
Operation
outside temperature as a result of heat com-
in g fr
om the en
gine.
The temperatures measured range from
-40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F).
Selector lever position
The range of engaged gears of the selector
lever is shown on the side of the lever, and
on the instrument panel display. In positions
D and M, and with the Tiptronic, the corre-
sponding gear is also indicated on the dis-
play.
Recommended gear* (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear to save fuel can be
displayed on the instrument panel display
while you are driving ››› page 142.
Seat belt status display for the rear seats*
The seat belt status display on the instru-
ment panel display informs the driver, when
the ignition is switched on, whether any pas-
sengers in the rear seats have fastened their
seat belts ››› page 52.
Start-Stop system status display
The instrument panel display shows informa-
tion on the current status ››› page 160. 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.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of acci-
dent for the driv
er and for other road users. If
necessary, switch on the hazard warning
lamps and put out the warning triangle to ad-
vise other drivers.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at no highly flammable materials are
under the vehicle that could come into con-
tact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry grass,
fuel). WARNING
Even though outside temperatures are above
freez in
g, some roads and bridges may be icy.
● At outside temperatures above +4°C
(+39°F), even when the “ice c
rystal” symbol
is not visible, there may still be patches of ice
on the road.
● Do not rely on the outside temperature in-
dicator! CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Note
● Differ ent
versions of the instrument panel
are available and therefore the versions and
instructions on the display may vary.
● When several warnings are active at the
same time, the symbol
s are shown succes-
sively for a few seconds and will stay on until
the fault is rectified. Service interval display
The inspection message appears on the in-
s
trument
p
anel display ›››
Fig. 95 2 .
S EA
T di
stinguishes between services with en-
gine oil change (Oil Change Service) and
services without engine oil change (Inspec-
tion Service). The service interval display only
gives information for service dates which in-
volve an engine oil change. The dates of the
remaining services (e.g. the next Inspection
Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on
the label attached to the door strut, or in the
Maintenance Programme.
The set service intervals have been specified
with the service dependent on time/distance
travelled.
Inspection reminder
If the inspection period is due to expire
shortly, Inspection reminder appears when
starting the ignition abbreviated to
and a
90

Operation
Securing the drink container in the front
drink ho
l
der
Fold the drink holder ››› Fig. 129 forward.
Place the drink container in the drink holder
so that it is securely surrounded.
Ashtray* Fig. 131
In the front part of the centre con-
so l
e: openin
g the ashtray. Opening and closing the ashtray
T
o
open
, lift the lid of the ashtray in the direc-
tion of the arrow ››› Fig. 131.
To close, push the ashtray lid down.
Emptying the ashtray ● Remove the ashtray from the storage com-
partment
lifting it up. ●
After empty
ing the ashtray, insert it into the
drink holder from above. WARNING
Incorrect use of the ashtray may cause a fire
or burn s
and other serious injuries.
● Never put paper or other flammable objects
in the ashtra
y. Cigarette lighter*
Fig. 132
In the front part of the centre con-
so l
e: light
er ●
Push the button on the cigarette lighter in-
w ar d w
ith the ignition on ››› Fig. 132.
● Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the
cigar
ette on the glowing coil ››› .
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert. WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause
a fire or b urn
s and other serious injuries.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to
light cig
arettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicl
e. The cigarette lighter can be used
when the ignition is switched on. Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with
the 12 V o
lt socket. Power socket*
Fig. 133
Front centre console: 12 Volt socket
in the s t
or
age compartment Electrical equipment can be connected to the
soc
k
et
in the vehicle.
120

Driving
and increase braking distance. If you drive for
a pr o
lon
ged period on salted roads without
braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ››› .
If the
v
ehicle remains parked for considera-
ble lengths of time, is used little, or if the
brakes are not used, there may be corrosion
on the brake discs and a build up of dirt on
the brake pads. If the brakes are not used fre-
quently, or if rust has formed on the discs,
SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a mod-
erately high speed. Only do this without en-
dangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ››› .
F au
lt
s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle
does not react as usual (that the braking dis-
tance has increased suddenly) it may be pos-
sible that there is a fault in the braking sys-
tem. This is indicated by the warning lamp
. Take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop immediately and have the fault re-
paired. Drive at a moderate speed and be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake
pedal, and allow for longer stopping distan-
ces.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the en-
gine is running and the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal increases. If the brake servo does not operate or the ve-
hicle mu
st be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate ››› .
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficien-
cy.
● For the fir
st 320 km, new brake pads have
not y
et reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity, and need to be “run in” first. For this,
to compensate for reduced braking efficiency
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with
more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and
caus
ing serious accidents, always take great
care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always
res
pect the safety distances between you and
other vehicles and do not cause situations re-
quiring extreme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less effi-
cient and br
aking distances increase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be
overlo
aded and overheat quickly.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced w
ith steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. ●
Non-s t
andard or damaged front spoilers
could restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take lon-
g er t o en
gage and this increases braking dis-
tances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by
brakin
g gently several times, when visibility,
weather, and road and traffic conditions per-
mit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may signifi-
cantly inc
rease the braking distance and re-
sult in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards
when the engine is
switched off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the
vehicl
e must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate. CAUTION
● Never m ak
e the brakes “slip” by pressing
the pedal gently, if it is not really necessary
to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake
pedal will heat the brakes. This could signifi-
cantly reduce braking power, increase » 141
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

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

Operation
Information on the steering To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the
st
eerin
g before leaving the vehicle.
Steering column mechanical lock
Lock the steering column by removing the
key from the ignition when the vehicle is
stopped.
Please engage steer-
ing lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
››› page 135.Insert the key in the igni-
tion lock.
Remove the key from the
ignition.Turn the steering wheel
slightly to release the
steering lock.
Turn the steering wheel
slightly until you hear the
steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in
this position and switch
on the ignition. Electromechanical power steering
W
ith the po
w
er 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.
You should remember that you will need con-
siderably more power than normal to steer
the vehicle if the power steering is not work-
ing correctly or not at all. Run-in and economical driving
Runnin
g in Please observe the instructions for running-in
new components.
R u
nning-in the engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first
1,500 km. During its first few hours of run-
ning, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving
parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it
should be driven at a moderate speed, espe-
cially when the engine is cold, as this will re-
duce engine wear and increase its useful life.
Never drive at extremely low engine speeds.
Change down to a lower gear when the en-
gine no longer runs “smoothly”. Up to 1,000
kilometres the following instructions apply:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of
its m ax
imum speed.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres, gradu-
ally increase power until reaching the maxi-
mum speed and high engine speeds. Running in new tyres and brake pads
●
Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres
›››
page 200
● Notes on the brakes ›››
page 135 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the
engine w i
ll be increased and the engine oil
consumption reduced. Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c
hoice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantlin
g.
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling.
● Incr
eased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accor
dance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
148

Operation
ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance
fr om the
v
ehicle in front, it is possible to slow
down by simply lifting your foot off the accel-
erator. This eliminates the need for constant
braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The
more you drive at a constant speed, the lower
the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more effi-
cient to drive at a constant and more moder-
ate speed than to be continuously accelerat-
ing and braking. As a general rule, you will
reach your destination just as quickly when
you drive at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to ach-
ieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional devices
It is important to travel in comfort, but con-
venience systems should be used ecological-
ly.
Some equipment, when connected, increase
fuel consumption considerably, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air
conditioning sy
stem is required to cool to
significantly lower temperatures than the true
outside temperature, it will require a large
amount of energy from the engine. Therefore,
we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too different to the out-
side temper
ature. It is a good idea to air the
vehicle before starting your journey and to
drive a short distance with the windows
open. Then you can close the windows and
switch on the air conditioning. Keep windows
closed when travelling at high speeds. Driv-
ing with the windows open increases fuel
consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats
have w
armed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window when it
is not
moist or covered in ice.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the
engine is cold, immediately after it has been
started. It takes a few kilometres of driving
for the engine to warm up and to normalise
consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their proper working temperature in or-
der to minimise fuel consumption and emis-
sions. The ambient temperature has a deci-
sive influence.
Fig. 150 shows the difference in consump-
tion for the same journey at +20°C (+68°F)
and at -10°C (+14°F).
Therefore, unnecessary short journeys
should be avoided. Try to combine trips. The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
summer, ev
en when other conditions are the
same.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. In addition, mechanical
wear and pollutant emissions are also espe-
cially high during this initial warm-up phase.
It is therefore best to drive off immediately af-
ter starting the engine. Doing this avoids run-
ning the engine at a high speed.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres
helps to reduce rolling resistance and, as a
result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing
the tyre pressure slightly (+0.2
bar/+3 psi/+200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are
optimised for minimum rolling resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils,
known as low friction engine oil, helps to re-
duce fuel consumption. These oils reduce the
resistance caused by friction in the engine,
they flow around the engine more quickly
and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The
effect is particularly noticeable in vehicles
frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and ob-
serve service intervals (engine oil change in-
tervals).
150

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