Operation
ABS to be activated more quickly and
eff ectiv
ely
.
Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal!
When the brake pedal is released or when
the brake force is reduced, braking assist au-
tomatically turns off the brake servo.
Traction control system (ASR) or Traction
Control (TC)*
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control
system ASR or TC reduces the engine torque
to match the amount of grip available. The
ASR or TC makes some situations easier, for
example, when starting, accelerating or go-
ing uphill, even in unfavourable road condi-
tions.
Electronic differential lock (EDS)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines
under normal conditions. When the EDL de-
tects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel
and directs the power to the other one. To
prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-
cally if subjected to excessive loads. The EDL
will switch on again automatically when the
brake has cooled down. WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery or wet
grou nd c
an result in loss of vehicle control and serious injury to the driver and passen-
ger
s.
● Adju
st your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
Even though the brake assist systems, ABS,
BAS, EDL, ASR and ESC* provide more securi-
ty, do not take unnecessary risks while driv-
ing.
● Brake assist systems can not overcome the
law
s of physics. Even with ESC* and other
systems, slippery and wet roads will always
be dangerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result
in the wheels lo
sing contact with the ground
in an effect known as “aquaplaning”. Without
adherence, it is impossible to brake, steer or
control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid acci-
dents if
, for example, the driver does not re-
spect safety distances or drives to quickly in
difficult conditions.
● Even though brake assist systems are ex-
tremely eff
ective and help control the vehicle
in difficult situations, remember that the ve-
hicle stability depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface,
for ex
ample on ice or snow, press the acceler-
ator carefully. The wheels can still slip even
with brake assist systems resulting in loss of
vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC* can be consid-
erab ly
reduced if other components and sys-
tems affecting driving dynamics are not main-
tained or are not functioning correctly. This
includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other
components
to the vehicle can affect opera-
tion of the ABS, BAS, ASR TC, EDL and ESC*.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using
unap
proved wheel/tyre combinations can af-
fect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR, TC, EDL
and ESC* and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC* de-
pends on the u
se of suitable tyres
››› page 197. Note
● To en s
ure that the ESC*, ASR and TC work
properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling
radius of the tyres can cause the system to
reduce engine power when this is not de-
sired.
● If a malfunction should occur in the ABS,
the ESC*, ASR, T
C and EDL will also be affec-
ted.
● Noises may be heard while any of the
above sy
stems are operating.148
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
Driver assistance systems
Start-Stop system Fig. 155
At the top of the centre console:
St ar
t
-Stop system button With the Start-Stop system enabled, the en-
gine i
s
aut
omatically stopped when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. It will start again auto-
matically as required.
This function remains enabled while the igni-
tion is switched on. The instrument panel dis-
play shows information on the current status
››› page 156.
Disconnect the Start-Stop system by hand
whenever crossing water.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
● When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and r
elease the clutch pedal. The en-
gine will stop.
● To restart, simply engage the clutch. Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
●
When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress
the brake or k
eep it pressed down. The en-
gine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you
rele
ase the brake pedal.
● With the selector lever set to position N,
the engine wi
ll not start until a range of gears
is selected or the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed.
Important conditions for the engine to stop
automatically
● The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
temperat
ure.
● The vehicle must have moved since the last
time the engine wa
s stopped.
● The vehicle's battery must be sufficiently
char
ged.
● The battery temperature must not be too
low or too high.
● The
vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. Condition
s for the engine to restart automat-
ical
ly
The engine can be automatically restarted in
the following cases:
● If the vehicle starts to moves.
● If the battery voltage drops.
Conditions
requiring engine start-up using
the key
The engine has to be manually started in the
following cases:
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
Switc
hing the Start-Stop system on and off
● Press the button situat
ed in the centre
console ››› Fig. 155.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop
syst
em is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehi-
cle is in Stop mode when the system is
switched off by hand. WARNING
The smart technology included in the hill
hol d c
annot change the laws of physics. Do
not let the extra convenience afforded by the » 157
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
hill hold tempt you into taking any risks
when drivin
g.
● An
y accidental movement of the vehicle
coul
d result in serious injury.
● The hill hold is not a replacement for driver
awar
eness.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The hill hold cannot always keep the vehi-
cle at
a standstill on a slope or brake suffi-
ciently when travelling downhill (e.g. on slip-
pery or frozen surfaces). WARNING
The brake servo and the electromechanical
st eerin
g do not work when the engine is
switched off.
● The vehicle must never be allowed to move
with the engine sw
itched off.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system before
workin
g in the engine compartment. CAUTION
The vehicle's battery could be damaged if the
vehic l
e is used for long periods at very high
outside temperatures. Note
In some cases, it may be necessary to start
the engine b y
hand using the key. Refer to the corresponding control lamp on the instru-
ment p
anel
. Towing bracket device
Driv in
g w
ith a trailer
Information on driving with a trailer The vehicle is
not certified f
or trailer cou-
pling. The vehicle is not factory-equipped
with a towing bracket, nor is it possible to ret-
rofit it. WARNING
Installing a towing bracket on the vehicle
ma y
cause accidents and serious injuries
while operating the vehicle.
● Never install a towing bracket on the vehi-
cle.
● The tr
ailer may be released from the vehicle
when the vehic
le is moving. CAUTION
Any type of towing bracket installed on the
vehic l
e can cause serious and costly damage
that are not covered under the SEAT guaran-
tee. 158
Care and maintenance
Advice
C ar
e and m
aintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
corr ectly
performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT ap
proved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a s
pecialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions a
s the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink hol
ders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
deployment zones. ●
Only u
se wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Serv
ic
e before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A SEAT Official
Service will advise you as to the legal require-
ments and manufacturer's recommendations
regarding accessories, spare parts and other
components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories and genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition, SEAT tech-
nical services will guarantee that assembly is
performed professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe or suitable
for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot accept
liability, even in those cases authorised by
an officially recognised technical inspection
office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect on vehicle control must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and bear the
e
mark (the E
uropean Union's authorisation
symbol). This includes cruise control systems
or electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the mark (European
Union manufacturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the v ehic
le may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink hol
ders or telephone cradles over or
next to the covers of the airbag modules or
within their deployment zones.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their deplo
yment zones, could lead to
serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Service fluids and components
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, suc
h a
s
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
consumables should be changed at a speci-
ali sed w
ork
shop. Technical services are per-
manently informed of any modifications. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or con-
sum ab
les may result in accident, serious in-
jury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored
closed in their origin
al container.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers
or bottles
as other people may accidentally
drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of
reac
h of children.
● Read and observe the information and
warning
s given on the fluid containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventila-
ted z
ones, when using products which give
off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any
other volatile liquid in the main-
tenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and
highly flammable. They could lead to fire or
explosions! CAUTION
● Only u
se appropriate fluids. Do not confuse
fluids as this can cause serious malfunctions
or engine damage.
● Accessories and other components moun-
ted in front
of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running
under gr
e
at strain in high outside tempera-
tures, it could overheat. For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment.
C o l
lect any spilt fluids in suitable containers
and dispose of them in accordance with legis-
lation and with respect for the environment. Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ific
ation
s,
SEAT's directives must be ob-
served! ››› Unauthorised modifications to the electronic
c
omponents
or sof
tware in the vehicle may
cause malfunctions. Due to the way the elec-
tronic components are linked together in net-
works, other indirect systems may be affec-
ted by the faults. This may significantly affect
the vehicle's performance, increase compo-
nent wear and could mean that the vehicle
registration documents are no longer valid.
Your SEAT Official Service cannot be held lia-
ble for any damage caused by technical mod-
ifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The SEAT Official Service does not accept lia-
bility for damage resulting from technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect- ly; neither is the SEAT warranty valid in these
case
s.
SEAT recommends you have any technical
modifications or repairs performed at a SEAT
Official Service and that you use genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equip-
ment
The manufacturers of additional equipment
guarantee that the equipment complies with
applicable laws and regulations with respect
to the environment, in particular Directives
2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehi-
cles while the second refers to the restric-
tions on the marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documen-
tation for the additional equipment safely
and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end
of the vehicle's service life. This ensures that
any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with re-
spect for the environment. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed c orr
ectly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the driver assist systems. This
could result in serious accident. 160
Advice
The optimal reach of the equipment is only
ac hiev
ed w
ith an external aerial.
Check first with a specialised workshop that
understands the technical possibilities of in-
stallation if you wish to use a two-way radio
with a transmitting power of over 10 watts.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service.
All legal requirements, together with the in-
structions for the use of two-way radios must
be observed. WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened
in pos ition, it
could be sent flying around the
vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden
manoeuvres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, two-way radios must be se-
curely
fastened in position, outside the air-
bags deployment zones, or safely stowed
away. WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a con-
nection to an e xt
erior aerial, the maximum
permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation
may be exceeded. This is also the case if the
aerial has not been correctly installed.
● You should only use a two-way radio inside
the vehic
le if it has first been correctly con-
nected to an exterior aerial. Information stored by the control
u
nit
s Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a ser-
ies
of
electronic control units responsible for
the engine and gearbox management. In ad-
dition, the control units supervise the per-
formance of the exhaust gas system and the
airbag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven,
these electronic control units are continuous-
ly analysing the vehicle data. In the event of
faults or deviations from the theoretical val-
ues, only this data is stored. Normally, the
warning lamps on the instrument panel light
up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed us-
ing special equipment.
The storing of the data allows specialised
workshops to detect and repair faults. Stored
data may include:
● Data relating to the engine or the gearbox
● Speed
● Direction of travel
● Braking force
● Detection of seat belt
The v ehic
le control units never record conver-
sations held by passengers in the vehicle.
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call
function via the mobile phone or other appli- ances connected in the vehicle, it is possible
to send the v
ehicle position. If the control
unit records an accident with airbag activa-
tion, the system may automatically send a
signal. This will depend on the network oper-
ator. Normally, transmission is only possible
in areas with good coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data re-
corder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the
vehicle information. Therefore, in the event of
an accident, it is possible to obtain detailed
information about how the accident occur-
red. Vehicles with airbag systems can store
data relating to impact speed, seat belt sta-
tus, seat positions and airbag activation
times may be stored, etc. The volume of data
depends on the manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted
with authorisation from the vehicle owner
and, in some countries, they are governed by
local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the
component management is stored in the con-
trol units. The programming of certain con-
venience functions, such as the turn signals,
individual door opening and instructions on
the display can be modified using special
162