Operation
Vehicles with the Start-Stop system
If the
v
ehicle has a factory-fitted towing
bracket or one that is retrofitted by SEAT, the
Start-Stop system operates as normal. No
special characteristics need to be taken into
account.
If the system does not recognise the trailer or
the trailer bracket has not been retrofitted by
SEAT, the Start-Stop system must be discon-
nected by pressing the corresponding button
in the lower part of the centre console before
driving with the trailer, and it should remain
off for the rest of the journey ››› .
V ehic
l
es with driving profile selection
If you are going to be towing a trailer, the use
of the Eco driving profile is not recommen-
ded. You are advised to select another of the
available driving profiles before beginning to
drive with a trailer. WARNING
Never use the trailer to transport people,
sinc e it
would put their life in danger and is
also prohibited. WARNING
Undue use of the towing bracket may cause
injury and ac
cidents.
● Only use the towing bracket if it is in a per-
fect s
tate of repair and is properly secured. ●
Never modif y
or repair the towing bracket
in any way.
● In order to reduce the danger of injury in
the event of
rear-end collisions and to avoid
injury to pedestrians and cyclists when park-
ing the vehicle, cover or remove the tow hitch
when you are not using a trailer.
● Never fit a towing bracket “with weight dis-
tribution” or “loa
d compensation”. The vehi-
cle has not been designed for this type of
towing bracket. The towing bracket could fail
and the trailer could be released from the ve-
hicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or lar g
e objects can affect driving properties
and even cause an accident.
● Always secure the load properly using belts
or strap
s that are suitable and in good condi-
tion.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity are
more likely
to overturn than those with a low
one.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Take great care when overtaking.
● Reduce speed immediately if you notice
that the tr
ailer is swaying, however slightly. ●
Never driv e at
more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when towing a trailer (or at more than
100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional circum-
stances). This also applies in countries where
driving at higher speeds is permitted. Take
into account the speed limit for vehicles with
trailers in the corresponding country, as it
could be less than the speed limit for vehi-
cles without a trailer.
● Never attempt to “straighten” the towing
vehicl
e and trailer while accelerating. WARNING
If the towing bracket has been retrofitted by a
non-S EA
T workshop, the Start-Stop system
must be disconnected manually whenever
driving with a trailer. Otherwise the brake
system could be damaged and could conse-
quently cause a serious accident or injury.
● Always disconnect the Start-Stop system
manual
ly when using a towing bracket that
has not been fitted by a SEAT workshop. Note
● Bef or
e hitching or unhitching a trailer, al-
ways deactivate the anti-theft alarm
››› page 125. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could
cause the alarm to go off.
● Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's
first
1000 km ››› page 201.
● SEAT recommends that, if possible, the tow
hitch be di
sassembled or covered when it is274
Towing bracket device*
not going to be used. In the event of a rear-
end co
l
lision, the damage to the vehicle
could be greater if the bracket is fitted.
● Some retrofitted towing brackets cover the
rear t
owing eye. In these cases, the towing
eye should not be used for tow-starting or for
towing other vehicles. For this reason, if the
vehicle has been retrofitted with a towing
bracket, always keep the tow hitch in the ve-
hicle when you disassemble it. Control lamp
Lamp on button lights up
The tow hitch is not securely locked in position.
Check that the towing bracket is locked
››› page 276. 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
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s
ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es.
● Stop the
vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe p
lace. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
spondin g t
ext messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Technical requirements
Vehicles that are
factor
y-equipped with a
towing bracket fulfil all the technical and le-
gal requirements for driving with a trailer.
If the vehicle is retrofitted with a towing
bracket, only a bracket that is authorised for
the maximum authorised load of the trailer
that is to be towed may be fitted. The towing
bracket must be suitable for the vehicle and
the trailer and must be properly secured to
the vehicle's chassis. Only use a towing
bracket that has been authorised by SEAT for
this vehicle. Always check and take into ac-
count the towing bracket manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a towing bracket “with
weight distribution” or “load compensation”.
Towing bracket fitted on the bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the bumper or to
the area where the bumper is mounted. The
towing bracket should not impair the bum-
per's function. Do not make modifications or
repairs to the exhaust system or the brake
system. Make regular checks to ensure that
the towing bracket is secure. Engine cooling system
Drivin
g w
ith a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should have sufficient coolant and be
prepared for the additional effort involved in
driving with a trailer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, please
take the relevant legal requirements into ac-
count. Never connect the trailer's brake sys-
tem to the vehicle's brake system.
Tow rope
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 278.
Trailer rear lights
The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations ››› page 278.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle's electric system. If you are not
sure that the trailer's electrical connection is
correct, have it checked by a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this.
Exterior mirrors
If you cannot see the area behind the trailer
with the exterior mirrors of the towing vehi-
cle, additional mirrors will have to be instal-
led in accordance with the regulations of the »
275
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Towing bracket device*
● Turn the t
o
w hitch under the bumper with
your hand until you feel and see that it en-
gages and the control lamp on the ››› Fig. 235
button stays on.
● Close the rear lid.
Meanin
g of control lamp
● If the warning light of the button ›››
Fig. 235
is flashing , this means that the tow hitch has
not been attached properly or is damaged
››› .
● If the warning lamp st
a
ys on with the rear
lid open, the tow hitch is correctly in place
both when engaged and when covered.
● The control lamp of the button will go off
appro
x. 1 minute after closing the rear lid. WARNING
Undue use of the towing bracket may cause
injury and ac
cidents.
● Only use the tow hitch if it is properly en-
gaged.
● A
lways ensure that no person, animal or
obj
ect is to be found in the path of the tow
hitch.
● Never use a tool or instrument while the
tow hit
ch is moving.
● Never press the ›››
Fig. 235 button when
there is a trailer hooked to the vehicle or
when a carrier system or other accessories
are mounted on the tow hitch. ●
If the t o
w hitch is not attached properly, do
not use it. Instead, go to a specialised work-
shop and have the towing bracket checked.
● If you detect any fault in the electrical sys-
tem or in the to
wing bracket, contact a speci-
alised workshop and ask them to check it.
● If the ball has a diameter of less than 49
mm at any
one point, do not use the towing
bracket under any circumstances. CAUTION
If you clean the vehicle with high-pressure or
s te
am devices, do not point the jet directly
towards the retractable tow hitch or the trail-
er power socket, as this may damage the
joints or remove the grease necessary for lu-
brication. Note
At extremely low temperatures, the tow hitch
ma y
be impossible to use. In this case, place
the vehicle in a warmer location (for example,
a garage). Fitting a bicycle carrier on the retract-
ab
le t
ow hitch The maximum allowed weight of the carrier
sy
s
t
em, including the load, is 75 kg. The car-
rier system should not protrude more than
700 mm backwards from the spherical head.
Only carrier systems on which up to 3 bikes can be mounted are allowed. Heavier bicy-
cle
s must be mounted as close to the vehicle
as possible (tow hitch). WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicy-
cl e r
ack mounted on the tow hitch can cause
accidents and injury.
● Never exceed the maximum weight or the
limits indic
ated above.
● The bicycle rack may not be mounted to the
neck of
the hitch below the ball because, due
to the shape of the neck and depending on
the rack model, the rack could be incorrectly
mounted on the vehicle.
● Always read and take the manufacturer as-
sembly in
structions into account. CAUTION
If the maximum weight and limits indicated
abov e ar
e exceeded, the vehicle may suffer
considerable damage.
● Never exceed the values indicated! Note
SEAT recommends removing, as far as possi-
bl e, a
ll removable parts of the bicycles before
setting off. These parts include, for example,
baskets and saddlebags, child seats or bat-
teries. This improves aerodynamics and the
centre of gravity of the rack system. 277
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Towing bracket device*
Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always
t urn off
the anti-thef
t alarm. Otherwise, the
tilt sensor could cause the alarm to go off.
Trailers with LED rear lights
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with LED
rear lights cannot be connected to the anti-
theft alarm system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does
not go off when the electrical connection with
the trailer is cut if it has rear lights with light-
emitting diodes.
If the Eco driving profile was selected when
hitching the trailer, this will automatically
switch to the Normal profile. If the system
cannot detect the attached trailer or if the
towing bracket has been retrofitted by an au-
to repair shop other than SEAT, you must
manually select the Normal profile before you
start driving with a trailer attached. To recon-
nect the Eco profile once the trailer has been
unhitched, switch the ignition off and back
on once. WARNING
If the cables are improperly or incorrectly
connect ed, it
may lead to an excessive
amount of current supplied to the trailer,
which can cause abnormalities in the entire
vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-
dents and serious injuries. ●
Ens ur
e that any repairs that need to be car-
ried out on the electrical system are carried
out by a specialised workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
directly t
o the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. WARNING
Contact between the pins of the trailer power
soc ket
can cause short circuits, overloading
of the electrical system or failure of the light-
ing system, and consequently can cause acci-
dents and serious injuries.
● Never connect the pins of the trailer power
socket
to each other.
● Make sure any work on bent pins is carried
out by
a specialised workshop. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehi-
cl e when p
arked; place it on its support
wheel or its supports. If the vehicle rises or
falls due, for example, to a variation of the
load or a burst tyre, increased pressure will
be placed on the towing bracket and the trail-
er, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. Note
● In ca se of
malfunctioning of the electrical
systems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as of the anti-theft system, have these checked out
by
a s
pecialised workshop.
● If the trailer accessories consume energy
through the pow
er socket to the trailer and
the engine is turned off, the battery will dis-
charge.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the
electrica
l connection with the trailer will be
automatically cut. Loading a trailer
Technically permissible maximum trailer
w
eight
and
vertical load on the coupling de-
vice
The technically permissible maximum trailer
weight is the weight that the vehicle can tow
››› . The vertical load on the coupling load
i s
e
xerted vertically from above on the tow
hitch of the towing bracket ››› page 319.
The information on the maximum trailer
weight and vertical load on the coupling de-
vice contained in the type plate of the towing
bracket are experimental values only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which
may be lower than these figures, are given in
the vehicle documentation. The information
in the vehicle documentation takes prece-
dence at all times. »
279
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
To promote safety while driving, SEAT recom-
mend s
m
aking the most of the maximum ver-
tical load technically permissible on the cou-
pling device ››› page 273. An insufficient ver-
tical load has a negative influence on the be-
haviour of both the vehicle and trailer.
The vertical load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle's carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight of the towing ve-
hicle and trailer
The gross combination weight is the actual
weight of the loaded vehicle plus the actual
weight of the loaded trailer.
In some countries trailers are classified into
distinct categories. SEAT recommends ob-
taining information from a specialised work-
shop regarding which type of trailer is most
suitable for your vehicle.
Trailer loading
The weight of the towing vehicle and trailer
must be balanced. In order to do this, the
load must be as close as possible to the max-
imum vertical load technically permissible on
the coupling point, and it must be evenly dis-
tributed between the back and front of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
obj
ects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it. ●
Secure the tr
ailer load properly.
Tyre pressure
Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in ac-
cordance with the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres of the
towing vehicle with the maximum allowable
pressure ››› page 308. WARNING
If the maximum permissible axle weight, the
max imum lo
ad technically permissible on the
coupling point, the maximum authorised ve-
hicle weight or the gross combination weight
of the towing vehicle and trailer are excee-
ded, accidents and serious injuries may oc-
cur.
● Never exceed the values indicated!
● The actual weight on the front and rear
axle
s must never exceed the maximum per-
missible axle weight. The weight on the front
and rear axles must never exceed the maxi-
mum permissible weight. WARNING
A shift in weight could jeopardize the stabili-
ty and sec urity
of the towing vehicle and
trailer, which could lead to accidents and se-
rious injuries.
● Always load the trailer correctly. ●
Alw a
ys secure the load properly using belts
or straps that are suitable and in good condi-
tion. Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When to
w
ing a trailer, the front part of the ve-
hicle could lift up, and if the dipped beams
are on, this could dazzle other drivers. Use
the headlight range control to lower the cone
of light. If you do not have headlight range
control, have the headlights adjusted by a
specialised workshop.
Special characteristics of driving with a trail-
er
● If your trailer has an overru
n brake, brake
gently at first and then rapidly. This will pre-
vent the jerking that can be caused by the
locking of trailer wheels.
● Due to the gross combination weight of the
tow
ing vehicle and trailer, the braking dis-
tance increases.
● When going down a slope, go into a lower
gear (if
using a manual gearbox or the tip-
tronic automatic gearbox mode) to take ad-
vantage of the braking power provided by the
engine. Otherwise, the braking system could
overheat and even fail.
280
Towing bracket device*
● The tr ai
l
er weight, as well as the gross com-
bination weight of the towing vehicle and
trailer, change the centre of gravity and the
properties of the vehicle.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trail-
er is lo
aded, then the load distribution is in-
correct. Under these conditions, drive slowly
and with extra caution.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the slope of the hill and the
combination weight of the towing vehicle
and trailer, the vehicle might start rolling
backwards slightly when you first start up.
For hill-starting with a trailer, do the follow-
ing:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button t
o disconnect the elec-
tronic parking brake ››› page 186.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a manual
gearbo
x, push the clutch pedal all the way
down.
● Put the vehicle into first gear or turn the se-
lector l
ever to position D/S ››› page 192.
● Pull out the button and ho
ld it in that
position to stop the towing vehicle and trailer
with the electronic parking brake.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Start driving slowly. To do this, in the case
of a manual
gearbox, slowly release the
clutch pedal. ●
Do not rel
ease the button until the en-
gine has sufficient force to start driving. WARNING
If a trailer is pulled incorrectly, this may lead
to lo s
s of control of the vehicle and serious
injury.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting
heavy or l
arge objects will change the vehicle
handling and braking distances.
● Always drive cautiously and carefully.
Brake e
arlier than usual.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. Slow down, especially when
driving down hills or slopes.
● Accelerate with particular care and caution.
Avoid s
udden braking and manoeuvres.
● Take great care when overtaking. Reduce
speed immediat
ely if you notice that the trail-
er is swaying, however slightly.
● Never attempt to “straighten” the towing
vehicl
e and trailer while accelerating.
● Take into account the speed limit for vehi-
cle
s with a trailer, as it could be lower than
for vehicles without a trailer. Stabilisation of the towing vehicle
and tr
ai
l
er The stabilisation of the towing vehicle and
trai
l
er together is an additional function of
the electronic stability control (ESC).
If the system detects that the trailer is sway-
ing, it intervenes automatically with the driv-
er steering recommendation to reduce the
swaying of the trailer.
Requirements for the stabilisation of the
towing vehicle and trailer
● The vehicle is factory-equipped with a tow-
ing br ac
ket or has been retro-fitted with a
compatible towing bracket.
● The ESC and ASR are active. The control
lamp or is
not lit up on the instrument
panel.
● The trailer is electrically connected to the
tow
ing vehicle through the trailer power
socket.
● The vehicle is travelling at over 60 km/h
(appro
x. 37 mph).
● The maximum vertical load technically per-
miss
ible is being utilised on the coupling de-
vice.
● The trailer has a rigid draw bar.
● If the trailer has brakes, it must be equip-
ped with a mech
anical overrun brake. »
281
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
and specialised workshop. Please note the
r e
gu
lations to this effect in your country.
“All-weather” tyres can also be used instead
of winter tyres.
Using winter tyres with V-rating
Please note that the generally applicable
240 km/h (149 mph) speed for winter tyres
with the letter V is subject to technical re-
strictions; the maximum permissible speed
for your vehicle may be significantly lower .
The maximum speed limit for these tyres de-
pends directly on the maximum axle weights
for your car and on the listed weight rating of
the tyres being used.
It is best to contact a SEAT Official Service to
check the maximum speed which is permissi-
ble for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on
the basis of this information. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for
the wint er ty
res fitted on your car can cause
tyre failure, resulting in a loss of control of
the vehicle – risk of accident. For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon
as po
ssible after the winter period; they give
better handling on roads which are free of
snow and ice. Summer tyres perform with
less rolling noise, tyre wear and – most im-
portant – reduce fuel consumption. 316
Technical data
Vehicle data sticker
The v
ehic
le data sticker is under the carpet
trim in the luggage compartment, in the
spare wheel well. A sticker with the vehicle
data is attached to the inside cover of the
Maintenance Programme.
The following information is provided on the
vehicle data sticker: ››› Fig. 248
Vehicle identification number (chassis
number)
Vehicle type, model, capacity, engine
type, finish, engine power and gearbox
type
Engine code, gearbox code, external
paint code and internal equipment code
Optional extras and PR numbers
Identifying letters
The identifying letters of the engine can be
viewed on the instrument panel when the en-
gine is switched off and the ignition is on.
● Hold down the button 0.0/SET on the dash
p anel
f
or more than 15 seconds.
1 2
3
4 Information on fuel consump-
tion
Fuel
c
onsumption Approved consumption values are derived
from me
a
surements performed or supervised
by certified EU laboratories, according to the
legislation in force at the time (for more infor-
mation, see the Publications Office of the Eu-
ropean Union on the EUR-Lex website: © Eu-
ropean Union, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/) and
apply to the specified vehicle characteristics.
The values relating to fuel consumption and
CO 2 emissions can be found in the documen-
tation provided to the purchaser of the vehi-
cle at the time of purchase.
Fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions depend
on the equipment/features of each individual
vehicle, as well as on the driving style, road
conditions, traffic conditions, environmental
conditions, load or number of passengers. Note
In practice, and considering all the factors
mentioned here, c on
sumption values can dif-
fer from those calculated in the current Euro-
pean regulations. Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a
fuel
t
ank filled to 90% capacity and without
optional extras. The figure quoted includes
75 kg to allow for the weight of the driver.
Special versions, optional equipment fittings
or retro-fitting accessories will increase the
weight of the vehicle ››› .
WARNING
● Ple a
se note that the centre of gravity may
shift when transporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Always adjust your speed and driving
style to suit road conditions and require-
ments.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating
or the gros
s vehicle weight rating. If the per-
missible axle load or the permissible total
weight is exceeded, the driving characteris-
tics of the vehicle may change, which could
lead to accidents, injuries and damage to the
vehicle. 318