Driving
Engaging gear with Tiptronic Fig. 149
Lever in the Tiptronic position With Tiptronic, the gears can be changed up
or do
wn m
anual
ly with the automatic gear-
box. When you change to the Tiptronic pro-
gramme, the vehicle remains in the currently
selected gear. This is possible as long as the
system is not changing gear automatically
due to a traffic situation.
Using Tiptronic
● Place the lever in the position D to the lef
t
on the Tiptronic shift gate M ››› in Auto-
m atic
g
ear change on page 144.
● Press the lever forwards + or backwards
– to move up or down a gear
››
›
Fig. 149.
● Place the lever back to the position M to
the lef
t on the Tiptronic shift gate, to leave
Tiptronic mode ››› in Automatic gear
c h
an
ge on page 144. With the lever in the position D, and pres
sing
forwards + or backwards
– the Tiptronic
pr ogr
amme c
an be selected M. CAUTION
● When acc el
erating, the gearbox automati-
cally shifts up into the next gear shortly be-
fore the maximum engine speed is reached.
● When reducing speed manually, the gear-
box on
ly shifts gear when the engine can no
longer exceed the maximum engine speed. Driving with automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatical-
ly
a
s
the vehicle moves.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear
you will need to select. The lowest gears in-
crease the engine braking work. Never go
down hills with the selector lever in neutral
N.
● You should reduce speed accordingly.
● Place the lever in the position D to the lef
t
on the Tiptronic shift gate M ›››
page 145.
● Gently pull the selector lever back – to
c h
an
ge down a gear. Starting when going up a slope
The steeper the gr
adient, the lower the gear
you will need.
When stopping on a slope with a gear range
engaged, the vehicle must be prevented from
rolling backwards by always pressing the
brake pedal or pulling the handbrake lever
up. When starting, release the brake pedal or
the handbrake ››› .
Kic k
-do
wn
The kickdown system provides maximum ac-
celeration when the gear selector lever is in
the position D, or in the Tiptronic position M.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down, the automatic gearbox will shift down
to a lower gear, depending on road speed
and engine speed. This takes advantage of
the maximum acceleration of the vehicle
››› .
When the ac c
el
erator is pressed to the floor,
the automatic gearbox shifts to the next gear
only after the engine reaches the specified
maximum engine speed. WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skid din
g, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and serious injury. » 145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
Alw a
ys adapt your driving style to suit the
flow of traffic.
● Only use the kick-down function or rapid
accel
eration if visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions so permit.
● Never put other road users in danger by ac-
celer
ating or with your driving style. CAUTION
If you stop on a hill with a gear range engag-
ed, do not try
to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing back by pressing on the accelerator. Oth-
erwise, the automatic gearbox may overheat
causing damage. Automatic gearbox malfunction
Back-up programme
When aut
om
atic
gearbox warning and indica-
tion lamps light up on the instrument panel,
there may be a system malfunction
››› page 142. In the event of some faults the
automatic gearbox functions using a backup
programme. When the programme is activa-
ted, it is possible to drive the vehicle, howev-
er, at low speeds and within a selected range
of gears.
With the manual gearbox, in some cases it is
not possible to drive with all the gears .
In all cases the automatic gearbox must be
checked at a specialised workshop. Automatic gearbox overheating
The automatic
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.146
Driving
Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the c lut
ch pedal is pressed.Steering
Introduction The power steering* is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing system is that it disposes of hydraulic
tubes, hydraulic oil, the pump, filter and oth-
er components. The electromechanical sys-
tem saves fuel. While a hydraulic system re-
quires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy
when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning. WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the
st eerin
g wheel is much more difficult to turn
and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running. ●
Never a l
low the vehicle to move when the
engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
steering wheel. Control and warning lamps
It lights up red
Power steer-
ing faulty.The steering system should be checked
by a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
It lights up yellow
Power steer-
ing opera-
tion re-
duced.
The steering system should be checked
by a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
If, after restarting the engine and driv-
ing for a short distance, the yellow
warning lamp no longer comes on, it will
not be necessary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop.
Flashes red
Fault in the
steering col-
umn elec-
tronic lock.
Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
It flashes yellow
Steering col-
umn devia-
tion.Gently turn the steering wheel to and
fro.
Steering
wheel not
unlocked or
locked.
Remove the key from the ignition and
then switch the ignition back on. If nec-
essary, check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel display.
Do not drive on, if
the steering column
remains locked after the ignition has
been switched on. Seek specialist assis-
tance. 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. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. 147
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
When purchasing engine oil, always observe
l e
g
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.
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
While the or c
ontrol lamps remain lit,
the engine may have faults, there will be
higher fuel consumption and a possible loss
of engine power. 151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
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 189.
● 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 189) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
countr
y? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage
to the v
ehicle due to the use of a lower quali-
ty fuel, an inadequate service or the non-
availability of genuine spare parts. Driving through flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing thr
ough w
ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded z
one. The water should never
come above the lower edge of the bodywork
››› .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear
or sw it
c
h off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which
raise the l
evel of the water, making it difficult
to cross the water.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system whenever
cro
ssing water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted
sno w
, etc., please remember that due to
damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in win-
ter, the braking effect may be delayed, there-
fore the required braking distance is greater. 152
Driver assistance systems
●
“Dry the br
akes and remove ice” by braking
carefully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden
sharp manoeu
vres. CAUTION
● Driv ing thr
ough flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, drive train or electrical
system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt cau-
ses c
orrosion. Always rinse any parts of the
vehicle which have been in contact with salt
water. Driver assistance systems
P ark
in
g distance warning sys-
tem*
Introduction The parking distance warning system assists
the driver when p
ark
ing. If the rear of the ve-
hicle is approaching an obstacle, an intermit-
tent audible warning is emitted. The shorter
the distance, the shorter the intervals be-
tween tones. If the vehicle is too close to the
obstacle, the audible warning becomes con-
stant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when
the sound is continuous, this means the sys-
tem can no longer measure the distance.
Sensors situated on the rear bumper transmit
and receive ultrasound. Using the ultrasound
signal (transmission, reflection from the ob-
stacles and reception), this system continu-
ously calculates the distance between the
bumper and the obstacle. WARNING
The parking distance warning system cannot
rep l
ace the driver's assessment of the situa-
tion.
● The sensors have blind spots in which ob-
stac
les and people are not registered. ●
Alw a
ys observe the area around the vehi-
cle, as the sensors do not always detect
small children, animals or objects.
● The surface of certain objects and some
clothing do not
reflect the ultrasound signals
from the parking distance system. The sys-
tem cannot detect or incorrectly detects
these objects and people wearing these
types of clothes.
● External sound sources can affect the park-
ing dis
tance aid signals. In this case, under
certain circumstances, people and objects
will not be detected. CAUTION
● The sensor s
may not always be able to de-
tect objects such as trailer draw bars, thin
rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots,
etc. This could result in damage to your car.
● Although the parking distance warning sys-
tem detect
s and warns of the presence of an
obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from
the angle of measurement of the sensors if it
is too high or low and the system would no
longer show it. Therefore, it will not warn you
of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause consider-
able damage to the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged
or misa
ligned, for example, when parking.
● To ensure that the system works properly,
the bumper sensor
s must be kept clean, free
of ice and snow and uncovered. » 153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
When cl e
aning the sensors with high-pres-
sure or steam cleaning equipment, spray the
sensors briefly at a distance of no less than
10 cm.
● Different sources of noise can produce er-
rors
in the parking distance warning system,
e.g. parking distance warning systems from
other vehicles, inductive loops or construc-
tion works machines.
● Retrofitting of components to the vehicle,
such a
s a bicycle carrier, may interfere with
the function of the parking distance warning
system. Parking distance warning system
Fig. 151
Parking distance warning system
sen sor
s
on the rear bumper The sensors of the parking distance warning
sy
s
t
em are situated on the rear bumper
››› Fig. 151. Switching the parking distance warning sys-
tem on and off
●
Swit
ching on: With the ignition swit
ched
on, select reverse gear. A short audible warn-
ing confirms that the parking distance warn-
ing system is switched on and functioning.
● Switching off: Rele
ase reverse gear.
Special features of the parking distance
warning system
● The parking distance warning system
sometimes r
egisters water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warn-
ing sign
al will sound less loudly after a few
seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the
volume will remain constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the ob-
stac
le, the beeping sound automatically
switches off. When getting close again, it re-
connects.
● Your SEAT dealership can adjust the volume
of the warnin
g signals. Note
A fault in the parking distance warning sys-
tem i s
indicated through a brief audible warn-
ing that is constant for about 3 seconds when
switching it on the first time. Check the park-
ing distance warning system at a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible. Optical parking system* (OPS)
Fig. 152
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
tect ed an o
bstacle in the collision zone; B has detected an obstacle in the segment;
C zone recorded behind the vehicle.
The optical parking system is an extension of
the p
ark
in
g distance warning system
››› page 154.
The radio screen displays the area behind the
vehicle recorded by the sensors. Any obsta-
cles are displayed in relation to the vehicle
››› .
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the
display on:Switching on the
››› page 154 park-
ing distance warning system. The
OPS switches on automatically.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:Release reverse gear. 154
Driver assistance systems
Zones explored
B ehind the
v
ehicle ››› Fig. 152 C , the zone
an aly
sed r
eaches a distance of up to 150 cm
and around 60 cm to the sides.
Screen display
The image displayed represents the super-
vised zones in several segments. As the vehi-
cle moves closer to an obstacle, the segment
moves closer to the vehicle displayed A or
B . When the penultimate segment is dis-
p l
a
yed, this means that the vehicle has
reached the collision zone. Stop the vehicle!
Distance from
the vehicle to
the obstacleAudible
warning
Displayed in col-
our on the screen: colour of the seg-ment if an obsta-cle is recognised
behind:
approx. 31-150
cmbeeping soundYellow
behind:
approx. 0-30 cmperma- nent
soundRed WARNING
Do not be distracted from traffic to look at the
sc r
een. Note
● SEA T r
ecommends practising using the
parking distance warning system in a traffic-
free zone or in a car park to familiarise your-
self with the system and its operation.
● The display on the radio screen of the area
explor
ed by the sensors may take up to 5 sec-
onds. Cruise control* (Cruise control
sys
t
em - CCS)
Control lamp
It lights upPossible cause
This cruise control system maintains the
set speed of the vehicle.
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. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Cruise control operation
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 24
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to in-
dividually maintain the set speed when driv-
ing forwards from approx. 20 km/h (15 mph).
The CCS only slows down by reducing the ac-
celerator but not by braking ››› .
T r
av
elling 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 increase the stored speed by press-
ing the acc
elerator pedal for a certain time.
● If the brake pedal is pressed. »
155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety