Operation
Driving programmes Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly-c
ontr
olled automatic gearbox. Shifting up
or down depends on the programme selec-
ted.
For a calm driving style, the gearbox uses the
most economic programme. The gearbox
shifts up as quickly as possible and shifts
down as late as possible, thus increasing
driving economy.
With a sporty driving style , characterised by
sudden acceleration, heavy acceleration,
speeds that often increase and decrease and
maximum speed, the gearbox adapts to this
driving style when the accelerator is pressed
down fully (kick-down) by shifting down as
quickly as possible and can even shift down
by several gears at once.
Selecting the best driving programmes is an
endless job. Regardless of this, the driver can
also make the gearbox switch to a more dy-
namic gear shift programme by pressing the
accelerator quickly. This makes the automatic
gearbox shift down into a lower gear than the
one that would normally apply to the current
speed, allowing for more rapid acceleration
(e.g. to overtake another vehicle) without
having to press the accelerator until the kick-
down position. On shifting up in a corre-
sponding driving style, the gearbox returns to
the original programme. When driving along mountain roads, the
ge
arbo
x adapts to the gradients. This avoids
having to frequently change gears when driv-
ing uphill. In Tiptronic mode, it is possible to
shift down manually when driving downhill to
use the braking effect of the engine.
Emergency program A back-up programme exists in case of faults.
In the event
of
a fault in the gearbox electron-
ics, it will continue to work in one of the cor-
responding back-up programmes. All seg-
ments of the screen are lit up or switched off.
The fault can be seen as follows:
● The gearbox only engages certain gears
● Reverse gear R cannot be en
gaged
● The manual gearbox switches off in the
back
-up programme Note
If the gearbox switches to the back-up pro-
gramme, v
isit an Authorised Service as soon
as possible to solve the problem. Gearbox malfunctions
Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-
hicle and place the lever in the
position P. There is a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
c
l
e in a s
afe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.
Gearbox: System fault! You
may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner. Gearbox: press the brake and
engage a gear again.
If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
164
Driving
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
ag ain.
R u
n-in and economical driving
The first
1,500 kmOver the first 1,500 kilometres the engine
mus
t
be run in.
Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at more than 3/4 of the maxi-
mum speed c orr
esponding to the engaged
gear, i.e. up to 3/4 of the maximum permit-
ted engine speed.
– Do not drive at full speed.
– Avoid high engine speeds.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 k
ilometres (600 to 900
miles)
– Slowly increase the engine speed until
re
aching the maximum permitted speed of
the engaged gear, i.e. the maximum per-
mitted engine speed.
During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on, when all the moving parts have bed-
ded in. How the vehicle is driven over approx-
imately the first 1,500 kilometres (900 miles), determines the success of the proc-
ess
of running in the engine.
Even after running in, the vehicle should not
be unnecessarily driven at high engine
speeds. The maximum permitted engine
speed is marked at the start of the red zone
on the rev counter dial. The gear must be
changed up when the red area is reached in
vehicles with a manual gearbox. Extremely
high engine speeds when accelerating are
automatically limited, however the engine is
not protected against high engine speeds
produced by incorrectly changing to a lower
gear, which could cause the engine to run at
revs above the maximum permitted amount,
and consequently result in damage to the en-
gine.
Additionally, vehicles with a manual gearbox
must also bear the following in mind: do not
drive with the engine speed too low. Change
down to a lower gear when the engine no
longer runs smoothly. Observe the recom-
mendations for changing gear
››› page 29.
New tyres
New tyres must be submitted to “running in”,
given that initially their grip is not yet at the
maximum level. During the first 500 km (120
miles) drive very carefully. New brake pads
New brake p
ads do not yet provide maximum
friction capacity. First they must be “run in”.
During the first 200 km (120 miles) drive very
carefully. CAUTION
All the information for speed and engine
speed r ef
ers to an engine that operates at op-
erating temperature. Do not run the engine at
high engine speeds, neither when stopped or
while driving. For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine
speed s; c
hanging to a higher gear sooner
contributes to saving fuel, reduces operating
noise and protects the environment. 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. »
165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
● Inc r
e
ased 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.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its c
omponents 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 sy
stems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Economical and environmentally-
friendly drivin
g Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and we
ar t
o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnec
e
ssary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel
››› page 29.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
166
Driving
Periodic maintenance
P eriodic
m
aintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the
exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum operating temperature.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recom-
mend avoiding short trips whenever possi-
ble.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
wear and impairs handling. The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyre
s are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*. Note
● If y
ou vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended to switch this function off. ●
It i s
recommended that you close the win-
dows when driving at more than 60 km/h
(37 mph).
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutc
h pedal,, as the pressure can make the
plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutc
h, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing the latter to start. The fuel consumption
will be lower and you will prevent the clutch
plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
ing to the g
ear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer. Engine management and emis-
s
ion c
ontr
ol system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec au
se of the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard! » 167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
Do not ap p
ly wax underneath the vehicle
around the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or r
e-
m ain lit, ther
e may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
An exhaust gas emission control system (cat-
alytic
c
on
verter) that functions perfectly is vi-
tally important for vehicle operation that re-
spects the environment.
Please observe the following indications:
● Refuel only using unleaded petrol in petrol
engine v
ehicles ››› page 202.
● Do not add too much oil to the engine
›››
page 209, Checking engine oil level .
● Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If y
ou are required to drive in a country where
unleaded fuel is not available, when return-
ing to a country where using a catalytic con-
verter is obligatory, the catalytic converter
must be replaced. CAUTION
● Never c omp
letely empty the tank! An irreg-
ular fuel supply can cause ignition faults,
which can result in damage to a substantial
amount of engine parts and the exhaust sys-
tem.
● Refuelling just once with leaded petrol dis-
able
s the exhaust system! Particulate filter (diesel
en
gines) The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
mo
s
t
of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear
(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil- ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning l
amp will switch off.
If the lamp does not turn off, or the three
lamps turn on (particulate filter , fault in
the emission control system and glow
plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired at the
earliest opportunity. WARNING
● Alw a
ys drive according to the road weather
conditions, the terrain and traffic.
● The particulate filter attains very high tem-
peratur
es. Therefore, do not park the vehicle
in places where the exhaust pipe could come
into contact with dry grass or with highly-
flammable materials. Risk of fire! CAUTION
While the warning lamp is lit
up, the fuel
consumption is high, and in certain condi-
tions, the engine power is reduced. Note
● In order f or the p
articulate filter to burn off
soot in a correct manner, avoid carrying out
frequent short journeys.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur count
can con
siderably reduce the useful life of the
particulate filter. The specialised service pro-
vides information about the countries where
fuel with a high sulphur content is used. 168
Driving
Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement
sy
stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* Control lamp
fla
she
s:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.
The control lamp lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked. Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow p
lug
s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked. Driving tips
Drivin g thr
ough flooded roads Fig. 181
Driving through water. To prevent the vehicle from being damaged
when driv
in
g thr
ough water (i.e. flooded
roads), please observe the following:
● Determine the depth of the water before
entering.
Water can reach a maximum height
of below the door sill ››› Fig. 181.
● Drive at a maximum pace of walking speed.
Driving at
a higher speed can cause a wave
in front of the vehicle, which can cause water
to enter the engine air intake system or other
parts of the vehicle.
● Never stop in the water, never reverse and
never st
op the engine.
● Before driving through water deactivate the
Start
-Stop system ››› page 183. »
169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
WARNING
● Drivin g thr
ough water, dirt and mud can re-
duce braking capability and prolong the brak-
ing distance – Risk of accident!
● Do not carry out any sudden or strong brak-
ing manoeu
vres after driving through water.
● Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possi-
ble af
ter driving through water by breaking
intermittently. Carry out braking in order to
dry the brakes and clean the brake discs only
if traffic so permits. Do not put other drivers
at risk. CAUTION
● In the event of
driving through water, parts
of the vehicle can be seriously damaged,
such as the engine, gearbox, catalytic con-
verter, suspension or the electrical system.
● Oncoming vehicles that drive through wa-
ter can c
ause waves that exceed your vehi-
cle's permitted level for driving through wa-
ter.
● There may be pot-holes mud or rocks under
the water th
at can hinder or prevent driving
through water.
● Do not drive through salt water. The salt
can cau
se rust. All components that are ex-
posed to salt water must be rinsed immedi-
ately with fresh water. Note
After driving through water we recommend
that
you contact a specialised service for an
inspection. Preventing damage to the vehicle
In order to prevent damage to the vehicle,
tak
e s
pecial care:
● on roads that are in poor condition,
● when mounting kerbs,
● when approaching very steep ramps, etc.,
● with the parts of the vehicle situated on the
low er p
art of the vehicle, i.e. the spoiler, the
exhaust pipe.
This applies especially to vehicles with a very
low suspension (sport) and when the vehicle
is fully loaded. Driver assistance systems
P ark
in
g aid
General information Assorted assistance systems – which vary
depending on the equipment
fitt
ed in the car
– will help you when parking or manoeu-
vring.
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant
that warns about obstacles located behind
the vehicle ›››
page 171.
During parking, Parking System Plus assists
the driver by visually and audibly warning
them about obstacles detected in front and
behind the vehicle ›››
page 172. WARNING
● Alw a
ys pay attention, also when looking
straight ahead, to traffic and the vehicle sur-
roundings. The assistance systems are not a
replacement for driver awareness. When in-
serting or removing the vehicle from a park-
ing space, or when performing similar ma-
noeuvres the driver always assumes the re-
sponsibility.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● The ultrasound sensors have blind spots in
which ob
stacles and people are not170
Operation
Side lines: e xt
en sion of the vehicle (the
approximate width of the vehicle plus the
rear view mirrors) on the road surface.
End of the side lines: the area marked in
green ends approximately 2 m behind
the vehicle on the road surface.
Intermediate line: indicates a distance of
approximately 1 m behind the vehicle on
the road surface.
Red horizontal line: indicates a safe dis-
tance of approximately 40 cm at the rear
of the vehicle on the road surface.
Parking manoeuvre
● Place the vehicle in front of the parking
spac
e and engage reverse gear (manual
gearbox) or move the selector to the R posi-
tion (automatic gearbox).
● Reverse slowly, and turn the steering wheel
so that the s
ide orientation lines lead to-
wards the parking space.
● Guide the vehicle into the parking space so
that the s
ide orientation lines run parallel to
it.
Cruise speed (Cruise Control)*
Introduction Read the additional information carefully
› ››
page 32
1
2
3
4 The cruise control system allows you to drive
at
a c
on
stant speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or
higher without having to press the accelera-
tor. However, the speed is only maintained
within the margin permitted by the engine
power and the braking effect of the engine.
The warning lamp lights up on the general
instrument panel if cruise control is switched
on. WARNING
● For s af
ety reasons the cruise control sys-
tem must not be used in dense traffic or
where roads conditions are poor (e.g. due to
ice, aquaplaning, loose grit, snow). – Risk of
accident!
● The programmed speed can only be re-es-
tabli
shed if it is not too high for current traf-
fic conditions.
● Always switch the cruise control system off
after u
sing it in order to avoid involuntary
use. CAUTION
● The crui se c
ontrol cannot maintain a con-
stant speed when the vehicle is moving
downhill. The vehicle tends to accelerate un-
der its own weight. Therefore, shift down or
use the brake pedal in good time to slow the
vehicle. Note
● In v ehic
les with an automatic gearbox, the
cruise control system cannot be switched on
if the selector lever is in position P, N or R.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the
cruise c
ontrol cannot be switched on if first
gear or reverse gear is engaged. Setting the speed
Fig. 188
Turn signal and main beam head-
light l
ev
er: cruise control buttons. Setting speed
– Move knob 1
› ›
› Fig. 188
to the ON posi-
tion.
– Briefly press rocker switch 2 in S
ET posi-
tion when y
ou have reached the speed you
wish to set.
178