
Transport and practical equipment
●
In exceptional circumstances, if you must
drive with the rear lid open, observe the fol-
lowing to reduce the entry of toxic gases
inside the vehicle:
–Close all windows.
– Disable air recirculation mode.
– Open all of the air outlets on the instru-
ment panel.
– Switch on the blower to maximum. CAUTION
An open boot hatch changes the length and
height of the vehicle. Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded
vehicle, note the following:
● Secure all objects ››› page 66 .
● Ac
celerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driv-
ing with a roof carrier system ››› page 77. WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the
stability and safety of the vehicle resulting in
an accident with serious consequences. ●
Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suit-
able ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position. Practical equipment
Introduction Storage compartments must only be used to
store light or small objects.
WARNING
In the event of sudden braking movements or
turns, loose objects may be thrown around
the vehicle interior. This could cause serious
injuries to passengers and cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle.
● Do not transport animals or place hard,
heavy or sharp objects inside the vehicle in:
open storage compartments, dash panel, rear
shelf, items of clothing or bags.
● While driving, always keep object compart-
ments closed. WARNING
Objects falling into the driver's footwell could
prevent use of the pedals. This could lead the
driver to lose control of the vehicle, increas-
ing the risk of a serious accident. ●
Make sure the pedals can be used at all
times, with no objects rolling underneath
them.
● The floor mat should always be secured to
the floor.
● Never place other mats or rugs on top of
the original mat supplied by the factory.
● Make sure that no objects can fall into the
driver's footwell while the vehicle is in mo-
tion. CAUTION
● Objects on the shelf could chafe against
the wires of the heating element in the heat-
ed rear window and cause damage.
● Do not keep temperature-sensitive objects,
food or medicines inside the vehicle. Heat
and cold could damage them or render them
useless.
● Light-transparent objects placed inside the
vehicle, such as lenses, magnifying glasses
or transparent suction caps on the windows,
may concentrate the sun's rays and cause
damage to the vehicle. Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear
window and the rear shelf must not be cov-
ered so that used air can escape from the ve-
hicle. 67
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the
risks, please note the following:
●
Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always
place equipment and heavy objects in the
boot.
● Always secure objects to the fastening
rings with suitable rope or straps to prevent
them from being thrown around the interior
and moving to the airbag deployment area in
the event of sudden movements or accidents.
● While driving, always keep object compart-
ments closed.
● Do not place hard, heavy or sharp objects
inside the vehicle interior, in open storage
compartments, the rear shelf or on the dash
panel.
● Remove hard, heavy and sharp objects from
clothes and pockets inside the vehicle and
store securely. WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehi-
cle handling and increases braking distance.
Heavy loads that have not been stored or se-
cured correctly could cause loss of control
and result in serious injury.
● Vehicle handling changes when transport-
ing heavy objects due to a change in the cen-
tre of gravity.
● Distribute the load as uniformly and as low
down on the vehicle as possible. ●
Store heavy objects in the luggage com-
partment as far from the rear axle as possi-
ble. CAUTION
Hard objects on the rear shelf could chafe
against the wires of the heating element in
the heated rear window and cause damage. Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear
window and the rear shelf must not be cov-
ered so that used air can escape from the ve-
hicle. Folding and lifting up the rear seat
bench backrest
Fig. 69
Rear seat: unlock button A ; red
marking B The rear seat backrest can be folded forward
to extend the luggage compartment.
Folding the rear seat backrest forwards
●
Push the head restraint down as far as it
will go or remove it if necessary ››› page 6 and
store it in a safe place.
● Pull the unlock switch ››› Fig. 69 A for-
wards whilst simultaneously lifting the rear
seat backrest.
● The rear seat backrest is not engaged when
the red marking of the button B is visible.
● If the rear seat backrest is folded, people
(including children) are not permitted to trav-
el in the rear folded seats.
Folding up the rear seat backrest
● Lift back the backrest of the rear seat and
push it firmly into the lock until it clicks se-
curely into place ››› .
● The red marking on the unlock button B must not be seen.
●
Make sure that the backrest of the rear seat
is securely locked in position so that the seat
belts can provide proper protection in the
rear seats.
● If necessary, reinstall and readjust the head
restraints ›››
page 64 .
74

Operation
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 Programme.
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 stated in the Service Sched-
ule.
WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows in-
creases the risk of serious accidents. ●
Ensure that all windows are free of ice and
snow and that they are not fogged up pre-
venting a clear view of everything outside.
● The maximum heat output required to de-
frost windows as quickly as possible is only
available when the engine has reached its
normal running temperature. Only drive when
you have good visibility.
● Always ensure that you use the heating
system, ventilation, air conditioner and the
heated rear window to maintain good visibili-
ty.
● 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 re-
duce 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 spe-
cialist knowledge and special tools. SEAT rec-
ommends taking your car in for technical
service. Note
● When the cooling system is turned off, air
coming from the outside will not be dried. To
avoid fogging up the windows, SEAT recom-
mends leaving the cooler (compressor) on. To
do this, press the A/C button. The button
lamp should light up.
● The maximum heat output required to de-
frost windows as quickly as possible is only
available when the engine has reached its
normal running temperature.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the
windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to en-
sure heating and cooling are not impaired,
and to prevent the windows from misting
over. 80

Air conditioning
Controls Fig. 76
In the centre console: Heating and ventilation system rotary control Fig. 77
In the centre console: Air conditioning system controlsControl buttonAdditional information. Heating and ventilation system ››› Fig. 76 and air conditioning system ››› Fig. 77.
1 TemperatureRotate the control to adjust the temperature accordingly.
2 FanSetting 0: fan and manual air conditioning switched off. Setting 4: maximum fan level.
3 Air distributionRotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to the desired area.
Heating and ventilation system:
defrost function. Distribution of air to the windscreen and the side windows in the exterior rear vision mirror area.
Air conditioning system: defrost function. Distribution of air to the windscreen and the side windows in the exterior rear vision mirror area. Press the
A/C
button, increase the fan speed and switch on air recirculation ››› page 84 to clear the windscreen of condensation as soon as possible.
Air distribution towards the body.
Air distribution towards the footwell.»
81
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

OperationControl buttonAdditional information. Heating and ventilation system
››› Fig. 76 and air conditioning system ››› Fig. 77.
Air distribution towards the windscreen and the footwell.
Air conditioner: press the button to turn off/on the cooling system
››› page 82.
4 Air conditioner: sliding control for air recirculation ››› page 84.
Switching offTurn the air fan switch 2 to position 0.Heated rear window
The heated rear window button
is located
on the centre console. The heated rear win-
dow only works when the engine is running
and switches off automatically after a maxi-
mum of 10 minutes. WARNING
Never turn off the air fan for a long time or the
air in the vehicle interior will not be refresh-
ed.
● Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and
reduce driver and passenger concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident. Heating and ventilation system user
instructions
Temperature
The desired temperature for the interior can-
not be lower than that of the exterior air tem- perature, as the heating and fresh air system
cannot cool or dehumidify the air.
Setting for conditions of optimal visibility
● Set the fan ››› Fig. 76 2 to setting 1 or 2.
● Turn the temperature control ››› Fig. 76 1 to the centre position.
●
Open and direct the air outlets in the dash
panel ››› page 83.
● Turn the air di
stribution control
››› Fig. 76 3 to the required position.
User instructions for the air
conditioner* The interior cooling system only works when
the engine is running and the fan is switched
on.
The air conditioning operates most effective-
ly with the windows closed. However, if the
vehicle has heated up after standing in thesun for some time, the air inside can be
cooled more quickly by opening the windows
briefly.
Setting for conditions of optimal visibility
When the air conditioning is switched on, the
temperature and the air humidity in the vehi-
cle interior drop. In this way, when the out-
side air humidity is high, the windows do not
mist over and comfort for the vehicle occu-
pants is improved.
● Disable air recirculation mode
››› page 84.
● Set the f
an to the required setting.
● Turn the temperature control to the centre
position.
● Open and direct the air outlets in the dash
panel ››› page 83.
● Turn the air di
stribution control to the de-
frost position.
82

Air conditioning
● Press the A/C button to switch it on. The in-
dicator on the button will light up.
The cooling system does not switch on
If the air conditioning system cannot be
switched on, this may be caused by the fol-
lowing:
● The engine is not running.
● The fan is switched off.
● The air conditioner fuse has blown. ●
The outside temperature is lower than ap-
proximately +2 °C (+36 °F).
● The air conditioner compressor has been
temporarily switched off because the engine
coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioner checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the ev aporator in the cooling system and
form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak! Note
After starting it, any residual humidity in the
air conditioner could mist over the wind-
screen. Switch on the defrost function as
soon as possible to clear the windscreen of
condensation. Air vents
Fig. 78
Dash panel: Air vents Air vents
Never close the air vents
››› Fig. 78 A com-
pletely to ensure heating, cooling and venti-
lation inside the vehicle. ●
To open the air vents press the recess with
one slat.
● Change the air direction by turning the
slats.
● To close the air vents, fold the slats. There are additional air vents in the centre of
the dash panel and in the footwell area.
»
83
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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
(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