Driving
Stopping and starting the en-
gine Sw it
c
hing on the ignition and starting
the engine Fig. 145
Vehicle key positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 20
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of
a system fault, is displayed on the instru-
ment panel. The engine cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not
be push- or tow-started. Jump starting is pref-
erable. Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key
which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox : the key c
annot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re-
lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remov
e the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Switching off the engine while driving makes
st op
ping the vehicle difficult. As a conse-
quence you may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The assisted braking and steering systems,
the airbag sys
tem, seat belts and certain
safety equipment are only active while the
engine is running.
● The engine should only be switched off
when the vehic
le is at a standstill. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it
cou l
d help reduce the risk of serious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly v
entilated or closed spaces. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, col-
ourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death. ●
Never l e
ave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly or something unexpected could
happen resulting in damage and serious in-
jury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays
coul
d explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
v er y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
spilled fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
cou l
d result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you le
ave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally
be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car
. Passengers could be trapped » 135
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
Additional information for steep slopes and
hi l
l
s
Before switching off the engine, rotate the
steering wheel so that if the vehicle should
move, it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that
they are ag
ainst the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the ro
ad. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● 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, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Spec i
al care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entranc
es, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Information on the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km, the new brak
e
p
ads have not yet reached their maximum
braking capacity, and need to be “run in”
first ››› . The slightly reduced braking effect
can be c ompen
sated for by increasing pres-
sure on the brake pedal. While running in,
the full braking distance or emergency brak-
ing distance is larger then when the brake
pads have been run in. While running in,
avoid full power braking or situations requir-
ing braking performance. For example, in
heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends
to a great extent on the conditions in which
the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is
driven. If the vehicle is used frequently in city
traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialised workshop regularly, more
frequently than advised in the Maintenance
Programme, to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, in heavy rainfall
or even after washing the car, the effect of
the brakes is lessened as the brake discs are
wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possi-
ble by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind
you or any other road users ››› .
A l ay
er of salt on the discs and brake pads
will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes and increase braking distance. If you drive for
a prolon
ged period on salted roads without
braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ››› .
If the
v
ehicle remains parked for considera-
ble lengths of time, is used little, or if the
brakes are not used, there may be corrosion
on the brake discs and a build up of dirt on
the brake pads. If the brakes are not used fre-
quently, or if rust has formed on the discs,
SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a mod-
erately high speed. Only do this without en-
dangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ››› .
F au
lt
s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle
does not react as usual (that the braking dis-
tance has increased suddenly) it may be pos-
sible that there is a fault in the braking sys-
tem. This is indicated by the warning lamp
. Take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop immediately and have the fault re-
paired. Drive at a moderate speed and be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake
pedal, and allow for longer stopping distan-
ces.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the en-
gine is running and the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal increases.
142
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
Driving
Between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres, gr adu-
a l
ly increase power until reaching the maxi-
mum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres
›››
page 199
● Notes on the brakes ›››
page 137 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the
engine w i
ll be increased and the engine oil
consumption reduced. Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c
hoice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantlin
g
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Incr
eased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accor
dance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629. Choice of materials
●
Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its c
omponents are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating fr
om renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in p
lastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy
metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
valent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protectiv
e wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tr
ansport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recy
cling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impr
ovement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (therm
al recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints. Economical and environmentally
friendly drivin
g Fig. 150
Fuel consumption in litres per
100 km at 2 diff
er
ent outside temperatures Fuel consumption, environmental impact and
en
gine, br
ak
e and tyre wear depend largely
on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption
are possible with an appropriate driving style
and the adoption of certain simple tips.
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is al-
ways the most economical. As a guide, for
most vehicles at a speed of 30 km/h
(19 mph), drive in third gear, at 40 km/h »
149
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
Driving
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
s ummer
, ev
en when other conditions are the
same.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. In addition, mechanical
wear and pollutant emissions are also espe-
cially high during this initial warm-up phase.
It is therefore best to drive off immediately af-
ter starting the engine. Doing this avoids run-
ning the engine at a high speed.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres
helps to reduce rolling resistance and, as a
result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing
the tyre pressure slightly (+0.2
bar/+3 psi/+200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are
optimised for minimum rolling resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils,
known as low friction engine oil, helps to re-
duce fuel consumption. These oils reduce the
resistance caused by friction in the engine,
they flow around the engine more quickly
and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The
effect is particularly noticeable in vehicles
frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and ob-
serve service intervals (engine oil change in-
tervals). When purchasing engine oil, always observe
leg
al requirements and ensure that the oil is
approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical
and ecological the driving style. For example,
an additional weight of 100 kg will increase
fuel consumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads
from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessa-
ry accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower
the fuel consumption. Optional equipment
and accessories (such as roof racks or bike
carriers) reduce the aerodynamic benefits of
the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all op-
tional and unnecessary equipment and racks,
especially if you intend to drive at high
speeds.
Other factors which increase fuel consump-
tion (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to
the v ehic
les ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. Engine management and ex-
hau
s
t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. Control and warning lamps
It lights up
fault in the pet-
rol engine man-
agement.Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.
»
151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
It lights up
Fault in the
emission control
system.Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to
have the engine checked.
Flashes
Combustion
fault which could
damage the cat-
alytic converter.Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to
have the engine checked.
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. CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps
and to the c orr
esponding descriptions and in-
structions to avoid damage to the vehicle. Note
Whereas the control lamps may remain lit
or , ther
e may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent tr
e
atment of the exhaust gases thus
reducing contaminating gas emissions. To
ensure a longer working life for the exhaust
system and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil
›››
page 188.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cab l
es ›››
page 43.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven run-
ning or loss of power when the car is moving,
reduce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
work in
g perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel
used. Driving tips
Driv in
g abr
oad In some countries, certain safety regulations
and requir
ements
are in force relating to ex-
haust gas emissions, which differ from the
technical characteristics of the vehicle. Be-
fore travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you
consult a technical service about the legal re-
quirements and the following points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifica-
tions f
or driving abroad, for example, adjust-
ment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diag-
nostic
s equipment and spare parts required
for inspections and repairs?
● Are there any SEAT dealers in the destina-
tion countr
y?
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol avail-
able at
the right octane rating?
● For diesel engines: is diesel fuel available
with a low s
ulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ›››
page 188) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
countr
y?
152