Lights and visibility
●
Remove snow and ice from the wipers be-
fore starting your journey.
● Careless handling could lead to the wiper
arms damaging the windscreen.
● For safety reasons, the wiper blades should
be changed once or twice a year. They can be
purchased at a SEAT Authorised Service.
● The ignition cannot be switched on while
the windscreen wiper arms are in a raised po-
sition. Otherwise, the windscreen wipers
would return to their original position and
could damage the paintwork on the bonnet. Note
Keep the wipers clean. The wipers can be
soiled with remains of wax solutions from car
washes ››› page 124.
● On vehicles equipped with windscreen
washer jets, these are heated once the en-
gine is running. Handling windscreen wipers and
washers
Fig. 56
Window wiper lever. Short wipe
– Give the windscreen a brief wipe by moving
the lever down to position 4
››› Fig. 56 .
W ipe int
ervals/automatic wipe with rain
sensor*
– Push the lever up to position 1
››› Fig. 56 .
– With sw
itch A , adjust the wipe interval or
rain sensor sensitivity.
Switch A has 4 positions.
The rain sensor* is part of the intermittent
wipe function.
The rain sensor* controls the frequency of
the windscreen wiper intervals, depending
on the amount of rain. Slow wipe
–
Push the lever up to position 2
››› Fig. 56 .
C ontinuou
s wipe
– Push the lever up to position 3
››› Fig. 56 .
Aut om
atic windscreen wash and wipe
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel,
position 5
››› Fig. 56 , and the windscreen
w a
sher and wipers are switched on.
– Release the lever. The washer will stop and
the windscreen wipers will keep running for
1-3 wipes (depending on the windscreen
washer operating time).
Rear window wiper*
– Press the lever forward to position 6 ›››
Fig. 56 and the rear window wiper will
ru n ev
ery 6 seconds.
Automatic rear window wash and wipe* – Press the lever fully forward to position 7 ›››
Fig. 56 and the rear window wiper and
w a
sher switch on at the same time.
– Release the lever. The rear window washer
will stop and the rear window wipers will
keep running for 1-3 wipes (depending on
the jet operating time). When released, the
lever remains in position 6 .
»
69
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
●
Always stow objects in the luggage com-
partment and secure them on the fastening
rings.
● Use suitable straps to secure heavy ob-
jects.
● During sudden manoeuvres or accidents,
loose objects can be thrown forward, injuring
vehicle occupants or passers-by. This in-
creased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag. If this happens, objects may shoot out-
ward like a missile. Risk of fatal injury.
● Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when transporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or
allowed maximum weight. If said weights are
exceeded, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle may change, leading to accidents, in-
juries and damage to the vehicle.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around
the vehicle. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle. Note
● Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fasten-
ing rings are commercially available. Fastening rings*
There can be four fastening rings in the lug-
gage compartment for fastening luggage and
other objects.
–
Always use suitable and undamaged straps
to secure luggage and other objects to the fastening rings ››› in Loading the lug-
gage compartment on page 81.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the
straps.
During a collision or an accident, even small
and light objects can build up so much ener-
gy that they can cause very severe injuries.
The amount of kinetic “energy” depends on
the speed of the vehicle and the weight of
the object. The most significant factor, how-
ever, is the speed of the vehicle.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying
unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal col-
lision at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), this object generates a force corresponding to 20
times its weight. That means that the effec-
tive weight of the object increases to approxi-
mately 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of
the injuries which might be sustained if this
“object” strikes an occupant as it flies
through the interior of the vehicle. This in-
creased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag.
WARNING
● If pieces of baggage or other objects are se-
cured to the fastening rings with inappropri-
ate or damaged retaining cords, injuries
could result in the event of braking manoeu-
vres or accidents.
● Never secure a child seat on the fastening
rings. Luggage compartment
Introduction Please observe the following points to ensure
the vehicle handles well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the
luggage compartment as possible.
– Secure luggage using the fastening rings or
retaining net ›››
page 83.
82
Transport and practical equipment
During an accident, even small and light ob-
jects can have so much kinetic energy that
they can cause very severe injuries. The
amount of kinetic energy depends on the
speed of the vehicle and the weight of the
object. However, the speed of the vehicle is
the most important factor.
Example: An unsecured object weighing 4.5
kg produces energy corresponding to 20
times its weight in a frontal collision at 50
km/h (31 mph). This means that its weight
reaches around 90 kg. You can imagine the
severity of the injuries that might be sus-
tained if this “projectile” strikes an occupant
as it flies through the vehicle interior. WARNING
● Store objects in the luggage compartment
and secure to the fastening points.
● In an accident or sudden manoeuvre, loose
objects in the interior can be flung forward
and possibly injure vehicle occupants or oth-
ers. This risk is even greater if the flying ob-
jects hit a triggering airbag. In this case, any
rebounding objects could injure vehicle occu-
pants. Risk of fatal injuries!
● Take into account that transporting heavy
objects changes the centre of gravity that
could also cause changes in vehicle handling.
Risk of accident! Therefore, always adjust
your speed and driving style to suit these cir-
cumstances. ●
Securing the load to the rings using unsuit-
able or damaged straps could lead to injuries
in the event of an accident or sudden braking
manoeuvre. Secure suitable straps safely to
the rings to ensure this does not happen.
● Position the load so it cannot move forward
during a sudden braking manoeuvre. Risk of
injuries!
● If transporting sharp or dangerous objects
in the space provided when the rear seats are
folded, ensure the safety of the occupant of
the remaining rear seat ››› page 8.
● If the r
ear seat located alongside a folded
seat is occupied, ensure safety, for example,
by placing the load so that it stops the seat
from folding backward in the event of being
hit from behind.
● Never drive with the rear lid open or half-
closed, exhaust gases may penetrate into the
interior of the vehicle. Danger of poisoning!
● Never exceed the allowed axle loads or al-
lowed maximum weight. Risk of accident!
● Never transport passengers in the luggage
compartment! CAUTION
Make sure sharp objects stored in the boot
cannot not damage the rear window heating
filaments. Note
Tyre pressure must be adapted to suit the
load ››› page 144, Life cycle of tyres . Category N1 vehicles
Category N1 vehicles with no protection grille
must use a retaining set compliant with
Standard EN 12195 (1 – 4) to secure the
load.
Retaining elements* Fig. 78
Luggage compartment: retaining ele-
ments. The following retaining elements are fitted in
the boot
›››
Fig. 78 :
Rin g
s to secure the load and the retain-
ing nets.
Rings used solely for the retaining nets. »
A B
83
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Heating and air conditioning
Switching on air recirculation mode
– Press button
1
››› Fig. 87
›
›› page 90
and the lamp in the button will illuminate.
Switching off air recirculation mode
– Press button
1
››› Fig. 87
›
›› p
age 90
again and the lamp in the button will
switch off.
If air distribution control C
››› Fig. 87
››› page 90 is in position
, air r
ec
irculation
mode switches off automatically Press the button to switch air recirculation mode
back on in this position. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ››› in
General notes on page 87. Climatronic* (automatic air
conditioning)
General notes Climatronic automatically maintains a com-
fortable temperature. To do so, it automati- cally regulates the supplied air temperature
and the blower and air distribution levels.
The system also allows for the effect of sun-
light, so there is no need for manual adjust-
ment.
Automatic operations
›
›
› page 94
guarantee maximum comfort any time of
year.
Climatronic description
Cooling only works if the following conditions
are met:
● The engine is running
● the outside temperature is above +2 °C
(+36 °F);
● A/C
18
››› Fig. 88
›
›› p
age 94 switched
on.
In order to ensure engines subject to heavy
loads are cooled, the air conditioning com-
pressor is switched off in the event of high
coolant temperatures.
Recommended setting for all seasons of the
year
● Set the required temperature. We recom-
mend +22 °C (72 °F). ●
Press the AUTO button
12
››› Fig. 88
››› page 94 .
● Adju s
t vents 3 ››› p
age 88 and 4 so that the
air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Change between degrees Centigrade and
degrees Fahrenheit
Keep the AUTO and
A/C
››› Fig. 88
››› page 94 buttons pressed down at the
s ame time.
The data is displayed on the
screen in the units required. Note
A visit to the specialised service once a year
is recommended to clean the Climatronic sys-
tem. 93
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driving
●
On long, steep gradients, reduce your
speed and change to a lower gear (manual
gearbox) or move the selector lever to a lower
gear position (automatic gearbox). This uses
the force of the engine and the brakes do not
suffer as much. If you still have to brake, do
so intermittently, pressing down repeatedly
on the brake pedal.
● Vehicle modifications (e.g. to the engine,
brakes, frame or a combination of wheels and
tyres) could impair the brake assist systems
››› page 122, Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle .
● In the event of a fault in the ABS system,
the ESC, TCS and EDL are switched off auto-
matically. A fault in the ABS is indicated by
the ››› page 36 warning lamp. Brakes
Wear
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends
on the driving style and on the way in which
the vehicle is used. The brake pads will wear
more quickly if you use your vehicle frequent-
ly in urban traffic and short trips or drive in a
sporty style. Under these
demanding condi-
tions , visit your specialised service, even be-
f or
e the scheduled service date, so that the
thickness of the brake pads can be meas-
ured. Wet roads or road salt
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driv-
ing on roads which have been gritted with
salt, braking power may set in later than nor-
mal. Dry the brakes as soon as possible by
braking repeatedly.
Corrosion
Long periods of inactivity and little use can
lead to rust on the brake discs and dirt on the
brake pads. Where the brake system is sub-
jected to light stress or in the case of corro-
sion, clean the brake discs by braking fully
several times at a high speed.
Brake system fault
If you notice that the braking distance sud-
denly increases and the brake pedal can be
pressed down more fully, there may be a fault
in the brake system. Visit a specialised serv-
ice immediately and adjust your driving style
to the extent of the damage and to limit the
effect of the brakes.
Low brake fluid level
Insufficient brake fluid could cause faults in
the brake system. The brake fluid level is con-
trolled electronically
››› page 33, Brake sys-
tem . Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure
you exert on the brake pedal. The brake servo
only works when the engine is running.
Handbrake Fig. 90
Centre console: handbrake. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
press the unlock button at the same time
››› Fig. 90 .
– Keep the b
utton pressed down and push
the lever all the way down.
The warning lamp lights up when the hand-
brake is applied with the ignition on .
99
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
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
Checking and refilling levels
Radiator fan The radiator is driven by an electric motor
and controlled according to the temperature
of the coolant.
After the engine has been stopped and the
ignition switched off, the radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes.
Engine oil
General notes The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil that can be used all year round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essen-
tial for the correct operation of the engine
and its long useful life, when topping up or
changing oil, use only those oils that comply
with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in
the following page should appear on the con-
tainer of the service oil; when the container
displays the specific standards for petrol and
diesel engines together, it means that the oil
can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change indicated
in the Maintenance Programme, be per-
formed by a technical service or specialised
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the
››› page 136, Oil properties .
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife
service) or fixed (dependent on time/dis-
tance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the
Maintenance Programme booklet is QG1, this
means that your vehicle has the LongLife
service programmed. If it has the codes QG0
or QG2, the service interval is dependent on
time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service
intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been devel-
oped which, depending on the characteris-
tics and individual driving profiles, enable
the extension of the oil change service (Long-
Life service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the
service intervals, it must only be used ob-
serving the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service in-
tervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil level is too low ›››
page 136 and
LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to
top up (once) with oil for fixed service inter-vals
››› page 136 (up to a maximum of 0.5 li-
tr e
s).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife
service interval” or it has been disabled (by
request), you may use oils for fixed service
intervals
, which also appear in ››› page 136,
Oil properties . In this case, your vehicle must
be serviced after a fixed interval of 1
year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ››› Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
● In ex
ceptional circumstances, if the engine
oil level is too low ››› page 136 and you can-
not o
btain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can add a small quantity of oil conform-
ing to the specification ACEA A2 or ACEA A3
(petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (die-
sel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The Maintenance Programme states whether
your vehicle is fitted with a diesel particulate
filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash
formation, may be used in diesel engines
equipped with particulate filter. Using other
types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tration and reduce the life of the DPF. There-
fore: »
135
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety