Driving
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
c r
e
ase 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.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance 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 reduc
e 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 tyres 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 con
venience, 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
blower at high speeds, the rear window heat-
ing or the seat heaters*. Note
● If y
our vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended that you switch this function off.
● It is 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 car on a hill with the clutch,
use the foot
brake or hand brake, using the
latter to start. The fuel consumption will be » 199
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
filter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the w arnin
g l
amp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem.
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 abr
oad To drive abroad, the following must be taken
into c
on
sideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensur
e that unleaded petrol is available for
the journey. See chapter ››› page 269, Fuel.
Automobile organisations will have informa-
tion about service station networks selling
unleaded fuel.
● In some countries, it is possible that your
car model i
s not sold, and therefore some
spare parts are not available or the technical
services may only be able to carry out limited
repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly
provide information about the technical prep-
aration that your vehicle requires and also
about necessary maintenance and repair
possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlights
In countries where vehicles drive on the other
side of the road to your home country, the
asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers
of oncoming vehicles. »
201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
t o c
er
tain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur-
ther information is available at any Technical
Service.
Driving on flooded roads To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing thr
ough w
ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
low er edg
e of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc ., the br
aking effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect. CAUTION
● Drivin g thr
ough flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system.
● Whenever driving through water, the Start-
Stop sys
tem* must be switched off
››› page 202. Note
● Check the depth of
the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the en
gine in any situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction ma
y splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar
t
-Stop System*
Related video Fig. 183
Convenience Description and operation
The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duc
e C
O
2 emi
ssions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops or is
stopping; for example when stopping at traf-
fic lights. The ignition remains switched on
during the stopping phase. The engine auto-
matically switches back on when required. In
202
Operation
●
When the AC C
is switched on, strange
noises may be heard during automatic
braking cause by the braking system. Indications on the display, warning
and contr
o
l lampsFig. 194
On the instrument panel display: (A)
A C
C
inactive (Standby). (B) ACC active. Status display
Indic
ation
s
on the display ›››
Fig. 194: Vehicle ahead detected. ACC is not active
and is not
regulating your speed.
Distance from the vehicle ahead. ACC is
not active and is not regulating your dis-
tance.
Vehicle ahead detected. ACC is active and
is regulating your speed.
Distance level 2 set by the driver.
ACC is active and is regulating your dis-
tance based on speed.
Symbols on the instrument panel display
and control lamps.
››› in Warning symbols on page 122.
The speed reduction by the ACC to
maintain the distance from the vehi-
cle in front is not sufficient.
Brake! apply the foot brake! Driver intervention prompt.
The ACC is not currently available.
a)
With the vehicle stationary, switch off the engine and
start it up again. Check the radar sensor visually
››› Fig. 195 (for dirt, ice or knocks). If it is still unavaila-
ble, refer to a specialised workshop to have the system
inspected.
a) The symbol on the instrument panels with colour display is in
colour.
1 2
3
4
5 The ACC is active.
No vehicle is detected in front. The programmed speed
remains constant.
If the symbol is white: the ACC is ac-
tive.
A vehicle in front has been detected. The ACC adjusts
speed and distance from the vehicle in front.
If the symbol is grey: ACC is inactive
(Standby)
The system is switched on, but is not adjusting.
It lights up green:
The ACC is active.
Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly
when the ignition i
s
switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
symbol s on p
age 122. Note
When the ACC is connected, the indications
on the ins trument
panel screen may be con-
cealed by warnings from other functions,
such as an incoming call. 216
Driver assistance systems
Using the blind spot detector (BSD)
w ith p
ark
ing assistant (RCTA)Activating and deactivating the blind spot
detect
or (BSD) w
ith parking assistant (RCTA)
The blind spot detector with parking assis-
tant can be switched on and off by accessing
the Assistance systems menu on the
dash panel display using the steering wheel
controls. If the vehicle is equipped with a
multifunction camera, it can also be ac-
cessed by means of the driver assistance sys-
tems key located on the main beam head-
light lever.
Open the Assistants menu.
● Blind spot
● Exit Assist
If
the verification box on the control panel is
checked , the functionality will be automat-
ically activated at ignition.
When the blind spot detector is ready to op-
erate, the indications in the external mirrors
will turn on briefly as confirmation.
When the vehicle is restarted, the last adjust-
ment in the system will remain active.
If the blind spot detector was automatically
deactivated, it will only be possible to restart
the system after turning the vehicle off and
restarting it. Automatic deactivation of the blind spot de-
tect
or (BSD)
The r
adar sensors of the blind spot detector
with rear cross traffic alert will be automati-
cally deactivated when, among other rea-
sons, one of the sensors is detected to be
permanently covered. This may be the case if,
for example, there is a layer of snow or ice in
front of one of the sensors.
The relevant text message will appear in the
dash panel display.
Trailer mode
The Blind spot detector and the rear cross
traffic alert will be automatically deactivated
and it will be impossible to activate them if
the tow hitch is electrically connected to a
trailer or other similar object.
As soon as the driver starts to drive with a
trailer connected electrically to the vehicle, a
message will appear on the instrument panel
display indicating that the blind spot detec-
tor and the rear cross traffic alert are deacti-
vated. Once the trailer has been unhitched
from the vehicle, if you want to use the blind
spot detector and the rear cross traffic alert,
you will have to reactivate them in the corre-
sponding menu.
If the towing hitch is not factory equipped,
then the blind spot detector and the rear
cross traffic alert will have to be deactivated
manually when driving with a trailer. SEAT Drive Profile*
Introduction SEAT Drive Profile enables the driver to
choo
se betw
een four profiles or modes, Nor-
mal , Sport , Eco and Individual , that
modify the behaviour of various vehicle func-
tions, providing different driving experiences.
The Individual profile can be configured
according to personal preferences. The other
profiles are fixed.
Description Depending on the equipment fitted in the ve-
hic
l
e,
SEAT Drive Profile can operate on the
following functions:
Engine
Depending on the profile selected, the en-
gine responds more spontaneously or more
in harmony with the movements of the accel-
erator. Additionally, when Eco mode is selec-
ted, the Start-stop function is automatically
activated.
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the
gear change points are modified to position
them in lower or higher engine speed ranges. »
229
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Trailer towing Wh at
do
you need to bear in mind
when towing a trailer? Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer
when fitted w
ith the c
orrect equipment.
If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, con-
sult ››› page 257.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin connector
for the electrical connection between the
trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to
use an adapter cable. It is available at any
Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maxi-
mum permitted trailer weight, you can then
climb correspondingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only
applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above
sea level. With increasing altitude the engine
power and therefore the vehicle climbing
ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has
to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the
vehicle and trailer combination must be re- duced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or
par
t
thereof). The gross combination weight
is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer. When
possible, operate the trailer with the maxi-
mum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint
of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the
specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar
loads that are given on the data plate of the
towing bracket are for certification purposes
only. The correct towing bracket figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than
these figures, are given in the vehicle docu-
mentation or on ››› page 291, Technical
specifications.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Loads carried in the trailer must be secured
to prevent them moving.
Tyre pressure
The maximum permissible tyre pressure val-
ues are shown on the sticker on the rear part
of the left front door frame. Set the tyre pres-
sure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations. Exterior mirrors
Check whether
you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Tow rope
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 255.
Trailer rear lights
The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations ››› page 255. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
re s
ult in fatal accidents. Note
● To w
ing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to to
wing a trailer in your country. 254
Advice
–
Never ac c
elerate with a gear engaged
without taking the necessary precau-
tions. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
● If work has to be carried out on the fuel
syst
em or on electrical components, you
must observe the following safety notes in
addition to the above warnings:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network. The vehicle must be
unlocked when this is done, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always have a fire extinguisher on hand. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could
sud den
ly open while driving leaving the driv-
er without visibility. This could result in a se-
rious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that
it is
properly secured by the locking mecha-
nism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet
must be flush with the surrounding body pan-
els.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet
is not
correctly closed then stop immediately
and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there
is no
body within its range. CAUTION
When topping up service fluids, make sure
not t o mi
stake them. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
ronment . F
or this reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a speci-
alised workshop. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 17
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the
windscreen wipers are in rest position. WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam,
smoke or c oo
lant escaping from the engine
compartment. ●
Wait u
ntil no more steam, smoke or coolant
is emitted from the bonnet, then carefully
open the bonnet.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alwa
ys observe the safety warnings
››› page 273. Closing the bonnet
–
Slightly lift the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its
sup
por
t.
– At a height of approximately 30 cm let it fall
so it lock
s.
If the bonnet does not close, do not press
downwards. Open it again and let it fall as
mentioned above. WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could
open whil e
you are driving and completely
obscure your view of the road. Risk of acci-
dent.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that
it is
properly secured. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
● If you notice that the bonnet latch is not se-
cured when the
vehicle is moving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet
properly. Risk of accident. 274
Advice
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area
›› ›
Fig. 238 A . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the c r
ankcase breather and escape
into the atmosphere via the exhaust system. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 58
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
hav e the s
pecialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the w
arnings ››› page 273, Safety notes
for work in the engine compartment .
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
may
cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as ac
id burns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
finger
s, keep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm. ●
Wa sh
your skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used engine oil
must
be stored in a safe place out of the
reach of children. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
Thi s c
ould result in engine damage. Any dam-
age caused by the use of such additives
would not be covered by the factory warranty. For the sake of the environment
● Bec au
se of disposal problems and the spe-
cial tools and specialist knowledge required,
we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by a Technical Service.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the
ground.
● U
se a suitable container when draining the
used oil
. It must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
C ontr o
l lamp There is a fault if:
● The l amp does not go out again after a
f ew sec
onds. ●
The lamp lights up or fl
ashes while the
vehicle is running, and three acoustic warn-
ing signals are emitted ››› .
Thi s
me
ans that either the coolant level is too
low or the coolant temperature is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating
may be caused by a malfunction of the radia-
tor fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have
it replaced if necessary ››› page 104.
If the control lamp lights up again after driv-
ing on for a short distance, stop the vehicle
and switch the engine off. Contact a Techni-
cal Service or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. First check the coolant level. If the lev-
el of the coolant is below the “MIN” mark,
top up with coolant liquid ››› .
WARNING
● If y
our vehicle is immobilised for technical
reasons, move it to a safe distance from traf-
fic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights
on and place the warning triangle. 278