Operation
conventional automatic gearboxes and allow
f or smooth, u
nint
errupted acceleration of the
vehicle.
The tiptronic system allows the driver to
change gears manually if desired
››› page 170, Changing gears in tiptronic
mode*.
Selector lever positions Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 44
The selector lever position engaged is high-
lighted on the display in the instrument clus-
ter. With the selector lever in the manual
gearbox positions G, D, E and S, the engaged
gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when
the vehicle is stationary ››› .
The int erloc
k
button (the button on the selec-
tor lever handle) must be pressed in and si-
multaneously the brake pedal must be de-
pressed before moving the selector lever ei-
ther in or out of position P. R – Reverse gear
Rever
se gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling
››› .
T o mo
v
e the selector lever to position R, the
interlock button must be pressed in and at
the same time the brake pedal must be de-
pressed. The reverse lights come on when
the selector lever is in the R position with the
ignition on.
N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the
gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables
the gears to be controlled in normal mode (D)
or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move
the selector lever backwards. Moving the lev-
er again will select normal mode (D). The se-
lected driving mode is shown on the instru-
ment panel display.
In normal mode (D), the gearbox automatical-
ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable. The brake pedal must be pressed when mov-
ing the select
or lever from D/S to N if the ve-
hicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h
(3 mph) ››› .
Under c er
t
ain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode
››› page 170, in order to manually select gear
ratios to suit the driving conditions. WARNING
● Tak e c
are not to accidentally press the ac-
celerator pedal when the vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P
when driving. F
ailure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● With selector lever in any position (except
P) the vehic
le must always be held with the
foot brake when the engine is running. This is
because an automatic gearbox still transmits
power even at idling speed, and the vehicle
tends to “creep”). The accelerator pedal must
on no account be pressed inadvertently when
a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.
● While you are selecting a gear and the vehi-
cle i
s stopped with the engine running, do 168
Operation
Note
● If the sel ect
or lever lock does not engage,
there is a fault. The transmission is interrup-
ted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally
moving. Follow the procedure below in order
for the selector lever lock to engage again:
–With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal and release it again.
– With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal. Move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and subsequently engage a
gear.
● Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle
does not
move forwards or back. Proceed to
the next mode:
– When the vehicle does not move in the
required direction, the system may not
have the gear range correctly engaged.
Press the brake pedal and engage the
gear range again.
– If the vehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system mal-
function. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked. Changing gears in tiptronic mode*
Fig. 188
Centre console: changing gear with
tiptr onic Fig. 189
Steering wheel: automatic gearbox
l ev er
s The tiptronic gives the driver the option to
c
h
an
ge gears manually. Changing gear manually with the selector
lever
It
is possible to change to tiptronic mode,
both when the vehicle is stopped and while
driving.
– To switch to tiptronic mode, move the se-
lector l
ever from position D/S to the right.
As soon as the change is made the selector
level will be shown in the position M on the
instrument panel display (for example M4
means that the fourth gear is engaged).
– Move the selector lever forwards + to se-
l ect
a higher g
ear ››› Fig. 188.
– Move the selector lever backwards – to
sel ect
a lo
wer gear.
Changing gear manually with the gearshift
paddles*
The gearshift paddles can be used when the
selector lever is in the position D/S or M.
– Press the gearshift paddle + to select a
higher g e
ar ›
›› Fig. 189.
– Press the gearshift paddle – to select a
lo w
er g
ear.
– With the selector lever in position D/S, if no
pad
dle is operated during a short period of
time, the gearbox control system switches
back to automatic mode. To switch to per-
manent manual gear change using the
gearshift paddles, move the selector lever
from position D/S to the right.
170
Driving
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driv
in
gFuel consumption, environmental pollution
and we
ar t
o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)*
››› table on page 2
Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
page 32.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine br
ak
ing effect, reducing wear on the
brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption will drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for e
xample, at level crossings
and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
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.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel
efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions. »
177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Fault in the brake system
If the br
ak
e pedal travel should ever increase
suddenly, this may mean that one of the two
brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately
to the nearest specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly
and remember that you will have to apply
more pressure on the brake pedal and allow
for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu-
id level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you
apply to the brake pedal. It works only when
the engine is running. WARNING
● App ly
the brakes heavily to clean the brake
system only in a suitable traffic situation. Do
not put other road users in danger: there is
risk of causing an accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in
neutral, when the en
gine is stopped. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in an
accident.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subj
ected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes. CAUTION
● Never l et
the brakes “drag” by leaving your
foot on the pedal when it is not necessary to
brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient,
it is
advisable to reduce speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of engine braking
and relieves the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at
intervals than to apply the brakes continu-
ously. Note
● If the br ak
e servo is out of action, for exam-
ple when the car is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal to make up for the lack of
servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with acces-
sories s
uch as a front spoiler or wheel covers,
it is important that the flow of air to the front
wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the
brakes can overheat. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
E
SC.
The hi l
l 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-
prox
imately 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 f
or manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S, D or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill. WARNING
● If y
ou 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 u
se the hand brake immediately.182
Operation
If the selector lever is placed in position R
durin g the s
t
opping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R. Note
● You c an c
ontrol whether the engine should
switch off or not by reducing or increasing the
brake force applied. While the vehicle re-
mains stopped, the engine will not stop if the
brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for exam-
ple. As soon as strong pressure is applied to
the brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during
the stop
ping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual g
earbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
fr
equently
f
or different reasons. The engine does not switch off
Befor
e the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine does not switch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum required t
emperature for the Start-Stop
mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air
conditioner ha
s not yet been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
page 45.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-
ing turned.
● If
there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
● In the CUPRA version with automatic gear-
box, when it i
s in Tiptronic mode or in its
sports driving position ( S).
The indication is shown on the instrument
panel display, and in addition, the driver in-
formation system* shows, . The engine starts by itself
During a s
topping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the
value select
ed on the air conditioner.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
page 45.
● The brake has been pressed several times
consec
utively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption. Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
select or l
ever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (5
mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. 184
Driver assistance systems
Adaptive Cruise Control ACC* Intr oduction Fig. 193
Detection area.
›› ›
table on page 2
The adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an exten-
sion of the normal cruise control system
(CCS) ››› .
The A C
C
function allows the driver to estab-
lish a cruise speed of between 30 and 160
km/h (18 and 100 mph), as well as the tem-
porary distance required with regard to the
vehicle in front. The ACC function will adapt
the vehicle's cruise speed at all times, main-
taining a safe distance with the vehicle in
front.
The ACC function is based on a radar sensor
that can measure the distance to the vehicles
in front. If the vehicle is equipped with automatic
gearbo
x, the ACC can brake the vehicle until
it stops completely if a vehicle in front of it
stops.
Driver intervention prompt
During driving, the ACC is subject to certain
limitations inherent in the system. In other
words, in certain circumstances the driver will
have to adjust speed him or herself, as well
as the distance from other vehicles.
In this case, the instrument panel screen will
warn you to intervene by applying the brake
and a warning tone will be heard
››› page 188. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot
ov er
come the system's inherent limitations
or change the laws of physics. If used negli-
gently or involuntarily, it may cause serious
accidents and injuries. The system is not a re-
placement for driver awareness.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Do not use the ACC when visibility is bad,
on steep r
oads, with several bends or in slip-
pery circumstances such as snow, ice, rain or
loose gravel, or on flooded roads.
● Never use the ACC when driving off-road or
on unpav
ed roads. The ACC has been de-
signed for use on paved roads only. ●
The AC C
does not react on approaching a
fixed obstacle, such as the tail of a traffic
jam, a damaged vehicle or a vehicle stopped
at the traffic lights.
● The ACC does not react to people or animal
or vehic
les crossing your path or which ap-
proach you head-on in the same lane.
● If the ACC does not reduce speed sufficient-
ly, brak
e the vehicle immediately by applying
the pedal.
● If you are driving using the spare wheel,
the ACC
system could automatically switch
off during the journey. Switch off the system
when starting off.
● If the vehicle continues to move involuntar-
ily af
ter a driver intervention prompt, brake
the vehicle by applying the pedal.
● If the dash panel displays a driv
er interven-
tion prompt, adjust the distance yourself.
● The driver should be ready to accelerate or
brake b
y him/herself at all times. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d
amaged, disconnect the ACC. This will
avoid possible damage. If this occurs have it
adjusted.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
ist
knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose. » 187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
If numer ou
s unnecessary interventions oc-
cur, the City Emergency braking function may
switch off automatically. Lane Assist system*
Introduction
›› ›
table on page 2 WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Lane Assist
sys t
em cannot change the limits imposed by
the laws of physics and by the very nature of
the system. Careless or uncontrolled use of
the Lane Assist system may cause accidents
and injury. The system is not a replacement
for driver awareness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance
to the v
ehicles ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so it c
an be turned at any time.
● The Lane Assist system does not detect all
roa
d markings. The road surfaces, road struc-
tures or objects in poor condition can be in-
correctly detected as road markings under
certain circumstances by the Lane Assist sys-
tem. In such situations, switch the Lane As-
sist system off immediately. ●
Ple a
se observe the indications on the in-
strument panel and act as is necessary.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's sur-
roundin
gs.
● When the area of vision of the camera be-
comes
dirty, covered or is damaged, the Lane
Assist system function can be affected. CAUTION
In order to avoid influencing the operation of
the sy st
em, the following points must be tak-
en into account:
● Regularly clean the area of vision of the
camera and k
eep it in a clean state, without
snow or ice.
● Do not cover the area of vision of the cam-
era.
● Check
that the area of vision of the wind-
scr
een camera is not damaged. Note
● The Lane Ass i
st system has been exclusive-
ly developed for driving on paved roads only.
● If the Lane Assist system does not work as
desc
ribed in this chapter, do not use it and
contact a specialised workshop.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
check
ed by a specialised workshop. Indications on the display and lamps
Fig. 206
On the instrument panel display: In-
dic ation on the Lane As
s
ist system display
(example 1). 202
Driver assistance systems
Fig. 207
On the instrument panel display: In-
dic ation on the Lane As
s
ist system display
(example 2). Status display
The sy s
t
em is active, but not available,
either because the minimum speed has
not been reached or because the lane
lines are not recognised ››› Fig. 206 A.
The system is active and available, both
lane lines are recognised. The steering
angle is not being corrected at this mo-
ment ››› Fig. 206 B.
–
– The system is operational, the highligh-
ted line
A indicates that there was a
ri sk
of
involuntarily crossing the lane
line and that the steering is being adjus-
ted to correct the angle ››› Fig. 207 C.
The two lines A light up simultaneously
when both l ane line
s
are recognised and
the Lane Assist function is active
››› Fig. 207 D.
Control lamps
Blinks or lights up yellow: Lane Assist
active but not available.
The system can not accurately recognise the lane.
Please see page 204, the Lane Assist system is not
available (the control lamp is lit up yellow).
Blinks or lights up green:
Lane Assist system active and available.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 109. –
–
Operation Fig. 208
In the windscreen: field of vision of
the Lane As s
i
st system camera. Using the camera located in the windscreen,
the Lane As
s
i
st system detects the possible
lines dividing the lanes. When the vehicle in-
voluntarily approaches a dividing line it has
detected, the system notifies the driver with
a corrective steering movement . This move-
ment can be over-regulated at any time.
No warning is produced with the turn signals
activated, given that the Lane Assist system
understands that a lane change is required.
Steering wheel vibration
The following situations can cause vibration
in the steering wheel and require the driver
to take active control of driving:
● When the limits of the very nature of the
syst
em are reached. »
203
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety