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 ach-
ieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional devices
It is important to travel in comfort, but con-
venience systems should be used ecological-
ly.
Some equipment, when connected, increase
fuel consumption considerably, for example:
●
Air conditioning cooling system: If the air
conditioning system is required to cool to
significantly lower temperatures than the true
outside temperature, it will require a large
amount of energy from the engine. Therefore,
we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too different to the out-
side temperature. It is a good idea to air the
vehicle before starting your journey and to
drive a short distance with the windows
open. Then you can close the windows and
switch on the air conditioning. Keep windows
closed when travelling at high speeds. Driv-
ing with the windows 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.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the
engine is cold, immediately after 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 temperature in or-
der t o minimi
se fuel consumption and emis-
sions. The ambient temperature has a deci-
sive influence.
Fig. 84
shows the difference in consumption
for the same journey at +20 °C (+68 °F) and
at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Therefore, unnecessary short journeys
should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
100
OperationFunctionControl position, control operations
››› Fig. 87Action
Reducing the stored speed (dur-
ing CCS setting)
Press the button A in the area briefly to reduce the stored speed in shot
measures of about. 1 km/h (1 mph) and store.
Reduce speed without braking, by interrupting the accelerator
until reaching the new stored speed.
Keep button A pressed in the area for a long time
to continually decrease
stored speed until releasing and storing.
Switch off the CCS.Control B in the position .The system is switched off. The stored speed is deleted. Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. Slow the vehicle
down using the brake pedal and reduce
gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched
off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could af-
fect the working order of the CCS.
● If you increase the stored speed by press-
ing the accelerator pedal for a certain time.
● if the brake or clutch pedal is depressed.
● If the gear is changed with the manual
gearbox.
● If the airbag is triggered. 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 ap-
proximately 5-30 km/h (3-19 mph).
When the system detects a possible collision
with a vehicle in front, the vehicle prepares
for a possible emergency braking
››› .
If the driver does not react to an imminent
collision, the system can automatically brake
the vehicle in order to reduce speed faced
with a possible collision. The system can
help to reduce the consequences of an acci-
dent.
If the City Safety Assist function determines
that the driver has braked insufficiently when
faced with an imminent collision, the system
can increase the brake force in order to re- duce speed. The system can help to reduce
the consequences of an accident. WARNING
The smart technology in the City Safety As-
sist system cannot change the limits imposed
by the laws of physics and by the system it-
self. The increased convenience 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 cannot pre-
vent accidents or serious injury by itself.
● The City Safety Assist system may carry out
unwanted brake interventions in complex
driving situations e.g. when a vehicle crosses
at a short distance. WARNING
Relying on the City Safety Assist system in
city driving as part of one's driving behaviour
may cause accidents and serious injury. The 110
Operation
The City Safety Assist function is limited by
the laws of physics and by the nature of the
system itself. For this reason, this may pro-
duce reactions from the City Safety Assist
system in certain circumstances that are late
or unexpected by the driver. For this reason,
always pay due attention and if necessary, in-
tervene.
For example, the following driving situations
require special attention:
Driving through a bend
When entering or leaving a “long” bend, the
vehicle may decelerate when the radar sen-
sor detects a vehicle travelling in the adjoin-
ing lane ››› Fig. 91
A. To interrupt deceleration
you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel or
press the clutch.
Narrow vehicles in front
The radar sensor will only detect narrow vehi-
cles in front if they are in the sensor detec-
tion zone ››› Fig. 91 B. This applies especially
to n
arrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles moving into your lane in close prox-
imity can cause unexpected braking from the
City Safety Assist system ›››
Fig. 92. To inter-
rupt dec
eleration you can accelerate, turn the
steering wheel or press the clutch. Malfunction in the radar sensor
If the radar sensor operation is impaired, for
example due to heavy rain, mist, snow or dirt,
the City Safety Assist system function is tem-
porarily switched off. On the instrument pan-
el display the control lamp
flashes.
When the fau
lt in the radar sensor has been
rectified, the City Safety Assist system func-
tion automatically becomes available. The
control lamp
switches off.
The following conditions could prevent the
City Safety Assist system from functioning:
● Tight bends.
● Accelerator pressed all the way down to the
floor.
● If the City Safety Assist system is switched
off or there is a fault ››› page 111.
● If the radar sensor is dirty, covered or over-
heated ››› page 112.
● In the event
of snow, heavy rain or dense
fog.
● If there are vehicles in front.
● Vehicles changing lanes.
● Vehicles moving in the opposite direction
in the same lane.
● Very dirty vehicles with a low degree of re-
flection.
● Presence of thick dust. Hill driving assistant*
Operation This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hill driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the 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,
● doors closed,
● 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 vehi-
cles with an automatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill.
114
Driver assistance systems
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
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-
al or use the hand brake immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want to prevent the vehicle 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. Start-Stop system
Warning lampsIt
lights upPossible causeSolution
The Start-Stop system
is enabled.
It
lights upPossible causeSolution
The Start-Stop system
is enabled but the en-
gine cannot be auto-
matically stopped.Contact a special-
ised workshop.
The Start-Stop system
cannot start the en-
gine.Start the engine by
hand using the ve-
hicle's key
››› page 86.
There is a fault in the
alternator.››› page 154
Flash-
esPossible causeSolution
The Start-Stop system
is not available.Contact a special-
ised workshop.
Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly when the ignition is switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 40. Start-Stop system
Fig. 93
At the top of the centre console: Start-
Stop system button With the Start-Stop system enabled, the en-
gine is automatically stopped when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. It will start again auto-
matically as required.
This function remains enabled while the igni-
tion is switched on. The instrument panel dis-
play shows information on the current status
››› page 115 .
Di s
connect the Start-Stop system by hand
whenever crossing water.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
● When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and release the clutch pedal. The en-
gine will stop.
● To restart, simply engage the clutch. »
115
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress
the brake or keep it pressed down. The en-
gine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you
release the brake pedal.
● With the selector lever set to position N,
the en gine w
ill not start until a range of gears
is selected or the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed.
Important conditions for the engine to stop
automatically
● The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
temperature.
● The vehicle must have moved since the last
time the engine was stopped.
● The vehicle's battery must be sufficiently
charged.
● The battery temperature must not be too
low or too high.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. Conditions for the engine to restart
automatically
The engine can be automatically restarted in
the following cases:
●
If the vehicle starts to moves.
● If the battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring engine start-up using
the key
The engine has to be manually started in the
following cases:
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
Switching the Start-Stop system on and off
● Press the button situated in the centre
console ››› Fig. 93
.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop
system is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehi-
cle is in Stop mode when the system is
switched off by hand. WARNING
The smart technology included in the hill
hold cannot change the laws of physics. Do
not let the extra convenience afforded by the hill hold tempt you into taking any risks
when driving.
●
Any accidental movement of the vehicle
could result in serious injury.
● The hill hold is not a replacement for driver
awareness.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The hill hold cannot always keep the vehi-
cle at a standstill on a slope or brake suffi-
ciently when travelling downhill (e.g. on slip-
pery or frozen surfaces). WARNING
The brake servo and the electromechanical
steering do not work when the engine is
switched off.
● The vehicle must never be allowed to move
with the engine switched off.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system before
working in the engine compartment. CAUTION
The vehicle's battery could be damaged if the
vehicle is used for long periods at very high
outside temperatures. Note
In some cases, it may be necessary to start
the engine by hand using the key. Refer to 116