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Driving
WARNING
● If the iner
tia mode has been switched on,
take into account, when approaching an ob-
stacle and releasing the accelerator pedal,
that the vehicle will not decelerate in the usu-
al manner: risk of accident!
● When using inertia mode while travelling
down hi
lls, the vehicle can increase speed:
risk of accident!
● If other users drive your vehicle, warn them
about iner
tia mode. Note
● Iner ti
a mode is only available in eco (SEAT
Drive Profile*) driving mode.
● The driver message Inertia is
only dis-
played with the current consumption. In iner-
tia mode the gear will no longer be displayed
(for example “E” will appear instead of “E7”).
● On downhill sections with gradients above
15 %, the inerti
a mode will automatically be
switched off temporarily. Backup programme
A backup programme is in place if a fault
shou
l
d occur in the control system.
If all the positions of the selector lever are
shown over a light background on the instru-
ment panel display, there is a system fault
and the automatic gearbox will operate in with the backup programme. When the back-
up progr
amme is activated, it is possible to
drive the vehicle, however, at low speeds and
within a selected range of gears. In some ca-
ses driving in reverse gear may not be possi-
ble. CAUTION
If the gearbox operates with the backup pro-
gr amme, t
ake the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired without
delay. Clutch
Clutch overheating! Please
stop!
The c
lutch has overheated and could be dam-
aged. Stop the vehicle and wait for the gear-
box to cool with the engine at idling speed
and the selector lever in position P. When the
warning lamp and the driver message switch
off, have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. If the warning lamp
and the driver message do not switch off, do
not continue driving. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox malfunctions Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-
hicle and place the lever in the
position P.
Ther e i
s a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.
Gearbox: System fault! You
may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner. »
183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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Operation
Gearbox: press the brake and
engage a gear again.
If the f
ault was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
Run-in and economical driving Ru
nning-in the engine A new vehicle should be run in over a dis-
t
anc
e of 1500 km (1000 miles). For the first
1,000 km the engine speed should not ex-
ceed 2/3 of the maximum permissible engine
speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at full
throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From
1000 to 1500 km (600 to 1000 miles) you
can gradually increase the engine rpm and
road speed.
During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on when all the moving parts have bed-
ded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate
rate, especially when the engine is still cold:
this will lead to less engine wear and tear
and will prolong its useful life. You should also avoid driving with the engine
speed t
oo low. Change down to a lower gear
when the engine no longer runs “smoothly”.
If the engine revs too much, cut fuel injection
to protect the engine.
Environmental compatibility Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
di sm
antling
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Inc
reased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
acc
ordance 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
components are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originatin
g from renewable sources. ●
Reduction of
volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in plastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on he
avy 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
prot
ective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicl
e transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● R
ecycling and energy recovery from resi-
dues
(RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat
(thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
184
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Driving
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driv
ingFuel consumption, environmental pollution
and w
e
ar to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)*display
Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
page 30.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
s
umption w
ill drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without
the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods
of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
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.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel
efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres »
185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 188 of 328

Operation
(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
t urn t
o a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures ››› page 292 to save fuel. If
the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation also increa-
ses tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
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.
Since the luggage rack increases the aerody-
namic drag of the vehicle, you should remove
it when not needed. At speeds of 100-120
km/h (62-75 mph), this will save 12% of fuel.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby gen-
erating electricity. This implies that any in-
crease in power consumption also increases
fuel consumption! For this reason, switch off
any unneeded electrical devices. Devices that
use a lot of electricity includes the blower at a high setting, the rear window heating or
the seat
heating*.
Engine management and ex-
hau
st gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec
ause 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
arou
nd the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or re-
m
ain lit, there may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
3 Ap
plies to vehicles with petrol engine
The
vehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter 3 Ap
p
lies to vehicles with diesel engine
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most 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
186
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Driving
(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine s peed at
approximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem.
Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
ag
ement
system 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
shes:
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 to have the engine checked.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glo
w p
lugs 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. Driving tips
Driv in
g on flooded roads To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
in
g thr
ough water, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
low
er edge of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
et c
., the braking effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect. CAUTION
● Driv in
g through flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system.
● Whenever driving through water, the Start-
Stop sy
stem* must be switched off
››› page 188. Note
● Chec k
the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone. » 187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 190 of 328

Operation
●
Do not s
top in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine in any situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction m
ay splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar
t-Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duc
e C
O2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required. In this sit-
uation the light of the START ENGINE STOP but-
t on s
tays on.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet
must be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
serv
ice temperature.
● The reverse gear must not be engaged.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. WARNING
● Nev er sw
itch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the v
ehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop sy
stem is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 190. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
sw it
ched off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 190. Stopping/Starting the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutr al
and release the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play.
188
Page 191 of 328

Driver assistance systems
– When the c lut
ch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
st
op and keep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp will appear in the
display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine w
ill start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the auto-
matic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R. Note
● You c
an control whether the engine should
switch off or not by reducing or increasing the
brake force applied. While the vehicle re-
mains stopped, the engine will not stop if the
brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for exam-
ple. As soon as strong pressure is applied to
the brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during
the st
opping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual
gearbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
fr
equently
for different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine does not switch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum requir
ed temperature for the Start-Stop
mode. ●
The interior t
emperature selected for the air
conditioner has not yet been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated
››
› page 42.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-
ing t
urned.
● If there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication i
s shown on the instrument
panel display, and in addition, the driver in-
formation system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the
value sel
ected on the air conditioner.
● Defrost function button activated
››
› page 42.
● The brake has been pressed several times
con
secutively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption. »
189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 192 of 328

Operation
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
sel ect
or lever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (6
mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. Manually switching on/off the Start-
St
op sy
stem Fig. 169
Centre console: Start-Stop system
b utt
on If you do not wish to use the system, you can
sw
it
ch it off manually.
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop
sys
tem, press the button . The button
symbo l
remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off. Note
The system is automatically switched on each
time the en gine i
s deliberately stopped dur-
ing a stopping phase. The engine will start
automatically. Driver messages on the instrument
p
anel
display Start-Stop system deactivated.
Start the engine manually
Thi s
driver message is displayed when cer-
tain conditions are not met during the stop-
ping phase and the Start-Stop system cannot
restart the engine. The engine must be star-
ted manually.
Start-Stop system: Fault! Func-
tion not available There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take
the vehicle to a workshop to have the fault
repaired.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) D e
scription and operation 3
V
alid for vehicles: 4Drive
Hill Descent Control limits the speed on steep
descents by automatically braking all four wheels, both when moving forward and in re-
v
er
se. As the anti-lock brake system remains
active, it prevents the wheels from locking. In
vehicles with manual transmission, the Hill
Descent Control adapts the theoretical speed
without slowing the engine below its idling
speed.
After starting the descent of a slope below
30 km/h (18 mph), speed is limited to a min-
imum of 2 km/h (1 mph) and a maximum of
30 km/h (18 mph). When appropriate, the
driver may increase or decrease the speed
within the limit by pressing the accelerator or
the brake. At this point the function is inter-
rupted and, if necessary, it is then reactiva-
ted.
Even so, it is imperative that the surface
guarantees sufficient adhesion. For this rea-
son, the Hill Descent Control will not fulfil its
function when, for example, descending a
slope with a frozen or slippery surface.
Hill Descent Control is available when the
dash panel display shows the message .
Hill Descent Control automatically intervenes
if the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle engine is running.
● The Offroad driving profile has been selec-
t
ed ›››
page 225. Driving at a speed below 30
km/h (18 mph) (the message is shown on
the dash panel display).
190