Driving
● If the
v
ehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill
, turn
the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrak
e firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Tak e me
asures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
coul
d ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehic
le when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They cou
ld set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extr
emely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. Braking and stability systems
El ectr
onic
Stability Control (ESC)* This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk
of
skidding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains
the electronic differential lock (EDL) and the
traction control system (ASR). The ESC works
together with the ABS. Both control lamps
will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are
faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot
be switched off. With the Easy Connect sys-
tem it is only possible to deactivate the ASR
or else select Sport mode.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin
is desirable ›››
page 182.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
fac e
s.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it back-
ward
s and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on
when you no longer need wheel spin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC r
educes the risk of skidding by brak-
ing the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring
the vehicle back to a stable condition. If the
vehicle tends to oversteer (the rear end
slides out), the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the electronic
stability control. The lamp provides infor-
mation concerning function and disconnec-
tion status.
Both control lamps light up together when
the ignition is switched on and should turn
off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the
time taken for the function check.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and
ASR. It also includes emergency braking as-
sistance (BAS). »
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Hill driving assistant* Fig. 179
Related video This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hi l
l driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the vehicle moving
and without having to use the handbrake,
making start-up easier, more comfortable
and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● driver door closed,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake, ●
bes ide
s having a gear engaged or being in
neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S, D or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill. WARNING
● If y
ou do not start the vehicle immediately
after taking your foot off the brake pedal, the
vehicle may start to roll back under certain
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-
al or u
se the hand brake immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want t
o prevent the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off. Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can t el
l you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. Manual gearbox
Driv in
g w
ith a manual gearbox Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 49
Certain versions of the model may include a
6-speed manual gearbox, and its diagram is
shown on the gearbox lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when
the car is stationary. When the engine is run-
ning and before engaging this gear, wait
about 6 seconds with the clutch pressed
down thoroughly in order to protect the gear-
box.
The reverse lights switch on when the reverse
gear is selected and the ignition is on. WARNING
● When the engine i s
running, the vehicle
will start to move as soon as a gear is engag-
ed and the clutch released.
● Never select the reverse gear when the ve-
hicle i
s in motion. Risk of accident. Note
● Do not r e
st your hand on the gear lever
while driving. The pressure of your hand
could cause premature wear on the selector
forks in the gearbox. » 187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
When ch an
ging gear, you should always
depress the clutch fully to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
● Do not “slip” the clutch to hold the vehicle
on a hill
. This causes premature wear and
damage to the clutch.
● Do not leave your foot on the clutch pedal;
although the pre
ssure may seem insignifi-
cant, it can cause the premature wear of the
clutch plate. Use the foot rest when you do
not need to change gear. Automatic gearbox/DSG auto-
m
atic
g
earbox*
Introduction Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly
c
ontr
olled manual gearbox. Torque be-
tween the engine and the gearbox is trans-
mitted via two independent clutches. They re-
place the torque converter found on conven-
tional automatic gearboxes and allow for
smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of the ve-
hicle.
The tiptronic system allows the driver to
change gears manually if desired
››› page 190, Engaging gears with the trip-
tonic mode*. Selector lever positions Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 50
The selector lever position engaged is high-
lighted on the display in the instrument clus-
ter. With the selector lever in the manual
gearbox positions G, D, E and S, the engaged
gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when
the vehicle is stationary ››› .
The int erloc
k
button (the button on the selec-
tor lever handle) must be pressed in and si-
multaneously the brake pedal must be de-
pressed before moving the selector lever ei-
ther in or out of position P.
R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling
››› .
T o mo
v
e the selector lever to position R, the
interlock button must be pressed in and at
the same time the brake pedal must be de-
pressed. The reverse lights come on when
the selector lever is in the R position with the
ignition on. N – Neutral (idling)
With the select
or lever in this position, the
gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables
the gears to be controlled in normal mode (D)
or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move
the selector lever backwards. Moving the lev-
er again will select normal mode (D). The se-
lected driving mode is shown on the instru-
ment panel display.
In normal mode (D), the gearbox automatical-
ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal to move the selector
lever from N to D/S when the vehicle is sta-
tionary or at speeds below 3 km/h (2 mph)
››› .
Under c er
t
ain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode
››› page 190, in order to manually select gear
ratios to suit the driving conditions.
188
Driving
Changing gear manually with the gearshift
p a
d
dles*
The gearshift paddles can be used when the
selector lever is in the position D/S or M.
– Press the gearshift paddle + to select a
higher g e
ar ›
›› Fig. 182.
– Press the gearshift paddle – to select a
lo w
er g
ear.
– With the selector lever in position D/S, if no
pad
dle is operated during a short period of
time, the gearbox control system switches
back to automatic mode. To switch to per-
manent manual gear change using the
gearshift paddles, move the selector lever
from position D/S to the right.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatical-
ly shifts up into the next gear shortly before
the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gear-
box will not shift down until there is no risk of
over-revving the engine.
When the kick-down feature is used, the
gearbox shifts down to a lower gear, depend-
ing on road speed and engine speed.
Driving tips The gearbox changes gear ratios automatical-
ly
a
s
the vehicle moves. The engine can only start with the selector
lever in po
sition P or N. At low temperatures,
below -10°C (50°F), the engine can only start
with the selector lever in position P.
Starting the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the interlock button (the
button on the sel
ector lever handle), move
the selector lever to the desired position,
for instance D ››› page 188, and release the
interlock button.
– Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a
slight mo
vement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator
›››
.
St op
pin
g briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle
briefly when st
ationary (for instance at traf-
fic lights). Do not press the accelerator.
Stopping/Parking
If the driver door is opened and the selector
lever is not in position P, the vehicle could
move. The driver message will be: Gear
change: selector lever in the
drive position! . Additionally, a buzzer
will sound.
– Press and hold the brake pedal ›››
.
– Apply the handbrake. –
Mo v
e the sel
ector lever to position P.
Holding the car on a hill – Always apply the brake pedal firmly to pre-
vent
the vehicle “from moving backwards”;
if necessary, apply the handbrake ››› . Do
not tr y
t
o stop the vehicle “rolling back” by
increasing the engine speed when a gear is
engaged (pressing the accelerator) ››› .
St ar
tin
g off uphill
– Apply the handbrake.
– Once you have engaged a gear press the
accel
erator carefully and disengage the
handbrake.
Driving down hills: in some situations (on
mountain roads or when towing a trailer or
caravan) it can be advantageous to switch
temporarily to the manual gearbox pro-
gramme so that the gear ratios can be selec-
ted manually to suit the driving conditions
››› .
On l ev
el
ground it is sufficient to move the
selector lever to position P. On slopes, first
engage the parking brake and then put the
selection lever into the P position. This
avoids overloading the locking mechanism
and it will be easier to move the selector lev-
er from position P. »
191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and h av
e the f
ault 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
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
Gear-change indicator
Selecting the optim
al gearWhile driving, and depending on vehicle
equipment, the in
s
trument
panel display may
show a recommendation with the gear num-
ber that would be advisable to save fuel. In vehicles with an
automatic gear
box, the
selector lever must be in the tiptronic posi-
tion ››› page 190.
No recommendation will appear if the opti-
mal gear is already engaged. The current
gear will be displayed.
DisplayMeaning
The optimal gear is selected.
Changing to a higher gear is recom-
mended.
Changing to a lower gear is recom-
mended.
Information regarding the “cleanliness” of
the die
sel
p
articulate filter
The exhaust system manager detects that the
diesel particulate filter is nearly saturated
and contributes to self-cleaning by recom-
mending the optimal gear. For this reason, it
might be necessary to drive for a short time
at a high rpm. WARNING
The gear change indicator is only an auxiliary
fu nction and in no c
ase should be a substi-
tute for careful driving.
● The responsibility of choosing the correct
gear dependin
g on the situation (e.g. over-
taking, driving up or down a slope or towing a
trailer) lies with the driver. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the correct gear can help to save
fuel . Note
The recommended gear indication turns off
when the clut c
h pedal is pressed in vehicles
with manual gearbox or when the selector
lever is removed from the tiptronic position in
vehicles with an automatic gearbox. Steering
Intr oduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tr
omec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing is that it foes not need flexible hydraulic
pipes, hydraulic oil, pump, filter or other
parts. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. Whereas a hydraulic system needs con-
tinuous oil pressure, electromechanical
steering only needs power when it is used.
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running. »
195
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
Within the limitations imposed by the envi-
r onment
al
conditions and by the system it-
self, the function acts in staggered fashion,
depending on how critical the situation is. In-
itially it warns the driver, and if the driver’s
reaction does not occur or is insufficient, it
activates an independent emergency brak-
ing.
The function is intended to prevent collisions
with parked vehicles or vehicles in the same
lane travelling in the same direction, or with
pedestrians crossing the vehicle’s path. It
may fail to activate in other danger situa-
tions.
The Front Assist function is active within a
range of speeds between 4 km/h (2.5 mph)
and 250 km/h (156 mph). Depending on
speed, traffic conditions and driver behav-
iour, some of the sub-functions described be-
low are omitted in order to optimise the sys-
tem’s general behaviour.
The Front Assist is a driving assistance func-
tion that can never replace the driver’s atten-
tion.
Safety distance warning
If the system detects a situation of danger
because the vehicle is too close to the vehi-
cle ahead, it will warn the driver by means of
an indication on the instrument panel display
. The timing of the warning varies depending
on driver behav
iour and the traffic situation.
Advance warning
If the system detects a possible collision with
the vehicle in front, it may alert the driver by
means of an audible warning and an indica-
tion on the instrument panel display
››› Fig. 189.
The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic situation and driver behaviour. At
the same time, the vehicle will prepare for a
possible emergency braking ››› .
C ritic
a
l warning
If the driver fails to react to the pre-warning
(advance warning), the system may actively
intervene in the brakes and generate a brief
jolt to warn the driver of the imminent danger
of a collision.
Automatic braking
If the driver also fails to react to the critical
warning, the system may initiate independ-
ent emergency braking by progressively in-
creasing the braking effect in accordance
with how critical the situation is.
Driver emergency brake assist system
Faced with an imminent collision, the system
may detect that the driver is not braking hard enough to avoid the collision. In this case, it
wil
l automatically increase the braking effect.
Due to certain driving circumstances and the
limitations of its operation, there are some
cases in which the system cannot prevent a
collision, although it can significantly mini-
mise the consequences by reducing the
speed and the force of the impact. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
symbol s on p
age 122. WARNING
The Front Assist system cannot change the
la w
s of physics or replace the driver in terms
of keeping control of the vehicle and reacting
to a possible emergency situation. WARNING
Following a Front Assist emergency warning,
pa y
immediate attention to the situation and
try to avoid the collision by braking or by
dodging the obstacle, as applicable.
● If the Front Assist does not work as descri-
bed in this c
hapter (e.g. it repeatedly inter-
venes unnecessarily), switch it off.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist alone cannot avoid acci-
dents and seriou
s injuries. » 211
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
The adaptive cruise control (ACC) is
an e xten-
sion of the normal cruise control system
(CCS) ››› .
The A C
C
function allows the driver to program
a cruise speed of between 30 and 210 km/h
(18 and 150 mph) and to select the distance
required with regard to the vehicle in front.
The ACC will adapt the vehicle's cruise speed
at all times, maintaining a safe distance with
the vehicle in front based on its speed.
When driving behind another vehicle, the
ACC function reduces speed until it is the
same as that of the vehicle ahead and main-
tains the set distance between the vehicles.
If the vehicle ahead accelerates, the adaptive
cruise control also accelerates, going no
higher than the target speed programmed.
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic
gearbox, the ACC can brake the vehicle until
it stops completely if a vehicle in front of it
stops.
The distance programmed should be in-
creased when the road surface is wet.
Driver intervention prompt
During driving, the ACC is subject to certain
limitations inherent in the system. In other
words, in certain circumstances the driver will
have to adjust speed him or herself, as well
as the distance from other vehicles. In this case, the instrument panel screen
will
warn
you to intervene by applying the brake
and a warning tone will be heard
››› page 216. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot
ov er
come the system's inherent limitations
or change the laws of physics. If used negli-
gently or involuntarily, it may cause serious
accidents and injuries. The system is not a re-
placement for driver awareness.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Do not use the ACC when visibility is bad,
on steep r
oads, with several bends or in slip-
pery circumstances such as snow, ice, rain or
loose gravel, or on flooded roads.
● Never use the ACC when driving off-road or
on unpav
ed roads. The ACC has been de-
signed for use on paved roads only.
● The ACC does not react on approaching a
fixed o
bstacle, such as the tail of a traffic
jam, a damaged vehicle or a vehicle stopped
at the traffic lights.
● The ACC only reacts to people if a pedes-
trian monitorin
g system is available. In addi-
tion, the system does not react to animals or
vehicles crossing your path or approaching
head-on down the same lane.
● If the ACC does not reduce speed sufficient-
ly, brak
e the vehicle immediately by applying
the pedal. ●
If y
ou are driving using the spare wheel,
the ACC function could automatically switch
off during your journey. Switch off the system
when starting off.
● If the vehicle continues to move involuntar-
ily af
ter a driver intervention prompt, brake
the vehicle by applying the pedal.
● If the dash panel displays a driv
er interven-
tion prompt, adjust the distance yourself.
● The driver should be ready to accelerate or
brake b
y him/herself at all times. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d
amaged, disconnect the ACC. This will
avoid possible damage. If this occurs have it
adjusted.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
ist
knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose. Note
● If the A C
C system does not work as descri-
bed in this chapter, do not use it until it has
been checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this purpose.
● Maximum speed with the ACC activated is
limited to 210 km/h (150 mph). » 215
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
programmed speed and ACC status will be
di s
p
layed ››› Fig. 194.
What ACC settings are possible?
● Setting your speed ›››
page 218.
● Setting your distance ›››
page 218.
● Connecting and activating the ACC
›››
page 218.
● Disconnecting and deactivating the ACC
›››
page 218.
● Adjusting the default distance level at the
star
t of your journey ››› page 218.
● Adjusting the driving profile ›››
page 219.
● Conditions in which the ACC does not react
›››
page 219.
Setting speed
To set your speed, move the third lever loca-
ted in position 1 upwards or downwards un-
ti l
the de
sired speed is shown on the instru-
ment panel display. The speed adjustment is
made at 10 km/h (6 mph) intervals.
Once you are driving , if you wish to set the
current speed as the vehicle’s cruise speed
and activate the ACC, press the button
››› Fig. 197. If you wish to increase or reduce
speed by intervals of 1 km/h (0.6 mph),
move the lever to position 2
›
››
Fig. 196 or
press the button, respectively.
The set speed can be changed when the ve-
hicle is stopped or during driving, as you like. Any modification to the programmed speed
wil
l be shown on the bottom left part of the
instrument panel display ››› Fig. 194.
Setting your distance level
To increase/reduce the distance level, press
the rocker switch towards the left/right
››› Fig. 197 A .
The in s
trument
panel display shows the mod-
ification of the distance level. There are 5 dis-
tance levels to choose from. SEAT recom-
mends level 3. The set distance can be
changed when the vehicle is stopped or dur-
ing driving, as you like ››› .
C onnectin
g and activ
ating the ACC
To connect and activate the ACC, the position
of the gearbox selector lever, the vehicle
speed and the position of the third level of
the ACC must all be taken into account.
● With a manual gearbox, the gearbox selec-
tor lev
er must be in any gear except first, and
speed must be greater than approximately 30
km/h. With an automatic gearbox, the gear-
box selector lever must be in position D or S.
● To activate the ACC, with the third lever in
position 1 press the
butt
on or mo
ve the
third lever of the ACC to position 2 ›››
Fig. 196. At thi s
point, the image of the
ACC on the instrument panel display will
switch to Active mode ››› Fig. 194. When the ACC function is active, the vehicle
trav
el
s at a set speed and distance from the
vehicle ahead. Both speed and distance can
be changed at any time.
Disconnecting and deactivating the ACC
To disconnect the ACC move the lever to the 0 position
›››
Fig. 196
(en
gaged). An ACC
deactivated message appears and the
function is totally deactivated.
If you do not wish to disconnect the ACC, just
to switch it temporarily to inactive mode
(Standby), move the third lever to position 3 ›››
Fig. 196 or pre s
s the brake pedal.
It will also switch to inactive mode (Standby)
if the vehicle is stopped and the driver door
is opened.
Adjusting the default distance level at the
start of your journey.
In wet road conditions, you should always set
a larger distance with regard to the vehicle in
front than when driving in dry conditions.
The following distances can be preselected:
● Very short
● Short
● Media
● Long
● Very long
218