
Operation
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle
contr
o
l! If possible, reduce your speed and
drive carefully to a specialised workshop
close by to check the brake system. During
the following journey, avoid sudden braking
and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp does not
go out
or if it lights while driving, the ABS is mal-
functioning. The vehicle can only be stopped
using normal braking without ABS. The pro-
tection provided by the ABS is not available.
Visit a specialised workshop as soon as pos-
sible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Handbrake
Fig. 143
Between the front seats: handbrake. Using the handbrake
●
Pull firmly in an upwards direction on the
h andbr ak
e lever while pressing the button.
● The handbrake is applied when the control
lamp
lights up on the instrument panel
››› page 133 when the ignition is switched
on.
Releasing the handbrake
● Pull gently in an upwards direction on the
handbrak
e lever and press the lock button
››› Fig. 143 (arrow).
● Move the handbrake lever downwards
keeping the loc
k button pressed. WARNING
The incorrect use of the handbrake may result
in a serious ac
cident.
● Never use the handbrake to brake the vehi-
cle e
xcept in an emergency. The braking dis-
tance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use
the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently ap-
plied. Thi
s can overheat the brake, affecting
the brakes system. This also causes prema-
ture wear on the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the en
gine running and a gear en-
gaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to
6 km/h (4 mph) with the h andbr
ake applied,
an audible warning is sounded. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments shou
l
d be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given. ● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ››
›
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hic l
e c
omes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ›››
page 134.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lev
er to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● R
emove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to loc
k the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat gr
ound and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, e
specially children.
134

Driving
Changing gear Intr oduction When reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is
sw
itched on the following takes place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● The rear wiper blade performs one move-
ment when the wind
screen wiper is activa-
ted.
● If necessary, connect the parking distance
warning sy
stem. WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skid din
g, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and considerable
damage.
● Use rapid acceleration only when visibility,
weather
, road conditions and traffic permit. WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a pro-
long ed period of
time, or brake frequently or
for long periods of time. Continuous braking
heats up the brakes. This could significantly
reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the
brake system. Control and warning lamps
It lights up red
Fault in the auto-
matic gearbox.
Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice. Failure to
do so could result in considerable
damage to the transmission
››› page 141.
It lights up yellow
In the automatic
gearbox the
gears can en-
gage incorrectly.Switch the ignition on and off.
When the control lamp does not
light up, find the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the auto-
matic gearbox checked.
The automatic
gearbox over-
heats temporari-
ly.Let the transmission cool with the
gearbox lever in the position .
When the control lamp does not
light up, find the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the auto-
matic gearbox checked.
It lights up
Place the automatic
gearbox lever in the
position
and do not
press the brake pedal.
Press the brake pedal to select
a gear range.
It lights up
Together with the yel-
low control lamp for
the temperature of the
transmission
: the
automatic gearbox
overheats.
Press brake pedal and let the
transmission cool. Avoid
pressing the accelerator. When
the control lamp does not light
up, find the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the
automatic gearbox checked.
Together with the turn
signal display in the
instrument panel dis-
play: the automatic
gearbox lever is not in
the position
, indica-
tion to start the en-
gine.
Move the gearbox lever to the
position and start the en-
gine.
Flashes
An automatic gearbox
in the vehicle does
not guarantee that the
vehicle will not roll
away.Apply the handbrake.
Flashes
In the instrument pan-
el display, in addition
to the control lamp re-
questing the brake
pedal to be pressed
: indicated for start-
ing the engine.
Move the gearbox lever to the
position and start the en-
gine.» 137
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Automatic gearbox malfunction Back-up programme
When autom
atic
gearbox warning and indica-
tion lamps light up on the instrument panel,
there may be a system malfunction
››› page 137. In the event of some faults the
automatic gearbox functions using a backup
programme. When the programme is activa-
ted, it is possible to drive the vehicle, howev-
er, at low speeds and within a selected range
of gears.
With the manual gearbox, in some cases it is
not possible to drive with all the gears .
In all cases the automatic gearbox must be
checked at a specialised workshop.
Automatic gearbox overheating
The automatic gearbox can overheat with a
prolonged start up, or when stopping and
starting continuously. This overheating is dis-
played with a warning lamp in the instru-
ment panel. Additionally, an audible warning
can be heard. Stop and let the gearbox cool
››› .
The v
ehic
le moves forward or back despite
having selected a gear range
When the vehicle does not move in the re-
quired 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 dir
ection, there is a system malfunc-
tion. Seek specialist assistance and have the
system checked. CAUTION
● When the ge arbo
x is displayed as overheat-
ing for the first time, the vehicle must be
parked safely or must be driven at a speed of
more than 20 km/h (12 mph).
● When the warning lamp lights up and the
audible w
arning is heard, the vehicle must be
parked safely and the engine switched off.
Let the gearbox cool down.
● To prevent damage to the gearbox, driving
must
only be continued when the warning
lamps are no longer lit up. While the gearbox
is overheated, starting up and driving, even
at a slow speed should be avoided. Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for
r
educ
in
g fuel consumption is displayed on
the instrument panel:
DisplayMeaning
Optimum gear.
Recommendation to change up a gear.
Recommendation to change down a
gear. WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as
a guideline only; it shou
ld never replace the
driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear
for eac
h situation continues to lie with the
driver, for example when overtaking or climb-
ing a hill. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the
sit uation w
ill help you to save fuel. Note
● The rec ommended g
ear display is switched
off when the clutch pedal is pressed.
● On the display of the Portable Navigation
Sys
tem (supplied by SEAT) ››› page 164 the
recommended gear can also be seen. Run-in and economical driving
R u
nnin
g in Please observe the instructions for running-in
new c
omponents.
R u
nning-in the engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first
1,500 km. During its first few hours of »
141
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to
the v ehic
les ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. Engine management and ex-
hau
s
t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. Control and warning lamps
It lights up
Fault in engine
management
(Electronic Pow-
er Control).Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.
It lights up
Fault in catalytic
converter.You should reduce speed according-
ly. Drive carefully until you reach the
next specialised workshop. Have
the engine checked there.
Flashes
Combustion
fault which could
damage the cat-
alytic converter.You should reduce speed according-
ly. Drive carefully until you reach the
next specialised workshop. Have
the engine checked there.
Several warning and indication lamps light
up f
or a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps
and to the c orr
esponding descriptions and in-
structions to avoid damage to the vehicle. Note
While the control lamps or r
emain lit,
the engine will have faults, there will be high-
er consumption of fuel and a loss of engine
power. Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent tr
e
atment of the exhaust gases thus
reducing contaminating gas emissions. To
ensure a longer working life for the exhaust
system and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil
›› ›
page 186.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cabl
es ›››
page 42.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven run-
ning or loss of power when the car is moving,
reduce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. »
145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Do not be distracted from traffic to look at the
sc r
een. Note
● SEA T r
ecommends practising using the
parking distance warning system in a traffic-
free zone or in a car park to familiarise your-
self with the system and its operation.
● Representation of the registered area on
the scr
een of the portable navigation system
may take up to 5 seconds.
● Note the Instruction Manual provided for
the device of
the additional information relat-
ing to the Portable Navigation System (sup-
plied by SEAT) ››› page 164. Cruise control* (Cruise control
sy
s
t
em - CCS)
Control lamp
It lights upPossible cause
This cruise control system maintains the
set speed of the vehicle.
Several warning and indication lamps light
up f
or a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Cruise control operation
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 25
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to in-
dividually maintain the set speed when driv-
ing forwards from approx. 20 km/h (15 mph).
The CCS only slows down by reducing the ac-
celerator but not by braking ››› .
T r
av
elling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. Slow the vehicle
down using the brake pedal and reduce
gears if required. Automatic off
The cruise c
ontrol system (CCS) is switched
off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could af-
fect the w
orking order of the CCS.
● If you increase the stored speed by press-
ing the acc
elerator pedal for a certain time.
● if the brake or clutch pedal is depressed.
● If the gear is changed with the manual
gearbo
x.
● If the airbag is triggered. WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause acci-
dents and sev
ere injuries if it is not possible
to drive at a constant speed maintaining the
safety distance.
● Do not use the cruise control in heavy traf-
fic, if the dis
tance from the vehicle in front is
insufficient, on steep roads, with several
bends or in slippery circumstances (snow,
ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or
on unpav
ed roads.
● 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.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise
contro
l system, turn it off every time you fin-
ish using it. » 151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
Warning and control lamp The City Safety Assist function is switched on
ever
y
time the ignition is switched on. No
special indication is produced.
If the City Safety Assist function is switched
off or on, or if there is an error in the system,
it will be shown by a control lamp on the in-
strument panel display.
It lights up
The City Safety Assist
function has been
switched on manual-
ly using the button
››› Fig. 152.
The control lamp turns off after
about 5 seconds.
Flashes
Fast: The City Safety
Assist system func-
tion brakes automat-
ically or has braked
automatically.
Control lamp turns off automati-
cally.
Slow: City Safety As-
sist function is not
currently available.
If the vehicle is stopped, switch
off the engine and switch it on
again. If necessary, inspect the
radar sensor (dirt, frost)
›››
in
Radar sensor on page 154. If it
still does not function, refer to a
Specialised workshop to have
the system inspected.
Flashes
Within the operating
area of 5-30 km/h
(3-19 mph): The City
Safety Assist func-
tion has been
switched off manual-
ly using the button
››› Fig. 152.
Switch on the City Safety Assist
function manually using the
button
››› Fig. 152. Several warning and indication lamps should
light up f
or a f
ew seconds when the ignition
is switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Radar sensor
Fig. 150
In the windscreen: City Safety Assist
f u
nction r
adar sensor. Fig. 151
Radar sensor detection area. A radar sensor on the windscreen
››
›
Fig. 150
allows the system to detect driving situations
in front of the vehicle.
Vehicles ahead can be detected up to a dis-
tance of about 10 m. »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
WARNING
The laser beam on the radar sensor can pro-
duce seriou s
injuries to the eyes.
● Never focus optical devices, e.g. a camera,
a micro
scope or a magnifying glass closer
than 100 mm from the radar sensor.
● Note that the laser beam can stay active
when the City
Safety Assist system is switch-
ed off or unavailable. The laser beam is not
visible to the human eye. CAUTION
If the windscreen is dirty or frosted in the
are a of
the radar sensor, e.g. due to rain, mist
or snow, the City Safety Assist system may
fail to operate as a result.
● Always keep the radar sensor area free of
dirt and fr
ost.
● Use a small brush to remove snow and a
de-icer spr
ay to remove ice. CAUTION
A damaged windscreen in the radar sensor
are a m
ay cause the City Safety Assist func-
tion to fail to operate.
● Replace the windscreen if it is scratched,
crac
ked or chipped by stones in the radar
sensor area. Only use a windscreen author-
ised by SEAT. Carrying out repairs is not per-
mitted (e.g. in the case of damage suffered in
an impact from a stone). ●
When rep l
acing the windscreen wipers, on-
ly use windscreen wipers authorised by SEAT.
● Do not paint the radar sensor area on the
winds
creen, or cover it with adhesives or oth-
er materials. Function
Fig. 152
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: B
utton for the City Safety Assist func-
tion. Switching on and off the City Safety Assist
f
u
nction
● Pr
ess the ››› Fig. 152
button on the centre
console.
When the City Safety Assist function is
switched on, the control lamp lights up
on the dash panel within the operational
range, i.e. for speeds between 5-30 km/h
(3-19 mph). Switch off the City Safety Assist function in
the fol
lowing situations
Switching off the City Safety Assist function is
recommended in the following situations
››› :
● While the vehicle is being towed.
● If the vehicle has been taken to an auto-
m atic
c
ar wash.
● If the vehicle is above a test bed.
● If the radar sensor is faulty.
● After the radar sensor has been involved in
a col
lision.
● When driving off road (overhanging branch-
es).
● If o
bjects are protruding above the bonnet,
e.g. a loa
d carried on the roof that signifi-
cantly protrudes over the front.
● If the windscreen is damaged in the radar
sensor are
a. WARNING
Failure to switch off the City Safety Assist
fu nction in the abo
ve situations may result in
accidents and serious injury.
● Switch off the City Safety Assist function in
critica
l situations.154

Operation
Hill driving assistant* Oper ation This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
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-
proximately 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 positions S, D or R in vehi-
cles with an automatic 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.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want t
o prevent the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off. Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can t el
l you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. Start-Stop System
C ontr
o
l lamps
It lights up
The Start-Stop system is enabled.
It lights up
The Start-Stop sys-
tem is enabled but
the engine cannot
be automatically
stopped.
Contact a specialised workshop.
It lights up
The Start-Stop sys-
tem cannot start the
engine.Start the engine by hand using
the vehicle's key
››› page 130.
There is a fault in the
alternator.››› page 193
Flashes
The Start-Stop sys-
tem is not available.Contact a specialised workshop.
Some warning and indication lamps will light
up briefly
when the ignition i
s
switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in On the
ins trument
panel on page 27. 156