
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

Driving
Environmental friendliness Environmental protection is a top priority in
the design, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage
recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● 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, includ-
ing 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, hexa-
v al
ent chromium. Manufacturing methods
●
Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recycling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints. Correct economical and ecological
driving Fig. 84
Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km
at 2 different outside temperatures Fuel consumption, environmental impact and
engine, brake and tyre wear depend largely
on three 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.
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is al-
ways the most economical. As a guide, for
most vehicles at a speed of 30 km/h
(19 mph), drive in third gear, at 40 km/h »
99
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

Driving
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
summer, even when other conditions are the
same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden
in some countries, but in practice it is techni-
cally 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, helps to re-
duce fuel consumption. These oils reduce the
resistance 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 ob-
serve service intervals (engine oil change in-
tervals).
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 consumption 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. Optional equipment
and accessories (such as roof racks or bike
carriers) reduce the aerodynamic benefits of
the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all op-
tional and unnecessary equipment and racks,
especially if you intend to drive at high
speeds.
Other factors which increase fuel
consumption (examples):
●
Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills. 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 traffic situation. Engine management and
exhaust gas purification
system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. Control lampsIt lights
upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine
management
(Electronic Power
Control).Take the vehicle to a
specialised work-
shop as soon as
possible and have
the engine checked.
»
101
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

OperationIt lights
upPossible causeSolution
Fault in catalytic
converter.
You should reduce
speed accordingly.
Drive carefully until
you reach the next
specialised work-
shop. Have the en-
gine checked there.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Combustion fault
which could dam-
age the catalytic
converter.
You should reduce
speed accordingly.
Drive carefully until
you reach the next
specialised work-
shop. Have the en-
gine checked there.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps
and to the corresponding descriptions and in-
structions to avoid damage to the vehicle. Note
While the control lamps or
maintain lit
up, the engine will present faults, a higher consumption of fuel and a loss of engine
power.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent treatment of the exhaust gases thus
reducing contaminating gas emissions. To
ensure a longer working life for the exhaust
system and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil
››› page 146 .
● Do not t
ow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cables ››› page 181.
If
you should notice misfiring, uneven run-
ning or loss of power when the car is moving,
reduce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
working perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de- pends on the sulphur content of the fuel
used.
Driving abroad
In some countries, certain safety regulations
and requirements are in force relating to ex-
haust gas emissions, which differ from the
technical characteristics of the vehicle. Be-
fore travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you
consult a technical service about the legal re-
quirements and the following points:
●
Does the vehicle need technical modifica-
tions for driving abroad, for example, adjust-
ment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diag-
nostics equipment and spare parts required
for inspections and repairs?
● Are there any SEAT dealers in the destina-
tion country?
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol avail-
able at the right octane rating?
● For diesel engines: is diesel fuel available
with a low sulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ››› page 146) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
102

Driver assistance systems
● Will the navigation system fitted at the fac-
tory operate correctly in the destination coun-
try with the available navigation data?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
country? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage
to the vehicle due to the use of a lower quali-
ty fuel, an inadequate service or the non-
availability of genuine spare parts. Driving along flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing through water, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone. The water should never
come above the lower edge of the bodywork
››› .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear
or switch off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which
raise the level of the water, making it difficult
to cross the water.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system whenever
crossing water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted
snow, etc., please remember that due to
damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in win-
ter, the braking effect may be delayed, there-
fore the required braking distance is greater.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
carefully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden
sharp manoeuvres. CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, drive train or electrical
system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt cau-
ses corrosion. Always rinse any parts of the
vehicle which have been in contact with salt
water. Driver assistance systems
Braking and stability systems Brake assist systems The assisted braking systems ESC*, ABS,
EBV, BAS, ASR, TC and EDL only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute
significantly to increasing active safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)*
ESC* reduces the risk of skidding and increa-
ses the vehicle stability by braking individual
wheels under specific driving conditions.
ESC* detects critical handling situations,
such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin
on the driven wheels. The system stabilises
the vehicle by braking individual wheels or
by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC* has limits. It is important to realise
that ESC* is also subject to the laws of phys-
ics. ESC* will not be able to deal with all sit-
uations with which drivers may be faced. For
example, if the road surface changes sudden-
ly then ESC* will not be useful in all cases. If
the vehicle suddenly enters a section cov-
ered by water, mud or snow then ESC* will
not provide assistance in the same way as on
dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (“aqua-
planing”), the ESC* will not be able to help
»
103Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Care and maintenance
consumables should be changed at a speci-
alised workshop. Technical services are per-
manently informed of any modifications. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or con-
sumables may result in accident, serious in-
jury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored
closed in their original container.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers
or bottles as other people may accidentally
drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of
reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and
warnings given on the fluid containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventila-
ted zones, when using products which give
off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any other volatile liquid in the main-
tenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and
highly flammable. They could lead to fire or
explosions! CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Do not confuse
fluids as this can cause serious malfunctions
or engine damage.
● Accessories and other components moun-
ted in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running
under great strain in high outside tempera-
tures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment.
Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers
and dispose of them in accordance with legis-
lation and with respect for the environment. Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ifications, SEAT's directives must be ob-
served!
›
›› Unauthorised modifications to the electronic
components or software in the vehicle may
cause malfunctions. Due to the way the elec-
tronic components are linked together in net-
works, other indirect systems may be affec-
ted by the faults. This may significantly affect
the vehicle's performance, increase compo-
nent wear and could mean that the vehicle
registration documents are no longer valid.
Your SEAT Official Service cannot be held lia-
ble for any damage caused by technical mod-
ifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The SEAT Official Service does not accept lia-
bility for damage resulting from technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect-ly; neither is the SEAT warranty valid in these
cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical
modifications or repairs performed at a SEAT
Official Service and that you use
genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and
equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment
guarantee that the equipment complies with
applicable laws and regulations with respect
to the environment, in particular Directives
2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehi-
cles while the second refers to the restric-
tions on the marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documen-
tation for the additional equipment safely
and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end
of the vehicle's service life. This ensures that
any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with re-
spect for the environment. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed correctly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the driver assist systems. This
could result in serious accident. » 119Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
also be one of the requirements for acknowl-
edging warranty claims in the event of body-
work corrosion or paint defects.
Products suitable for the care of your vehicle
are available at any technical service. WARNING
Car-care products may be toxic and hazard-
ous. If car care products are not suitable or
are used inappropriately, this could result in
accident, serious injury, burns or intoxica-
tion.
● Car care products must always be stored in
the original container which should be kept
closed.
● Observe information provided by the manu-
facturer.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care
products in empty food cans, bottles or other
containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of chil-
dren.
● Harmful vapours may be produced when us-
ing car care products. Therefore, care prod-
ucts should only be used in well-ventilated
spaces or in the open air.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any other volatile liquid to wash,
clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic
and highly flammable. WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle
components may effect the vehicle safety
equipment, increasing the risk of severe in-
jury.
● Vehicle components should only be
cleaned and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended care
products. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
damage the material. For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle in areas allocated for
this purpose, to prevent dirty water which
may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel,
from entering the drains. In some places,
even washing it outside the planned areas is
banned. For the sake of the environment
Where possible, always use products which
respect the environment. For the sake of the environment
The remains of car care products should not
be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Observe information provided by the
manufacturer.
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird
droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, in-
dustrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and
other aggressive materials remain on the ve-
hicle, the more damage they do to the paint-
work. High temperatures (for instance due to
strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect. The vehicle
undercarriage should
also be thoroughly washed at regular inter-
vals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at
the automatic car wash. The standard pre-
cautionary measures prior to entering the car
wash should be taken to avoid damage to
the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior
mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional
components (spoiler, roof-rack, aerial, etc.),
check with the car wash supervisor whether
these can enter the car wash ››› .
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the
vehicle can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, wear and damage to the paintwork
will depend on the type of car wash used.
126