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
Operation
Save electricity
The en gine activ
at
es the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*. Note
● If y
ou vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended to switch this function off.
● It is recommended to close
the windows
when driving at more than 60 km/h
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutc
h pedal,, as the pressure can make the
plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutc
h, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing the latter to start. The fuel consumption
will be lower and you will prevent the clutch
plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
ing to the g
ear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer. Wading and driving off-road
Driv in
g thr
ough water on roads Fig. 180
Driving through water. To prevent the vehicle from being damaged
when driv
in
g thr
ough water (i.e. flooded
roads), please observe the following:
● Determine the depth of the water before
entering.
Water can reach a maximum height
of below the door sill ››› Fig. 180.
● Drive at a maximum pace of walking speed.
Driving at
a higher speed can cause a wave
in front of the vehicle, which can cause water
to enter the engine air intake system or other
parts of the vehicle.
● Never stop in the water, never reverse and
never st
op the engine.
● Before driving through water deactivate the
Start
-Stop system ››› page 182. WARNING
● Drivin g thr
ough water, dirt and mud can re-
duce braking capability and prolong the brak-
ing distance – Risk of accident!
● Do not carry out any sudden or strong brak-
ing manoeu
vres after driving through water.
● Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possi-
ble af
ter driving through water by breaking
intermittently. Carry out braking in order to
dry the brakes and clean the brake discs only
if traffic so permits. Do not put other drivers
at risk. CAUTION
● In the event of
driving through water, parts
of the vehicle can be seriously damaged,
such as the engine, gearbox, catalytic con-
verter, suspension or the electrical system.
● Oncoming vehicles that drive through wa-
ter can c
ause waves that exceed your vehi-
cle's permitted level for driving through wa-
ter.
● There may be pot-holes mud or rocks under
the water th
at can hinder or prevent driving
through water.
● Do not drive through salt water. The salt
can cau
se rust. All components that are ex-
posed to salt water must be rinsed immedi-
ately with fresh water. 166
Operation
Side lines: e xt
en sion of the vehicle (the
approximate width of the vehicle plus the
rear view mirrors) on the road surface.
End of the side lines: the area marked in
green ends approximately 2 m behind
the vehicle on the road surface.
Intermediate line: indicates a distance of
approximately 1 m behind the vehicle on
the road surface.
Red horizontal line: indicates a safe dis-
tance of approximately 40 cm at the rear
of the vehicle on the road surface.
Parking manoeuvre
● Place the vehicle in front of the parking
spac
e and engage reverse gear (manual
gearbox) or move the selector to the R posi-
tion (automatic gearbox).
● Reverse slowly, and turn the steering wheel
so that the s
ide orientation lines lead to-
wards the parking space.
● Guide the vehicle into the parking space so
that the s
ide orientation lines run parallel to
it.
cruise speed (Cruise control)*
Introduction Read the additional information carefully
› ››
page 31
1
2
3
4 The cruise control system allows you to drive
at
a c
on
stant speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or
higher without having to press the accelera-
tor. However, the speed is only maintained
within the margin permitted by the engine
power and the braking effect of the engine.
The warning lamp lights up on the general
instrument panel if cruise control is switched
on. WARNING
● For s af
ety reasons the cruise control sys-
tem must not be used in dense traffic or
where roads conditions are poor (e.g. due to
ice, aquaplaning, loose grit, snow). – Risk of
accident!
● The programmed speed can only be re-es-
tabli
shed if it is not too high for current traf-
fic conditions.
● Always switch the cruise control system off
after u
sing it in order to avoid involuntary
use. CAUTION
● The crui se c
ontrol cannot maintain a con-
stant speed when the vehicle is moving
downhill. The vehicle tends to accelerate un-
der its own weight. Therefore, shift down or
use the brake pedal in good time to slow the
vehicle. Note
● In v ehic
les with an automatic gearbox, the
cruise control system cannot be switched on
if the selector lever is in position P, N or R.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the
cruise c
ontrol cannot be switched on if first
gear or reverse gear is engaged. Setting the speed
Fig. 187
Turn signal and main beam head-
light l
ev
er: cruise control buttons. Setting speed
– Move knob 1
› ›
› Fig. 187
to the ON posi-
tion.
– Briefly press rocker switch 2 in S
ET posi-
tion when y
ou have reached the speed you
wish to set.
176
Driver assistance systems
The current status of the Start-Stop system is
di s
p
layed on the general instrument panel
display.
Automatic engine shut down (Stop phase)
– Stop the vehicle (if necessary using the
handbrak
e).
– Shift to neutral.
– Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic
engine start up (Start phase)
– Press the clutch.
Switc
hing the Start-Stop system on and off
The Start-Stop system can be switched on
and off by pressing the
› ›
› Fig. 193
but-
ton.
The warning lamp in the button will light up
when the system is switched off.
If the vehicle is in Stop phase when the but-
ton is pressed, the engine will start immedi-
ately.
The Start-Stop system works under complex
driving conditions that are difficult to detect
without specialist technology. The set of nec-
essary conditions for the correct operating of
the Start-Stop system are indicated below. Conditions for automatic engine shut down
(Stop pha
se)
● Selector lever in neutral.
● Clutch pedal not pressed.
● Driver with seat belt fastened.
● Driver door closed.
● The bonnet closed.
● Vehicle stationary.
● The factory-fitted towing bracket is not elec-
trically
connected to a trailer.
● Engine at operating temperature.
● Vehicle's battery sufficiently charged.
● Vehicle not on a very steep slope
● Engine speed below 1,200 rpm.
● Vehicle battery temperature is neither too
high nor too low
.
● Sufficient brake system pressure.
● Difference between outside temperature
and set interior t
emperature not too great
● Vehicle speed since the last time the en-
gine star
ted was above 3 km/h (2 mph).
● Particulate filter not being cleaned
›››
page 102.
● Front wheels not overly turned (steering
wheel turned l
ess than three quarters of a
turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed. ●
Max./min. temper
ature set.
● Windscreen defrost function switched on.
● High blower speed.
● Start-Stop button pressed.
Conditions
for automatic engine start up
without driver involvement
● Vehicle moving at a speed of over 3 km/h
(2 mph).
● Difference between outside temperature
and interior temper
ature is too great
● Vehicle's battery insufficiently charged.
● Insufficient brake system pressure.
If the driver se
at belt is unfastened for more
than 30 seconds in Stop phase, the engine
must be started using the ignition key.
Please observe the messages on the general
instrument panel display.
Warnings on the instrument panel display
(valid for vehicles not fitted with an informa-
tive display)
FAULT: Start-StopFault in the Start-Stop sys-
tem
START-STOP IMPOSSI-
BLEEngine cannot be auto-
matically shut down
START-STOP ACTIVEAutomatic engine shut
down (Stop phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITIONSwitch the ignition off» 183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
OperationSTART MANUALLYStart the engine manually
WARNING
● If the en gine i
s switched off, neither the
brake servo nor the power steering will work.
● Do not move the vehicle when the engine is
switc
hed off. CAUTION
Switch off the Start-Stop system ›››
page 166
before driving through a pool of water on the
road. Note
● The batt er
y temperature may reflect
changes in outside temperature after several
hours. If the vehicle has been stopped out-
side at temperatures below zero or in direct
sunlight, for example, the battery tempera-
ture may take several hours to reach the val-
ues required for the correct operating of the
Start-Stop system.
● If the Climatronic system is operating auto-
matica
lly, this could impair automatic engine
shut down under certain conditions. Tiredness detection (break rec-
ommend
ation)*
Intr oduction The Tiredness detection informs the driver
when their drivin
g beh
aviour shows signs of
fatigue. WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Tired-
nes s
detection system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. Take regular breaks,
sufficient in length when making long jour-
neys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibil-
ity of driv
ing to their full capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of
the driver in al
l circumstances. Consult the in-
formation in the section ››› page 185, System
limitations.
● In some situations, the system may incor-
rectly int
erpret an intended driving manoeu-
vre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the ef-
fect c
alled microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the in-
strument p
anel and act as is necessary. Note
● Tiredne s
s detection has been developed for
driving on motorways and well paved roads
only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
check
ed by a specialised workshop. Function and operation
Fig. 194
On the instrument panel display:
tir edne
s
s detection symbol. Tiredness detection determines the driving
beh
av
iour of
the driver when starting a jour-
ney, making a calculation of tiredness. This is
constantly compared with the current driving
behaviour. If the system detects that the driv-
er is tired, an audible warning is given with a
sound and an optic warning is shown with a
symbol and complementary message on the
instrument panel display ››› Fig. 194. The
message on the instrument panel display is
184
Operation
Trailer weight Trailer weight
The comb
ined
vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. To do so use the maximum permit-
ted towing bracket load. An insufficient
weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the towing bracket will have a
negative impact upon the response of the ve-
hicle-trailer assembly on the road.
Weight distribution
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Ensure that the objects do not move.
If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer
loaded then the load distribution is incorrect.
However, if these conditions cannot be avoi-
ded, drive very slowly.
Tyre pressure values
Correct the tyre pressure in your vehicle to
“total load” ›››
page 216, Useful life of tyres .
Trailer weight
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight
under any circumstances ›››
page 221, Tech-
nical specifications .
The trailer weights listed are only applicable
for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level.
Due to lower air density, engine power de-
creases depending on the increase in alti- tude, this also reduces climbing ability,
which r
equir
es a reduction of the weight of
the vehicle with a trailer by 10% for every
1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of
the assembly is calculated by adding the ve-
hicle weight (loaded) to the trailer weight
(loaded). Always drive with special care when
towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information
that is displayed on the towing bracket man-
ufacturers label are only values for the verifi-
cation of the device. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documen-
tation of your vehicle. WARNING
● Exc eedin
g the maximum established load
per axle and the maximum towing bracket
load in addition to the maximum permitted
load or the load of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly can cause accidents and serious inju-
ries.
● A sliding load can considerably affect the
stab
ility and safety of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly, resulting in accidents and serious in-
juries. Driving with a trailer
Exterior mirrors
Check
whether
you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Observe the relevant statutory requirements
of the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the
headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. Adjust the headlight range set-
tings if necessary ›››
page 122, Main light
range control .
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than
the maximum permitted speed indicated on
the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you
detect the slightest swaying movement of the
trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a
straight position” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an over-
run brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by locking of trailer wheels.
Change to a lower gear in good time before
186
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
Advice
WARNING
Moisture, ice and road salt may affect braking
efficiency . Ri
sk of accident! CAUTION
Heavy dirt on the wheels could lead to their
mis a
lignment. This could result in vibrations
being transmitted to the steering wheel that
under certain conditions may cause prema-
ture steering wear. This dirt must be re-
moved. Note
We recommend you leave paint damage re-
pair s
to a SEAT Authorised Service. Vehicle underbody protection
The underside of the vehicle is coated to per-
m
anently
pr
otect it from chemical and me-
chanical agents.
Given that damage to the protective coating
during driving cannot be completely ruled
out, we recommend you check the condition
of the protective coating on the underbody
and suspension at regular intervals, prefera-
bly before the start and end of the coldest
season of the year.
Authorised SEAT dealers have suitable spe-
cial products and the necessary facilities and are aware of the techniques required for their
applic
ation. We therefore recommend all
touch-up work or additional anti-corrosion
measures be performed by an authorised
SEAT dealer. WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion
co atin
gs to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-
verter, particulate filter or heat shields on the
exhaust system. Once the engine has
reached operating temperature, these sub-
stances could catch fire. Risk of fire! Cavity waxing
All cavities on the vehicle exposed to corro-
s
ion ar
e perm
anently factory-protected by a
wax solution .
This wax solution does not need to be
checked or touched up. Should wax run out
of the cavities at high ambient temperatures,
remove it using a plastic scraper and clean
away any stains using lighter fluid. WARNING
Note the regulations concerning safety and
env ir
onmental protection if you use lighter
fluid to remove the wax. Risk of fire! Leatherette and upholstery
Leatherette can be cleaned with a damp
cloth. If
thi
s is not sufficient, these parts
should only be cleaned with solvent-free
plastic care and cleaning products .
Textile covers and trim parts on doors, boot
lid, etc. can be cleaned with special deter-
gents, e.g. dry foam. A soft sponge or brush
or a micro-fibre cloth for normal cleaning can
be used. Use special products to clean the
headliner.
The dye used in many garments, for example
dark jeans, is not always sufficiently colour-
fast. Seat upholstery (fabric and leather), es-
pecially when light-coloured, may visibly dis-
colour if the dye comes out of clothing, even
in normal conditions. This is not an uphols-
tery defect but indicates that the dye in the
item of clothing is not solid enough.
Heated seat upholstery Do not clean the seat upholstery with
damp
pr oduct
s, as this could damage the seat
heating system.
Clean the upholstery with special products,
e.g. dry foam, etc.
198