Safety
Transporting children safely Saf ety
f
or children
Introduction For safety reasons, as we have learned from
acc
ident
statistics, we recommend that chil-
dren under 12 years of age travel in the rear
seats. Depending on their age, height and
weight, children travelling in rear seats must
use a child seat or a seat belt. For safety rea-
sons, the child seat should be installed in the
rear seat, behind the front passenger seat or
in the centre back seat.
The physical laws involved and the forces
acting in a collision apply also to children
››› page 79. But unlike adults, children do not
have fully developed muscle and bone struc-
tures. This means that children are subject to
a greater risk of injury.
To reduce the risk of injuries, children must
always use special child restraint systems
when travelling in the vehicle.
We recommend the use of child safety prod-
ucts from the SEAT Original Accessories Pro-
gramme, which includes systems for all ages
made by “Peke” (not for all countries) (see
www.seat.com). These systems have been especially de-
signed and ap
pr
oved, complying with the
ECE-R44. regulation.
SEAT recommends securing the child seats
shown on the website as described below:
● Child seats in the opposite direction of
travel
(group 0+): ISOFIX and support bracket
(Peke G0 Plus + ISOFIX Base (RWF)).
● Child seats in the direction of travel (group
1): ISOFIX and T
op Tether (Peke G1 ISOFIX
DUO Plus).
● Child seats in the direction of travel (group
2): seat belt
and ISOFIX (RÖMER KIDFIX XP ©
).
● Child seats in the direction of travel (group
3): with seat
belt (TAKATA MAXI PLUS ©
).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and
observe any statutory requirements when in-
stalling and using child seats. Always read
and note ››› page 88.
We recommend you always carry the manu-
facturer's Child Seat Instruction Manual to-
gether with the on-board documentation.
Important information regarding the
front p
assenger's airbag Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 23. Read and always observe the safety informa-
tion included in the fo
llowing chapters:
● Safety distance with respect to the passen-
ger airbag ›
›› page 82.
● Objects between the passenger and the
pas
senger side airbag ››› in Front airbags
on p ag
e 84
.
The passenger side front airbag, when ena-
bled, is a serious risk for a child that is facing
backward since the airbag can strike the seat
with such force that it can cause serious or
fatal injuries. Children up to 12 years old
should always travel on the rear seat.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to
transport children on the rear seats. This is
the safest location in the vehicle. Alternative-
ly, the front passenger airbag can be disa-
bled with a key-operated switch ››› page 86.
When transporting children, use a child seat
suitable for the age and size of each child
››› page 90. WARNING
● If a c hi
ld seat is secured to the front pas-
senger seat, the risk to the child of sustain-
ing critical or fatal injuries in the event of an
accident increases.
● An inflating front passenger airbag can
strike the r
ear-facing child seat and project it
with great force against the door, the roof or
the backrest. 88
Transporting children safely
●
Never in s
tall a child seat facing backwards
on the front passenger seat unless the front
passenger front airbag has been disabled.
Risk of potentially fatal injuries to the child!
However, if it is necessary, in exceptional ca-
ses, to transport a child in the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger front airbag
must always be disabled ››› page 86, Deacti-
vation of front passenger front airbag*. If the
passenger seat has a height adjustment op-
tion, move it to the rearmost and highest po-
sition. If it is a fixed seat, it should be moved
to the rearmost position possible.
● For those vehicles that do not include a key
lock sw
itch to deactivate the airbag, the vehi-
cle must be taken to a technical service. Do
not forget to reconnect the airbag when an
adult wants to sit in the front passenger seat.
● All vehicle occupants, especially children,
must
assume the proper sitting position and
be properly belted in while travelling.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap,
this c
an result in potentially fatal injuries to
the child!
● Never allow a child to be transported in a
vehicl
e without being properly secured, or to
stand up or kneel on a seat while travelling.
In an accident, the child could be flung
through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal in-
juries to themselves and to the other vehicle
occupants.
● If children assume an improper sitting posi-
tion when the vehic
le is moving, they expose
themselves to greater risk of injury in the
event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly important if the
chi
l
d is travelling on the front passenger seat
and the airbag system is triggered in an acci-
dent; as this could cause serious injury or
even death.
● A suitable child seat can protect your child!
● Never leave a child alone in the child seat
or inside the
vehicle because depending on
the season, very high temperatures may be
reached inside a parked vehicle, which could
be fatal.
● Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall
must
not wear a normal seat belt without a
child seat, as this could cause injuries to the
abdominal and neck areas during a sudden
braking manoeuvre or in an accident.
● Do not allow the seat belt to become twis-
ted and the seat
belt should be properly in
place ››› page 77.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat
›››
page 89, Child seats.
● When a child seat is mounted in the rear
seats, the door c
hild-proof lock should be ac-
tivated ››› page 132. Child seats
Saf ety
in
structions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 23. WARNING
When travelling, children must be secured in
the v ehic
le with a restraint system suitable
for age, weight and size.
● Read and always observe information and
warning
s concerning the use of child seats
››› page 88. WARNING
The retaining rings are designed only for use
with “ISOFIX” and T op
Tether* system child
seats.
● Never secure other child seats that do not
have the “ISOFIX” or T
op Tether* system, or
retaining belts or objects to the fastening
rings - this can result in potentially fatal inju-
ries to the child.
● Ensure that the child seat is secured cor-
rectly u
sing the “ISOFIX” and Top Tether* se-
curing rings. WARNING
An undue installation of the safety seat will
incr e
ase the risk of injury in the event of a
crash.
● Never tie the retainer strap to a hook in the
luggag
e compartment.
● Never secure or tie luggage or other items
to the low
er anchorages (ISOFIX) or the upper
ones (Top Tether). 89
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Transport and practical
equipment Pr actic
a
l equipment
Glove compartment Fig. 155
Passenger side: glove compartment. The compartment can be opened by pulling
the l
ev
er ›
›› Fig. 155.
This compartment can hold documents in A4
format, a water bottle of 1.5 L, etc.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the CD
player is located in the glove compartment.
Separate operating instructions are enclosed
for this equipment in the corresponding In-
struction Manual. WARNING
Always keep the storage compartment cover
clo sed whi
le the vehicle is in motion in order
to reduce the risk of injury caused by a sud-
den braking or by an accident. Storage compartment under the front
seat
s* Fig. 156
Storage compartment under the
right fr
ont
passenger seat. To open
– The compartment is opened by pulling on
the l ev
er and guidin
g it with your hand.
To close – Press the cover inwards until the closed
draw
er “clicks” into position. Note
The storage drawer will hold a maximum
weight of
1.5 kg. Storage pocket in the seat*
Fig. 157
Storage pocket. There is a storage pocket on the rear of the
fr
ont
se
ats.
Storage compartment in front door
panel* In this storage compartment a 1.5l water bot-
tl
e, et
c
. can be stored.
150
Transport and practical equipment
●
Never e x
ceed the allowed axle weights or
allowed maximum weight. If said weights are
exceeded, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle may change, leading to accidents, in-
juries and damage to the vehicle.
● Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when tr
ansporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cia
lly when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around
the vehic
le. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle.
● Please observe the notes on the ›››
page 71. CAUTION
Hard objects on the rear shelf could chafe
again s
t the wires of the heating element in
the heated rear window and cause damage. Note
● The tyr e pr
essure must be adjusted accord-
ing to the load. When necessary, check the
tyre pressures on the adhesive label stuck to the back of the front left door frame
›› ›
page 279.
● Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
foggin
g of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fasten-
ing ring
s* are commercially available from ac-
cessory shops. Rear shelf
Fig. 163
In the luggage compartment: remov-
in g and in
s
talling the rear shelf. Fig. 164
In the luggage compartment: remov-
ing and in s
talling the rear shelf. Removing
● Detach the cord loops ››
›
Fig. 163 B from
their hook s
A .
● Remove the rear shelf from the side sup-
por ts
›
›› Fig. 164 by pulling it upwards and
then take it out.
If necessary, the rear shelf can be stored un-
der the luggage compartment double floor
››› page 155.
Fitting ● Insert the cover horizontally so that the “re-
ces
s” fits onto the axis of the supports
››› Fig. 164 and press down until it engages.
● Hook the loops ›››
Fig. 163 B to the rear
lid. »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
WARNING
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the
re ar shelf
, because they will endanger the ve-
hicle occupants in case of sudden braking. CAUTION
● Bef or
e closing the rear lid, ensure that the
rear shelf is correctly fitted.
● An overloaded luggage compartment could
mean that
the rear shelf is not correctly seat-
ed and it may be bent or damaged.
● If the luggage compartment is overloaded,
remov
e the tray. Note
● Ens ur
e that, when placing items of clothing
on the luggage compartment cover, rear visi-
bility is not reduced. Fastening rings*
Fig. 165
Location of fastening rings in lug-
g ag
e c
ompartment. There may be some fastening rings included
in the lug
g
ag
e compartment for fastening
luggage and other objects ››› Fig. 165 (ar-
rows).
– Always use suitable and undamaged straps
to secur
e luggage and other objects to the
fastening rings ››› in Loading the lug-
g ag
e c
ompartment on page 152.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying
unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal col-
lision at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), this
object generates a force corresponding to 20
times its weight. That means that the effec-
tive weight of the object increases to approxi-
mately 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of
the injuries which might be sustained if this
“object” strikes an occupant as it flies
through the interior of the vehicle. This in- creased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose o
bject is struck by an inflating air-
bag. WARNING
● If piec e
s of baggage or other objects are se-
cured to the fastening rings with inappropri-
ate or damaged retaining cords, injuries
could result in the event of braking manoeu-
vres or accidents.
● Never secure a child seat on the fastening
rings. 154
Transport and practical equipment
and the roof carrier system in question into
ac c
ou
nt.
The crossbars are assembled on the roof rail-
ings. The distance between cross bars
››› Fig. 168 A should be 75 cm and the dis-
t anc
e betw
een the cross bars and the brack-
ets of the roof railings B should be 5 cm.
WARNING
Incorrect attachment and use of the cross-
bar s
and the roof carrier system may cause
the whole system to detach from the roof and
cause an accident and injuries.
● Always take the manufacturer assembly in-
structions
into account.
● Use only crossbars and the roof carrier sys-
tem when they ar
e in perfect condition and
are properly secured.
● Secure the crossbars and the roof carrier
syst
em properly.
● Check threaded joints and attachments
travel
ling and if necessary tighten them after
you have travelled a short distance. When
making long trips, check the threaded joints
whenever you stop for a rest.
● Always fit the special roof carrier systems
correctly
for wheels, skis and surfboards, etc.
● Do not modify or repair the crossbars or
roof c
arrier system. Note
Always read the assembly instructions that
come w ith the c
rossbars and the roof carrier
system carefully and keep them in the vehi-
cle. Loading the roof carrier system
The load can only be secured if the crossbars
and the roof
c
arrier system are properly in-
stalled ››› .
Max imum authori
sed roof load
The maximum permissible roof load is 75 kg.
This figure comes from the combined weight
of the roof carrier, the cross bars and the load
itself on the roof ››› .
A lw
a
ys check the weight of the roof carrier
system, the cross bars and the weight of the
load to be transported and weigh them if
necessary. Never exceed the maximum au-
thorised roof load.
If you are using cross bars and a roof carrier
with a lower weight rating, you will not be
able to carry the maximum authorised roof
load. In this case, do not exceed the maxi-
mum weight limit for the roof carrier which is
listed in the fitting instructions. Distributing a load
Distrib
ute loads uniformly and secure them
correctly ››› .
Chec k
att
achments
Once the cross bars and roof carrier system
have been installed, check the bolted con-
nections and attachments after a short jour-
ney and subsequently with a certain frequen-
cy. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load
can r e
sult in accidents and considerable vehi-
cle damage.
● Never exceed the maximum authorised
load on the r
oof and on the axles or the vehi-
cle's maximum authorised weight.
● Never exceed the load capacity of the cross
bars
and the roof carrier system, even if the
maximum authorised roof load has not been
reached.
● Secure heavy items as far forward as possi-
ble and di
stribute the vehicle load uniformly. WARNING
If the load is loose or not secured, it could fall
from the r oof
carrier system or cause acci-
dents and injuries.
● Always use belts or retaining straps that
are suit
able and in a good condition.
● Secure the load properly. 157
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
B e
ar in mind th
at 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.
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
device
s that use a lot of electricity are: the
blower at high speeds, the rear window heat-
ing or the seat heaters*. Note
● If y
our vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended that you switch this function off.
● It is 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 car on a hill with the clutch,
use the foot
brake or hand brake, using 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 apply wax underneath the vehicle
around the ar
ea of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or re-
m ain lit, ther
e may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
c
on
v
erter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
gines, as
lead damages the catalytic con-
verter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. »
193
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
Control lamp Lights up
The Cruise Control System (GRA) is switched on and ac-
tive.
OR: The Adaptive Cruise Control system (CCS) is switch-
ed on and active.
OR: the speed limiter is switched on and active. Several warning and control lamps light up
for 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.
Displayed on the CCS screen
Status Fig. 183:
CCS temporarily switched off. The set
speed is displayed in small or darkened
figures.
System error. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is
empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is
displayed in large figures. WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause acci-
dents and sev
ere injuries if it is not possibleA
B
C
D to drive at a constant speed maintaining the
saf
ety
distance.
● Do not use the cruise control in heavy traf-
fic, if the dis
tance from the vehicle in front is
insufficient, on steep roads, with several
bends or in slippery circumstances (snow,
ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or
on unpav
ed roads.
● 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.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise
contro
l system, turn it off every time you fin-
ish using it.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is
too high for the pr
evailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot
maintain a c
onstant speed. The vehicle tends
to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
symbol s on p
age 117. Operating the cruise control system*
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 42
The value indicated in the table in brackets
(in mph, miles per hour) only refers to instru-
ment panels with indications in miles.
Changing gear in CCS mode
The CCS decelerates as soon as the clutch
pedal is pressed, intervening again automati-
cally after a gear is engaged.
Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. Slow the vehicle
down using the brake pedal and reduce
gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched
off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could af-
fect the w
orking order of the CCS.
● If you press and maintain the accelerator
pedal f
or a certain time, driving faster than
the stored speed.
● If the dynamic driving control systems in-
terv
ene (e.g. ASR or ESC).
● If the brake pedal is pressed.
● If the airbag is triggered. »
199
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety