
Operation
P – Parking position
In this position, the driven wheels are me-
chanically locked.
The parking position can only be selected
when the vehicle is stationary.
If you want to move the selector lever from
this position, press the interlock button on
the selector lever knob while pressing down
on the brake pedal.
If the battery is drained, the selector lever
cannot be moved from position P.
R – Reverse
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position R from
positions P or
N, press the interlock button
on the selector lever knob and press down on
the brake pedal.
The reverse lights come on when the selector
lever is in position R and the ignition is on.
N – Neutral (idling)
Neutral (idling) is engaged in this position.
To move the selector lever from position N (if
the lever has remained in this position for
more than 2 seconds) to position D or R at
speeds of less than 5 km/h (3 mph) and
when the vehicle is stationary, press down on
the brake pedal. D – Drive (forwards)
In this position, the gearbox automatically
changes to a lower or higher gear, depending
on engine requirements, the driving speed
and the gear shift programme.
To move the selector lever to position D from
position N
at speeds of less than 5 km/h (3
mph) and when the
vehicle is stationary,
press down on the brake pedal.
In some situations (e.g. on mountain roads or
when towing a trailer or caravan), it can be
advantageous to switch temporarily to the
manual shift programme ››› page 102 so that
the gear ratios can be selected manually to
suit driving conditions.
S – Sports driving position
Shifting up later than usual makes full use of
the engine power. This shifts down earlier in
relation to position D
.
T
o move the selector lever to position S from
position
D, press the interlock button on the
selector lever knob. Tiptronic gearbox Fig. 93
Selector lever: Tiptronic. The Tiptronic gearbox allows the driver to
change gears manually using the selector
lever.
Activating the manual gearbox
– From position D
, push the selector lever to
the right
. The selected position of the se-
lector lever is shown on the general instru-
ment panel display together with the gear
engaged 1
››› Fig. 92 .
Shif tin
g up
– Push the selector lever gently forwards + ›››
Fig. 93 .
Shif tin
g down
– Push the selector lever gently backwards
-
››› Fig. 93 .
102

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

Advice
serious damage to the engine! Contact an au-
thorised SEAT dealer to clean the engine fuel
system.
● Water allowed to collect in the fuel filter
can cause engine faults.
● Your vehicle is not prepared for use of bio-
fuel (RME) and, therefore, this fuel must not
be used for refuelling or driving. The use of
biofuel (RME) could cause serious damage to
the engine or the fuel system. Engine compartment
Introduction Always be aware of the danger of injury and
scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire
when working in the engine compartment,
e.g. when checking and refilling fluids.
Therefore, always observe the warnings and
follow all general safety precautions. The en-
gine compartment is a dangerous area
.WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam,
smoke or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Risk of scalding! Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before opening
the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition. ●
Engage neutral in vehicles with manual
gearbox and move the selector lever to posi-
tion P in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always
be closed when the vehicle is moving. There-
fore, after closing the bonnet always check
that it is properly secured.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
safely secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet properly. Risk of accident!
● Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
● Do not touch hot engine parts. Risk of
burns!
● Never spill fluids on hot engine compart-
ments. These fluids can cause a fire (e.g. anti-
freeze in coolant)!
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan when the en-
gine is hot. The fan may start running sud-
denly!
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sulating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pansion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure! ●
Protect face, hands and arms from any hot
steam or hot coolant released by covering the
cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.
● Do not leave any objects, such as cloths or
tools, in the engine compartment.
● When working underneath the vehicle, se-
cure it so that it cannot roll away and support
it safely on suitable supports. The hydraulic
jack is not sufficient for this purpose. Risk of
injuries!
● If any tests have to be performed with the
engine running, there is an extra safety risk
from rotating parts, such as the drive belt, al-
ternator and radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. You should also
note the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Keep away from moving engine parts
when wearing jewellery, loose clothing or
long hair. Risk of fatal injuries! All jewel- lery must be removed, hair tied back and
close-fitting clothing worn.
● Observe the following additional warnings
if work on the fuel system or the electrical
system is necessary.
–Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguish-
er immediately available. 132

Advice
away from the glass. Otherwise the paint-
work may be damaged.
– Pull the release catch in the direction of the
arrow 2
››› Fig. 108 and the bonnet will be
r el
eased.
– Hold and lift the bonnet.
– Remove the support strut 3
››› Fig. 109
from its fastening in the direction of the ar- row and secure the raised bonnet so that
the end of the strut hooks onto the opening
in the bonnet
4 .
Closing the bonnet – Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the
support strut keeping the bonnet open and
insert it into its fastening 3 .
–
Let the bonnet drop from a height of
around 20 cm into the catch Do not press
down afterwards!
– Check that the bonnet is correctly closed.
Checking fluid levels Fig. 110
Diagram for the location of the various elements. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluids in the vehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank . . . . . . . . . . .138
Window washer water tank . . . . . . . .139
Engine oil filler cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
1 2
3 Engine oil level dipstick
. . . . . . . . . . .136
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
The checking and replenishment of the serv-
ice fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are de-
scribed in the ››› page 132 .
4 5
6 Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of
››› page 174 . Note
The layout of the engine compartment is very
similar to all petrol and diesel engines. 134

Advice
The capacity
of the reservoir is approximately
3.5 litr
es; in vehicles with a headlight washer
system, it is approximately 5.4 litres 1)
.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean
the glass and the headlights properly. We
therefore recommend using clean water with
a glass cleaning product to eliminate any
stubborn dirt (with an anti-freeze additive in
winter).
Although
your vehicle has heated windscreen
washer jets, anti-freeze should always be
added to the water in winter.
Ethanol can be used where glass cleaner with
anti-freeze is unavailable. The concentration
of ethanol must be no greater than 15 %.
However, remember that anti-freeze in this
proportion only protects down to -5 °C
(+23 °F). CAUTION
● Never mix the windscreen washing water
with anti-freeze used for the cooling system
or other additives.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight
washer system, only mix a detergent that
does not damage polycarbonates with the
water. Note
When topping up the fluid, do not move the
filter from the container opening, as this
could contaminate the fluid hoses and lead to
a windscreen washer malfunction. Battery
Introduction Warning symbols on the battery
Sym
bolMeaning
Always wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Always wear
gloves and hearing protection!
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights
and lit cigarettes away when working on the
battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released
when the battery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery!
Incorrect handling of the vehicle battery
could lead to damage. We therefore recom-mend all work on the vehicle battery be per-
formed by an authorised SEAT dealer.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and
scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire
when working on the battery and the electri-
cal system. Therefore, always observe the
warnings and follow all general safety pre-
cautions.
WARNING
● Battery acid is very corrosive, therefore, the
battery must be handled with the utmost
care. Wear protective gloves and protect your
eyes and skin when handling batteries. The
corrosive fumes in the air irritate and inflame
the respiratory tract and cause conjunctivitis.
It corrodes tooth enamel. Causes deep and
difficult-to-heal wounds when it comes in
contact with the skin. Repeated contact with
diluted acids causes skin disease (inflamma-
tion, ulcers and fissures). When in contact
with water, acids dilute and develop a great
deal of heat.
● Do not tilt the battery, as acid could leak
out of the vapour vents. Protect your eyes
with glasses or a protective helmet! Risk of
blindness! If acid should splash into the
eyes, rinse the affected eye immediately for
several minutes using clean water. Then seek
medical care immediately. 1)
Valid only for certain countries. 5.4 litres for both
versions.
140

Checking and refilling levels
●
Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or
clothing with soap solution as quickly as pos-
sible and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid
is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor im-
mediately.
● Keep children away from the battery.
● Hydrogen is released and a highly explo-
sive mixture of gases is generated when the
battery is under charge. Sparks when discon-
necting or releasing cable terminals with the
ignition switched on could also cause an ex-
plosion.
● A short circuit is produced if the battery ter-
minals are bridged, e.g. using metal objects,
cables, etc. Possible consequences of a short
circuit: melting of lead plates, battery explo-
sion and fire, splashing acid.
● The following is forbidden while working on
the battery: fire and open flames, smoking
and activities that could produce sparks.
Avoid causing sparks when handling cables
or electrical apparatus. Risk of injury in the
event of large sparks.
● Before working on the electrical system,
you must switch off the engine, the ignition
and all electrical components and disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal (-) of the
battery. To change a bulb, simply switch off
the corresponding light.
● Never charge a frozen or thawed out bat-
tery. Risk of explosion and acid burns! Re-
place a frozen battery.
● Never use the jump leads on batteries in
which the electrolyte level is too low. Risk of
explosion and acid burns! ●
Never use a damaged battery. Risk of ex-
plosion! Replace a damaged battery immedi-
ately. CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery when the igni-
tion is switched on, as the electrical system
(electronic components) of the vehicle could
be damaged. When disconnecting the battery
from the vehicle electrical system, disconnect
its negative terminal (-) first. Only then may
the positive terminal (+) be disconnected.
● When connecting the battery, first connect
the positive terminal (+) and then the nega-
tive terminal (-). The battery cables must nev-
er be connected to the wrong battery termi-
nals. Risk of burning the electrical installa-
tion!
● Make sure the battery acid does not come
into contact with the bodywork. Risk of paint-
work damage.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
to protect it from ultraviolet radiation.
● If the vehicle is not used for 3 or 4 weeks,
the battery could run flat. This is because
some components use electricity even in
standby mode (e.g. control units). Prevent the
battery from running flat by disconnecting its
negative terminal or leave it charging at a low
current.
● If you frequently use the vehicle for short
trips, the battery may not fully charge and
could run flat. For the sake of the environment
A flat battery is particularly harmful waste for
the environment. It must therefore be dis-
posed of according to current local law. Note
Replace a battery once it is older than 5
years. Open the battery cover.
Fig. 115
Battery: Opening the cover. The battery is located beneath a plastic cover
in the engine compartment.
–
Open the battery cover in the direction indi-
cated by the arrow ›››
Fig. 115 .
– The po s
itive terminal (+) of the battery is
connected in reverse order.
141
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
Checking battery acid level Fig. 116
Battery: Electrolyte level indicator. We recommend you have the acid level regu-
larly checked at an official technical service,
particularly in the following cases.
● At high outside temperatures.
● On long daily trips.
● Whenever the vehicle is loaded
››› page 142, Charging the battery .
In v
ehicles equipped with a battery with col-
our indicator, the so-called magic eye
››› Fig. 116
changes colour to indicate the
acid level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the in-
dicator. Therefore, carefully knock the indica-
tor before checking the acid level.
● Black – the acid level is correct.
● Colourless or light yellow – acid level too
low, battery must be changed. Note
● The battery acid level is also regularly
checked during servicing at authorised SEAT
dealers.
● The electrolyte level on “AGM” batteries
cannot be checked for technical reasons.
● Vehicles equipped with the “Start-Stop”
system include a battery control unit to con-
trol the battery level for repeated engine
starting. Winter service
At low temperatures the battery provides only
a fraction of the starting power it has at nor-
mal temperatures.
A flat battery can also freeze at temperatures
slightly below to 0 °C (32 °F).
We therefore recommend you have the bat-
tery checked and, if necessary, charged at an
official SEAT technical service before the start
of winter.
Charging the battery A fully-charged battery is essential for relia-
ble starting.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment. –
For “fast-charging” only: disconnect both
battery connection cables (first the “nega-
tive” terminal and then the “positive”).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery
terminals (red = “positive”, black = “nega-
tive”).
– Plug in the battery charger and switch on.
– After charging the battery: Switch off the
battery charger and disconnect the cable.
– Remove the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables
to the battery (first the “positive” cable,
then the “negative” cable).
When charging with a low current (e.g. with a
small battery charger ), the battery does not
normally have to be disconnected. The in-
structions of the battery charger manufactur-
er must be followed.
Use a current equivalent to or lower than
10% of the battery capacity to fully charge
the battery.
Before “ fast-charging
” the battery however,
both b
attery cables must be disconnected.
“Fast-charging” a battery is dangerous and
requires a battery charger and special knowl-
edge. Fast charges should be performed by
an official technical service.
The battery caps should not be opened while
the battery is being charged.
142