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
Operation
Flashes
On the instrument
panel display: Whilst
driving in a forward di-
rection, try to move
the automatic gearbox
lever to the position
.
Stop the vehicle and move the
gearbox lever to the position in order to subsequently
change to the position .
On the instrument
panel display: The au-
tomatic gearbox lever
was placed in the po-
sition
or , but the
brake pedal was not
pressed.
Press the brake pedal, move
the gearbox lever to the posi-
tion
, and subsequently to
the required position or . When switching on the ignition some warn-
in
g and indic
ation l
amps light up for a short
time to check the operations. They will switch
off after a few seconds. Manual gear change Fig. 144
Gear shift pattern of a 5-speed man-
ual g
e
arbox Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 27
Shifting down a gear
Shifting down a gear while driving must be
carried out gear by gear, i.e. to the gear im-
mediately preceding the current gear and at
an engine speed that is not excessive ››› .
At high s
peed
s, or high engine speeds, skip-
ping one or various gears when shifting
down a gear can cause damage to the clutch
and the gearbox, even if the clutch is not en-
gaged during the process ››› .
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will
st ar
t to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. ●
Never en g
age the reverse gear when a vehi-
cle is moving forward. WARNING
As a consequence of shifting down a gear in-
c orr ectly
, you may lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident with serious conse-
quences. CAUTION
If, at high speeds or high engine speeds, the
ge ar l
ever is shifted down to a gear that is too
low, serious damage can be caused to the
clutch and gearbox. This may also happen if
you press the clutch pedal and it does not en-
gage. CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature
we ar
, please observe the following:
● While driving, do not leave your hand rest-
ing on the ge
ar stick. The pressure applied by
your hand is transmitted to the gearbox se-
lector forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is complete-
ly st
opped before engaging the reverse gear.
● When changing gear, always make sure the
clutc
h pedal is pushed right to the floor.
● Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on
hill
s with the engine on. 138
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
Driver assistance systems
Br ak
in
g and stability systems
Brake assist systems The assisted braking systems ESC*, ABS,
EBV
, B
AS, ASR, TC and EDL only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute
significantly to increasing active safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
ESC* reduces the risk of skidding and increa-
ses the vehicle stability by braking individual
wheels under specific driving conditions.
ESC* detects critical handling situations,
such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin
on the driven wheels. The system stabilises
the vehicle by braking individual wheels or
by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC* has limits. It is important to realise
that ESC* is also subject to the laws of phys-
ics. ESC* will not be able to deal with all sit-
uations with which drivers may be faced. For
example, if the road surface changes sudden-
ly then ESC* will not be useful in all cases. If
the vehicle suddenly enters a section cov-
ered by water, mud or snow then ESC* will
not provide assistance in the same way as on
dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the ground and moves on a film of water (“aqua-
pl
anin
g”), the ESC* will not be able to help
the driver control the vehicle due to the loss
of adherence with the road surface prevent-
ing braking and steering. If the vehicle is
driven through series of bends at high
speed, the ESC* will not always be as effec-
tive: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driv-
ing is not the same as at reduced speeds.
Adjust your speed and driving style to suit
visibility, and weather, road and traffic condi-
tions. ESC* cannot push the limits of the laws
of physics; improve the transmission availa-
ble or maintain the vehicle on the road if a
lack of driver attention creates an inevitable
situation. Otherwise, ESC* assists in main-
taining vehicle control in extreme situations
and uses the movements of the steering
made by the driver to maintain the vehicle
moving in the desired direction. If the vehicle
is driven at such a speed that it will leave the
road before ESC* can intervene then the sys-
tem cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are in-
corporated into the ESC*. The ESC* is always
on 1)
.
Anti-lock system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing braking until just before the vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle
and maintain c
ontrol. This means that, even
during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not
remov
e your foot from the brake pedal or re-
duce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce
brakin
g force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking
ful
ly.
● When the brake pedal is released or when
the brake f
orce is reduced, ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of
the brake pedal and noise. You should never
expect the ABS to reduce the braking dis-
tance under any circumstances. This distance
will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy or slippery ground.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The brake assist
system boosts the braking force if you press
the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. As
a result, the braking pressure increases rap-
idly, the braking force is multiplied and the
braking distance is reduced. This enables the »1)
Depending on the version.
147
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Switching the parking distance warning sys-
t em on and off
● Swit
ching on: With the ignition swit
ched
on, select reverse gear. A short audible warn-
ing confirms that the parking distance warn-
ing system is switched on and functioning.
● Switching off: Rele
ase reverse gear.
Special features of the parking distance
warning system
● The parking distance warning system
sometimes r
egisters water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warn-
ing sign
al will sound less loudly after a few
seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the
volume will remain constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the ob-
stac
le, the beeping sound automatically
switches off. When getting close again, it re-
connects.
● Your SEAT dealership can adjust the volume
of the warnin
g signals. Note
A fault in the parking distance warning sys-
tem i s
indicated through a brief audible warn-
ing that is constant for about 3 seconds when
switching it on the first time. Check the park-
ing distance warning system at a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible. Optical parking system* (OPS)
Fig. 149
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
t ect
ed an o
bstacle in the collision zone; B has detected an obstacle in the segment;
C zone recorded behind the vehicle.
The optical parking system is an extension of
the p
ark
in
g distance warning system
››› page 149.
On the screen of the SEAT Portable System
(supplied by SEAT) the area behind the vehi-
cle is shown registered by the sensors. Any
obstacles are displayed in relation to the ve-
hicle ››› .
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the
display on:Switching on the
››› page 149 park-
ing distance warning system. The
OPS switches on automatically.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:Press the button on the Portable
Navigation System.
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the
display off man-
ually:Release reverse gear. Zones explored
Behind the
v
ehicle ››› Fig. 149 C , the zone
analy sed r
eaches a distance of up to 150 cm
and around 60 cm to the sides.
Screen display
The image displayed represents the super-
vised zones in several segments. As the vehi-
cle moves closer to an obstacle, the segment
moves closer to the vehicle displayed A or
B . When the penultimate segment is dis-
p l
a
yed, this means that the vehicle has
reached the collision zone. Stop the vehicle!
Distance from
the vehicle to
the obstacleAudible
warning
Displayed in col-
our on the screen: colour of the seg-ment if an obsta-cle is recognised
behind:
approx. 31-150
cmbeeping soundYellow
behind:
approx. 0-30 cmperma- nent
soundRed 150
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
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