Driving
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an u nnec
e
ssary 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 25.
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-
start 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 m
aintenance 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.
Maintain 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 tyre
s 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.
Save electricity
The engine activates 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. » 163
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
It i s
recommended that you close the win-
dows when driving at more than 60 km/h
(37 mph)
● 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. Engine management and ex-
h
au
s
t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec au
se of the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard! ●
Do not ap p
ly wax underneath the vehicle
around the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or r
e-
m ain lit, ther
e may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
An exhaust gas emission control system (cat-
alytic
c
on
verter) that functions perfectly is vi-
tally important for vehicle operation that re-
spects the environment.
Please observe the following indications:
● Refuel only using unleaded petrol in petrol
engine v
ehicles ››› page 200.
● Do not add too much oil to the engine
›››
page 207, Checking engine oil level .
● Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If y
ou are required to drive in a country where
unleaded fuel is not available, when return-
ing to a country where using a catalytic con-
verter is obligatory, the catalytic converter
must be replaced. CAUTION
● Never c omp
letely empty the tank! An irreg-
ular fuel supply can cause ignition faults,
which can result in damage to a substantial
amount of engine parts and the exhaust sys-
tem.
● Refuelling just once with leaded petrol dis-
able
s the exhaust system! Particulate filter (diesel
en
gines) The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
mo
s
t
of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear
(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The
164
Driving
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
t er t
o b
urn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off.
If the lamp does not turn off, or the three
lamps turn on (particulate filter , fault in
the emission control system and glow
plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired at the
earliest opportunity. WARNING
● Alw a
ys drive according to the road weather
conditions, the terrain and traffic.
● The particulate filter attains very high tem-
peratur
es. Therefore, do not park the vehicle
in places where the exhaust pipe could come
into contact with dry grass or with highly-
flammable materials. Risk of fire! CAUTION
While the warning lamp is lit
up, the fuel
consumption is high, and in certain condi-
tions, the engine power is reduced. Note
● In order f or the p
articulate filter to burn off
soot in a correct manner, avoid carrying out
frequent short journeys.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur count
can con
siderably reduce the useful life of the
particulate filter. The specialised service pro- vides information about the countries where
fuel
w
ith a high sulphur content is used. Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement
sy
stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* Control lamp
fla
she
s:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.
The control lamp lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop t
o have the engine checked.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow p
lug
s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Driving tips Driv in
g thr
ough flooded roadsFig. 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 181. 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. 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. 166
Operation
information provided by the Parking Aid sys-
t em w
i
ll be displayed.
Also in combination with the system, the rear
assist image can also be concealed:
● By pressing one of the Infotainment system
button
s on the display.
● OR: By pressing the miniature vehicle that
appear
s on the left of the screen (which
switches to the full-screen mode of the Park-
ing System Plus's optical system).
If you wish to display the rear assist image
again:
● Disengage reverse, or change the selector
lever's
position, engage reverse again or
move the selector lever to position R.
● OR: Press the RVC function b
utton1)
Meaning of the orientation lines
››› Fig. 186
Side lines: extension 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.
1 2 Intermediate line: indic
at
e
s 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
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 1)
WARNING: the RVC function b
utton will only be ac-
tivated and available when the reverse gear is en-
gaged or the selector lever is set to position R.
174
Driver assistance systems
interrupted by pressing the clutch, accelera-
tor or mo
v
ing the wheel.
● The City Emergency braking function can
brake the
vehicle until it stops completely.
However, the brake system does not halt the
vehicle permanently. Use the foot brake!
● If several inopportune intervenes occur,
switc
h off the Front Assist and with it the City
Emergency braking function. Take it to a spe-
cialised workshop, SEAT recommends visiting
a SEAT dealership.
● If numerous unnecessary interventions oc-
cur, the C
ity Emergency braking function may
switch off automatically. Start-Stop System*
Oper atin
g Fig. 193
Instrument panel: Start-Stop system
b utt
on The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duc
e h
armf
ul and CO2 emissions.
The system is automatically switched on ev-
ery time the ignition is switched on.
The system automatically switches off the en-
gine when the vehicle is stationary, e.g. wait-
ing at traffic lights.
The current status of the Start-Stop system is
displayed 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 c
onditions 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 phase)
● 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 164. »
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
● Front
wheel
s not overly turned (steering
wheel turned less than three quarters of a
turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed.
● Max./min. temperature 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
START MANUALLYStart the engine manually WARNING
● If the engine 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 Fatigue detection informs the driver
when their drivin
g beh
aviour shows signs of
fatigue. WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Fatigue
detection sy s
tem tempt you into taking any
risks when driving. Take regular breaks, suffi-
cient in length when making long journeys.
● 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 183, 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.182
Operation
Towing bracket device
Driv in
g w
ith a trailer
Technical requirements If your vehicle has a factory-fitted towing
brac
k
et or is equipped with a selection of
SEAT Original Accessories, it meets all the rel-
evant technical and legal requirements.
In vehicles with a towing bracket it is possi-
ble to remove the ball joint, situated (togeth-
er with the special assembly instructions) in
the housing for the spare wheel in the vehi-
cle luggage compartment ›››
page 75, Vehicle
tool kit*.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer you
are going to use has a 7-pin connector, the
corresponding adaptor, acquired from the
SEAT Original Accessories Catalogue, can be
used.
If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the
car, it must be done according to the instruc-
tions of the towing bracket manufacturer. Note
Any queries that may arise can be directed to
an authorised S EA
T dealer. 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. 184