Driving
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed
for a pr o
longed period of time, it may over-
heat when turned off. To avoid engine dam-
age, allow the engine to run for approximate-
ly 2 minutes in neutral before switching it off. Note
After stopping the engine, the engine com-
par tment
fan may continue running for a few
minutes, even when the ignition has been
switched off or the key removed. The radiator
fan is automatically switched off. Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being
s
t
ar
ted with an unauthorised key and the ve-
hicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It auto-
matically deactivates the electronic immobil-
iser when the key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
The electronic immobilizer will be activated
again automatically as soon as you remove
the key from the ignition lock.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used
with a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code. Coded keys can be obtained from SEAT
dealerships ›››
page 92. If an unauthorised key is used, the signal
appe
ars on the instrument panel display. The
vehicle cannot be started in this case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only
guarant eed when origin
al SEAT keys are
used. Braking and parking
Introduction The a
ssisted brake systems are the electron-
ic di
stribution of braking force (EBV), the an-
ti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist
system (BAS), the electronic differential lock
(EDL), traction control (TC)*, the traction con-
trol system (ASR) and the electronic stability
control (ESC*). WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty
brak e sy
stem may lead to serious accident.
● If you believe the brake pads to be worn or
the brake sy
stem to be faulty, immediately
refer to a specialised workshop to check the
brake pads and replace the worn ones. WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury. ●
Never r emo
ve the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock
may engage and lock the steering wheel mak-
ing the vehicle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Always apply the handbrake when you
leav
e your vehicle and when you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the v
ehicle. They could release the
electronic parking brake, activate the selec-
tor lever or gear stick and start the vehicle
moving. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you le
ave the vehicle. The engine could acci-
dentally be started and electrical equipment
such as the windows could accidentally be
operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car
. They could be trapped in the
car in an emergency and will not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children. » 137
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
● If nec
e
ssary, connect the parking distance
warning system. 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 147.
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.
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.
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.
144
Operation
In the instrument panel display, with the igni-
tion sw it
c
hed on, the selected gear range or
the gear engaged in the gearbox is shown.
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear is selected. Engage only when
the vehicle is stopped.
- Neutral
The gearbox is in neutral. No movement is
transmitted to the wheels and the engine
does not act as a brake.
- Standard driving position
The gears are changed (up and down) auto-
matically. The gear shifts are determined by
the engine load, your individual driving style
and the speed of the vehicle.
- Tiptronic driving position (manual shift
programme)
All gears can be changed (up and down)
manually ››› page 146. This is possible as
long as the system is not changing gear auto-
matically due to a traffic situation. WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect posi-
tion ma y
cause loss of control of the vehicle
and a serious accident.
● Do not press the accelerator when engag-
ing a ran
ge of gears. ●
With the en gine ru
nning and a gear range
selected, the vehicle will move when the ac-
celerator is pressed.
● Never engage reverse gear while driving.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle
coul
d cause serious injury.
● As a driver, you should never leave your ve-
hicle if
the engine is running and a gear range
is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle
while the engine is running, you must always
apply the handbrake and put the selector lev-
er in position N.
● Never engage the R gear range when the
vehicl
e is moving.
● Never leave the vehicle without applying
the handbrak
e. With the engine running the
vehicle moves downhill regardless of the gear
range selected. Note
If, while driving, the selector lever is acciden-
ta l
ly placed in position N, lift your foot off the
accelerator. Wait until the engine is running
at idle speed before selecting a new gear
range. Engaging gear with Tiptronic
Fig. 149
Lever in the Tiptronic position With Tiptronic, the gears can be changed up
or do
wn m
anual
ly with the automatic gear-
box. When you change to the Tiptronic pro-
gramme, the vehicle remains in the currently
selected gear. This is possible as long as the
system is not changing gear automatically
due to a traffic situation.
Using Tiptronic
● Place the lever in the position D to the lef
t
on the Tiptronic shift gate M ››› in Auto-
m atic
g
ear change on page 146.
● Press the lever forwards + or backwards
– to move up or down a gear
››
›
Fig. 149.
● Place the lever back to the position M to
the lef
t on the Tiptronic shift gate, to leave
Tiptronic mode ››› in Automatic gear
c h
an
ge on page 146.
146
Operation
Automatic gearbox overheating
The aut om
atic
gearbox can overheat with a
prolonged start up, or when stopping and
starting continuously. This overheating is dis-
played with a warning lamp in the instru-
ment panel. Additionally, an audible warning
can be heard. Stop and let the gearbox cool
››› .
The v
ehic
le moves forward or back despite
having selected a gear range
When the vehicle does not move in the re-
quired direction, the system may not have
the gear range correctly engaged. Press the
brake pedal and engage the gear range
again. If the vehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system malfunc-
tion. Seek specialist assistance and have the
system checked. CAUTION
● When the ge arbo
x is displayed as overheat-
ing for the first time, the vehicle must be
parked safely or must be driven at a speed of
more than 20 km/h (12 mph).
● When the warning lamp lights up and the
audible w
arning is heard, the vehicle must be
parked safely and the engine switched off.
Let the gearbox cool down.
● To prevent damage to the gearbox, driving
must
only be continued when the warning
lamps are no longer lit up. While the gearbox is overheated, starting up and driving, even
at a s
lo
w speed should be avoided. Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for
reduc
in
g fuel consumption is displayed on
the instrument panel:
DisplayMeaning
Optimum gear.
Recommendation to change up a gear.
Recommendation to change down a
gear.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as
a guideline only; it shou
ld never replace the
driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear
for eac
h situation continues to lie with the
driver, for example when overtaking or climb-
ing a hill. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the
sit uation w
ill help you to save fuel. Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the c lut
ch pedal is pressed. Run-in and economical driving
Ru nnin
g in Please observe the instructions for running-in
new components.
R u
nning-in the engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first
1,500 km. During its first few hours of run-
ning, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving
parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it
should be driven at a moderate speed, espe-
cially when the engine is cold, as this will re-
duce engine wear and increase its useful life.
Never drive at extremely low engine speeds.
Change down to a lower gear when the en-
gine no longer runs “smoothly”. Up to 1,000
kilometres the following instructions apply:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of
its m ax
imum speed.
148
Operation
(25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(31 mph) in fif th g
e
ar.
In addition, “skipping” gears when shifting
up helps to save fuel, weather and traffic
conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before
changing gear. Only use first gear when you
move off and change to second gear quickly.
Avoid the kick-down function in vehicles with
automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve
an economical driving style as the display in-
dicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the
fuel supply is stopped and consumption is
reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating,
for example when approaching a red traffic
light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too
slowly or the distance is too long, the clutch
pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for
a period of time, switch off the engine; for ex-
ample, while waiting at a level crossing.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considera-
bly increase fuel consumption. If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance
from the v
ehicle in front, it is possible to slow
down by simply lifting your foot off the accel-
erator. This eliminates the need for constant
braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The
more you drive at a constant speed, the lower
the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more effi-
cient to drive at a constant and more moder-
ate speed than to be continuously accelerat-
ing and braking. As a general rule, you will
reach your destination just as quickly when
you drive at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to ach-
ieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional devices
It is important to travel in comfort, but con-
venience systems should be used ecological-
ly.
Some equipment, when connected, increase
fuel consumption considerably, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air
conditioning sy
stem is required to cool to
significantly lower temperatures than the true
outside temperature, it will require a large
amount of energy from the engine. Therefore,
we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too different to the out-
side temper
ature. It is a good idea to air the
vehicle before starting your journey and to
drive a short distance with the windows
open. Then you can close the windows and
switch on the air conditioning. Keep windows
closed when travelling at high speeds. Driv-
ing with the windows open increases fuel
consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats
have w
armed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window when it
is not
moist or covered in ice.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the
engine is cold, immediately after it has been
started. It takes a few kilometres of driving
for the engine to warm up and to normalise
consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their proper working temperature in or-
der to minimise fuel consumption and emis-
sions. The ambient temperature has a deci-
sive influence.
Fig. 150 shows the difference in consump-
tion for the same journey at +20 °C (+68 °F)
and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Therefore, unnecessary short journeys
should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
150
Driver assistance systems
Optical parking system* (OPS) Fig. 152
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
tect ed an o
bstacle in the collision zone; Bhas detected an obstacle in the segment;
Czone recorded behind the vehicle.
The optical parking system is an extension of
the p
ark
in
g distance warning system
››› page 154.
The area recorded by the sensors behind the
vehicle is visible on the radio screen. Any ob-
stacles are displayed in relation to the vehi-
cle ››› .
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the
display on:Switching on the
››› page 154 park-
ing distance warning system. The
OPS switches on automatically.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:Release reverse gear. Zones explored
B
ehind the
v
ehicle ››› Fig. 152 C , the zone
an aly
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 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.
● Visualisation of the recorded area by the
sensors
on the screen may last take up to 5
seconds. Cruise control* (Cruise control
sys
t
em - CCS)
Control lamp
It lights upPossible cause
This cruise control system maintains the
set speed of the vehicle.
Several warning and control lamps light up
f
or a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds. 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. » 155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
assumes the responsibility of braking in
time.
●
The City Safety Assist function cannot pre-
vent ac
cidents or serious injury by itself.
● The City Safety Assist system may carry out
unw
anted brake interventions in complex
driving situations e.g. when a vehicle crosses
at a short distance. WARNING
Relying on the City Safety Assist system in
c ity driv
ing as part of one's driving behaviour
may cause accidents and serious injury. The
system is not a replacement for driver aware-
ness.
● 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.
● The City Safety Assist function does not re-
act to peop
le, animals or vehicles that cross
or move in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● If after switching on the City Safety Assist
function the
vehicle begins to move, slow the
vehicle with the foot brake. CAUTION
If you suspect that the City Safety Assist la-
ser fe at
ure is damaged, disconnect it. This
will avoid additional damage. ●
Any r
epair of the laser sensor requires spe-
cialised skills. SEAT recommends taking your
car in for technical service. Note
● If the C ity
Safety Assist function activates a
brake, the brake pedal range is reduced. This
makes the brake pedal seem “harder”.
● Automatic brake intervention by the City
Safety As
sist function can be cancelled by
pressing the clutch pedal, the accelerator
pedal or by a corrective intervention.
● During automatic braking by the City Safety
Assi
st function you may hear unusual noises.
This is normal and is produced in the brake
system. Warning and control lamp
The City Safety Assist function is switched on
ev
er
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. 155.
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
laser sensor (dirt, frost) . 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. 155.
Switch on the City Safety Assist
function manually using the
button
››› Fig. 155. Several warning and control lamps should
light
up f
or a f
ew seconds when the ignition
is switched on, signalling that the function is »
157
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
The City Safety Assist function is limited by
the l a
w
s of physics and by the nature of the
system itself. For this reason, this may pro-
duce reactions from the City Safety Assist
system in certain circumstances that are late
or unexpected by the driver. For this reason,
always pay due attention and if necessary, in-
tervene.
For example, the following driving situations
require special attention:
Driving through a bend
When entering or leaving a “long” bend, the
vehicle may decelerate when the laser sensor
detects a vehicle travelling in the adjoining
lane ››› Fig. 156 A. To interrupt deceleration
you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel or
press the clutch.
Narrow vehicles in front
The laser sensor will only detect narrow vehi-
cles in front if they are in the sensor detec-
tion zone ››› Fig. 156 B. This applies especial-
ly to narrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles moving into your lane in close prox-
imity can cause unexpected braking from the
City Safety Assist system ›››
Fig. 157. To inter-
rupt deceleration you can accelerate, turn the
steering wheel or press the clutch. Possible malfunction to the laser sensor
If the la
ser sensor operation function is im-
paired, for example due to heavy rain, mist,
snow or dirt, the City Safety Assist system
function is temporarily disconnected. On the
instrument panel display the control lamp
flashes.
When the malfunction in the laser sensor has
been rectified, the availability of the City
Safety Assist system function is automatically
restored. The control lamp switches off.
The following conditions could prevent the
City Safety Assist system from functioning:
● Tight bends.
● Accelerator pressed all the way down to the
floor.
● If the C
ity Safety Assist system is switched
off or there i
s a fault ››› page 157.
● If the laser sensor is dirty, covered or over-
heated ›
›› page 158.
● In the event of snow, heavy rain or dense
fog.
● If ther
e are vehicles in front.
● Vehicles changing lanes.
● Vehicles moving in the opposite direction
in the same lane.
● V
ery dirty vehicles with a low degree of re-
flection.
● Pr e
sence of thick dust. Hill driving assistant*
Operation 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.
160