
Driving
Run-in and economical driving R u
nnin
g in the engine A new vehicle should be run in over a dis-
tanc
e of
1500 km (1000 miles). For the first
1,000 km the engine speed should not ex-
ceed 2/3 of the maximum permissible engine
speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at full
throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From
1000 to 1500 km (600 to 1000 miles) you
can gradually increase the engine rpm and
road 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 down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate
rate, especially when the engine is still cold:
this will lead to less engine wear and tear
and will prolong its useful life.
You should also avoid driving with the engine
speed too low. Change down to a lower gear
when the engine no longer runs “smoothly”.
If the engine revs too much, cut fuel injection
to protect the engine. Environmental compatibility Environmental protection is a top priority in
the des
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.
● Incr
eased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
acc or
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 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 Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and w
e
ar t
o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time. »
201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)*
D ependin
g on
vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
page 37.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the
brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption will drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
poss
ible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without
the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings
and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
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.
Re
gular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel
efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres
(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
turn to a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures ››› page 308 to save fuel. If
the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation also increa-
ses tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
202

Operation
Driving tips Driv in
g on flooded r
oadsTo 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
lower 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 208. Note
● Check the depth of
the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone. ●
Do not s t
op in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine 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). Four-wheel drive
3 V
alid for vehicles: with four-wheel drive
On f
our-wheel drive models, the engine pow-
er is distributed to all four wheels
General notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine
power is distributed to all four wheels. The
distribution of power is controlled automati-
cally according to your driving style and the
road conditions. Also see ››› page 189.
The four-wheel drive is specially designed to
complement the superior engine power. This
combination gives the vehicle exceptional
handling and performance capabilities, both
on normal roads and in more difficult condi-
tions, such as snow and ice. Even so (or per-
haps especially for this reason), it is impor-
tant to observe certain safety points ››› .Winter tyres
Th
ank
s
to four-wheel drive, your vehicle will
have plenty of traction in winter conditions,
even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless,
we still recommend that winter tyres or all-
season tyres be fitted on all four wheels to
give even better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory,
this also applies to cars with four-wheel drive
››› page 67.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four
tyres must have the same rolling circumfer-
ence. Also avoid using tyres with varying
tread depths ››› page 309.
Off-roader?
Your SEAT is not an off-road vehicle: it does
not have enough ground clearance to be
used as such. It is therefore best to avoid
rough tracks and uneven terrain as much as
possible. WARNING
● Ev en w
ith four-wheel drive, you should al-
ways adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions. Do not let the extra safety features
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
Risk of accident! 206

Operation
The warning moment varies depending on
the tr affic
s
ituation 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
will 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
and contr o
l lamps on page 119. 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.
● In complex driving situations, occasionally
the Front As
sist may issue warnings and in-
tervene in braking unnecessarily, for example
at traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is im-
paired, f
or example, by dirt or because the ra-
dar sensor has lost its settings, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and inter-
vene inopportunely in the braking. ●
The Front As
sist does not react to animals
or vehicles crossing your path or approaching
head-on down the same lane.
● The Front Assist does not react to pedes-
trians
walking in the same direction or ap-
proaching head-on down the same lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take
over the c
ontrol of the vehicle.
● When the Front Assist causes a braking,
the brake ped
al is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions by the Front Assist
on the brake
s may be interrupted by pressing
the clutch, accelerator or moving the wheel. Note
● When the Front As
sist is connected, the in-
dications on the instrument panel screen may
be concealed by warnings from other func-
tions, such as an incoming call.
● When the Front Assist causes a braking,
the brake ped
al is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions by the Front Assist
on the brake
s may be interrupted by pressing
the clutch, accelerator or moving the wheel.
● The Front Assist may brake the vehicle until
it st
ops completely. However, the brake sys-
tem does not halt the vehicle permanently.
Use the foot brake!
● If the Front Assist does not work as descri-
bed in this c
hapter (e.g. in intervenes several
times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the
system checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership. 218

Operation
● If the driv
er i
s not wearing his/her seat
belt.
● If several brake lights of the vehicle or elec-
trically
connected trailer are damaged.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● Driving faster than 210 km/h (150 mph).
Driver mes
sages
ACC not available
The system can no longer continue to guar-
antee safe vehicle detection and will be de-
activated. The sensor has lost its setting or is
damaged. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired. ACC and Front Assist: cur-
rently not available. No sensor
vision
This message will be displayed to the driver if
the radar sensor's vision is impaired due, for
example, to leaves, snow, heavy fog or dirt.
Clean the SEAT badge ››› Fig. 196.
ACC: currently not available.
Gradient too steep
The maximum road slope has been excee-
ded, hence safe ACC operation cannot be
guaranteed. The ACC cannot be switched on. ACC: only available in D, S
or M
Select the D/S or M position on the selector
lever.
ACC: parking brake applied
The AC
C is deactivated if the parking brake is
applied. The ACC is available once again after
the parking brake is released.
ACC: currently not available.
Intervention of stability con-
trol
The message for the driver is displayed when
the electronic stability control (ESC) inter-
venes. In this case, the ACC is automatically
switched off. ACC: Take action!
The message for the driver is displayed if,
when the vehicle starts up on a hill with a
mild slope, the vehicle rolls back even al-
though the ACC is activated. Apply the brake
to stop the vehicle from moving/colliding
with another vehicle. ACC: speed limit
The message for the driver is displayed if, in
vehicles with manual gearbox, the current
speed is too low for the ACC mode.
The speed to be stored must be at least
30 km/h (18 mph). The speed limiter
switches off if the speed falls below 20 km/h
(12 mph). ACC: available as of the 2nd
gear The ACC is operational as of the 2nd gear
(manual g
earbox).
ACC: engine speed
The message for the driver is displayed if,
when the ACC accelerates or brakes, the driv-
er does not shift up or down a gear in time,
which means exceeding or not reaching the
permissible engine speed. The ACC switches
itself off. A buzzer warning is heard. ACC: clutch pressed
Vehicles with a manual gearbox: pressing the
clutch pedal for longer abandons control
mode. Door open
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: the ACC
cannot be activated with the vehicle station-
ary and the door open. WARNING
There is a danger of rear collision when the
minimum dis t
ance to the vehicle in front is
exceeded and the speed difference between
both vehicles is so great that a speed reduc-
tion by the ACC will not suffice. In this case
the brake pedal should be applied immedi-
ately.
● The ACC may not be able to detect all situa-
tions pr
operly.
● “Stepping” on the accelerator may cause
the ACC
not to intervene in braking. Driver226

Driver assistance systems
braking will have priority over intervention by
the speed c
ontr
ol or adaptive cruise control.
● Always be ready to use the brakes!
● Observe country-specific provisions gov-
erning ob
ligatory minimum distances be-
tween vehicles. Note
● The pr ogrammed s
peed is erased once the
ignition or the ACC are switched off.
● When the traction control system (ASR) is
deactivat
ed during acceleration or else the
ESC is activated in Sport* Mode
( ››› page 120), the ACC switches off automati-
cally.
● In vehicles with the Start-Stop system, the
engine swit
ches off automatically during the
ACC stopping phase and restarts automatical-
ly to begin driving. Function for preventing overtaking in
an in
s
ide l
ane Fig. 199
On the instrument panel display:
A C
C
active, vehicle detected in an outer lane. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) has a func-
tion th
at
help
s avoid overtaking while driving
in inside lanes at certain speeds.
If another vehicle is detected travelling at a
slower speed in an outer lane, it is displayed
on the multifunction display ››› Fig. 199.
To avoid overtaking while driving in an inside
lane the system will gently brake, and in ac-
cordance with the speed will prevent the car
from overtaking. The driver can override this
function at any time by pressing the accelera-
tor pedal. At low speeds the function is inac-
tive, for greater comfort in a traffic jam or in
city traffic. Deactivating the Adaptive Cruise Con-
trol
ACC temporarily in certain situa-
tions In the following situations the Adaptive
Crui
se C
ontrol (ACC) should be deactivated
due to the system's limitations ››› :
● When changing lanes, on tight bends and
rou nd
abouts, in acceleration and decelera-
tion lanes on motorways or in sections with
road works to prevent involuntary accelera-
tion to reach the programmed speed.
● When going through a tunnel, as operation
cou l
d be affected.
● On roads with several lanes, when other ve-
hicle
s are driving more slowly in the overtak-
ing lane. In this case, slower vehicles will be
overtaken on the right.
● In case of heavy rain, snow or spray, as the
vehicl
e in front might not be detected proper-
ly or, in certain circumstances, might not be
detected at all. WARNING
If the ACC does not switch off in the situa-
tions de
scribed, serious accidents and inju-
ries may occur.
● Always switch off the ACC in critical situa-
tions. » 227
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
Driving through a bend
On ent erin
g or e
xiting bends, the radar sen-
sor may no longer determine the vehicle in
front or react to a vehicle in the adjacent lane
››› Fig. 200 A. In these situations the vehicle
may brake unnecessarily or fail to react to re-
act to the vehicle in front. In this case, the
driver has to intervene by accelerating or in-
terrupting the braking process by applying
the brake or pushing the third lever back-
wards ››› page 224.
Driving in tunnels
When driving through tunnels the radar sen-
sor may be limited. Switch off the ACC in tun-
nels.
Narrow or misaligned vehicles
The radar sensor can only detect narrow or
misaligned vehicles when they are within
range ››› Fig. 200 B. This applies particularly
to narrow vehicles such as motorbikes. In
these cases, you should brake as necessary.
Vehicles with special loads and accessories
Special loads and accessories of other vehi-
cles that jut out over the sides, backwards or
over the top may be out of the ACC's range.
Switch off the ACC when driving behind vehi-
cles with special loads and accessories or
when overtaking them. In these cases, you
should brake as necessary. Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicl
es changing lanes a short distance
away from your own can only be detected
when they are within range of the sensors.
Consequently, the ACC will take longer to re-
act ››› Fig. 201 C. In these cases, you should
brake as necessary.
Stationary vehicles
The ACC does not detect stationary objects
while driving, such as traffic tails or damaged
vehicles.
If a vehicle detected by the ACC turns or
moves over and there is a stationary vehicle
in front of it, the ACC will not react to it
››› Fig. 201 D. In these cases, you should
brake as necessary.
Vehicles driving in the opposite direction
and vehicles crossing your path
The ACC does not react to vehicles approach-
ing from the opposite direction or vehicles
crossing your path.
Metal objects
Metal objects, e.g. rails on the road or sheets
used in road works, can confuse the radar
sensor and cause the ACC to react wrongly. Factors that may affect how the radar sensor
operate
s
If laser sensor operation is impaired, due to
heavy rain, spray, snow or mud, the ACC is
deactivated temporarily. The relevant text
message will appear in the dash panel dis-
play. If necessary clean the SEAT
badge ››› Fig. 196.
When the radar sensor begins to operate
properly again, the ACC will automatically be
available again. The message on the instru-
ment panel screen will switch off and the ACC
will be reactivated again.
ACC operation may be affected by a strong ra-
dar reverse reflection, for example in a closed
car park.
Trailer mode
When driving with trailer the ACC controls
less dynamically.
Overheated brakes
If the brakes overheat, for example after
abrupt braking or in long and steep slopes,
the ACC may be deactivated temporarily. The
relevant text message will appear in the dash
panel display. In this case, adaptive cruise
control cannot be activated.
Adaptive cruise control can be reactivated
once brake temperature has cooled suffi-
ciently. The message will disappear from the
instrument panel display. If the message ACC»
229
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Self-deactivation: the Lane As s
i st system can
be automatically deactivated if there is a sys-
tem malfunction. The control lamp
disappears.
Hands-Off Function
In the absence of steering wheel activity the
system alerts the driver with acoustic signals
and a text message on the dash panel asking
to actively take over the steering.
If the driver does not react to this, the system
also alerts the driver with a little shaking mo-
tion through the brakes and, if the vehicle
has it, activates the Emergency Assist func-
tion ››› page 234.
In vehicles without Emergency Assist, the
adaptive lane guidance function will be disa-
bled after the corresponding warnings to the
driver.
The lane assist system is active but it is not
available (the control lamp is lit up yellow)
● When driving at speeds below 65 km/h (38
mph).
● When the Lane Assist system does not de-
tect the div
iding lines of the road. For exam-
ple, in the event warnings indicating road
works, and snow, dirt, moisture or reflec-
tions.
● When the radius of a curve is too small.
● When no road markings can be seen. ●
When the dist
ance to the next marking to
too great.
● When the system does not detect any clear
and active st
eering movement during a long
period of time.
● Temporarily, in the event of very dynamic
driving s
tyles.
● If a turn signal is activated.
● With the stability control system (ESC) in
Sport
mode or switched off.
BSD Plus (Lane Assist with Blind Spot Detec-
tor)*
The BSD Plus function is achieved by activat-
ing the Lane Assist and BSD functions
››› page 237. In this case, the Lane Assist
function expands its functions in the follow-
ing way:
If the driver tries to change lane and there is
a vehicle in the blind spot:
● The lamp flashes in the corresponding
re
ar-view mirror even though the turn signal
has not been activated.
● The steering wheel vibrates to warn the
driver of the ri
sk of collision.
● torque is applied to correct the steering
and return the
vehicle to its lane. Switching off the Lane Assist system in the
fol
lowing situations
Due to the limits of the Lane Assist system,
switch it off in the following situations:
● When more attention is required of the
driver
● When drivin
g in a sporty style
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● On roads in poor condition
● In areas of road works WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Lane Assist
sys t
em cannot change the limits imposed by
the laws of physics and by the very nature of
the system. Careless or uncontrolled use of
the Lane Assist system may cause accidents
and injury. The system is not a replacement
for driver awareness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance
to the v
ehicles ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so it c
an be turned at any time.
● The Lane Assist system does not detect all
roa
d markings. The road surfaces, road struc-
tures or objects in poor condition can be in-
correctly detected as road markings under
certain circumstances by the Lane Assist sys-
tem. In such situations, switch the Lane As-
sist system off immediately. 232