Checking and refilling levels
● Bef
or
e opening the bonnet, make sure that
the windscreen wiper arms are in place
against the windscreen ››› .
● Open the driver door.
● Pull the release lever ››
›
Fig. 239 in the di-
rection of the arrow. The bonnet is released
from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism
››› .
● Lift the bonnet using the release lever
› ›
›
Fig. 240 (arrow) and open the bonnet fully.
The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas
strut.
Closing the bonnet
● To close the bonnet, pull it down to over-
come the ga
s strut pressure ››› .
● Allow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier.
Do not pr
e
ss down.
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it
once again and close it correctly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush
with the corresponding parts on the body-
work. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could
sud den
ly open while driving leaving the driv-
er without visibility. This could result in a se-
rious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that
it is
properly secured by the locking mecha- nism in the lock carrier. The bonnet must be
flush w
ith the s
urrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet
is not
correctly closed then stop immediately
and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there
is no
body within its range. CAUTION
● To av oid d
amage to the bonnet and to the
windscreen wiper arms, only open it when
the windscreen wipers are in place against
the windscreen.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper
arms. Checking fluid levels
Fig. 241
Diagram for the location of the vari-
ou s
el
ements. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluid
s
in the
vehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant fluid deposit
Engine oil dipstick
Oil filler neck
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath a cover)
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir »
1 2
3
4
5
6
275
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
●
When refi l
ling liquids, avoid spilling them
on parts of the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under
specific circumstances, the ethylene glycol
can catch fire. CAUTION
● On ly fi
ll with distilled water. Any other type
of water may lead to considerable rusting in
the engine due to its chemical components.
This could consequently damage the engine.
If you have not used distilled water but an-
other type of water to top up the coolant, a
specialised workshop must immediately re-
place all of the fluid in the engine cooling
system.
● Only top up coolant to the top level of the
marked ar
ea ››› Fig. 245. Otherwise the ex-
cess coolant will be forced out of the cooling
system when the engine is hot, causing dam-
age.
● If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait
for the engine t
o cool down completely before
adding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an
indication of leaks in the engine cooling sys-
tem. Have the engine cooling system inspec-
ted immediately by a specialised workshop.
Otherwise engine damage may occur.
● When refilling service liquids, ensure that
you put
the liquids into the right tank. Mak-
ing a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine! Brake fluid
Chec k
in
g the brake fluid level Fig. 247
In the engine compartment: brake
fluid r e
ser
voir cap Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs
water from the ambient air. If there is too
much water in the brake fluid, the brake sys-
tem could be damaged. In addition, the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too
much water and the brakes are subject to
considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour
can form in the system. These bubbles can
significantly reduce braking power, notably
increasing braking distance, and could even
result in the total failure of the brake system.
Ensuring that the brake system is always
functioning correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road users
›››
.
Br ak
e fluid s
pecifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid
optimised for the brake systems of their vehi-
cles. To ensure the optimum working of the
brake system, SEAT recommends the use of
brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or
another brake fluid is used for different rea-
sons, use a brake fluid that complies with the
United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
››› .
Br ak
e fluid
s conforming to the standard
VW 501 14, fulfil the American requirements
of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the
German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
However, fluids that comply with the US
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do not nec-
essarily comply with the VW 501 14 stand-
ard. Always check the information on the
brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from
technical service centres.
282
Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid level
The l ev
el
of the brake fluid should always be
between the MIN and MAX marks, or above
the MIN mark ››› .
It i
s
not always possible to check the level of
the brake fluid, as in some models the en-
gine components make it difficult to see the
brake fluid reservoir. If you cannot read the
exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the
vehicle is being used due to wear of the
brake pads and the automatic readjustment
of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accord-
ance with the instructions given in the Main-
tenance Programme. Have the brake fluid
changed by a specialised workshop. SEAT
recommends taking your car in for technical
service. This means that only brake fluid
complying with the required specifications
will be used. WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuita-
bl e/o
ld brake fluid is used, the brake system
may fail or braking power may be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid
level
regularly! ●
The brak e fluid shou
ld be changed regular-
ly in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes
are sub
jected to extreme braking forces, bub-
bles of vapour form in the brake system.
These bubbles can significantly reduce brak-
ing power, notably increasing braking dis-
tance, and could result in the total failure of
the brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the
VW 501 14 stand
ard, FMVSS 116 DOT 4
standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard. Other types of brake fluid could af-
fect brake operation and reduce braking pow-
er. Do not use a brake fluid if the container
does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake
fluid. Do not use a br
ake fluid if the container
does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards. WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
● To reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep
brak e fluid in drink
s bottles/containers or
similar. Other people could drink from these
recipients even if the contents are clearly
marked. ●
Alw a
ys keep brake fluid in the original con-
tainer; keep it correctly sealed and out of
reach of children. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork.
W ipe off an
y brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately. For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant.
Co l
lect any spilt service fluids and allow a
professional to dispose of them. 283
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Wheels and tyres
●
All
four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and
wil
l not have reached their maximum braking
capacity to start with, and therefore need
running in. To prevent accidents and major
damage, extreme caution should be taken for
the first 500 km (310 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are m
aintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overheat, resulting in tread detachment or
even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut,
crac
ked or dented) or worn tyres. Driving on
damaged or worn tyres could result in burst
tyres, serious accidents or damage. Worn or
damaged tyres must be replaced immediate-
ly.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist
syst
ems also depends on the grip of the
tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the ve-
hicle p
ulls to one side when driving, stop the
car immediately and check the tyres and
wheels for damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the
vehicl
e or causing a serious accident, never
undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. ●
Never mou nt
used tyres or wheels if you are
not sure of their previous history. They may
be damaged, although the damage is not im-
mediately visible.
● Old tyres, even if they have never been
used, ma
y lose air or burst unexpectedly
while driving, resulting in serious accident or
damage. If tyres are over six years old, they
should only be used in an emergency and
with extreme caution. Note
● For t ec
hnical reasons, it is not generally
possible to use the wheels from other vehi-
cles. In some cases, this may also be true for
the same model of wheel. Please refer to the
vehicle documentation or ask at a technical
service. Handling tyres and wheels
Fig. 251
Diagram for changing wheels The tyres of a vehicle are the components
whic
h ar
e s
ubjected to most stress and are
the most underestimated. Tyres are very im-
portant, as the support offered by their nar-
row surface is the only point of contact be-
tween the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre
pressure, driving style, the care they receive
and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential
part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and
rims approved by SEAT are specially matched
to the characteristics of the vehicle and our
critical to good road holding and safe han-
dling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obs
tacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage
(punct
ures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the
outside of the ty
re tread and ensure that they
have not passed through the wall of the tyre
››› page 294.
● In addition, the instructions for tyre control
syst
ems should always be observed.
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as
poss
ible ››› page 294. »
289
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
● Re
gu
larly check tyres for non-visible dam-
age ››› page 294.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle ››› page 295.
● Do not allow tyres to come into contact with
aggre
ssive substances, grease, oil, fuel or
brake fluid ››› .
● Lost valve caps should be replaced imme-
di at
ely
.
Changing wheels
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres
the wheels should be changed round from
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 251. The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop to have the tyres
changed.
Tyres over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a
result of physical and chemical processes.
This may affect their performance. Tyres
which are stored for long periods of time
without being used, harden and become
more fragile than tyres which are in constant
use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years
old are replaced with new tyres. This also ap-
plies to tyres which appear to be in perfect condition on the outside and which have a
trea
d depth within the values stipulated by
the Law ››› .
The d at
e of
manufacture, part of the tyre
identification number (TIN), indicates the age
of the tyre ››› page 295.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate
the direction of rotation (left, right, forwards,
backwards). This ensures you will be able to
mount them correctly when you replace
them. When removed, the wheels and/or
tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and pref-
erably dark location. Do not place tyres
mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from
dirt by storing them in suitable bags and
standing them on the ground on their tread. WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result
in v i
sible or invisible damage with the conse-
quent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into
contact
with chemical products, oil, grease,
fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substan-
ces. WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used,
ma y
lose air or burst unexpectedly while driv-
ing, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should
only be u
sed in an emergency and with ex-
treme caution. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified
personnel ac
cording to the laws in the coun-
try concerned. Wheels
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the
rims. If
diff
er
ent rims are fitted, the correct
wheel bolts with the right length and correct-
ly shaped bolt heads must be used. This en-
sures that wheels are fitted securely and that
the brake system functions correctly
››› page 84.
For technical reasons, it is not generally pos-
sible to use the wheels from other vehicles.
In some cases, this may also be true for the
same model of wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are spe-
cially matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and are critical to good road holding
and safe handling.
290
Advice
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the
tyr e
s and the vehicle in accordance with the
vehicle design. If this is not the case, the
tyres may rub against parts of the running
gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment,
and the risk of burst tyres.
● The true tyre dimension should not be
great
er than the dimensions of tyres manu-
factured and approved by SEAT and should
not rub against parts of the vehicle. Note
● Although ty r
es may be shown as being the
same size, the true dimensions of different
types of tyre may vary with respect to the
nominal size, or tread patterns may be differ-
ent.
● If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT,
you can be s
ure that the true tyre dimensions
will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre
models, the tyre vendor should provide the
manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indi-
cating that this type of tyre is suitable for
your vehicle. This certificate should always
be carried with the vehicle. Tyre pressure
Fig. 252
Position of tyre pressure specifica-
tion p l
at
e The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at
the f
act
or
y is shown on a label and is valid
for summer and winter tyres. This label
››› Fig. 252 is either on the driver door strut or
inside the fuel tank flap.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce
the life of the tyres considerably and also im-
pair the car's handling ››› . It is essential to
m aint
ain the c
orrect tyre pressures, especial-
ly if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre
pressure causes premature wear and could
cause tyre blow-out. The pressure should therefore be checked at
lea
st once a month and before starting a
journey.
As a general rule, the pressures given are for
cold tyres. When the tyres are hot, the pres-
sures are greater.
Never deflate a hot tyre in order to obtain the
required pressure. This could result in very
low tyre pressures which may lead to sudden
blow-outs.
Checking tyre pressures
Tyre pressures should only be checked when
the vehicle has not been driven for more than
a few kilometres (miles) at low speeds in the
past three hours.
● The tyre pressures should be checked regu-
larly, and on
ly when the tyres are cold. Al-
ways check all the tyres. Tyre pressures
should be checked more often in colder re-
gions, and only when the vehicle has not
been driven recently. Always use a correctly-
operating tyre gauge.
● Adjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in
the vehic
le.
● After checking the pressure, always replace
the valv
e caps, and where applicable, ob-
serve the instructions given for adjusting the
tyre control system ››› page 234.
292
Technical features
● Vehic
l
e identification number (chassis
number).
● Vehicle type, engine power, gearbox type.
● Engine and gearbox code, paint number,
interior equipment.
● Option
al extras, PR numbers.
These dat
a are also provided in the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Type plate
The type plate is visible when the driver door
is opened, on the lower part of the strut. Ve-
hicles for certain export countries do not
have a type plate.
The manufacturer's type plate contains the
following data:
● Gross vehicle weight
● Maximum authorised weight of vehicle and
trail
er
● Maximum gross front axle weight
● Maximum rear axle weight
Information on fuel consumption The consumption and emission details
sho
wn on the
v
ehicle data sticker differ from
one vehicle to another. The fuel consumption, CO
2 emiss
ions and ac-
tual kerb weight of the vehicle are noted on
the vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures
given are based on the vehicle weight cate-
gory, which is determined according to the
engine/gearbox combination and the equip-
ment fitted.
The consumption and emission figures are
calculated in accordance with the EC test re-
quirements 1999/100/EC. These test re-
quirements specify a realistic test method
based on normal everyday driving.
The following test conditions are applied:
Urban cycleThe urban cycle starts with an engine
cold start. City driving is then simulated.
Extra urban
cycle
In the extra urban cycle simulation the
vehicle frequently accelerates and
brakes in all gears, as in normal every-
day driving. The road speed ranges from
0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph).
Total con-
sumptionThe average total consumption is calcu-
lated with a weighting of around 37% for
the urban cycle and 63% for the extra ur-
ban cycle.
CO 2 emis-
sions
The exhaust gases are collected during
both driving cycles to calculate carbon
dioxide emissions. The gas composition
is then analysed to evaluate the CO 2
content and other emissions. Note
● Act ua
l consumption may vary from quoted
test values, depending on personal driving
style, road and traffic conditions, the weather
and the vehicle condition.
● Fuel consumption and CO
2 value
s can vary
depending on the vehicle's tyres. Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a
f
uel
t
ank filled to 90% capacity and without
optional extras. The figure quoted includes
75 kg to allow for the weight of the driver.
Special versions, optional equipment fittings
or retro-fitting accessories will increase the
weight of the vehicle ››› .
WARNING
● Ple a
se note that the centre of gravity may
shift when transporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Always adjust your speed and driving
style to suit road conditions and require-
ments.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating
or the gros
s vehicle weight rating. If the per-
missible axle load or the permissible total
weight is exceeded, the driving characteris-
tics of the vehicle may change, leading to ac-
cidents, injuries and damage to the vehicle. 299
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Technical features
Engine data P etr
o
l engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS)
Power output in kW (PS) at rpmMaximum torque (Nm at rpm)No. of cylinders/displacement (cm 3
)Fuel
110 (150)/5,000-6,000250/1,500-3,5004/1,395Super 95 RON
ManualAutomatic
5 seats7 seats5 seats7 seats
Top speed (km/h)200 (VI)198 (VI)
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h (seconds)6.76.7
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (seconds)9.99.9
Consumption (litres/100 km) / CO 2 emissions (g/km) urban7.9/182-1838.0/184-1858.0/186-1878.1/188-189
Consumption (litres/100 km) / CO
2 emissions (g/km) intercity5.5/129-1305.6/131-1325.8/135-1365.8/135-136
Consumption (litres/100 km) / CO
2 emissions (g/km) mixed6.4/148-1496.5/150-1516.6/154-1556.7/156-157
Maximum authorised weight (in kg)2,3002,4202,3402,430
Weight in running order (with driver) (in kg)1,7031,7551,7171,768
Maximum authorised weight on front axle (en kg)1,1901,1901,2001,200
Maximum authorised weight on rear axle (en kg)1,1601,2801,1601,280
Permitted roof load (in kg)100100
Maximum weight trailer without brakes (in kg)750750
Weight of trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% (in kg)2,0002,000
Weight of trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% (in kg)1,8001,800 301
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety