The essentials
● Pu
sh the loc
k and release it from the an-
choring support.
››› in Safety instructions on page 92 Starting the vehicle
Ignition lock Fig. 35
Ignition key positions. Switch ignition on: Place the key in the igni-
tion and s
t
ar
t the engine.
Locking and unlocking the steering wheel
● Engaging the steering wheel lock: Remove
the key fr
om the ignition and turn the wheel
until it locks. Depending on the country, in
vehicles with an automatic gearbox and with-
out the electronic brake, to remove the key
the gear lever must be in the P position. Ifnecessary, press the locking key on the selec-
tor lev
er and release it again.
● Unlocking the steering wheel: Put the key
into the ignition and turn it
at the same time
as the steering wheel in the direction indica-
ted by the arrow. If it is not possible to turn
the steering wheel, it may be because it is
locked.
Turning on/switching off the ignition, glow
plugs reheating
● Switch ignition on: Turn the key to the 2 position.
●
Switch ignition off. Turn the key to the 1 position.
●
Diesel vehicles : The glo
w p
lugs reheat
when the ignition is switched on.
Starting the engine
● Manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal all
the way
down and move the gearbox lever in-
to neutral.
● Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal
and move the sel
ector lever to the P position
or into N.
● Turn the key to the 3 position. The key au-
t om
atic
ally returns to the 2 position. Do not
pr e
s
s the accelerator. Start-Stop System*
When you s
top and release the clutch pedal,
the Start-Stop system* turns off the engine.
The ignition remains switched on.
››› in Switching the ignition on and
starting the engine with the key on
page 179
››› page 178 Lights and visibility
Light sw
it
ch Fig. 36
Dash panel: light control. ●
Turn the switch to the required position
› ›
›
Fig. 36. 30
The essentialsPriority 1 warning (red symbols)
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with audible
warnings.
Stop the vehicle!
It is dangerous ››› in Warning
and control lamps on page 119 !
Check the function that is faulty and repair it. If necessa-
ry, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Priority 2 warning (yellow symbols)
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with audible
warnings.
A faulty function, or fluids which are below the correct
levels may cause damage to the vehicle! ›››
in Warn-
ing and control lamps on page 119
Check the faulty function as soon as possible. If neces-
sary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Informative text
Information relating to different vehicle processes. Gear-change indicator
Fig. 47
Instrument panel: gear-change indica-
t or (m
anual
gearbox). A gear change will be recommended if the
g
e
ar
you are in is not the most economical
choice. If no gear-change is recommended, it
means that you are already in the most eco-
nomical gear.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The following display symbols ››› Fig. 47
mean:
● Chan ge to a higher gear: the suggested
g
ear appears to the right of the current gear
when a higher gear is recommended .
● Change to a lower gear: the suggested
g
ear appears to the left of the current gear
when a lower gear is recommended .
The gear recommendation may occasionally
skip a gear (2nd 4th). Vehicles with an automatic gearbox*
The dis
p
lay is only visible in tiptronic mode
››› page 193.
The following display symbols mean:
● Shiftin g up a gear
●
Shifting down a gear CAUTION
The gear-change indicator is intended to help
sav e f
uel, but it is not intended to recom-
mend the right gear for all driving situations.
In certain situations, only the driver can
choose the correct gear (for instance when
overtaking, driving up a steep gradient or
towing a trailer). Note
The display disappears from the instrument
panel when
you press the clutch pedal. Outside temperature display
When the outside temperature is below +4°C
(+39°F), the “ic
e c
r
ystal” symbol (warning of
risk of freezing) is also displayed. At first, this
symbol flashes and then it remains lit until
the outside temperature rises above +6°C
(+43°F) ››› in Indications on the display on
p ag
e 117
. 42
The essentials
Gearbox lever M anua
l
gearbox Fig. 54
Gear shift pattern of a 5 or 6-speed
m anual
g
earbox. The position of the gears is indicated on the
g
e
arbo
x lever ››› Fig. 54.
● Press the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● Mo
ve the gearbox lever to the required po-
sition.
● Rel
ease the clutch.
Selecting r
everse gear
● Press the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● W
ith the gearbox lever in neutral, push it
downw
ards, move it to the left as far as it will
go and then forwards to select reverse
››› Fig. 54 R . ●
Rel
e
ase the clutch.
››› in Changing gear on page 190
››› page 190 Automatic gearbox*
Fig. 55
Automatic gearbox: selector lever po-
s ition
s. Parking lock
R
ev
er
se gear
Neutral (idling)
Drive (forward)
Tiptronic mode: pull the lever forwards
(+) to go up a gear or backwards ( –) to
go down a gear.
P
R
N
D/S
+/–
››› in Selector lever positions on
page 192
››› page 191
››› page 50 Manual release of the selector lever
Fig. 56
Selector lever: manual release from
po s
ition P
. Should the power supply be interrupted,
ther
e i
s
a manual unlocking device located
under the console of the selector lever, on
the right. Releasing the selector lever re-
quires a certain degree of practical skill.
● Unlocking: use the flat part of a screwdriver
bla
de. 50
The essentials
Towline anchorages
Att ac
h the b
ar or rope to the towline ancho-
rages.
The towline anchorages are located under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment,
next to the vehicle tools ›››
page 95.
Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection ››› Fig. 77 o ››› Fig. 78 and tighten
it with the wheel brace.
Tow rope or tow bar
The tow bar offers increased safety and a
lower risk of damage.
The tow rope is recommended when there is
no tow bar. It must be elastic so that it does
not damage the vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● The tow rope must be taut before you drive
off.
● Rel
ease the clutch very carefully when start-
ing the v
ehicle (manual gearbox), or acceler-
ate gently (automatic gearbox).
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
realise how difficult it is to tow a vehicle. In-
experienced drivers should not attempt to
tow. Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle
and take c
are to avoid jerking the tow rope.
When towing on an unpaved road, there is al-
ways a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
Switch on the ignition so that the turn sig-
nals, windscreen wipers and windscreen
washer can work. Ensure that the steering
wheel is unlocked and moves freely.
Place the gear lever in neutral on vehicles
with a manual gearbox. With an automatic
gearbox, place the lever in N.
To brake, press the brake pedal firmly. The
brake servo does not work when the engine
is switched off.
The power steering only works when the igni-
tion is switched on and the vehicle is moving,
provided that the battery is sufficiently charg-
ed. Otherwise, it will need more force.
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all
times.
››› in General information on page 98
››› page 98 Tow-starting
If the engine will not start, first try starting it
us
in
g the battery of another vehicle
››› page 70. You should only attempt to tow-
start a vehicle if charging the battery does
not work. This is done by leveraging wheel
movement.
When tow-starting a vehicle with a petrol en-
gine, do not tow it more than a short dis-
tance, otherwise unburned fuel can enter the
catalytic converter.
● Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
● Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Once both vehicles are moving, release the
clut c
h.
● As soon as the engine has started, press
the clutc
h and move the gear lever to neutral.
How to jump start Jump lea
ds The jump lead must have a sufficient wire
c
r
o
ss section.
If the engine fails to start because of a dis-
charged battery, the battery can be connec-
ted to the battery of another vehicle to start
the engine. 70
Safe driving
● Belt
t
ensioners for the front seats,
● front airbags,
● knee airbags,
● side airbags in the front seat backrests,
● Side airbags in the rear seat backrests*,
● head-protection airbags,
● “ISOFIX” anchor points for child seats in
the rear s
ide seats with the “ISOFIX” system,
● height-adjustable front head restraints,
● rear head restraints with in-use position
and non-use pos
ition,
● adjustable steering column.
The safety
equipment mentioned above
works together to provide you and your pas-
sengers with the best possible protection in
the event of an accident. However, these
safety systems can only be effective if you
and your passengers are sitting in a correct
position and use this equipment properly.
Safety is everyone's business! Correct position of the vehicle
occup
ants
Correct sitting position for the driver Fig. 84
The proper distance between driver
and s t
eerin
g wheel. Fig. 85
Correct head restraint position for the
driv er
. For your own safety and to reduce the risk of
injur
y
in the ev
ent of an accident, we recom- mend the following adjustments for the driv-
er:
– Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a
dist
ance of at least 25 cm between the
steering wheel and the centre of your chest
››› Fig. 84.
– Move the driver's seat forwards or back-
ward
s so that you are able to press the ac-
celerator, brake and clutch pedals to the
floor with your knees still slightly angled
››› .
– Ensure that you can reach the highest point
of the s
t
eering wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper
edge is
at the same level as the top of your
head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ››› Fig. 85.
– Move the seat backrest to an upright posi-
tion so that
your back rests completely
against it.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ›››
page 80.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you
have the
vehicle under control at all times.
Adjustment of the driver's seat ››› page 152. WARNING
● An incorr ect
sitting position of the driver
can lead to severe injuries. » 75
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Safe driving
Rear head restraints – The rear head restraints have 2 positions:
use
and
non-use.
– One position for use (he
ad restraint raised)
››› Fig. 87. In this position, the head re-
straints are used normally, protecting pas-
sengers along with the rear seat belts.
– And one position for non-use (he
ad re-
straint lowered).
– To fit the head restraints in position for use,
pul
l on the edges with both hands in the
direction of the arrow. WARNING
● Under no cir c
umstances should the rear
passengers travel while the head restraints
are in the non-use position. See the warning
label located on the rear side fixed window
››› Fig. 88.
● Do not swap the centre rear head restraint
with either of the out
er seat rear head re-
straints. Risk of injury in case of an accident! CAUTION
Note the instructions on the adjustment of
the hea d r
estraints ››› page 153. Pedal area
P ed
a
ls –
Ensure that you can always press the accel-
erat or
, brake and clutch pedals unimpaired
to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unim-
paired t
o their initial positions.
– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened during the trip and do not
obstruct
the pedals ››› .
On ly
u
se floor mats which leave the pedals
clear and which are secured to prevent them
from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor
mats from a specialised dealership. Fasten-
ers* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must
be pressed down thoroughly in order to stop
the vehicle.
Wear suitable footwear
Always wear shoes which support your feet
properly and give you a good feeling for the
pedals. WARNING
● Re s
tricting pedal operation can lead to crit-
ical situations while driving. ●
Never l a
y or fit floor mats or other floor cov-
erings over the original floor mats. This
would reduce the pedal area and could ob-
struct the pedals. Risk of accident.
● Never place objects in the driver footwell.
An obj
ect could move into the pedal area and
impair pedal operation. In the event of a sud-
den driving or braking manoeuvre, you will
not be able to operate the brake, clutch or ac-
celerator pedal. Risk of accident! 79Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Self-help
●
The to w r
ope must not be twisted. Other-
wise the front tow line anchorage could be
pulled off the vehicle. Indications for tow-starting
Vehicle's should not generally be tow-star-
ted.
The jump s
tart should be used instead
››› page 70.
For technical reasons, towing the following
vehicles is not allowed:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is discharged, be-
cau se in
vehicles with the Keyless Access
locking and ignition system the steering re-
mains locked and the electronic parking
brake cannot be deactivated nor can the elec-
tronic lock of the steering column be re-
leased if they are activated.
● If the battery is flat, it is possible that the
engine contr
ol units may not operate correct-
ly.
However, if the vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (in the case of manual gearbox-
es):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights. ●
Once both v
ehicles are moving, release the
clutch.
● Once the engine starts, press the clutch
and diseng
age the gear to avoid colliding
with the towing vehicle. Note
The vehicle can only be tow-started if the
electr onic
parking brake and, if appropriate,
the electronic lock of the steering column are
deactivated. If the vehicle has no power sup-
ply or there is an electric system fault, the
engine must be tow-started to deactivate the
electronic parking brake and the electronic
lock of the steering column. Anchoring the front tow line
Fig. 98
Right side of the front bumper: tow-
line anc hor
ag
e screwed in. The front towline anchorage is only mounted
if
the
v
ehicle has to be towed. There is a cover with an opening into which
the towline anc
horage is screwed on the right
part of the front bumper.
– To open the cover, press the left side.
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehi-
cle t
ool kit ››› page 95.
– Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection as
far as it will go ››› Fig. 98 and
tighten with the wheel brace.
After use, unscrew the towline anchorage
and fit the cover back on the bumper. Put the
towline anchorage back in the vehicle tool
kit. The towline anchorage should always be
kept in the vehicle.
99
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Fuses and bulbsNo.Consumers/Amps
36Right LED headlight7.5
37Left LED headlight7.5
38Trailer25
39Right door30
4012V socket20
42Central locking40
43SEAT Sound, beats sound CAN and
MOST.30
44Trailer15
45Electric driver's seat15
47Rear window wiper15
49Starter motor; clutch sensor5
52Driving mode.15
53Heated rear window30
Fuse arrangement in engine compartment
No.Consumers/Amps
1ESP control unit25
2ESP control unit40/60
3Engine control unit (diesel/pet-
rol)30/15
4Engine sensors5/10
No.Consumers/Amps
5Engine sensors7.5/10
6Brake light sensor5
7Engine power supply5/10
8Lambda probe10/15
9Engine5/10/20
10Fuel pump control unit10/15/20
11PTC40
12PTC40
13Automatic gearbox control unit15/30
15Horn15
16Fuel pump control unit5/15/20
17Engine control unit7.5
18Terminal 30 (positive reference)5
19Front windscreen washer30
20Alarm horn10
22Engine control unit5
23Starter motor30
24PTC40
31Electronic differential CUPRA15
33Automatic gearbox pump30
CAUTION
● Alw a
ys carefully remove the fuse box cov-
ers and refit them correctly to avoid problems
with your vehicle.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid
the entry of
dust or humidity. Dirt and humid-
ity inside fuse boxes can cause damage to
the electrical system. Note
● In the v ehic
le, there are more fuses than
those indicated in this chapter. These should
only be changed by a specialised workshop.
● Positions not containing a fuse do not ap-
pear in the fo
llowing tables.
● Some of the equipment listed in the tables
below pert
ain only to certain versions of the
model or are optional extras.
● Please note that the above lists, while cor-
rect at
the time of printing, are subject to
change. Changing bulbs
Topic
intr
oduction Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 64.
Changing bulbs requires a certain degree of
practical skill. »
103
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety