Driving
The manual gearbox can be activated when
the vehicle is either moving or stationary.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatical-
ly shifts up shortly before the maximum en-
gine speed is reached.
On shifting up, the gear is only engaged
when there is no risk of engine damage.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed down
to the kick-down zone, the gearbox will shift
down in line with the road speed and engine
speed. Note
The kick-down function is also available in
manual shift mode. Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the positions P
and N
when the ignition is on. Press down on
the br
ake to unlock it. Remember, if the se-
lector lever is in positions P
and N then the
warning lamp will light up on the general in-
strument panel ›››
page 38.
When the selector lever merely moves
through position
N (e.g. when moved from R
to D), the lever lock is not applied. This makes it possible, for example, to rock a
stuck vehicle backwards and forwards. The
lock is only applied if the brake is not press-
ed and the selector lever is moved to position
N
for more than 2 seconds.
The selector lever only locks when the is vehi-
cle stationary or driving at a speed lower
than 5 km/h (3 mph). At a higher speed, it
automatically disconnects in the N position.
Interloc
k button
The interlock button on the selector lever
knob prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging a gear. Press the button to unlock
the selector lever.
Safety interlock for ignition key 1)
After switching off the ignition, you can only
remove the ignition key if the selector lever is
in position P. When the ignition key is re-
mo
ved, the selector lever is locked in posi-
tion
P.
Driving programmes Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly-controlled automatic gearbox. Shifting up
or down depends on the programme selec-
ted. For a
calm driving style, the gearbox uses the
mo s
t economic programme. The gearbox
shifts up as quickly as possible and shifts
down as late as possible, thus increasing
driving economy.
With a
sporty driving style , characterised by
sudden acceleration, heavy acceleration,
speeds that often increase and decrease and
maximum speed, the gearbox adapts to this
driving style when the accelerator is pressed
down fully (kick-down) by shifting down as
quickly as possible and can even shift down
by several gears at once.
Selecting the best driving programmes is an
endless job. Regardless of this, the driver can
also make the gearbox switch to a more dy-
namic gear shift programme by pressing the
accelerator quickly. This makes the automatic
gearbox shift down into a lower gear than the
one that would normally apply to the current
speed, allowing for more rapid acceleration
(e.g. to overtake another vehicle) without
having to press the accelerator until the kick-
down position. On shifting up in a corre-
sponding driving style, the gearbox returns to
the original programme.
When driving along mountain roads, the
gearbox adapts to the gradients. This avoids
having to frequently change gears when driv-
ing uphill. In Tiptronic mode, it is possible to »1)
Valid only for certain countries.
103
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
shift down manually when driving downhill to
use the braking effect of the engine.
Back-up programme A back-up programme exists in case of faults.
In the event of a fault in the gearbox electron-
ics, it will continue to work in one of the cor-
responding back-up programmes. All seg-
ments of the screen are lit up or switched off.
The fault can be seen as follows:
● The gearbox only engages certain gears
● Reverse gear R cannot be engaged
● The m
anual gearbox switches off in the
back-up programme Note
If the gearbox switches to the back-up pro-
gramme, visit an Authorised Service as soon
as possible to solve the problem. Run-in and economical driving
The first 1,500 km Over the first 1,500 kilometres the engine
must be run in. Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at more than 3/4 of the maxi-
mum speed corresponding to the engaged
gear, i.e. up to 3/4 of the maximum permit-
ted engine speed.
– Do not drive at full speed.
– Avoid high engine speeds.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres (600 to 900
miles) – Slowly increase the engine speed until
r e
aching the maximum permitted speed of
the engaged gear, i.e. the maximum per-
mitted engine speed.
During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on, when all the moving parts have bed-
ded in. How the vehicle is driven over approx-
imately the first 1,500 kilometres (900
miles), determines the success of the proc-
ess of running in the engine.
Even after running in, the vehicle should not
be unnecessarily driven at high engine
speeds
. The maximum permitted engine
speed is marked at the start of the red zone
on the rev counter dial. The gear must be
changed up when the red area is reached in
vehicles with a manual gearbox. Extremely
high engine speeds when accelerating are
automatically limited, however the engine is not protected against high engine speeds
produced by incorrectly changing to a lower
gear, which could cause the engine to run at
revs above the maximum permitted amount,
and consequently result in damage to the en-
gine.
Additionally, vehicles with a manual gearbox
must also bear the following in mind: do not
drive with the engine speed too low. Change
down to a lower gear when the engine no
longer runs smoothly. Observe the recom-
mendations for changing gear
››› page 32,
Recommended gear display.
New tyres
New tyres must be submitted to “running in”,
given that initially their grip is not yet at the
maximum level. During the first 500 km (120
miles) drive very carefully.
New brake pads
New brake pads do not yet provide maximum
friction capacity. First they must be “run in”.
During the first 200 km (120 miles) drive very
carefully. CAUTION
All the information for speed and engine
speed refers to an engine that operates at op-
erating temperature. Do not run the engine at
high engine speeds, neither when stopped or
while driving. 104
Driving
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine
speeds; changing to a higher gear sooner
contributes to saving fuel, reduces operating
noise and protects the environment. 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.
Catalytic converter An exhaust gas emission control system (cat-
alytic converter) that functions perfectly is vi-
tally important for vehicle operation that re-
spects the environment.Please observe the following indications:
● Refuel only using unleaded petrol in petrol
engine vehicles ››› page 130, Unleaded pet-
rol .
● Do not a
dd too much oil to the engine
››› page 136, Checking the engine oil level .
● Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you are required to drive in a country where
unleaded fuel is not available, when return-
ing to a country where using a catalytic con-
verter is obligatory, the catalytic converter
must be replaced. WARNING
● Due to the high temperatures that the cata-
lytic converter can reach, the vehicle must be
stopped so that the catalytic converter does
not come into contact with easily flammable
material underneath the vehicle. Risk of fire!
● Never use substances for additional under-
body protection or anti-corrosives for the ex-
haust pipes, the catalytic converter or the
heat-resistant screens. Risk of fire! CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! An irreg-
ular fuel supply can cause ignition faults,
which can result in damage to a substantial
amount of engine parts and the exhaust sys-
tem. » 105
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
●
Refuelling just once with leaded petrol dis-
ables the exhaust system! Economical and environmentally
friendly driving
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a
gear
engaged , for example, if you see a red light
ahe a
d. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
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:
shift up from first to second
gear as soon 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 32,
Recommended gear display.
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 in-
crease 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 level cross-
ings 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 re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing 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 con-
sume 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 val-
ue.
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 en
gine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recom-
mend avoiding short trips whenever possi-
ble.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
wear and impairs handling.
106
Driving
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not u
se 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 in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing 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 elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*. Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended t o sw
itch this function 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
p l
ate 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, us-
ing 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, chang-
ing to the gear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer. Wading and driving off-road
Driving through water Fig. 94
Driving through water. To prevent the vehicle from being damaged
when driving through water (i.e. flooded
roads), please observe the following:
● Determine the depth of the water before
entering. Water can reach a maximum height
of below the door sill ››› Fig. 94 .
● Driv e at
a maximum pace of walking speed.
Driving at a higher speed can cause a wave
in front of the vehicle, which can cause water
to enter the engine air intake system or other
parts of the vehicle.
● Never stop in the water, never reverse and
never stop the engine.
● Before driving through water deactivate the
Start-Stop system ››› page 112. WARNING
● Driving through water, dirt and mud can re-
duce braking capability and prolong the brak-
ing distance – Risk of accident!
● Do not carry out any sudden or strong brak-
ing manoeuvres after driving through water.
● Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possi-
ble after driving through water by breaking
intermittently. Carry out braking in order to
dry the brakes and clean the brake discs only
if traffic so permits. Do not put other drivers
at risk. » 107Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
Adjusting set speed Increasing speed by pressing the accelerator
pedal
–
Press the accelerator to increase the speed
of the vehicle.
– Release the accelerator and the previously
programmed speed will be resumed.
If, when pressing the accelerator, the vehicle
exceeds the programmed speed by more
than 10 km/h (6 mph) for more than 3 mi-
nutes, the set speed will be deleted. The
speed will have to be stored again.
Increasing speed by pressing switch B–
Press rocker switch B
›››
Fig. 97
››› page 111 in
RES.
– If the button is held down in the RES posi-
tion, the speed inc
reases continuously. Re-
lease the switch when the required speed
is reached. The speed is stored.
Setting a lower speed
– The set speed can be reduced by pressing
swit
ch B
›››
Fig. 97 ›
› ›
page 111 in SET.
– If the button is held down in the SET posi-
tion, the speed dec
reases continuously. Re-
lease the switch when the required speed
is reached. The speed is stored.
– On releasing the switch at speeds of less
than 30 km/h (19 mph), no speed will be set and the memory will be deleted. The ve-
hicle must be moving at a speed of over
30 km/h (19 mph) and switch
B pressed
again to SET
for it to be set.
The s
peed can be reduced by pressing the
brake pedal, which temporarily switches off
the cruise control.
Switching off cruise control
temporarily Cruise control
is switched off temporarily by
pressing switch A
››› Fig. 97
›
›› p
age 111 in
CANCEL or by pressing the brake or clutch
pedal.
The set speed is stored.
To
recover the set speed, briefly press switch
B in
RES
once you have released the brake
or c
lutch pedal.
Switching off cruise control
completely –
Move knob A
›››
Fig. 97 ›››
page 111 to
OFF . St
ar
t-Stop* System
Functioning Fig. 98
Instrument panel: Start-Stop system
button The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce harmful and CO
2 emissions.
The system is automatically switched on ev-
ery time the ignition is switched on.
The system automatically switches off the en-
gine when the vehicle is stationary, e.g. wait-
ing at traffic lights.
The current status of the Start-Stop system is
displayed on the general instrument panel
display.
Automatic engine shut down (Stop phase)
– Stop the vehicle (if necessary using the
handbrake).
– Shift to neutral.
112
Driver assistance systems
– Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine start up (Start phase)
– Press the clutch.
Switching the Start-Stop system on and off
The Start-Stop system can be switched on
and off by pressing the
››› Fig. 98 button.
The w arnin
g lamp in the button will light up
when the system is switched off.
If the vehicle is in Stop phase when the but-
ton is pressed, the engine will start immedi-
ately.
The Start-Stop system works under complex
driving conditions that are difficult to detect
without specialist technology. The set of nec-
essary conditions for the correct operating of
the Start-Stop system are indicated below.
Conditions for automatic engine shut down
(Stop phase)
● Selector lever in neutral.
● Clutch pedal not pressed.
● Driver with seat belt fastened.
● Driver door closed.
● The bonnet closed.
● Vehicle stationary.
● The factory-fitted towing bracket is not elec-
trically connected to a trailer. ●
Engine at operating temperature.
● Vehicle's battery sufficiently charged.
● Vehicle not on a very steep slope
● Engine speed below 1,200 rpm.
● Vehicle battery temperature is neither too
high nor too low.
● Sufficient brake system pressure.
● Difference between outside temperature
and set interior temperature not too great
● Vehicle speed since the last time the en-
gine started was above 3 km/h (2 mph).
● Particulate filter not being cleaned
››› page 37.
● Front
wheels not overly turned (steering
wheel turned less than three quarters of a
turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed.
● Max./min. temperature set.
● Windscreen defrost function switched on.
● High blower speed.
● Start-Stop button pressed.
Conditions for automatic engine start up
without driver involvement
● Vehicle moving at a speed of over 3 km/h
(2 mph). ●
Difference between outside temperature
and interior temperature is too great
● Vehicle's battery insufficiently charged.
● Insufficient brake system pressure.
If the driver seat belt is unfastened for more
than 30 seconds in Stop phase, the engine
must be started using the ignition key.
Please observe the messages on the general
instrument panel display.
Warnings on the instrument panel display
(valid for vehicles not fitted with an
informative display)FAULT: Start-StopFault in the Start-Stop sys-
tem
START-STOP IMPOSSIBLEEngine cannot be auto-
matically shut down
START-STOP ACTIVEAutomatic engine shut
down (Stop phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITIONSwitch the ignition off
START MANUALLYStart the engine manually WARNING
● If the engine is switched off, neither the
brake servo nor the power steering will work.
● Do not move the vehicle when the engine is
switched off. » 113
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
CAUTION
Switch off the Start-Stop system ››› page 107
before driving through a pool of water on the
road. Note
● The battery temperature may reflect
changes in outside temperature after several
hours. If the vehicle has been stopped out-
side at temperatures below zero or in direct
sunlight, for example, the battery tempera-
ture may take several hours to reach the val-
ues required for the correct operating of the
Start-Stop system.
● If the Climatronic system is operating auto-
matically, this could impair automatic engine
shut down under certain conditions. Towing bracket device
Driving the vehicle with a
trailer Technical requirements If your vehicle has a factory-fitted towing
bracket or is equipped with a selection of
SEAT Original Accessories, it meets all the rel-
evant technical and legal requirements.
In vehicles with a towing bracket it is possi-
ble to remove the ball joint, situated (togeth-
er with the special assembly instructions) in
the housing for the spare wheel in the vehi-
cle luggage compartment
›››
page 150, Vehi-
cle tool kit* .
Y our
vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer you
are going to use has a 7-pin connector, the
corresponding adaptor, acquired from the
SEAT Original Accessories Catalogue, can be
used.
If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the
car, it must be done according to the instruc-
tions of the towing bracket manufacturer. Note
Any queries that may arise can be directed to
an authorised SEAT dealer. Trailer weight
Trailer weight
The combined vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. To do so use the maximum permit-
ted towing bracket load. An insufficient
weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the towing bracket will have a
negative impact upon the response of the ve-
hicle-trailer assembly on the road.
Weight distribution
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Ensure that the objects do not move.
If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer
loaded then the load distribution is incorrect.
However, if these conditions cannot be avoi-
ded, drive very slowly.
Tyre pressure values
Correct the tyre pressure in your vehicle to
“total load”
›››
page 144, Life cycle of tyres .
Trailer weight
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight
under any circumstances ›››
page 174, Tech-
nical specifications .
The trailer weights listed are only applicable
for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level.
D
ue to lower air density, engine power de-
creases depending on the increase in
114