Get Driving -> Start and driving Guide for Cupra Formentor SUV First Generation (2020-2024)

Start and driving

the version, on the multi-function steering

wheel.

Automatic deactivation of the ignition on

vehicles with the Start-Stop system

Driving

The ignition is switched off automatically

when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-

matic engine shutdown is active, if:

Opening the driver's door when exiting the

vehicle activates the electronic lock on the

steering column if the ignition is disabled.

Start and driving

Starting and stopping the

engine

●

The driver's seat belt is not fastened,

the driver does not step on any pedal,

the driver door is opened.

Switching the ignition on/off

If you only want to switch on the ignition

(without starting the engine), briefly press

the start button once without pressing the

Ignition and start button

After automatically turning off the ignition, if

the dipped beam  is on, the side light re-

mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if there is

enough charge in the battery). If the driver

locks the vehicle or manually turns off the

light, the side light goes out.

brake pedal or the clutch pedal

.

›››

The    push-button text flashes

like a heartbeat when the system is ready for

the ignition to be turned on or off¹⁾

.

Automatic ignition disconnection

Switching off the ignition when leaving the

vehicle, with hybrid drive

When the vehicle detects that there is no

driver once the engine has stopped, after a

certain time the ignition is switched off auto-

matically. If at that time the dipped beam

headlights are on, the side lights will stay on

for approx. 30 minutes. The side lights can

be turned off by blocking the vehicle

When the ignition is not switched off in E-

MODE operating mode, a certain amount of

time after the journey is complete it switches

off automatically to prevent draining the 12-

volt vehicle battery.

Fig. 141 Starter button

The engine can be started with a start button

(Press & Drive). For this there must be a valid

key inside the passenger compartment.

page 97, or manually page 115 .

›››

“My Beat” function¹⁾

For vehicles with a convenience key there is

the “My Beat” function. This feature provides

The    button is found at the bot-

tom of the centre console or, depending on

»

1)

Valid for versions with the start button on the

centre console.

207

Driving

an additional indication of the vehicle igni-

tion system.

●

WARNING

If during the STOP phase you press the

   button, the ignition is switch-

ed off and the push-button flashes¹⁾

When switching on the ignition, do not

press the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise

the engine could start immediately.

.

When entering the vehicle, the start button

●

If the indication is displayed on the in-

Fig. 141 flashes to draw attention to it.

›››

strument panel display “Start-Stop system

deactivated: Start the engine manually”;

the    button will flash¹⁾

When the ignition is on/off, the engine start

button flashes. With the ignition is switched

off, the start button goes off after a few sec-

onds.

WARNING

.

If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-

out due care, this may cause accidents and

serious injury.

With the engine running, the start button

light stays on, indicating that the engine is

running. The time elapsed between the mo-

ment the user starts the engine with the start

button and the lighting changes from flash-

ing to fixed will depend on specific engine

size characteristics. When the start button is

used to stop the engine, the button starts

flashing again.

Starting the engine

●

Never leave any key inside the vehicle

when you leave it. Otherwise, a child or un-

authorised person could lock the vehicle,

start the engine or connect the ignition and

operate any of the electrical equipment.

●

Vehicles with manual transmission: put the

gear lever in neutral, press the clutch pedal

and keep it pressed in this position until the

engine starts.

●

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Note

press the brake pedal and keep it pressed in

this position until the engine starts.

●

Before leaving the vehicle, always discon-

nect the ignition and, if appropriate, take

into account the instructions on the screen

of the dash panel.

In vehicles with the Start-Stop system, the

“My Beat” function also offers additional in-

formation:

●

Press the starter button Fig. 141 ; do not

›››

press the accelerator. There needs to be a

valid key inside the vehicle for the engine to

start. After starting the engine, the lighting of

the  button remains fixed indi-

●

If the vehicle is stationary for a long time

●

When the engine stops during the Stop

with the engine off and the ignition on, the

vehicle battery might be discharged and it

might not be possible to start the engine.

phase, the light of the start button stays on,

as the Start-Stop system remains active even

though the engine is off.

cating that the engine is running¹⁾

.

●

Once the engine starts, release the start-

●

In vehicles with diesel engines, wait until

●

When the engine cannot be started again

up button.

the warning light  page 208 goes off

›››

before starting the engine.

with the Start-Stop system, page 215 , and

needs to be started manually, the start but-

ton flashes to indicate this situation.

›››

1)

Valid for versions with the start button on the

centre console.

208

Start and driving

●

If the engine does not start, stop and wait

ous gas that can cause loss of conscious-

ness and death.

Note

for around 1 minute to try again. If necessary,

perform an emergency start page 210 .

●

Electrical components with a high power

›››

consumption are switched off temporarily

when the engine starts.

WARNING

Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer

than usual to start on cold days. During pre-

heating, the warning lamp  remains lit. To

avoid unnecessary discharging of the bat-

tery, do not use any other major electrical

equipment while the glow plugs are pre-

heating.

●

When starting with a cold engine, noise

Do not get out of the vehicle with the en-

gine running, especially if a gear is engag-

ed. The vehicle could then suddenly move

or something strange could happen that

would cause damage, fire or serious injury.

levels may briefly increase. This is quite

normal, and no cause for concern.

●

When the outside temperature is below

+5 °C (+41 °F), if the engine is diesel, some

smoke may appear under the vehicle when

the fuel-operated auxiliary heater is on.

WARNING

The preheating time depends on the coolant

and exterior temperatures. With the engine

at operating temperature, or at outside tem-

peratures above +8°C, the warning lamp 

will light up for about one second. This

means that you can start the engine almost

immediately.

Never use cold start sprays, they could ex-

plode or cause the engine to run at high

revs. Doing this risks injury.

Turning off the engine

●

Bring the vehicle to a full stop

.

›››

CAUTION

With manual transmission, press the clutch

●

The starter motor or the engine may be

all the way down. If fitted with an automatic

gearbox, activate the parking lock by press-

ing button P.

damaged if you try to restart the engine im-

mediately after switching it off.

Starting a diesel engine after having run

out of fuel

●

When the engine is cold, you should

If the fuel tank of a diesel vehicle was run un-

til completely empty, after refuelling it can

last longer than normal to start the engine,

even up to a minute. This is because the fuel

system must eliminate air first.

●

Apply the electronic parking brake.

avoid high engine speeds, driving at full

throttle and over-loading the engine, as

this could cause engine damage.

Briefly press the start-up button

Fig. 141.

›››

Car wash function (hybrid vehicles)

For the sake of the environment

When the ignition is turned off with gear N

activated, the vehicle can roll for the next 30

minutes. After that time, if the vehicle is

stopped the parking lock P activates auto-

matically. The corresponding warning mes-

sage is displayed on the instrument cluster

display one minute before this happens.

WARNING

Do not warm-up the engine by running the

engine with the vehicle stationary. Start off

immediately, driving gently. This helps the

engine reach operating temperature faster

and reduces emissions.

Do not keep the engine running in confined

spaces, as there is a risk of poisoning.

●

The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-

oxide, an odourless and colourless poison-

»

209

Driving

The engine can only be started using a genu-

ine CUPRA key with its correct code.

WARNING

the vehicle, otherwise the battery could

discharge.

Never switch off the engine while the vehi-

cle is moving. This could cause loss of con-

trol of the vehicle, accidents and serious in-

jury.

●

If the engine has been driven at high

Note

speed for a prolonged period of time, it

may overheat when switched off. To avoid

damage, allow the engine to run for ap-

proximately two minutes in neutral before

switching it off.

A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensur-

ed if genuine CUPRA keys are used.

●

The airbags and belt tensioners do not

work when the ignition is switched off.

●

The brake servo does not work with the

Emergency starting function

engine off. Therefore, you need to press

the break pedal harder to brake the vehicle.

Note

After the engine is switched off the radiator

fan may run on for up to 10 minutes, even if

the ignition is switched off. It is also possi-

ble that the fan turns itself on once more if

the coolant temperature increases due to

the heat accumulated in the engine com-

partment or due to its prolonged exposure

to solar radiation.

●

Power steering does not work when the

engine is not running. You need more

strength to steer when the engine is switch-

ed off.

●

If the ignition is switched off, the steering

column could be locked, making it impossi-

ble to control the vehicle.

WARNING

Always take the key with you when you

leave the vehicle. This is particularly impor-

tant if there are children in the vehicle, as

they might otherwise be able to start the

engine or use power-operated equipment

(e.g. the electric windows), which could

cause injuries.

Electronic immobilizer

Fig. 142 In the centre console: emergency

start.

The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-

thorised persons from driving the vehicle.

In the key there is a chip that automatically

deactivates the electronic immobiliser.

If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,

an emergency start-up will be required. The

relevant message will appear in the dash

panel display. This may happen when, for ex-

ample, the vehicle key battery is very low:

The electronic immobiliser is automatically

activated when the key is outside the vehicle.

CAUTION

●

If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-

If the following message is shown on the in-

strument panel display: SAFE, the vehicle

cannot be started.

Stop system switches off the engine, the ig-

nition remains switched on. Make sure that

the ignition is switched off before leaving

210

Start and driving

●

Immediately after pushing the start button,

Move the selector lever to P; the

vehicle can move; the doors can only

be locked in P

To access driving with the electric drive in

the infotainment system:

place the key in the drink holder of the cen-

tre console Fig. 142 , as close as possible

to the Kessy logo.

›››

●

 > Vehicle > Exterior > Electric

●

For safety reasons, this driver message ap-

drive.

pears and an audible warning sounds if the

parking lock button P is not pressed after

switching off the engine. Press button P oth-

erwise the vehicle could move.

●

The ignition connects and the engine

Requirements for switching on the drive

system

starts automatically.

The drive system can be switched on when

the following conditions are met:

Instructions for the driver on the

instrument panel display

Ignition is switched on

●

This driver message is displayed and a buz-

●

The high voltage battery has a sufficient

charge level.

zer is sounded when the driver door is

opened with the ignition switched on.

Depress the clutch

●

There is no charging cable plugged in.

The temperature of the high-voltage bat-

●

This indication is displayed on vehicles with

a manual gearbox when the driver does not

depress the clutch pedal when starting the

engine. The engine can only be started if the

clutch pedal is depressed.

tery is within the operating range.

Driving with electric drive

●

There is a valid remote control key in the

vehicle.

Switching on the hybrid drive sys-

tem

Press the brake

Switching on the drive system

●

This message appears on vehicles with an

●

Press the ignition and start button once.

The ignition must be switched on.

3 Valid for: hybrid vehicles

automatic gearbox if the driver tries to start

the engine without having the brake pedal

pressed.

Switching on the hybrid drive activates the

vehicle's propulsion system. When the vehi-

cle’s drive system is switched on, the electric

drive is activated. The combustion engine

starts automatically when the charge level of

the high-voltage battery is not sufficient to

run with the electric drive, or if high drive

power is required.

●

Press the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

Set the gear selector switch to position N

Press the brake to engage a gear

or activate the parking lock P.

●

This indication is displayed when starting

●

Press the ignition and start button

or stopping the engine if the automatic

transmission selector lever is in position D or

R and the brake pedal is not depressed. The

engine can only be started and stopped in

these positions.

Fig. 141 until indicator lamp  lights up

›››

on the instrument cluster. Do not press the

accelerator. Release the ignition and start

button when the indicator lamp  lights

up on the instrument cluster. The mark on

the power display changes from  to .

»

211

Driving

●

If the indicator lamp  does not light

up, cancel and repeat the operation.

In this case it's not possible to switch on the

drive system.

in traffic-restricted areas and when ma-

noeuvring or reversing. Accident hazard!

●

If the vehicle has been locked with the re-

As soon as the temperature of the high-volt-

age has increase enough, the drive system

can be switched on again.

mote control key, the ignition and start but-

ton is deactivated. If you are inside the vehi-

cle and have to start the engine, first unlock

the vehicle or perform an emergency start

Troubleshooting

To ensure that the drive system can be

switched on, even in very low outside tem-

peratures, CUPRA recommends parking the

vehicle in a place protected from the cold.

3 Valid for: hybrid vehicles

page 210.

›››

Drive: Fault! Stop the vehicle safely



The warning lamp lights up red.

Detecting the drive system

There is a fault in the vehicle’s drive system.

The vehicle's drive system is no longer availa-

ble. Park the vehicle in a safe place as soon

as possible. Seek professional assistance.

With the electric drive, the motor makes no

noticeable noise when the drive system is

switched on or while driving. Therefore, you

cannot defect that the vehicle's drive system

is on by engine noise. Instead, the following

characteristics show that the vehicle is ready

to drive:

Note

A click is heard when the drive system is

turned on. This is completely normal and

does not mean there is a problem.

Drive: Fault! The electric drive is not



working properly. Visit a workshop

Vehicle sound

The warning lamp lights up yellow.

●

The power display on the instrument clus-

3 Valid for: hybrid vehicles

ter displays  page 77 .

There is a fault in the vehicle’s drive system.

Drive slowly to a specialised workshop to

have the fault repaired.

›››

●

The electric drive makes much less noise

than a combustion engine. In the versions

for some countries, artificial vehicle sound is

generated to allow the vehicle to be heard

better from the outside. At higher speeds,

when the noise produced by the tyres and

the wind increases, the vehicle's sound auto-

matically fades out.

The display light on the instrument cluster

is on, regardless of whether the vehicle’s ex-

terior lighting is on.

Drive: Warning! Power is limited.



Check the manual

●

The indicator lamp on the instrument clus-

ter switches on .

The warning lamp lights up yellow.

●

An audio signal is heard.

Performance limited. The high-voltage bat-

tery may not be sufficiently charged or may

have reached its operating temperature limit,

for example in very cold outside tempera-

tures.

Switching on the drive system in very low

outside temperatures

WARNING

If the outside temperature is very low (ap-

proximately -27°C (-16°F) or lower), the high-

voltage battery may freeze and stop working.

During electric driving, the auditory per-

ception of the vehicle by other road users

may be much lower. This is especially true

212

Start and driving

●

Vehicle sound: Fault! Pedestrians can-



not hear the vehicle. Visit a workshop

Press button  on the control panel of the

The combustion engine starts when a kick-

down occurs in E-MODE. However, E-MODE

remains activated.

upper centre console.

●

Press the E-Mode or Hybrid function but-

The warning lamp lights up yellow.

ton in the infotainment system.

Hybrid  (use the battery's charge)¹⁾

There is a vehicle sound fault. Drive with ut-

most care, as other road users may not be

able to hear the electric vehicle. Go immedi-

ately to a specialised workshop to have the

fault repaired.

Further information about the operating

mode can be found in .

This is the operating mode that allows you to

save most fuel.

E-MODE  (electric driving)¹⁾

The operating mode control unit tries to

make the most of the battery charge. For this

purpose, with active directions the naviga-

tion data are also accessed.

In the E-MODE electric driving mode, the ve-

hicle basically drives in electric only mode.

To the extent possible, the vehicle's com-

bustion engine is not used.

Operating mode selection

In this operating mode, the electric motor

and the combustion engine share the work

of driving the vehicle.

Operating mode selection

All of the following conditions must be met

for E-MODE to be activated:

3 Valid for: hybrid vehicles

In hybrid operating mode, the power from

the battery charge is used optimally. If route

guidance is activated, the vehicle may au-

tonomously recharge the high-voltage bat-

tery using the combustion engine.

●

The high voltage battery has a sufficient

charge level.

The vehicle has different operating modes

so that it can always be optimally adjusted to

every situation while driving. Once the drive

system has been turned on, and provided

that all of the operating conditions required

for this purpose have been met, the E-

MODE operating mode is always activated in

the first instance for electric driving.

●

The vehicle speed is lower than 130 km/h

(80 mph).

●

The high voltage battery temperature is

Manual control of the battery charge

above -10°C.

Manual control of the battery charge is only

possible in Hybrid operating mode. The op-

tion selected by the user is only valid until the

ignition is switched off or the vehicle is

switched to Hybrid mode or E-MODE.

If, while driving in E-MODE mode, the neces-

sary conditions are no longer met, the com-

bustion engine starts and electric driving is

suspended. In this case, the display  lights

up on the instrument cluster display.

Operating mode selection

»

●

Switch on the drive system page 211 .

›››

1)

The displayed symbol varies depending on the

active operating mode and the charge level of

the high-voltage battery.

213

Driving

The Intelligent Hybrid App allows the user

to save electrical energy until reaching home

(charging point) with just “one click”. If this

option is not selected, the maximum amount

of electrical energy will be consumed until

the selected destination is reached. If the

user has no active route, the function will of-

fer the activation of a predictive route and

BMA mode from the widget itself with just

one click.

Press the function button  and use the

Troubleshooting

symbols , and  to control the battery

=

The E-MODE operating mode is not



available

charge:



Pressing this symbol selects a higher

theoretical charge level. The vehicle

tries to reach that new theoretical high-

voltage battery charge level while driv-

ing. The vehicle is powered by the com-

bustion engine. If the combustion en-

gine has “excess” power, it is used to

charge the high-voltage battery. This

option increases fuel consumption. CU-

PRA therefore recommends using the

charging socket to charge the high-volt-

age battery, whenever possible

The indicator lamp lights up in white.

The E-MODE operating mode  (driving in

electric mode) cannot be used temporarily

because one or more conditions are not

met.

●

The conditions must be met to use the E-

MODE operating mode page 213 .

Show the active operating mode

›››

The operating mode active at any given time

is displayed on the instrument cluster dis-

play, e.g. .

Start-Stop system

page 306 .

›››

WARNING

The high-voltage battery charge level is

kept at around the current level while

driving. If you accelerate harder or in-

crease the vehicle speed, the combus-

tion engine starts up. When permitted

by the driver’s demand for acceleration

and the vehicle speed, the vehicle

switches back to electric mode.

Control lamps

Switching to a different operating mode

while driving can distract you from traffic

conditions and cause accidents.

=

It lights up



The Start-Stop system is available, the automatic en-

gine shutdown is active.

Note

Information about the operating mode that

is currently active is displayed on the in-

strument cluster display, along with the

charge level of the high-voltage battery.

It lights up

.

The Start-Stop system is not available or has been dis-

connected.



Pressing this symbol selects a lower the-

oretical charge level. The vehicle only

uses the battery's charge when it is

above the selected theoretical charge

level. The rest is kept until the end of

the journey.

214

Start and driving

Instructions for the driver on the instru-

ment panel display

When the ignition is switched on, the Start-

Stop function is automatically activated.

Hold system, the engine will not start if you

remove your foot from the brake pedal. The

car starts when you press the accelerator

pedal.

Start-Stop system deactivated. Start

the engine manually

Vehicles with a manual gearbox

●

When the vehicle is stopped, put it into

●

This indication for the driver shows that

Basic requirements for the Start-Stop

mode

neutral and release the clutch pedal. The en-

gine will stop. The warning lamp  will light

up. The engine may be stopped before the

vehicle comes to a standstill (approximately 7

km/h).

the Start-Stop system cannot start the en-

gine again.

●

The driver door must be closed.

The driver's seat belt must be fastened.

The bonnet must be closed.

Start-Stop system: Fault! Function

not available

●

There is a fault in the Start-Stop system.

When you depress the clutch pedal, the

The engine has reached operating tem-

Take the vehicle to a workshop to have the

fault repaired.

engine will start again. The indicator lamp

goes out.

perature.

●

The reverse gear must not be engaged.

Vehicles with an automatic gearbox

The vehicle must not be on a very steep

slope.

Description and operation

●

Brake until the vehicle has come to a

standstill, and keep your foot on the brake

pedal or activate the Auto Hold system so

that the vehicle remains braked. The engine

will stop. The warning lamp  will appear in

the display. The engine can be stopped be-

fore stopping completely (approximately 7 or

2 km/h depending on the vehicle's gear-

box).²⁾

The Start-Stop system helps you to save fuel

and reduce CO₂emissions.

The engine does not turn off for various

reasons

Before stopping the vehicle, the system veri-

fies whether certain conditions are met. The

engine does not switch off, in the following

situations for example:

In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automat-

ically switch off when the vehicle stops or is

stopping. The ignition remains switched on.

The engine automatically switches back on

when required.

●

The engine has not yet reached the re-

quired temperature for the Start-Stop mode.

●

When you take your foot off the brake

In this scenario, the light of the   

»

pedal the engine will start up again. The

warning lamp will switch off. With the Auto

button stays lit¹⁾

.

1)

Valid for versions with the start button on the

centre console.

2)

In the mHEV version (semi-hybrid), above 20

km/h.

215

Driving

●

The temperature selected on the climate

control has not been reached.

The engine starts by itself

start the engine up again the accelerator

must be pressed, or another gear engaged

or the brake released.

When stopped, the normal system mode

may be interrupted in the following situa-

tions. The engine restarts by itself without in-

volvement from the driver.

●

The interior temperature is very high/low.

If the selector lever is placed in R while stop-

ped, the engine will start up again.

Defrost function button activated

page 147.

›››

●

Park assist is switched on.

●

The interior temperature differs from the

temperature selected on the climate control.

Additional information about vehicles with

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The battery is very low.

●

Defrost function button activated

The steering wheel is overly turned or is

In vehicles with ACC function, the engine will

start up again in certain operating conditions

if the radar sensor detects that the vehicle

ahead drives off again.

page 147.

›››

●

being turned.

The brake has been pressed several times

consecutively.

●

If there is a danger of misting.

After engaging reverse gear.

In case of a very steep gradient.

●

The battery is too low.

WARNING

High power consumption.

●

In a traffic jam after stopping for the fifth

●

Never switch the engine off until the ve-

●

The vehicle rolls forward or backward with

time, the engine will not stop any more.

hicle is stationary. The operation of the

brake and steering will not be fully guaran-

teed. More force will be needed to turn the

steering wheel or to brake. You could suffer

an accident and even serious injuries.

the engine off.

●

With ESC disabled.

●

ESC deactivated.

After emergency braking or loss of adhe-

The accelerator pedal (automatic trans-

sion.

mission), or the clutch (manual transmission)

is pressed.

●

With a trailer attached.

●

To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-

Stop system is switched off when working in

In a traffic jam after stopping for the fifth

●

The steering wheel is slightly turned.

When the air conditioning is activated.

the engine compartment page 217 .

›››

time, the vehicle will not stop any more.

●

When the battery charge level is low.

While the particle filter is regenerating.

CAUTION

Additional information related to the au-

tomatic gearbox

The Start-Stop system must always be

. is displayed on the instrument cluster

screen; it is also displayed in the driver infor-

mation system, .

switched off when driving through flooded

The engine stops when the selector lever is

in D, N and S, as well as in Tiptronic mode.

When the parking lock button P is activated,

the engine will also remain off when you re-

move your foot from the brake. In order to

areas page 231 .

›››

Note

●

You can control whether the engine

should switch off or not by reducing or

216

Start and driving

Manually connecting and discon-

necting the Start-Stop system

increasing the brake force applied. While

the vehicle remains stopped, the engine

will not stop if the brake pedal is slightly

pressed, in traffic jams with frequent stop-

ping and starting for example. As soon as

strong pressure is applied to the brake ped-

al, the engine will stop.

Note

The system switches on every time the en-

gine is turned off voluntarily.

Manual gearbox

●

When stopped, the brake pedal must be

kept pressed to ensure that the vehicle

does not move.

Changing gears

●

If the engine “stalls” with a manual gear-

box, it can be directly started up again by

immediately pressing the clutch pedal.

●

With an automatic gearbox, if the lever is

placed in position D, N or S after engaging

reverse gear, 10 km/h (6 mph) in a forwards

direction must be reached for the system to

be in a status to stop the engine.

Fig. 143 On the Infotainment system

screen.: Start-Stop system connected. 

View in the main menu.  View with the

Infotainment system off.

If you do not want to use the system, you can

disconnect it manually through the Infotain-

ment system:

Fig. 144 Diagram of a 6-speed manual

gearbox.

●

Select  > Assistants > Smart Assistants.

Gear positions are indicated on the gear lev-

er Fig. 144 .

›››

When the symbol  appears orange

Fig. 143 the system is activated and will

stop and start. When the symbol  appears

in white the system is disconnected.

›››

●

Depress the clutch and keep your foot as

far as it will go.

●

Move the gear lever to the desired posi-

tion.

●

»

Release the clutch.

217

Driving

Engaging reverse gear

WARNING

DSG automatic transmis-

sion

Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is

stopped.

Changing down through the gears incor-

rectly by selecting a gear that is too low can

lead to loss of control of the vehicle and

cause accidents and serious injuries.

●

Depress the clutch and keep your foot as

far as it will go.

Introduction

Your vehicle is equipped with an electroni-

cally controlled manual gearbox. Torque be-

tween the engine and the gearbox is trans-

mitted via two independent clutches. They

replace the torque converter found on con-

ventional automatic gearboxes and allow for

smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of the

vehicle.

●

With the gear lever in neutral, push it

CAUTION

down, move it all the way to the left and then

forwards to select reverse gear Fig. 144

Engaging a gear that is too low when driving

at high speed or at high engine RPM can

cause considerable damage to the clutch

and gearbox. This can happen even if the

clutch pedal is kept depressed and the gear

is not engaged.

›››

R

.

●

Release the clutch.

Changing to lower gears

When driving, you should always change

down through the gears progressively, i.e. to

the gear immediately below when engine

The Tiptronic system allows the driver to

CAUTION

change gears manually page 220, Chang-

›››

ing gear in Tiptronic mode.

Consider the following to avoid damage

and premature wear:

RPM is not tool high

. Skipping one or

›››

several gears when changing down through

the gears at high speed or high RPM can

cause damage to the clutch and gearbox,

●

Do not rest your hand on the gear lever

while driving. The pressure exerted by the

hand is transmitted to the gearbox forks.

Control lamps

even if the clutch is depressed

.

›››

●

Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal;

It lights up green



Even if the pressure seems insignificant, it

can cause premature wear of the clutch

disc. Use the footrest when not changing

gears.

WARNING

The brake is not pressed.

To select a gear range, press the brake pedal.

If the engine is running, the vehicle starts

moving as soon as a gear is engaged and

the clutch pedal is released. This also hap-

pens if the electronic parking brake is

switched on.

●

Make sure the vehicle is completely stop-

ped before engaging reverse gear.

●

When changing gears, always fully de-

●

Never engage reverse gear while the ve-

press the clutch.

hicle is in motion.

●

Do not “ride” the clutch with the engine

running when the vehicle is stopped on an

uphill slope.

218

Start and driving

– Reverse gear

Under certain circumstances (e.g. on moun-

tain roads) it can be advantageous to switch



Selector lever positions

Reverse gear must be engaged only when

the vehicle is stationary and the engine is

tiptronic mode page 220 , to adapt the

›››

gears to suit the road conditions.

idling

.

›››

To engage reverse gear R, you must press the

brake pedal simultaneously. The reverse

lights switch on when the reverse gear R is

selected and the ignition is on.

WARNING

●

Take care not to press the accelerator

pedal when the vehicle is stopped. The ve-

hicle could start moving immediately (in

some cases even if the parking brake is en-

gaged) resulting in the risk of an accident.

– Neutral



In this position, the gear is in neutral.

●

Never move the lever to R position when

driving. Failure to follow this instruction

could result in an accident or failure.

Fig. 145 In the centre console: selector

lever.

Press the brake pedal to move the lever from

N to D/S when the vehicle is stationary or at

●

With lever in any position, the foot brake

speeds below 3 km/h (2 mph)

.

›››

The selector lever position is shown when

the corresponding sign lights up. The engag-

ed gear is also displayed on the screen in

manual shift positions M, D, S and E (when

the ECO engine setting is selected in the In-

must be depressed whenever the engine is

running. This is because an automatic gear-

box still transmits power even at idling

speed.

– Permanent forward drive position



The D/S position enables the gears to be

operated in normal mode (D) or sport mode

(S). To select Sport mode S, move the lever

backwards. Pushing the lever again will select

normal mode D. The selected driving mode

is displayed on the instrument panel screen.

●

While you are selecting a gear and the ve-

dividual profile page 226 ).

›››

hicle is stopped with the engine running, do

not accelerate. Failure to follow this in-

struction could result in an accident.

In certain versions, S+ or M+ is also displayed

on the screen when the Drift or CUPRA pro-

●

As a driver you should never leave your

file is selected page 226 . S+ and M+ are

›››

vehicle if the engine is running and a gear is

engaged. Switch on the electronic parking

brake and select the parking lock (P).

In normal mode (D), the gearbox selects the

best gear ratio. This depends on the engine

load, the road speed and the dynamic gear

control programme (DCP).

more extreme shift modes than the conven-

tional Sport (S) mode.

– Parking lock



Note

When the P button is pressed, the drive

wheels are locked. Only press P when the ve-

Sport mode (S) should be selected for a

sporty driving style. This setting makes use of

the engine's maximum power output. When

accelerating the gear shifts will be noticea-

ble.

●

If the lever is moved accidentally to N

hicle is stationary

.

when driving, release the accelerator and

let the engine speed drop to idling before

selecting gear range D or S again.

›››

To press the P button you must press the

brake pedal simultaneously.

»

219

Driving

●

To exit the Tiptronic mode, pull the right-

Changing gear in Tiptronic mode

●

If the power supply is interrupted while

hand gear shirt paddle towards the steering

wheel for approximately 1 second.

the P parking lock is active, it will not be

possible to move the lever. If this should

happen the manual release can be used. In

this case, you should seek professional as-

sistance.

To keep Tiptronic mode permanently switch-

ed on, move the selector lever to the S posi-

tion. If the selector lever is in position D and

the gear shift paddles are not operated for

some time, the Tiptronic mode will automat-

ically be switched off.

Note

●

If a gear has been selected, the vehicle

does not move forwards or back. Proceed

to the next mode:

CAUTION

–

When the vehicle does not move in the

required direction, the system may not

have the gear range correctly engaged.

Press the brake pedal and engage the

gear range again.

●

When accelerating, if a higher gear is not

Fig. 146 Steering wheel: automatic trans-

mission levers

selected, it will automatically change short-

ly before reaching the maximum permitted

RPM.

Tiptronic gives the driver the option to

change gears manually.

●

Also, if a lower gear is selected, the sys-

–

If the vehicle still does not move in the

required direction, there is a system

malfunction. Seek specialist assistance

and have the system checked.

tem will not change until it detects that the

engine will not reach its maximum RPM.

When you change to the Tiptronic pro-

gramme, the vehicle remains in the currently

selected gear. This is possible as long as the

system is not changing gear automatically

due to a traffic situation.

Driving with an automatic gear-

box

Using Tiptronic with the steering wheel

paddles

The gearbox changes gear ratios automati-

cally as the vehicle moves.

The gear shift paddles can be used when the

The engine can only be started with the lever

in the N position and the P button must be lit

up (the parking lock remains active).

selector lever is in the D/S position.

●

+

Press the gearshift paddle

to select a

higher gear Fig. 146 .

›››

●

–

Press the gearshift paddle

Driving down hills

lower gear.

Under certain circumstances it may be ad-

vantageous to use the Tiptronic mode to

220

Start and driving

select the gear manually according to driving

Starting off uphill without the Auto Hold

function

and engine speed. This takes advantage of

the maximum acceleration of the vehicle

conditions

.

›››

.

›››

●

Pull on the electronic parking brake but-

ton.

Stop/Park

The upshift to the next higher gear is delayed

To park on flat ground, just press the P but-

until the engine reaches maximum rpm.

●

Once you have engaged a gear, gently

ton Fig. 145 . On slopes the parking brake

›››

press the accelerator and pull on the elec-

tronic parking brake button.

should first be applied and then press the P

WARNING

button.

Observe the safety warnings

in Selec-

›››

Back-up programme

tor lever positions on page 219.

If the driver door is opened and the P button

has not been activated, the vehicle could

move. The following warning is displayed on

the instrument panel:  Gear change:

selector lever in the drive posi-

tion!. Additionally, a buzzer will sound.

●

Never allow the brake to rub and do not

If all the positions of the lever are shown over

a light background on the instrument clus-

ter, there is a system fault and the automatic

gearbox will operate with the backup pro-

gramme. It is still possible to drive the vehi-

cle, however, at low speeds and within a se-

lected range of gears. Driving in reverse

gear may not be possible.

use the brake pedal too often or for long

periods, as the brakes can overheat. This

reduces the braking power, increases the

braking distance or even causes a brake

system fault.

●

Stopping on a downhill

If you have to stop on a hill, keep the ve-

hicle’s brakes applied with the brake pedal

or parking brake.

Always apply the brake pedal firmly to pre-

vent the vehicle from moving; if necessary,

Parking lock manual release mechanism

apply the electronic parking brake

.

›››

WARNING

If, in the event of a power failure (e.g. the 12-

volt vehicle battery is drained), the vehicle

must be towed and the parking lock can be

released manually. In this case, you should

seek professional assistance.

Do not accelerate while a range of gears is

engaged to prevent the car from rolling

Please note that if the road surface is slip-

pery or wet, the kick-down feature could

cause the driving wheels to spin, which

could result in skidding.

downhill

.

›››

Starting off uphill with the Auto Hold func-

tion

Kick-down

CAUTION

●

Once you have engaged a gear, take your

The kick-down device provides maximum

acceleration when the gear selector lever is

in the positions D, S or in Tiptronic mode.

●

If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do

foot off the brake pedal and gently press the

accelerator.

not attempt to stop it from rolling by de-

pressing the accelerator when a gear has

been selected. This could cause overheat-

ing and damage the automatic gearbox.

When the accelerator pedal is pressed right

down, the automatic gearbox will shift down

to a lower gear, depending on road speed

»

221

Driving

●

Press the brake pedal with your left foot

●

If you allow the vehicle to roll with the

Note

and hold it down for at least one second.

lever in position N and the engine off, the

automatic gearbox will be damaged due to

a lack of lubrication.

●

After using the Launch control pro-

●

Set the selector lever to position S or Tip-

gramme, the temperature in the gearbox

may have increased considerably. In this

case, the programme could be disabled for

several minutes. The programme can be

used again after the cooling phase.

tronic, or select the Sport or Cupra Drive

Profile page 226 .

●

In certain driving situations or traffic con-

›››

ditions, the gears could overheat and be

damaged! If the warning lamp  lights up,

stop the vehicle as soon as you can and wait

●

With your right foot, press the accelerator

down to the full throttle or kick-down posi-

tion. The engine speed will stabilise at about

3,200 rpm (petrol engine) or about

2,000 rpm (diesel engine).

●

Accelerating with the launch control pro-

for the gearbox to cool page 223 .

›››

If the gearbox operates with the backup

gramme places a heavy load on all parts of

the vehicle. This can result in increased

wear and tear.

●

programme, take the vehicle to a special-

ised workshop and have the fault repaired

without delay.

●

Take your left foot off the brake pedal. The

vehicle starts with maximum acceleration.

WARNING

downhill assistant

●

Always adapt your driving style to the

Launch-control program

Downhill speed control is activated when the

lever is in the D/S position and the brake is

applied. An appropriate lower gear is engag-

ed.

traffic conditions.

●

Only use the Launch control programme

The Launch-control programme enables

maximum acceleration from a standstill.

when road and traffic conditions permit,

and make sure your manner of driving and

accelerating the vehicle does not incon-

venience or endanger other road users.

Condition: the engine must have reached

operating temperature and the steering

wheel must not be turned.

The assistant attempts to maintain the speed

at which the vehicle was travelling when the

brake was applied, within logical limits. It may

be necessary to correct the speed by press-

ing the brake.

●

Make sure that the ESC remains switched

on. Please note that when the TCS and ESC

are deactivated, the wheels may start to

spin, causing the vehicle to lose grip. Risk of

accident!

The engine speed for Launch-control is dif-

ferent on petrol and diesel engines.

The assistant can only change down as far as

3rd gear. It is possible that on very steep

slopes you may have to switch to tiptronic

mode and thus manually change down to

2nd or 1st gear to take advantage of engine

braking and take the load off the brake sys-

tem.

To use the Launch-control you must discon-

nect the traction control (TCS) or activate

the ESC Sport or ESC OFF mode, using the

Infotainment system menu: press the func-

tion button  > Assistants > ESC Menu. The

warning lamp  will remain on.

●

After moving off, you should activate the

TCS or deactivate the ESC “sport” mode

again using the Infotainment system: func-

tion button  > Assistants.

222

Start and driving

Downhill speed control is deactivated as

soon as the road levels out again or you press

the accelerator pedal.

Activation of the inertia mode

how smoothly you remove your foot from

the accelerator.

Condition: lever in position D, slopes of less

than 12% and speeds between 20 and 130

km/h (12 and 80 mph).

WARNING

On vehicles with a cruise control system

●

If the inertia mode has been switched on,

page 236, downhill speed control is acti-

vated when you set a cruising speed.

›››

●

Gently take your foot off the accelerator.

take into account, when approaching an

obstacle, that the vehicle will not deceler-

ate in the usual manner: risk of accident!

The indication will be shown on the instru-

ment panel , the engaged gear and cur-

rent consumption will disappear and the

word Inertia will appear.

WARNING

●

When using inertia mode while travelling

The downhill speed control cannot defy the

laws of physics. Therefore, speed cannot be

maintained constant in all situations. Al-

ways be prepared to use the brakes!

down hills, the vehicle can increase speed:

risk of accident!

The gears will automatically disengage and

the vehicle will roll freely, without the effect

of the engine brake. While the vehicle rolls,

the engine runs at idling speed.

●

If other users drive your vehicle, warn

them about inertia mode.

Note

Hill Hold Control (HHC)

●

The operation of the inertia mode in

Stopping inertia mode

When driving up a slope or driving in Off-

road with the lever in position D/S, stopping

the vehicle switches on the hill hold control.

combination with hybrid engines (MHEV

and PHEV) can cause the combustion en-

gine to switch off.

●

Press the brake or the accelerator pedal.

To take advantage of the engine's inertia

mode, simply remove your foot from the ac-

celerator.

●

The inertia mode will be automatically

When the brake pedal is released, the assis-

tant keeps the vehicle’s brakes applied for a

few seconds to give the driver time to press

the accelerator pedal and continue driving.

disconnected on gradients steeper than

15%.

Applying both the inertia mode (= pro-

longed section with less energy) and inertia

disconnection (= shorter section without

the need for fuel) facilitates improved fuel

consumption and emission balance.

Indications on the instrument

panel display

Inertia mode

With Drive Profile page 226 , the inertia

›››

The inertia mode allows you to travel certain

distances without using the accelerator,

which saves fuel. Plan ahead and use the in-

ertia mode to “let” the vehicle “roll”.

Clutch

mode can be activated in the Comfort or In-

dividual profiles. If the engine is set to Eco in

the Individual profile, it activates when the

operating conditions are met, regardless of

 Clutch overheating! Please stop!

●

The clutch has overheated and could be

damaged. Stop and wait for the gearbox to

»

cool with the engine idling and press the P

223

Driving

parking lock button. When the warning lamp

and the driver message turn off, go to a spe-

cialised workshop to get the fault repaired. If

they do not turn off, do not continue driving.

Seek specialist assistance.

 Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your

driving accordingly

Display

Meaning

Optimum gear.

●



Continue driving at moderate speeds.

When the warning lamp switches off, you

can continue driving in a normal manner.

Changing to a higher gear is recom-

mended.

  

  

Changing to a lower gear is recom-

mended.

 Gearbox: press the brake and en-

gage a gear again.

Faults in the gearbox

 Gearbox: Fault! Stop the vehicle

and place the lever in the position

P.

●

If the warning was caused by the tempera-

Information regarding the “cleanliness” of

the particulate filter

ture of the gearbox, this driver message will

be displayed when the gearbox has cooled

again.

●

There is a fault in the gearbox. Stop the ve-

When the exhaust system detects that the

particulate filter is close to saturation, this

system’s self-cleaning function recommends

the optimal gear for that function

hicle in a safe place and do not continue

driving. Seek specialist assistance.

 Gearbox: System fault! You may

continue driving.

Gear-change recommen-

dation

page 321.

›››

●

Have the fault corrected by a specialised

WARNING

workshop without delay.

Selecting the optimal gear

The gear change recommendation is an

auxiliary function and in no case should be

a substitute for careful driving.

 Gearbox: System fault! You can

continue driving with restrictions.

Reverse gear disabled

Depending on the equipment on the instru-

ment panel screen, a recommendation is

shown with the gear that should be engaged

to optimise consumption.

●

Responsibility for selecting the correct

●

Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop

gear, depending on the circumstances,

rests solely with the driver.

and have the fault repaired.

Displayed only when driving in Tiptronic

 Gearbox: System fault! You can

continue driving in D until switch-

ing off the engine

mode page 220 .

For the sake of the environment

›››

Selecting the correct gear can help to save

fuel.

No recommendation will appear if the opti-

mal gear is engaged. The current gear will be

displayed.

●

Park the vehicle in a safe place. Seek spe-

cialist assistance.

Note

The recommended gear display turns off

when you are no longer in tiptronic mode.

224

Start and driving

mum of 2 km/h (1 mph) and a maximum of

30 km/h (18 mph). When appropriate, the

driver may increase or decrease the speed

within the limit by pressing the accelerator or

the brake. At this point the function is inter-

rupted and, if necessary, it is then reactiva-

ted.

switched off manually in the infotainment

system using the  > HDC function button.

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Control lamps

WARNING

Always be ready to brake. Otherwise, an ac-

cident could occur and cause injury.

It lights up white



Hill Descent Control is active.

●

Hill Descent Control is only an auxiliary

Even so, it is imperative that the surface

guarantees sufficient adhesion. For this rea-

son, the Hill Descent Control will not fulfil its

function when, for example, descending a

slope with a frozen or slippery surface.

system that in some situations may not suf-

ficiently brake the vehicle when going

down a slope.

It lights up grey



Hill Descent Control is not active. The system is switch-

ed on, but is not adjusting.

●

The speed of the vehicle may increase

despite the intervention of Hill Descent

Control.

Hill Descent Control is available when the

dash panel display shows the message .

Some control and warning lamps will light up

briefly when the ignition is switched on to

check certain functions. They will switch off

after a few seconds.

Hill Descent Control automatically inter-

venes if the following conditions are met:

Steering

WARNING

●

The vehicle engine is running.

Information relating to different

vehicle processes.

Observe the safety warnings

in Con-

The Offroad driving profile has been se-

›››

trol and warning lamps on page 84.

lected page 226 . Driving at a speed below

30 km/h (18 mph) (the message  is shown

on the instrument panel).

›››

Electro-mechanical power steering adapts

electronically to the speed of the car, torque

and steering angle.

●

The slope of the descent is at least 10%

Description and operation

when driving forward and 9% when driving in

reverse.

Even if the power steering fails or the engine

is stopped, it is possible to continue to rotate

the steering wheel as long as the key remains

in the ignition, but more force must be ap-

plied.

Hill Descent Control limits the speed on

steep descents by automatically braking all

four wheels, both when moving forward and

in reverse. As the anti-lock brake system re-

mains active, it prevents the wheels from

locking.

●

The brake and the accelerator are not

pressed.

»

Hill Descent Control is deactivated on press-

ing the brake and the accelerator or if the

slope is below 5%. The function can be

After starting the descent of a slope below

30 km/h (18 mph), speed is limited to a mini-

225

Driving

Progressive steering

●

If the warning lamps and the correspond-

It lights up yellow



ing messages are ignored, the vehicle may

stall in traffic, causing serious damage or

accidents and injuries.

Depending on the vehicle’s features, it may

or may not incorporate a progressive steer-

ing system.

Limited steering operation.

Drive carefully to a specialised workshop to have the

steering checked.

If the warning light does not come on again after re-

starting the engine and driving a short distance, it is

not necessary to check the steering.

●

Stop the vehicle at the next opportunity

In city traffic you do not need to turn so

much on parking, manoeuvring or in very

tight turns.

and in a safe place.

OR: The 12-volt battery was disconnected and recon-

nected.

Drive a short distance at 15-20 km / h (9-12 mph).

On the road or on the motorway, progressive

steering transmits, for example, in bends, a

sportier, more direct and noticeably more

dynamic driving sensation.

Driving modes (Drive Pro-

file)

It flashes yellow



Introduction

The steering column is jammed.

When stopped, turn the steering wheel in both direc-

tions.

Control lamp

The Drive Profile enables the driver to

choose between the Comfort, Sport, Cupra

and Individual, profiles, which modify the

behaviour of several vehicle functions, pro-

viding different driving experiences.

OR: The steering column does not unlock or lock.

Turn off the ignition and turn it on again. Consider the

messages shown on the instrument panel display.

Do not continue driving if the steering column re-

mains locked after switching on the ignition. Seek spe-

cialist assistance.

It lights up red



Faulty steering.

Do not continue driving, stop the vehicle as soon as

possible and in a safe manner.

In addition, the 4Drive version features the

Offroad¹⁾and Snow profiles.

Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have

the fault repaired as soon as possible.

The control lamp should light up for a few

seconds when the ignition is switched on. It

should go out once the engine is started.

The Individual profile can be configured ac-

cording to personal preferences.

The VZ5 version exclusively features the

Drift profile.

WARNING

Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-

es.

1)

Not available for PHEV hybrid vehicles.

226

Start and driving

engine and intake noise, as well as the noise

from the exhaust system. The configuration

is preset for each profile and can be modi-

fied in the Individual profile.

Air conditioning

Description

Climatronic can operate in Eco mode, espe-

cially restricting fuel consumption.

Depending on the equipment fitted in the

vehicle, the Drive Profile can operate on the

following functions:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Adaptive chassis control (DCC)

Depending on the driving profile, the per-

formance of the ACC varies, to allow more

sporty acceleration and braking or a more

respectful fuel consumption.

Engine

The DCC continuously adapts the damping

of the suspension system to the characteris-

tics of the road surface and the driving situa-

tion (speed, acceleration and steering wheel

angle) according to the selected driving pro-

file. The vehicle's dynamic behaviour is also

adapted to improve grip on curves and turn-

ing capacity. Within the Individual profile

you can also adjust the DCC level in a cus-

tomised manner.

Depending on the profile selected, the en-

gine responds more quickly or smoothly to

the accelerator being pressed.

PreCrash system

In vehicles with automatic transmission, the

behaviour of the transmission is modified,

whenever a gear is changed up and down,

and at other times. The idle level may also

change according to the selected profile and

selector lever position.

The PreCrash system adapts according to

the selected configuration. The Sport and

Offroad driving profiles have specific set-

tings to adapt them to driving and terrain

characteristics page 22 .

›››

In the event of a fault in the DCC, the follow-

ing message is displayed on the instrument

screen Fault: shock absorber regula-

tion

The Inertia Mode function can also be

switched on by selecting the Comfort pro-

file, or from the Individual profile by putting

the engine into ECO mode. This allows fuel

consumption to be reduced. Other factors

Hill descent control assistant

This assistant can be activated or deactiva-

ted in the Offroad profile. Hill Descent Con-

trol limits the speed on steep descents by

automatically braking all four wheels, both

when moving forward and in reverse

Four-wheel drive (4Drive)

can cause it to switch on page 223 .

›››

Modify the transmission to adjust the vehi-

cle’s traction capacity to the road surface.

The acceleration capacity from a standstill

will also be modified.

With manual transmission, the ECO profile

changes the gear change recommendations

to facilitate more efficient driving.

page 225.

›››

Hill Start Assist

Engine sound

It is possible to activate or deactivate this as-

Steering

»

sistant in the Offroad profile page 223 .

›››

Depending on the equipment and the selec-

ted profile, it modifies the acoustic sensation

in the vehicle's interior and the outside

sound levels. It acts on several components

of the vehicle to strengthen or weaken the

The power steering varies its driving modes

and adapts to the profile selected, thus of-

fering the best behaviour for each situation.

227

Driving

Torque splitter (only the VZ5 version)

file or double press on the icon to show the

available profiles.

Driving pro-

file

Characteristics

This distributes torque as appropriate be-

tween the rear wheels, giving more traction

on corners.

●

OR: With the Infotainment System turned

It allows you to personalise the

configuration. The functions that

can be adjusted depend on the

equipment fitted in the vehicle.

off, by pressing on the Drive Profile icon, the

available driving profiles will be displayed.



Individual

●

OR: briefly press the CUPRA button on the

left hand side of the steering wheel

Setting the driving profile

Maintains optimal off-road driving

by allowing the personalisation of

the vehicle’s configuration param-

eters.

Fig. 147 to change the driving profile.

Press and hold the CUPRA button to access

›››



Offroad^b)

the Cupra profile directly.

The icon of the selected profile is displayed

at all times in the upper central part of the

instrument panel and on the Infotainment

System screen when it is turned off

Configures the vehicle to enable a

controlled oversteer experience.



Drift^c)

a)

b)

c)

Available in the VZ version.

Only for 4Drive models.

page 85.

›››

Only available in the VZ5 version.

Driving pro-

Characteristics

file

WARNING

Fig. 147 Multifunction steering wheel: but-

ton to change the driving profile.

When operating the Drive Profile, pay at-

tention to all traffic: doing otherwise could

cause an accident.

It permits more relaxed and com-

fortable driving, for example for

long motorway journeys. Its main



Comfort

There are several ways to select a driving

profile using the Infotainment System:

characteristic is the soft suspen-

sion setting (DCC).

Note

●

Press the function button  > Drive Pro-

file, available profiles will be displayed.

It represents the vehicle's default

behaviour, suitable for dynamic

driving.

●

When the engine is switched off it will



Sport

store the driving profile that was selected

when the ignition was turned off. When re-

starting, the engine and the gearbox will

start in their Comfort mode. To return the

engine and gear to your desired mode, re-

select the corresponding driving profile.

●

OR: Press the function button  > Vehicle

settings > Drive Profile, available profiles will

be displayed.

It gives the vehicle a decidedly

sportier nature, and makes for

maximum performance.



Cupra^a)

●

OR: Press the function button , slide your

finger horizontally across the screen to Drive

Profile. Press on  to change the driving pro-

228

Start and driving

gine speeds. Always engage a lower gear

when the engine works “irregularly”. For the

first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:

General notes

●

In the VZ5 version, when you switch the

ignition off and on again, the Comfort

driving profile is activated by default.

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

●

When the vehicle is restarted after using

●

Do not use full throttle.

the Offroad profile, the system is always ac-

tivated in the Comfort profile.

Do not force the engine above two thirds

road conditions. Also see page 269 .

›››

of its maximum speed.

●

Your speed and driving style must always

The four-wheel drive is specially designed to

complement the superior engine power.

This combination gives the vehicle excep-

tional handling and performance capabili-

ties, both on normal roads and in more diffi-

cult conditions, such as snow and ice. Even

so (or perhaps especially for this reason), it is

important to observe certain safety points

●

Do not tow a trailer.

be adjusted to visibility, weather, and traffic

conditions.

Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600

to 1000 miles), gradually increase power

until reaching the maximum speed and high

engine speeds.

Driving tips

Running in new tyres and brake pads

Running in

.

›››

●

Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres

page 340.

Please observe the instructions for running-

in new components.

›››

●

Winter tyres

Information about brakes page 264 .

›››

Thanks 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.

Running-in the engine

For the sake of the environment

A new engine must be driven through a run-

in period during its first 1500 kilometres

(1000 miles). During its first few hours of

running, the internal friction in the engine is

greater than later on when all the moving

parts have bedded down.

If the engine is run in gently, the life of the

engine will be increased and the engine oil

consumption reduced.

Snow chains

Four-wheel drive (4Drive)

On roads where snow chains are mandatory,

this also applies to cars with four-wheel drive

How the vehicle is driven for the first

On four-wheel drive models, the engine

power is distributed to all four wheels

1500 km (1000 miles) influences the future

engine performance. Throughout the life of

the vehicle, it should be driven at a moderate

speed (especially when the engine is cold)

this will reduce engine wear and increase its

useful life. Never drive at extremely low en-

page 345.

›››

Changing tyres

On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four

tyres must have the same rolling

»

229

Driving

circumference. Also avoid using tyres with

Changing gear to save energy

Economical and environmentally

friendly driving

varying tread depths page 340 .

›››

An effective way of saving is to change in ad-

vance to a higher gear.

Off-roader?

Fuel consumption, environmental pollution

and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres all

depend largely on driving style. Consump-

tion can be reduced between 10-15% with

an efficient driving type. The following sec-

tion gives you some tips on lessening the im-

pact on the environment and reducing your

operating costs at the same time.

Manual gearbox: change from first to sec-

ond gear as soon as possible. Choosing the

correct gear saves fuel. Select the highest

possible gear suitable for the driving situa-

tion (the engine should continue to run with

cyclical regularity).

Your CUPRA vehicle is not an off-roader: 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.

Automatic transmission: accelerate gradu-

ally and without reaching the “kick-down”

position.

WARNING

●

Even with four-wheel drive, you should

Active cylinder management (ACT®)

always adjust your speed to suit the condi-

tions. Do not let the extra safety features

tempt you into taking any risks when driv-

ing. Risk of accident!

Depending on vehicle equipment, the active

cylinder management (ACT®) may deacti-

vate some of the engine cylinders if the driv-

ing situation does not require too much

power. The number of active cylinders can

be seen on the instrument panel display.

Avoid driving at high speed

Avoid travelling at your vehicle’s top speed,

whenever possible. Fuel consumption, emis-

sion of harmful gases and noise pollution

multiply as speed is increased. Driving at

moderate speeds will help to save fuel.

●

The braking capability of your vehicle is

limited by the tyres' grip. It is therefore no

different from a car without four-wheel

drive. So do not be tempted to drive too

fast on firm or slippery roads just because

the vehicle still has good acceleration in

these conditions. Risk of accident!

page 67.

›››

Foresight when driving

Reduce idling time

If you think ahead when driving, you will

need to brake less and thus accelerate less.

Take advantage of the inertia of the vehicle

whenever possible, with a gear engaged.

This takes advantage of the engine braking

effect, reducing wear on the brakes and

tyres. Emissions and fuel consumption will

drop to zero.

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 de-

pending on the cylinder capacity, keeping it

switched off for a minimum of about 5 sec-

onds already saves more than the amount of

fuel necessary for restarting.

●

On wet roads bear in mind that the front

wheels may start to “aquaplane” and lose

contact with the road if the car is driven too

fast. If this should happen, there will be no

sudden increase in engine speed to warn

the driver, as occurs with a front-wheel

drive car. For this reason you should always

choose a driving speed suitable for the road

conditions. Risk of accident!

230

Start and driving

The engine takes a long time to warm up

when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-

tant emissions are also especially high during

this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best

to drive off immediately after starting the en-

gine. Avoid running the engine at high

speed.

tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater

rolling resistance, under-inflation also in-

creases tyre wear and impairs handling.

Note

●

If you have the Start-Stop system, it is

recommended that it should not be discon-

nected.

Do not use winter tyres all year round as

they increase fuel consumption by up to

10%.

●

It is recommended that you close the

windows when driving at more than

60 km/h (37 mph).

Avoid carrying unnecessary loads

●

Do not drive with your foot resting on the

Regular maintenance

clutch pedal, as the pressure can make the

plate slip. This causes wear and can damage

the clutch plate.

Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-

crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable

make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-

ing transported.

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 serv-

iced engine can consume up to 10% more

fuel than necessary.

●

Do not ride the clutch on a hill, use the

brake. The fuel consumption will be lower

and you will prevent the clutch plate from

being damaged.

Since the luggage rack increases the aero-

dynamic drag of the vehicle, you should re-

move it when not needed. At speeds of

100-120 km/h (62-75 mph), this will save

12% of fuel.

●

Use the engine brake on downhills by

changing to the gear that is best suited for

the gradient. Fuel consumption will be

“zero” and the brakes will not suffer.

Avoid short journeys

The engine and catalytic converter need to

reach their optimal operating temperature

in order to minimise fuel consumption and

emissions.

Save electrical energy

The engine drives the alternator, thereby

generating electricity. This implies that any

increase in power consumption also increa-

ses fuel consumption! For this reason, switch

off any unneeded electrical devices. Devices

that use a lot of electricity include the blower

at a high setting, the rear window heating or

the seat heating.

Driving on flooded roads

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.

To prevent damage to the vehicle driving on

flooded roads, take the following into ac-

count:

●

The water should never come above the

lower edge of the bodywork.

Plug-in hybrid drive: brake early and evenly

Check tyre pressure

●

»

Drive at pedestrian speed.

to take advantage of energy recovery.

Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the

correct pressures page 342 to save fuel. If

›››

the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-

231

Driving -> Start and driving for Your Cupra Formentor SUV First Generation (2020-2024)

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