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
Operation
the driver control the vehicle due to the loss
of adherence with the road surface prevent-
ing braking and steering. If the vehicle is
driven through series of bends at high
speed, the ESC* will not always be as effec-
tive: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driv-
ing is not the same as at reduced speeds.
Adjust your speed and driving style to suit
visibility, and weather, road and traffic condi-
tions. ESC* cannot push the limits of the laws
of physics; improve the transmission availa-
ble or maintain the vehicle on the road if a
lack of driver attention creates an inevitable
situation. Otherwise, ESC* assists in main-
taining vehicle control in extreme situations
and uses the movements of the steering
made by the driver to maintain the vehicle
moving in the desired direction. If the vehicle
is driven at such a speed that it will leave the
road before ESC* can intervene then the sys-
tem cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are in-
corporated into the ESC*. The ESC* is always
on 1)
.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing braking until just before the vehicle stops
thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle
and maintain control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not
remove your foot from the brake pedal or re-
duce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce
braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking
fully.
● When the brake pedal is released or when
the brake force is reduced, ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of
the brake pedal and noise. You should never
e xpect
the ABS to reduce the braking dis-
tance under
any circumstances. This distance
will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy or slippery ground.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The brake assist
system boosts the braking force if you press
the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. As
a result, the braking pressure increases rap-
idly, the braking force is multiplied and the
braking distance is reduced. This enables the
ABS to be activated more quickly and effec-
tively. ¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal!
When the br
ake pedal is released or when
the brake force is reduced, braking assist au-
tomatically turns off the brake servo.
Traction control system (ASR) or Traction
Control (TC)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control
system ASR or TC reduces the engine torque
to match the amount of grip available. The
ASR or TC makes some situations easier, for
example, when starting, accelerating or go-
ing uphill, even in unfavourable road condi-
tions.
Electronic differential lock system (EDL)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines
under normal conditions. When the EDL de-
tects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel
and directs the power to the other one. To
prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-
cally if subjected to excessive loads. The EDL
will switch on again automatically when the
brake has cooled down. WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery or wet
ground can result in loss of vehicle control 1)
Depending on the version.
104
Driver assistance systems
and serious injury to the driver and passen-
gers.
●
Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
Even though the brake assist systems, ABS,
BAS, EDL, ASR and ESC* provide more securi-
ty, do not take unnecessary risks while driv-
ing.
● Brake assist systems can not overcome the
laws of physics. Even with ESC* and other
systems, slippery and wet roads will always
be dangerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result
in the wheels losing contact with the ground
in an effect known as “aquaplaning”. Without
adherence, it is impossible to brake, steer or
control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid acci-
dents if, for example, the driver does not re-
spect safety distances or drives to quickly in
difficult conditions.
● Even though brake assist systems are ex-
tremely effective and help control the vehicle
in difficult situations, remember that the ve-
hicle stability depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface,
for example on ice or snow, press the acceler-
ator carefully. The wheels can still slip even
with brake assist systems resulting in loss of
vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC* can be consid-
erably reduced if other components and sys-
tems affecting driving dynamics are not main-
tained or are not functioning correctly. This
includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other
components to the vehicle can affect opera-
tion of the ABS, BAS, ASR TC, EDL and ESC*.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using
unapproved wheel/tyre combinations can af-
fect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR, TC, EDL
and ESC* and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC* de-
pends on the use of suitable tyres
››› page 158. Note
● To ensure that the ESC*, ASR and TC work
properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling
radius of the tyres can cause the system to
reduce engine power when this is not de-
sired.
● If a malfunction should occur in the ABS,
the ESC*, ASR, TC and EDL will also be affec-
ted.
● Noises may be heard while any of the
above systems are operating. Parking sensor system*
Introduction The parking sensor system assists the driver
when parking. If the rear of the vehicle is ap-
proaching an obstacle, an intermittent audi-
ble warning is emitted. The shorter the dis-
tance, the shorter the intervals between
tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obsta-
cle, the audible warning becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when
the sound is continuous, this means the sys-
tem can no longer measure the distance.
Sensors situated on the rear bumper transmit
and receive ultrasound. Using the ultrasound
signal (transmission, reflection from the ob-
stacles and reception), this system continu-
ously calculates the distance between the
bumper and the obstacle.
WARNING
The parking distance warning system cannot
replace the driver's assessment of the situa-
tion.
● The sensors have blind spots in which ob-
stacles and people are not registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehi-
cle, as the sensors do not always detect
small children, animals or objects. » 105Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driver assistance systems
system is not a replacement for driver aware-
ness.
●
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.
● The City Safety Assist function does not re-
act to people, animals or vehicles that cross
or move in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● If after switching on the City Safety Assist
function the vehicle begins to move, slow the
vehicle with the foot brake. CAUTION
If you suspect that the City Safety Assist ra-
dar feature is damaged, switch it off. This will
avoid additional damage.
● Any repair of the radar sensor requires spe-
cialist knowledge. SEAT recommends taking
your car in for technical service. Note
● If the City Safety Assist function activates a
brake, the brake pedal range is reduced. This
makes the brake pedal seem “harder”.
● Automatic brake intervention by the City
Safety Assist function can be cancelled by
pressing the clutch pedal, the accelerator
pedal or by a corrective intervention.
● During automatic braking by the City Safety
Assist function you may hear unusual noises. This is normal and is produced in the brake
system.
Warning and control lamps
The City Safety Assist function is switched on
every time the ignition is switched on. No
special indication is produced.
If the City Safety Assist function is switched
off or on, or if there is an error in the system,
it will be shown by a control lamp on the in-
strument panel display.It lights
upPossible cause
››› Solution
The City Safety As-
sist function has
been switched on
manually using
the button
›››
Fig. 90.
The control lamp
turns off after about
5 seconds.
FlashesPossible cause
››› Solution
Fast: The City Safe-
ty Assist system
function brakes
automatically or
has braked auto-
matically.
Control lamp turns
off automatically.
FlashesPossible cause
››› Solution
Slow: City Safety
Assist function is
not currently avail-
able.
If the vehicle is stop-
ped, switch off the
engine and switch it
on again. If necessa-
ry, inspect the radar
sensor (dirt, frost)
›››
in Radar sen-
sor on page 112. If
it still does not func-
tion, refer to a Speci-
alised workshop to
have the system in-
spected.
Within the operat-
ing area of
5-30 km/h
(3-19 mph): The
City Safety Assist
function has been
switched off man-
ually using the
button
››› Fig. 90.
Switch on the City
Safety Assist func-
tion manually using
the button
››› Fig. 90. Several warning and control lamps should
light up for a few seconds when the ignition
is switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds.
»
111
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
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
Advice
Advice
Care and maintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
correctly performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT approved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a specialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions as the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
deployment zones. ●
Only use wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Service before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A SEAT Official
Service will advise you as to the legal require-
ments and manufacturer's recommendations
regarding accessories, spare parts and other
components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories
and
genuine SEAT spare
p
arts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition, SEAT tech-
nical services will guarantee that assembly is
performed professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe or suitable
for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot accept
liability, even in those cases authorised by
an officially recognised technical inspection
office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect
on vehicle control must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and bear the
e
mark (the European Union's authorisation
symbol). This includes cruise control systems
or electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the mark (European
Union manuf
acturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the vehicle may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over or
next to the covers of the airbag modules or
within their deployment zones.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their deployment zones, could lead to
serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, such as
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and
118