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
Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures
al l
p
lace a heavy load on the battery. In these
conditions a large amount of power is con-
sumed, but only a small amount is supplied.
The situation is also critical if electrical devi-
ces are in use when the engine is not run-
ning. In this case power is consumed when
none is being generated.
In these situations you will be aware that the
power management system is intervening to
control the distribution of electrical power.
When the vehicle is parked for long periods
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of
several days or weeks, the power manage-
ment will gradually shut off the electrical de-
vices one by one or reduce the amount of cur-
rent they are using. This limits the amount of
power consumed and helps to ensure relia-
ble starting even after a long period. Some
convenience functions, such as remote vehi-
cle opening, may not be available under cer-
tain circumstances. These functions will be
restored when you switch on the ignition and
start the engine.
With the engine switched off
For example, if you listen to the sound sys-
tem with the engine switched off the battery
will run down.
If the energy consumption means there is a
risk that the engine will not start, a text will appear in vehicles with a driver information
syst
em*.
This driver indicator tells you that you must
start the engine so that the battery can re-
charge.
When the engine is running
Although the alternator generates electrical
power, the battery can still become dis-
charged while the vehicle is being driven.
This can occur when a lot of power is being
consumed but only a small amount supplied,
especially if the battery is not fully charged
initially.
To restore the necessary energy balance, the
system will then temporarily shut off the elec-
trical devices that are using a lot of power, or
reduce the current they are consuming. Heat-
ing systems in particular use a large amount
of electrical power. If you notice, for instance,
that the seat heating* or the rear window
heater is not working, they may have been
temporarily switched off or regulated to a
lower heat output. These systems will be
available again as soon as sufficient electri-
cal power is available.
You may also notice that the engine runs at a
slightly faster idling speed when necessary.
This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern. The increased idling speed allows the
alternator to meet the greater power require- ment and charge the battery at the same
time.
Engine management and ex-
haus
t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec au
se of the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard!
● Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle
around the ar
ea of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or re-
m ain lit, ther
e may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. 204
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
Driver assistance systems
Radar sensor Fig. 191
On the front behind the SEAT badge:
r a
d
ar sensor. On the front behind the SEAT badge, a radar
sen
sor h
a
s been installed to capture the traf-
fic situation ››› Fig. 191.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired
by dirt, mud or snow, or by environmental in-
fluences such as rain or mist. In this case, the
Front Assist does not work. The instrument
panel displays the following message: Front Assist: No sensor vision! If
necessary clean the radar sensor ››› .
When the r a
d
ar sensor begins to operate
properly again, the Front Assist will automati-
cally be available again. The message will
disappear from the instrument panel display.
Front Assist operation may be affected by a
strong radar reverse reflection. This may oc-
cur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the presence of metallic objects (e.g. rails
on the roa
d or sheets used in road works).
The area in front of and around the radar sen-
sor should not be covered with adhesives,
additional or similar headlights, as this may
negatively affect Front Assist operation.
If the front of the vehicle is not properly re-
paired or structural modifications are made
to it, for example if the suspension is low-
ered, Front Assist operation may be affected.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this purpose. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d
amaged or has lost its settings, dis-
connect the Front Assist. This will avoid pos-
sible dangerous situations caused by a sys-
tem malfunction. If this occurs have it adjus-
ted.
● The sensor may become damaged or lose
its settin
gs when knocked, for example, dur-
ing a parking manoeuvre. This may compro-
mise the system's efficacy or disconnect it.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
ist
knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose.
● Clean away the snow with a brush and the
ice pref
erably with a solvent-free de-icer
spray. Operating the Emergency braking as-
s
i
s
tance system (Front Assist) Fig. 192
On the instrument panel display:
Fr ont
As
sist switched off message. The Front Assist is active whenever the igni-
tion i
s
sw
itched on.
When the Front Assist is switched off, so too
are the advance warning function (pre warn-
ing) and the distance warning.
SEAT recommends leaving the Front Assist al-
ways switched on. Exceptions ››› page 220,
Switching the Front Assist off temporarily in
the following situations.
Switching the Front Assist on and off
With the ignition switched on, the Front As-
sist can be switched on and off as follows:
● Select the corresponding menu option us-
ing the b utt
on for the driver assistance sys-
tems ›››
page 36. »
219
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
presence of metallic objects (e.g. rails on the
r o
a
d or sheets used in road works).
The area in front of and around the radar sen-
sor should not be covered with adhesives,
additional or similar headlights, as this may
negatively affect ACC operation.
If the front of the vehicle is not properly re-
paired or structural modifications are made
to it, for example, if the suspension is low-
ered, ACC operation may be affected. In this
scenario, SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d
amaged or has lost its settings, dis-
connect the ACC. This will avoid possible
damage. If this occurs have it adjusted.
● The sensor may become damaged or lose
its settin
gs when knocked, for example, dur-
ing a parking manoeuvre. This may compro-
mise the system's efficacy or disconnect it.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
ist
knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose.
● Clean away the snow with a brush and the
ice pref
erably with a solvent-free de-icer
spray. Operating the Adaptive Cruise Control
A
C
C Fig. 197
On the left of the steering column:
thir d l
ev
er for operating the Adaptive Cruise
Control. Fig. 198
On the left of the steering column:
thir d l
ev
er for operating the Adaptive Cruise
Control. When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is
c
onnect
ed, the gr
een control lamp will
light up on the instrument panel, and the programmed speed and ACC status will be
disp
layed ››› Fig. 195.
What ACC settings are possible? ● Setting your speed ›››
page 224.
● Setting your distance ›››
page 225.
● Connecting and activating the ACC
›››
page 225.
● Disconnecting and deactivating the ACC
›››
page 225.
● Adjusting the default distance level at the
star
t of your journey ››› page 225.
● Adjusting the driving profile ›››
page 225.
● Conditions in which the ACC does not react
›››
page 225.
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. 198. If you wish to increase or reduce
speed by intervals of 1 km/h (0.6 mph),
move the lever to position 2
›
››
Fig. 197 or
press the button, respectively.
The set speed can be changed when the ve-
hicle is stopped or during driving, as you like.
224
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
Driver assistance systems
●
Ple a
se observe the indications on the in-
strument panel and act as is necessary.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's sur-
roundin
gs.
● When the area of vision of the camera be-
comes
dirty, covered or is damaged, the Lane
Assist system function can be affected. CAUTION
In order to avoid influencing the operation of
the sy st
em, the following points must be tak-
en into account:
● Regularly clean the area of vision of the
camera and k
eep it in a clean state, without
snow or ice.
● Do not cover the area of vision of the cam-
era.
● Check
that the area of vision of the wind-
scr
een camera is not damaged. Note
● The lane dep ar
ture warning system has
been exclusively developed for driving on
paved roads only.
● If the Lane Assist system does not work as
desc
ribed in this chapter, do not use it and
contact a specialised workshop.
● Before starting a journey, verify that the
field of
vision of the camera is not covered
››› Fig. 202. ●
Alw a
ys keep the field of vision of the cam-
era clean.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
check
ed by a specialised workshop. Traffic Jam Assist
Rel at
ed video Fig. 205
Autonomous
drivin g Description and operation
Traffic Jam Assist helps the driver keep the
c
ar w
ithin its
lane and to move in convoy in
case of traffic congestion or slow traffic.
Traffic Jam Assist is an additional function of
Lane Assist ››› page 230 and combines Lane
Assist functions with Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) ›››
page 221. Therefore, it is essential
that you read these two chapters carefully
and note the limitations of the systems and
the information about them. Operation of Traffic Jam Assist
At speed
s of below 60 km/h (40 mph), Traffic
Jam Assist can maintain a (temporary) dis-
tance preset by the driver with respect to the
vehicle ahead and help stay within the lane
››› .
T o do thi
s, the sy
stem automatically controls
the accelerator, brakes and steering, and
slows the vehicle, stopping it fully if neces-
sary, when faced with a vehicle in front that
has stopped. It automatically moves off again
when the vehicle ahead moves.
Traffic Jam Assist is designed only for use on
motorways and wide roads. Therefore, never
use it in city traffic.
Technical requirements for using Traffic Jam
Assist
● Lane departure warning must
be activated:
button > SETTINGS > Driver as-
sistance > Lane departure warning
(Lane Assist) › ›
›
page 33.
● The Lane Centring Guide must be activated:
button > SETTINGS > Driver as-
sistance > Lane departure warning
(Lane Assist)
● Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) must be con-
nect ed and activ
e ›
›› page 224.
● The speed must be below 60 km/h
(38 mph). »
233
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety