Driving
●
Ev en though br
ake assist systems are ex-
tremely effective and help control the vehicle
in difficult situations, remember that the ve-
hicle stability depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface,
for ex
ample on ice or snow, press the acceler-
ator carefully. The wheels can still slip even
with brake assist systems resulting in loss of
vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC* can be consid-
er ab ly
reduced if other components and sys-
tems affecting driving dynamics are not main-
tained or are not functioning correctly. This
includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other
components
to the vehicle can affect opera-
tion of the ABS, BAS, ASR TC, EDL and ESC*.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using
unap
proved wheel/tyre combinations can af-
fect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR, TC, EDL
and ESC* and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC* de-
pends on the u
se of suitable tyres
››› page 200. Note
● To en s
ure that the ESC*, ASR and TC work
properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling
radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not de-
sir
ed.
● If
a malfunction should occur in the ABS,
the ESC*, ASR, T
C and EDL will also be affec-
ted.
● Noises may be heard while any of the
above sy
stems are operating. Handbrake
Fig. 146
Between the front seats: handbrake. Using the handbrake
●
Pull firmly in an upwards direction on the
h andbr
ak
e lever while pressing the button.
● The handbrake is applied when the control
lamp lights up on the in
strument panel
››› page 136 when the ignition is switched
on. Releasing the handbrake
● Pull gently in an upwards direction on the
handbrak
e lever and press the lock button
››› Fig. 146 (arrow).
● Move the handbrake lever downwards
keeping the loc
k button pressed. WARNING
The incorrect use of the handbrake may result
in a serious ac
cident.
● Never use the handbrake to brake the vehi-
cle e
xcept in an emergency. The braking dis-
tance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use
the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently ap-
plied. Thi
s can overheat the brake, affecting
the brakes system. This also causes prema-
ture wear on the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the en
gine running and a gear en-
gaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to
6 km/h (4 mph) with the h andbr
ake applied,
an audible warning is sounded. 139
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
Flashes
An automatic gearbox
in the vehicle does
not guarantee that the
vehicle will not roll
away.Apply the handbrake.
Flashes
In the instrument pan-
el display, in addition
to the control lamp re-
questing the brake
pedal to be pressed
: indicated for start-
ing the engine.
Move the gearbox lever to the
position and start the en-
gine.
On the instrument
panel display: Whilst
driving in a forward di-
rection, try to move
the automatic gearbox
lever to the position
.
Stop the vehicle and move the
gearbox lever to the position in order to subsequently
change to the position .
On the instrument
panel display: The au-
tomatic gearbox lever
was placed in the po-
sition
or , but the
brake pedal was not
pressed.
Press the brake pedal, move
the gearbox lever to the posi-
tion
, and subsequently to
the required position or . When switching on the ignition some warn-
in
g and indic
ation l
amps light up for a short
time to check the operations. They will switch
off after a few seconds. Manual gear change
Fig. 147
Gear shift pattern of a 5-speed man-
ual g
e
arbox Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 26
Shifting down a gear
Shifting down a gear while driving must be
carried out gear by gear, i.e. to the gear im-
mediately preceding the current gear and at
an engine speed that is not excessive ››› .
At high s
peed
s, or high engine speeds, skip-
ping one or various gears when shifting
down a gear can cause damage to the clutch
and the gearbox, even if the clutch is not en-
gaged during the process ››› .
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will
st ar
t to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. ●
Never en g
age the reverse gear when a vehi-
cle is moving forward. WARNING
As a consequence of shifting down a gear in-
c orr ectly
, you may lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident with serious conse-
quences. CAUTION
If, at high speeds or high engine speeds, the
ge ar l
ever is shifted down to a gear that is too
low, serious damage can be caused to the
clutch and gearbox. This may also happen if
you press the clutch pedal and it does not en-
gage. CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature
we ar
, please observe the following:
● While driving, do not leave your hand rest-
ing on the ge
ar stick. The pressure applied by
your hand is transmitted to the gearbox se-
lector forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is complete-
ly st
opped before engaging the reverse gear.
● When changing gear, always make sure the
clutc
h pedal is pushed right to the floor.
● Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on
hill
s with the engine on. 143
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
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
● Use of
c
ompatible plastics in the same part
if its components are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating fr
om renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in p
lastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy
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
protectiv
e wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tr
ansport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recy
cling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impr
ovement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (therm
al recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints. Economical and environmentally
friendly drivin
g Fig. 150
Fuel consumption in litres per
100 km at 2 diff
er
ent outside temperatures Fuel consumption, environmental impact and
en
gine, br
ak
e and tyre wear depend largely
on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption
are possible with an appropriate driving style
and the adoption of certain simple tips.
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is al-
ways the most economical. As a guide, for
most vehicles at a speed of 30 km/h
(19 mph), drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(31 mph) in fifth ge
ar.
In addition, “skipping” gears when shifting
up helps to save fuel, weather and traffic
conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before
changing gear. Only use first gear when you
move off and change to second gear quickly.
Avoid the kick-down function in vehicles with
automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve
an economical driving style as the display in-
dicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the
fuel supply is stopped and consumption is
reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating,
for example when approaching a red traffic
light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too
slowly or the distance is too long, the clutch
pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for
a period of time, switch off the engine; for ex-
ample, while waiting at a level crossing.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considera-
bly increase fuel consumption. If you think »
149
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
●
“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