
Driving
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
w a
y
helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel
››› page 24.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
star
t the engine.
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.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the
exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum operating temperature.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recom- mend avoiding short trips whenever possi-
ble.
M
aintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use. »
165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
Note
After driving through water we recommend
that
you contact a specialised service for an
inspection. Preventing damage to the vehicle
In order to prevent damage to the vehicle,
tak
e s
pecial care:
● on roads that are in poor condition,
● when mounting kerbs,
● when approaching very steep ramps, etc.,
● with the parts of the vehicle situated on the
low er p
art of the vehicle, i.e. the spoiler, the
exhaust pipe.
This applies especially to vehicles with a very
low suspension (sport) and when the vehicle
is fully loaded. Driver assistance systems
Br ak
in
g and stability systems
Electronic stability control (ESC) The ESC system increases control of the vehi-
cl
e in emer
gency situations, e.g. during a
sudden change in direction. Depending on
the driving conditions, it reduces the risk of
skidding and increases driving stability.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The warning lamp on the general instru-
ment panel starts flashing when the system
is working.
The stability (ESC) system includes the fol-
lowing systems:
● Anti-lock brake system (ABS),
● Traction control system (TCS),
● Electronic differential lock (EDL),
● Hydraulic brake assist system (HBA),
● Hill hold control (HHC). The ASR should be switched on at all times.
Only
u
nder certain circumstances should the
system be switched off, e.g.
● driving with chains,
● driving in deep snow or on very soft surfa-
ces,
● D
uring the “swinging movement” required
to remo
ve a stuck vehicle
Switch the ASR back on as soon as possible.
Brake assist system (HBA)*
The HBA system is activated when you press
down on the brake pedal suddenly. It increa-
ses braking power, helping to reduce braking
distances. To reduce braking distance as
much as possible, keep the brake pedal
pressed down firmly until the vehicle comes
to a standstill.
With the help of this system, the ABS is acti-
vated more quickly and more efficiently.
The brake assist function is deactivated auto-
matically when the brake pedal is released.
Hill hold control (HHC)*
The HHC system makes it easier to start the
vehicle on hills. The system maintains the
brake pressure created by pressing down on
the brake pedal for 2 seconds after it has
been released. Your foot can be removed
from the brake pedal and you can use the ac-
celerator pedal and move away on a hill »
167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
–
Ob j
ects that are located above the sen-
sors, such as protrusions in a wall.
– Objects with certain surfaces or struc-
tures, such as wire mesh fences or pow-
der snow.
● Certain surfaces of objects and garments
do not refl
ect the ultrasound sensors' sig-
nals. The system cannot detect, at least cor-
rectly, these objects or people wearing such
clothes.
● Ultrasound sensor signals may be affected
by e
xternal sound sources. In certain circum-
stances this may prevent them from detect-
ing people or objects.
● Please note that low obstacles detected by
the syst
em may no longer be registered by
the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. In
certain circumstances, objects such as high
kerbs that could damage the bottom of the
vehicle are not detected either.
● If the first warning from the Parking Aid is
ignored, the v
ehicle could suffer considerable
damage.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator
grill
e, bumper, wheel arch and vehicle under-
body can adjust the orientation of the sen-
sors. This can affect the parking aid function.
Have the function checked by a specialised
workshop. Note
● In cer t
ain situations, the system can give a
warning even though there is no obstacle in
the detected area, e.g:
–with rough or cobbled floors or ground
with long grass;
– with external ultrasound sources, such as
cleaning vehicles or other vehicles;
– In downpours, intense snow or dense ex-
haust gases;
– if the registration plate (front or rear) is
not properly affixed to the bumper sur-
face;
– or in locations such as the brow of a hill.
● In order to guarantee good system opera-
tion, keep the ultr
asound sensors clean, free
of snow or ice, and do not cover them with
adhesives or other objects.
● If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-
ment to c
lean the ultrasound sensors, apply
it directly only very briefly and always from a
distance of more than 10 cm.
● Retrofitting of accessories to the vehicle,
such a
s a bicycle carrier, may interfere with
the operation of the Parking Aid.
● In order to familiarise yourself with the sys-
tem, it i
s advised that you practice parking in
an area or car park that is free from traffic.
There must be good weather and light condi-
tions. ●
The v o
lume and tone of the warnings can
be modified, in addition to the indications
››› page 172.
● In vehicles without a driv
er information
system, these parameters can be modified in
a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised
workshop.
● Please observe information on towing a
trail
er ››› page 173.
● The display on the Easy Connect screen
shows
a slight time delay. Rear parking aid*
The rear Parking Aid assists the driver in
p
ark
in
g by means of audible warning
sounds.
Description
There are sensors integrated in the rear
bumper. When the sensors detect an obsta-
cle, you are alerted by audible warnings.
Make particularly sure that the sensors are
not covered by adhesives, residues and the
like, as this could affect the system's opera-
tion. Cleaning instructions ››› page 196.
The approximate measurement range of the
rear sensors is:
side area0,90 m» 169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Towing bracket device
descending a slope in order to take advant-
ag e of
the en
gine brake.
The trailer is incorporated into the vehicle's
anti-theft alarm system:
● When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-
theft al
arm and a towing bracket.
● When the trailer is electrically connected to
the vehic
le via the towing bracket socket.
● When the vehicle electrical device and the
tow
ing bracket are operational.
● When the vehicle is locked and the vehi-
cle's
anti-theft alarm device is activated.
Once the electrical connection is interrupted
with the vehicle trailer locked, the alarm
sounds.
Always switch off the vehicle anti-theft alarm
device before connecting or disconnecting a
trailer. The vehicle anti-theft alarm device
could cause the alarm to sound ››› page 117,
Anti-theft alarm system*.
Engine overheating
In the event that the coolant temperature
gauge needle moves to the right section of
the scale or to the red area, immediately re-
duce speed. If the control lamp flashes on
the general instrument panel, stop the vehi-
cle and switch off the engine. Wait several
minutes and check the coolant level in the
tank ››› page 208. Please observe the following indications
›››
page 100, Coolant level and temperature
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by
switching on the heating. WARNING
● Adjus t
your speed to suit the road and traf-
fic conditions.
● An electrical installation that is connected
incorrectly
or by non-specialised personnel
can prevent the connection of the current to
the trailer and cause faults in the operation of
the electrical system throughout the entire
vehicle, leading to accidents and serious in-
jury.
● All electrical work must be carried out only
by s
pecialised services.
● Never directly connect the trailer electrical
device t
o the electrical sockets of the reverse
driving lights or other sources of electrical
current. CAUTION
● Av oid c
orners, and sudden and sharp brak-
ing.
● Once the trailing arm has been removed,
plac
e the corresponding cover on the hole of
the fastening point. This prevents dirt from
entering the hole – see the trailer system as-
sembly manual. Note
● In the event of
frequent journeys with a
trailer, we recommend also having the vehi-
cle inspected in between the service inter-
vals.
● When connecting and disconnecting the
trail
er, the handbrake must be applied.
● For technical reasons, trailers with LED re-
verse light
s cannot be incorporated into the
vehicle anti-theft alarm system. Towing bracket device for trail-
er
Intr oduction If the vehicle is equipped with a towing
br
ac
k
et device from the factory or is a genu-
ine SEAT accessory, it meets all national tech-
nical and legal requirements for towing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. If the towing
bracket is equipped with a 7-pin connector,
you can use the corresponding available
adaptor that is a genuine SEAT accessory.
The towing device has a maximum vertical
load of 50 kg. »
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
WARNING
● Bef or
e driving with the ball-headed bar fit-
ted, verify its correct assembly and place-
ment in the clamping bush.
● Do not use the ball-headed bar if it is not
correctly
placed and fixed in the clamping
bush.
● Do not use the towing device for towing if it
is d
amaged or has missing parts.
● Do not modify or adapt the towing device
connection.
● Never di
sengage the ball-headed bar with
the trail
er still hitched. CAUTION
Be careful not to damage the paint on the
bumper when h andlin
g the ball-headed bar. Description
Fig. 195
Towing bracket device support for
hit c
hin
g/ball-headed bar. The ball-headed bar is detachable. It is loca-
t
ed in the s
p
are wheel compartment or in the
spare wheel compartment in the boot
››› page 75, Vehicle tool kit*.
Key to ››› Fig. 195
13-pin socket
Safety flange
1 2 Clamping bush
C
l
ampin
g bush cap
Ball head cover
Ball-headed bar
Locking balls
Centred
Red marking on the manual regulator
Manual regulator
Key
Key slot cover
Red marking on the manual regulator
White marking on the ball-headed bar Note
Contact an Authorised Service Partner if you
lose y
our key. 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
188

Towing bracket device
Placing in service position Fig. 196
Placing in service position. Fig. 197
Service position. Before assembling, place the ball-headed bar
in ser
v
ic
e position.
– Turn key A fully in the direction of arrow
1
› ›
› Fig. 196
.
– Hold the ball-headed bar with your left
hand.
– Pu
ll manual regulator B outward in the di-
r ection of
arr
ow 2 and turn it fully in the
dir ection of
arr
ow 3 .The manual regulator will remain in this posi-
tion.
Ser
vic
e position ››› Fig. 197
● Key C is in an open position – the key ar-
r o
w points
to the “unlocked” symbol. The key
cannot be removed from the key slot.
● The D locking balls may be fully inserted
int o the body
of
the ball-headed bar by ap-
plying some pressure.
● The red E marking on the manual regula-
t or points
t
owards the white marking on the
ball-headed bar.
● Between the manual regulator and the
body of the b
all-headed bar there is a clearly
visible space of approximately 4 mm F .
Onc e the b
al
l-headed bar has been posi-
tioned like this, it will be ready to be placed
in the clamping bush. WARNING
Do not use the ball-headed bar if it cannot be
corr ectly
placed in the service position. CAUTION
The key cannot be removed from the manual
re gu
lator key slot when it is in the service po-
sition. 189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Assembly of the ball-headed bar Fig. 198
Placing the ball-headed bar/locking
and r emo
v
ing the key. Fig. 199
Placing the key slot cover. –
Remove the cap from the clamping bush 4 ›››
Fig. 195 by p
ulling downwards.
– Place the ball-headed bar in the service po-
sition ››
› page 189.
– Hold the ball-headed bar from underneath
›››
Fig. 198 and push it into the clamping
bush as far as possible until you hear it
click into place ››› .
The m anual
r
egulator A aut
omatically turns
in the op po
site direction, adjusting to the
ball-headed bar ››› .
– Switch off the manual regulator lock with
key
B by turning the key fully to the right
in the dir ection of
arr
ow 1 – the arrow in
the k ey
di
splays the “locked” symbol.
– Remove the key in the direction of arrow
2 .
– Place cover C over the manual regulator
loc k
in the dir
ection of arrow 3
› ›
› Fig. 199 .–
Verify
the correct placement of the ball-
headed bar ››› page 191. WARNING
● Do not ho l
d the manual regulator with your
hand when fitting the ball-headed bar since
you could sustain injuries to your fingers.
● When mounting the ball-headed bar, al-
way
s lock it with a key and remove the key
from the slot.
● The ball-headed bar must not be in the
servic
e position with the key in the key slot.
● If the ball-headed bar is not placed in the
servic
e position you will not be able to place
it in the clamping bush. CAUTION
When removing the key, always place the
co v
er over the key slot of the manual regula-
tor to prevent dirt from entering. Note
Once removed, place the clamping bush cap
in an appr opri
ate location in the boot.190

Operation
The ball-headed bar should be placed in the
ser v
ic
e position so that it is ready to be inser-
ted into the clamping bush ››› .
– Place the cover over the clamping bush 4›››
Fig. 195. WARNING
● Never leave the ball-headed bar unsecured
in the boot. It c
ould be damaged in the event
of sudden braking, putting the safety of pas-
sengers at risk!
● Never disassemble the ball-headed bar
with the trai
ler still hitched. CAUTION
● If y
ou do not turn the manual regulator
fully, it will return to its original position
when the ball-headed bar is removed. The
manual regulator will be stuck to the ball-
headed bar and you will not be able to put it
in the service position. Therefore, before you
assemble it again, you must place the ball-
headed bar in this position.
● When disassembling, place the cap on the
clampin
g bush holder’s key slot. This way
you will prevent dirt from entering the clamp-
ing bush. Note
● Bef or
e disassembling the ball-headed bar,
we recommend placing the cover on the ball
head. ●
Cle
an the ball-headed bar thoroughly be-
fore returning it to the on-board toolbox. Use and maintenance
Cover the clamping bush with the cap to pre-
vent
dir
t from entering.
Before hooking on the trailer, check the ball
head and, if necessary, lubricate it with ade-
quate lubricant.
Place the protective cover over the ball head
when storing the bar. This way, you will avoid
getting the boot dirty.
If it gets dirty, clean and dry the clamping
bush thoroughly with an appropriate prod-
uct. CAUTION
The top part of the clamping bush opening is
lubricat ed. B
e careful not to remove this lu-
brication. 192