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
Driver assistance systems
The
warning lamp on the general instru-
ment
panel starts flashing when the system
is working.
The
stability (ESC) system includes the fol-
lowing systems:
● Anti-lock brake system (ABS),
● Traction control system (TCS),
● Electronic differential lock (EDL),
● Hydraulic brake assist system (HBA),
● Hill hold control (HHC).
The ESC system cannot be switched on. The
››› Fig. 95 button can only be used to
sw it
ch off the TCS system. The warning
lamp lights up on the general instrument
panel if the TCS system is switched off.
The ASR should be switched on at all times.
Only under certain circumstances should the
system be switched off, e.g.
● driving with chains,
● driving in deep snow or on very soft surfa-
ces,
● During the “swinging movement” required
to remove a stuck vehicle
Switch the ASR back on as soon as possible. Brake assist system (HBA)*
The HBA system is activated when you press
down on the brake pedal suddenly. It increa-
ses braking power, helping to reduce braking
distances. To reduce braking distance as
much as possible, keep the brake pedal
pressed down firmly until the vehicle comes
to a standstill.
With the help of this system, the ABS is acti-
vated more quickly and more efficiently.
The brake assist function is deactivated auto-
matically when the brake pedal is released.
Hill hold control (HHC)*
The HHC system makes it easier to start the
vehicle on hills. The system maintains the
brake pressure created by pressing down on
the brake pedal for 2 seconds after it has
been released. Your foot can be removed
from the brake pedal and you can use the ac-
celerator pedal and move away on a hill with-
out having to use the handbrake. The brake
pressure drops as the accelerator pedal is
pressed. If the vehicle cannot be started, it
will start to move backwards after 2 seconds.
The HHC is activated on gradients of over
5%, if the driver door is closed. It only works
for starting on hills, moving both forward and
in reverse. It is not activated during start-up
down hill.
Anti-lock system (ABS) The ABS system prevents the wheels locking
during braking. This helps the driver keep
control of the vehicle.
The driver is made aware of ABS assistance
by the pulsating of the brake pedal
and a
characteristic noise.
Keep the brake pedal pressed down while the
ABS is working. The ABS will switch off when
the brake pedal is released. Never brake in-
termittently while the ABS is working!
Traction control system (ASR) If the wheels start to slip, the TCS adapts the
engine speed to the driving conditions. Par-
ticularly in unfavourable conditions, the TCS
helps starting, accelerating and hill starts.
The TCS
1)
warning lamp on the general
dash panel flashes when the system is work-
ing. 1)
Valid for vehicles not fitted with the stability con-
trol system (ESC). 109
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
Electronic differential lock If one of the wheels starts to skid, the EDL
brakes that wheel, transmitting the driving
force to the other wheels. This increases ve-
hicle stability and improves driving stability.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out au-
tomatically if subjected to excessive loads.
The vehicle will continue to function normally
without EDL. The EDL will switch on again au-
tomatically when the brake has cooled down.
Parking aid* Functioning Fig. 96
Parking aid: range of the sensors. Ultrasound sensors are used so that the park-
ing aid system can calculate the distance be- tween the rear bumper and an obstacle. The
sensors are located in the rear bumper.
Sensor range
The warning begins at a distance of 160 cm
from the obstacle (zone
A
››› Fig. 96 ). As the
o b
stacle is approached, the audible warning
sounds with increasing frequency.
Within a distance of approximately 30 cm
(zone B ), a warning tone will sound continu-
ously. Danger zone. Stop reversing immedi-
ately!
In vehicles factory-fitted with certain audio or
radio-navigation system models, the dis-
tance from the obstacle is displayed graphi-
cally on the screen. See the audio or naviga-
tion system Instruction Manual.
In vehicles factory-fitted with a towing sys-
tem, the rear area at which the system starts
to indicate the obstacle is extended by
around 5 centimetres. The length of the vehi-
cle can be extended by a detachable towing
bracket.
In vehicles factory-fitted with towing equip-
ment, the sensors are deactivated when tow-
ing a trailer or caravan.
Switching the parking aid system on and off
Parking aid is switched on when the ignition
is on and reverse gear engaged. This is con-
firmed by a short audible warning. Parking aid is switched off when reverse gear
is released. WARNING
● Parking aid does not free the driver from re-
sponsibility when parking or performing sim-
ilar manoeuvres. Pay special attention to
small children or animals, as the parking aid
sensors may not always be able to detect
them.
● Before reversing or parking, make sure
there are no small obstacles, e.g. rocks, nar-
row pillars, towing brackets, etc. in front or
behind the vehicle. These obstacles may not
always be detected by the parking aid device.
● The surface of certain objects may not re-
flect the signals of the parking aid sensors.
Therefore, people wearing clothing of this
kind may not be detected by the parking aid
system.
● Outside noise may interfere with the park-
ing aid system. Under certain unfavourable
circumstances, certain objects or people may
not be detected. Note
● If a constant sound at a higher frequency is
emitted for 3 seconds each time the system is
switched on, there is a fault in the system.
Please take the vehicle to a specialised tech-
nical service to repair this fault. 110
Driver assistance systems
●
To ensure that the parking aid system
works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean (e.g. free of ice).
● If the parking aid system is switched on
when the automatic gearbox selector lever is
in position P, the acoustic signal will be inter-
rupted (the car cannot be moved). Cruise control*
Introduction The cruise control system allows you to drive
at a constant speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or
higher without having to press the accelera-
tor. However, the speed is only maintained
within the margin permitted by the engine
power and the braking effect of the engine.
The
warning lamp lights up on the general
instrument panel if cruise control is switched
on. WARNING
● For safety reasons the cruise control sys-
tem must not be used in dense traffic or
where roads conditions are poor (e.g. due to
ice, aquaplaning, loose grit, snow). – Risk of
accident!
● The programmed speed can only be re-es-
tablished if it is not too high for current traf-
fic conditions. ●
Always switch the cruise control system off
after using it in order to avoid involuntary
use. CAUTION
● The cruise control cannot maintain a con-
stant speed when the vehicle is moving
downhill. The vehicle tends to accelerate un-
der its own weight. Therefore, shift down or
use the brake pedal in good time to slow the
vehicle. Note
● In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the
cruise control system cannot be switched on
if the selector lever is in position P, N or R.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the
cruise control cannot be switched on if first
gear or reverse gear is engaged. Setting speed
Fig. 97
Turn signal and main beam headlight
lever: cruise control buttons. Setting speed
– Move knob A
››› Fig. 97 to the ON posi-
tion.
– Briefly press rocker switch B in
SET
posi-
tion when
you have reached the speed you
wish to set.
On releasing rocker switch B in
SET
, the cur-
r
ent speed is stored and will remain constant
without having to press the accelerator ped-
al.
111
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
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
Towing bracket device
altitude, this also reduces climbing ability,
which requires a reduction of the weight of
the vehicle with a trailer by 10% for every
1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of
the assembly is calculated by adding the ve-
hicle weight (loaded) to the trailer weight
(loaded). Always drive with special care when
towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information
that is displayed on the towing bracket man-
ufacturers label are only values for the verifi-
cation of the device. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documen-
tation of your vehicle. WARNING
● Exceeding the maximum established load
per axle and the maximum towing bracket
load in addition to the maximum permitted
load or the load of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly can cause accidents and serious inju-
ries.
● A sliding load can considerably affect the
stability and safety of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly, resulting in accidents and serious in-
juries. Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Observe the relevant statutory requirements
of the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the
headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. Adjust the headlight range set-
tings if necessary
›››
page 62, Range control
of main lights .
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than
the maximum permitted speed indicated on
the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you
detect the slightest swaying movement of the
trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a
straight position” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an over-
run brake , apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firm ly
. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by locking of trailer wheels.
Change to a lower gear in good time before descending a slope in order to take advant-
age of the engine brake.
The trailer is incorporated into the vehicle's
anti-theft alarm system:
● When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-
theft alarm and a towing bracket.
● When the trailer is electrically connected to
the vehicle via the towing bracket socket.
● When the vehicle electrical device and the
towing bracket are operational.
● When the vehicle is locked and the vehi-
cle's anti-theft alarm device is activated.
Once the electrical connection is interrupted
with the vehicle trailer locked, the alarm
sounds.
Always switch off the vehicle anti-theft alarm
device before connecting or disconnecting a
trailer. The vehicle anti-theft alarm device
could cause the alarm to sound ››› page 57,
Anti-theft alarm system*.
Engine overheating
In the event that the coolant temperature
gauge needle moves to the right section of
the scale or to the red area, immediately re-
duce speed. If the control lamp flashes on
the general instrument panel, stop the vehi-
cle and switch off the engine. Wait several
minutes and check the coolant level in the
tank ››› page 138
.
»
115
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
Please observe the following indications
››› page 35, Coolant level and temperature
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by
switching on the heating. WARNING
● Adjust your speed to suit the road and traf-
fic conditions.
● An electrical installation that is connected
incorrectly or by non-specialised personnel
can prevent the connection of the current to
the trailer and cause faults in the operation of
the electrical system throughout the entire
vehicle, leading to accidents and serious in-
jury.
● All electrical work must be carried out only
by specialised services.
● Never directly connect the trailer electrical
device to the electrical sockets of the reverse
driving lights or other sources of electrical
current. CAUTION
● Avoid corners, and sudden and sharp brak-
ing.
● Once the trailing arm has been removed,
place the corresponding cover on the hole of
the fastening point. This prevents dirt from
entering the hole – see the trailer system as-
sembly manual. Note
● In the event of frequent journeys with a
trailer, we recommend also having the vehi-
cle inspected in between the service inter-
vals.
● When connecting and disconnecting the
trailer, the handbrake must be applied.
● For technical reasons, trailers with LED re-
verse lights cannot be incorporated into the
vehicle anti-theft alarm system. Towing bracket device
Introduction If the vehicle is equipped with a towing
bracket device from the factory or is a genu-
ine SEAT accessory, it meets all national tech-
nical and legal requirements for towing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. If the towing
bracket is equipped with a
7-pin connector,
y ou c
an use the corresponding available
adaptor that is a genuine SEAT accessory.
The towing device has a maximum vertical
load of 50 kg
. WARNING
● Before driving with the ball-headed bar fit-
ted, verify its correct assembly and place-
ment in the clamping bush.
● Do not use the ball-headed bar if it is not
correctly placed and fixed in the clamping
bush.
● Do not use the towing device for towing if it
is damaged or has missing parts.
● Do not modify or adapt the towing device
connection.
● Never disengage the ball-headed bar with
the trailer still hitched. CAUTION
Be careful not to damage the paint on the
bumper when handling the ball-headed bar. 116
Operation
Fig. 101
Service position. Before assembling, place the ball-headed bar
in service position.
–
Turn key A fully in the direction of arrow
1
››› Fig. 100 .
– Ho l
d the ball-headed bar with your left
hand.
– Pull manual regulator B outward in the di-
rection of arrow 2 and turn it fully in the
direction of arrow 3 .The manual regulator will remain in this posi-
tion.
Service position
› ››
Fig. 101
● K
ey C is in an open position – the key ar-
row points to the “unlocked” symbol. The key
cannot be removed from the key slot.
● The D locking balls may be fully inserted
into the body of the ball-headed bar by ap-
plying some pressure.
● The red E marking on the manual regula-
tor points towards the white marking on the
ball-headed bar.
● Between the manual regulator and the
body of the ball-headed bar there is a clearly
visible space of approximately 4 mm F .
Once the ball-headed bar has been posi-
tioned like this, it will be ready to be placed
in the clamping bush. WARNING
Do not use the ball-headed bar if it cannot be
correctly placed in the service position. CAUTION
The key cannot be removed from the manual
regulator key slot when it is in the service po-
sition. Assembling the ball-headed bar
Fig. 102
Placing the ball-headed bar/locking
and removing the key. 118