Operation
Transport and practical
equipment T r
an
sporting objects
Introduction Always transport heavy loads in the luggage
comp
ar
tment and place the seat backs in a
vertical position. Never overload the vehicle.
Both the carrying capacity as well as the dis-
tribution of the load in the vehicle affect driv-
ing behaviour and braking ability ››› .
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can
cau se seriou
s injury in case of a sudden ma-
noeuvring or breaking or in case of an acci-
dent. This is especially true when objects are
struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the
risks, please note the following:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always
keep equipment and he
avy objects in the lug-
gage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or
sling
s so that they cannot enter the deploy-
ment areas around the frontal or side airbags
in case of sudden braking or an accident.
● Always ensure that objects inside the vehi-
cle c
annot move into the deployment area of
the bags while driving. ●
Whil e driv
ing, always keep object compart-
ments closed.
● Remove all objects from the front passen-
ger seat
when it is folded down. When the
seat backrest is folded down, it presses on
small and light objects and these are detec-
ted by the weight sensor on the seat; this
sends false information to the airbag control
unit.
● While the backrest of the front passenger
seat i
s folded, the frontal airbag must remain
disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF light on.
● Objects secured in the vehicle should never
be plac
ed in such a way as to make passen-
gers sit in an incorrect position.
● If secured objects occupy a seat, this seat
should not
be occupied or used by anyone. WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability
ch an
ge when transporting heavy and large
objects.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early. Transporting the load
Secure all objects in the vehicle
● Distribute the load throughout the vehicle
and on the roof a
s uniformly as possible.
● Transport heavy objects as far forward as
poss
ible in the luggage compartment and
lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
● Check the headlight adjustment
›››
page 103.
● Use the suitable tyre pressure according to
the load bein
g transported. Read the tyre in-
flation information label ›››
page 200. CAUTION
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the
wir e
s of the heating element in the heated
rear window and cause damage. Note
Please refer to the notes on loading the roof
carrier ››
› page 127. Driving with the rear lid open
Driving with the rear lid open creates an addi-
tion
al
ri
sk. Secure all objects and secure the
rear lid correctly and take all measures possi-
ble to reduce toxic gases from entering the
vehicle.
114
Transport and practical equipment
Retaining hooks Fig. 140
In the luggage compartment: retain-
in g hook
s There may be hooks in the upper left and
right
p
ar
t of the luggage compartment. WARNING
Never use these hooks to secure objects. In
ca se of
sudden braking or an accident, they
could rupture. CAUTION
The hooks can support a maximum of 2.5 kg
eac h. Roof carrier
Intr oduction The vehicle roof has been designed to opti-
mise aer
ody
namics. For this reason, conven-
tional roof carrier systems cannot be secured
to the water drains.
Given that the water drains have been incor-
porated into the roof for aerodynamic rea-
sons, only the SEAT approved basic supports
and roof carrier systems can be used.
When the roof carrier system should be re-
moved:
● When they are not used.
● When the vehicle is being washed in a car
wa sh.
● When the
vehicle height exceeds the maxi-
mum height, for ex
ample, in some garages. WARNING
The risk of an accident is increased by trans-
portin g he
avy or bulky loads on the roof,
which affects the car's handling by shifting
the centre of gravity and increasing suscepti-
bility to cross winds.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undam
aged attachment rope or straps.
● Large, heavy, wide and flat loads negatively
affect the
vehicle aerodynamics, centre of
gravity and handling. ●
Av oid bru
sque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions. CAUTION
● Alw a
ys remove the roof carrier system from
the roof before entering a car wash.
● The height of your vehicle is changed by
the inst
allation of the roof carrier and the
load secured on it. Compare the vehicle
height with the passage height, for example
in underground car parks or for garage doors.
● The roof antenna and the range of the rear
lid should not
be affected by the roof carrier
system or the load being transported.
● Take extra care not to let the hatch strike
the roof lo
ad when opening. For the sake of the environment
The vehicle uses more fuel when the roof car-
rier sys t
em is fitted. 127
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Fastening the base supports and the
r oof
c
arrier system Fig. 141
Attachment points for the basic sup-
por ts
and the r
oof carrier system in two-door
vehicles. Fig. 142
Attachment points for the basic sup-
por ts and the r
oof carrier system in four-door
vehicles. The mounts are the basis of a complete roof
c
arrier sy s
tem. Special fixtures must be add-
ed in order to safely transport luggage, bicy- cles, skis, surf boards or boats on the roof.
The suitab
le accessories can be acquired at
SEAT dealerships.
Securing the base supports and roof carrier
system
The roof carrier system must always be instal-
led exactly according to the instructions pro-
vided.
Two-door vehicles: the holes and marks indi-
cating the fitting points for base front sup-
ports are in the lower half of the roof struts
››› Fig. 141 (enlarged left image). The holes
and marks are only seen with the door open.
The fitting marks for base rear supports are in
the upper half of the windows ››› Fig. 141 (en-
larged right image).
Four-door vehicles: the holes or marks indi-
cating the fitting points for base supports are
in the lower half of the roof struts and can on-
ly be seen with the door open ››› Fig. 142.
The base support should only be fitted to the
points indicated in the diagram. WARNING
If the base supports and the roof carrier sys-
tem ar e inc
orrectly fitted or used in an unsuit-
able manner, the entire system could break
free causing accident and injury.
● Always take the manufacturer assembly in-
structions
into account. ●
Only u
se base supports and roof carrier
systems that are not damaged and are cor-
rectly fitted.
● The base support should only be fitted to
the points indic
ated in the diagram
››› Fig. 141.
● Secure the base supports and roof carrier
syst
em correctly.
● Check the screws and attachments before
driving and af
ter a short distance. During
each long journey, check the attachments
during every break.
● Always fit the roof carrier system correctly
for wheels, sk
is and surfboards, etc.
● Never modify or repair the basic supports
or roof c
arrier system. Note
Read and take into account the instructions
included w ith the r
oof carrier system fitted
and keep them in the vehicle. Loading the roof carrier
Loads can only be correctly secured when the
r
oof
c
arrier system is correctly fitted ››› .
M ax
imum authori
sed roof load
The maximum authorised roof load is 50 kg.
The roof load includes the weight of the base
128
Air conditioning
support, the roof carrier system and the load
bein g tr
an
sported ››› .
A lw
a
ys check the weight of the base support,
the roof carrier system and the weight of the
load to be transported and, if necessary,
weigh them. Never exceed the maximum au-
thorised roof load.
If you are using a roof carrier with a lower
weight rating, you cannot transport the maxi-
mum roof load. Do not exceed the maximum
weight limit for the roof carrier given in the
fitting instructions.
Distributing a load
Uniformly distribute loads and secure them
correctly ››› .
Chec k
att
achments
After fitting the base supports and the roof
carrier system, always check the attachments
after a short trip and at regular intervals. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load
can r e
sult in accidents and/or vehicle dam-
age.
● Never surpass the maximum authorised
weight f
or the roof, the maximum authorised
weight on the axles and the total maximum
authorised weight of the vehicle. ●
Never e x
ceed the capacity of the roof carri-
er system even if this is less than the maxi-
mum authorised roof load.
● Secure heavy items as far forward as possi-
ble and di
stribute the vehicle load uniformly. WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads can fall
fr om the r oof
carrier system causing acci-
dents and injury.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in
good condition.
● A
lways secure loads correctly. Air conditioning
He atin
g,
ventilation and air
conditioning
Introduction Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 28
One of the following systems can be installed
in the vehicle:
● Heating and fresh air system
● Manual air conditioning
● Climatronic
The heatin g and fr
esh air system heats and
ventilates the interior. The heating and fresh
air system cannot cool.
The manual air conditioning and the Clima-
tronic cool and dehumidify the air. They oper-
ate most effectively with the windows and
the sunroof closed. If a great deal of heat ac-
cumulates in the interior, ventilating it can
accelerate the cooling process.
Display of active functions
The LEDs that light up on the rotary controls
on the buttons indicate that the function in
question is activated. »
129
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
Driver assistance systems
Switch off the City Safety Assist function in
the f o
l
lowing situations
Switching off the City Safety Assist function is
recommended in the following situations
››› :
● While the vehicle is being towed.
● If the vehicle has been taken to an auto-
m atic
c
ar wash.
● If the vehicle is above a test bed.
● If the laser sensor is faulty.
● After the laser sensor has been involved in
a col
lision.
● When driving off road (overhanging branch-
es).
● If o
bjects are protruding above the bonnet,
e.g. a loa
d carried on the roof that signifi-
cantly protrudes over the front.
● If the windscreen is damaged in the laser
sensor are
a. WARNING
Failure to switch off the City Safety Assist
fu nction in the abo
ve situations may result in
accidents and serious injury.
● Switch off the City Safety Assist function in
critica
l situations. Special driving situations
Fig. 156
A: Vehicle on a bend. B: Motorcyclist
driv in
g ahe
ad out of range of the laser sen-
sor. Fig. 157
Other vehicles changing lanes The City Safety Assist function is limited by
the l
a
w
s of physics and by the nature of the
system itself. For this reason, this may pro-
duce reactions from the City Safety Assist
system in certain circumstances that are late
or unexpected by the driver. For this reason,
always pay due attention and if necessary, in-
tervene.
For example, the following driving situations
require special attention:
Driving through a bend
When entering or leaving a “long” bend, the
vehicle may decelerate when the laser sensor
detects a vehicle travelling in the opposite
lane ››› Fig. 156 A. To interrupt deceleration
you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel or
press the clutch.
Narrow vehicles in front
The laser sensor will only detect narrow vehi-
cles in front if they are in the sensor's detec-
tion zone ››› Fig. 156 B. This applies especial-
ly to narrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles moving into your lane in close prox-
imity can cause unexpected braking from the
City Safety Assist system ›››
Fig. 157. To inter-
rupt deceleration you can accelerate, turn the
steering wheel or press the clutch. »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
●
All
repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should only be performed by a specialised
workshop. Repairs and malfunctions in the air-
bag sy
s
tem When performing repairs and technical mod-
ification
s,
SEAT's directives must be ob-
served! ››› Modifications and repairs to the front bump-
er
, door
s, fr
ont seats, and repairs to the roof
or chassis should only be carried out in a
specialised workshop. These components
may contain parts or sensors belonging to
the airbag system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or
parts have to be removed and fitted on the
system when performing other repair work,
parts of the airbag system may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of
an accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or
does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not
reduced and that removed parts do not cause
any injuries or environmental pollution, regu-
lations must be observed. These require-
ments are known to specialised workshops.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may
affect the operation of the airbag system in
the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT
are used, or if
the vehicle height is lowered,
the suspension is stiffened or the suspension
springs, telescopic arms, dampers, etc., are
modified, the results received by the airbag
sensors and sent to the control unit may not
be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the
force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in colli-
sions. Under normal conditions, the meas-
ured values would be lower and the airbag
would not have been triggered. Other modifi-
cations may reduce the forces measured by
the sensors and prevent the airbags from be-
ing triggered when they should. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed c orr
ectly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the airbag systems. This could
result in serious or fatal accidents.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should on
ly be performed by a specialised
workshop.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if
damag
ed, they must be replaced.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag compo-
nents in
your vehicle. WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, in-
cludin g the u
se of unauthorised wheel and
tyre combinations, may affect the perform-
ance of the airbags and increase the risk of
serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
● Never fit suspension components which are
not identica
l to the original parts in the vehi-
cle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not
appro
ved by SEAT. Retrofitting of mobile phones
An exterior aerial is required for the use of
tw
o-w
a
y radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic ap-
pliances in the vehicle is subject to their ap-
proval for use in your vehicle. Under certain
circumstances, this could mean that your ve-
hicle registration documents are no longer
valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with
two-way radios providing the following condi-
tions are observed:
● The exterior aerial must be mounted pro-
fes
sionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10
watts.
166
Care and maintenance
waste. Observe information provided by the
manuf
act
urer. Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird
drop
pin
gs, resinous tree sap, road dirt, in-
dustrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and
other aggressive materials remain on the ve-
hicle, the more damage they do to the paint-
work. High temperatures (for instance due to
strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should
also be thoroughly washed at regular inter-
vals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at
the automatic car wash. The standard pre-
cautionary measures prior to entering the car
wash should be taken to avoid damage to
the vehicle (close all windows and the roof,
fold in exterior mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted
with additional components (spoiler, roof-
rack, aerial, etc.), check with the car wash su-
pervisor whether these can enter the car
wash ››› .
The v
ehic
le paintwork is so durable that the
vehicle can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, wear and damage to the paintwork
will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recommends the use of car washes
without bru
shes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to
prevent wiper blades from scratching, please
observe the following ››› page 172, Cleaning
windows and exterior mirrors .
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of
water to soften the dirt first, and rinse off as
well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge,
glove or brush using only slight pressure.
Start at the roof and work downwards. Spe-
cial car shampoo should only be used for
very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and of-
ten.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned
last. Use a second sponge for this. WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause
injury .
● Pr
otect arms and hands from sharp edges
when cle
aning the vehicle undercarriage or
the interior of the wheel hubs. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the brak-
ing eff ect
will be reduced (and the braking
distance increased) due to moisture (and ice
in winter) on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
caref
ully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process. CAUTION
● The wat er t
emperature should not exceed
+60°C (+140°F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not
wash the
vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which
coul
d damage the surface to clean away the
traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth
or spong
e, always moisten first. It is best to
use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
When washin
g the vehicle with a hose, do
not direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors or roof. Locks and
seals could freeze! CAUTION
To avoid any risk of damage to the vehicle,
pl e
ase check the following points before us-
ing an automatic car wash: » 171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety