Trailer towing
194•Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be found in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•By law, the ball coupling must be re moved if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.Driving tipsDriving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of
snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in due course before
going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant ⇒page 53.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
The ESP* system makes it easier to stabilise the trailer in case it skids or
swings.
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Trailer towing
196If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and
including the maximum resting weight.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
357 mm
569 mm
875 mm
1,040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.•Submit to the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate warning lamp).•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and an electrical socket must be connected to the vehicle's
electrical system. The above-mentioned require specialized knowledge and
tools.•Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.WARNING
Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.
•If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of
accident.•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.Note
For the sports model (FR, Cupra...), fitting of a trailer bracket is not recom-
mended due to the design of the bumpers.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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General notes on the technical data271
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Data on fuel consumptionFuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of the vehicle can be found on the
vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures given are based on the vehicle
weight category, which is determined according to the engine/gearbox
combination and the equipment fitted.
The consumption and emission figures are calculated in accordance with the
EC test requirements 1999/100/EC. These test requirements specify a real-
istic test method based on normal everyday driving.
The following test conditions are applied:
Note
•Actual consumption may vary from quoted test values, depending on
personal driving style, road and traffic conditions, the weather and the
vehicle condition.WeightsKerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase ⇒.
WARNING
•Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.•Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Urban cycle
The urban cycle starts with an engine cold start. City driving
is then simulated.
Extra urban
cycle
In the extra urban cycle simulation the vehicle frequently
accelerates and brakes in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
To ta l co n-
sumption
The average total consumption is calculated with a weighting
of around 37% for the urban cycle and 63% for the extra
urban cycle.
CO2 emis-
sions
The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to
calculate carbon dioxide emissions. The gas composition is
then analysed to evaluate the CO
2 content and other emis-
sions.
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General notes on the technical data
272Towing a trailerTrailer weightsTrailer weights
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these
data ⇒ .
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers o r ta n d e m a x l e t r a i l e r s wi t h a n a x le
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•For safet y reas ons , d o not excee d the 8 0 k m/h limit . Th is is als o valid in
countries where higher speeds are permitted.•Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
WheelsTyre pressure, snow chains, wheel boltsTyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced ⇒.
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels.
Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s ho uld b e che cke d as s o on as p ossible wit h a to rqu e w re nch ⇒ . The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
•Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking tyre pressure
value is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is
an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.•If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen while the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Note
We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
Leon_EN.book Seite 272 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Technical Data
274Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp)Engine specifications
Performance figures
Weights
Trailer weights Power output in kW (bhp)
rpm 63 (85)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 132/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)Slight power loss.Maximum speedin km/h 172
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in seconds 9,1
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in seconds 13,7
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1746
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1251
Front gross axle weight in kg 890
Rear gross axle weight in kg 895
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer without brakes 620
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1200
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1000
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Technical Data275
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Engine oil filling capacity
Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 bhp)Engine specifications
Performance figures
Weights
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change
2.8 litres
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 92 (125)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 200/ 1500-4000
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power lossMaximum speedin km/h 197
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in seconds 6,6
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in seconds 9,8
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1819
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1324
Front gross axle weight in kg 969
Rear gross axle weight in kg 899
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Leon_EN.book Seite 275 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Technical Data
276Trailer weights
Engine oil filling capacityPetrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 bhp)Engine specifications
Performance figures Trailer without brakes
710
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1300
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 3.3 litres
Running on LPG Running on petrol
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 72 (98)/ 560075 (102)/ 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 144/ 3800148/ 3800
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 15954/ 1595
Fuel LPGSuper 95 octane rating or Regular 91
octane rating
a)
a)Slight power loss.
Running on LPG
Running on petrol
Maximum speed in km/h 181184
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in seconds 8,48,1
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in seconds 12,612,2
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Technical Data277
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Weights
Trailer weights
Engine oil capacity
Petrol engine 1.8 118 kW (160 bhp)Engine specifications
Gross vehicle weight
in kg 1836
Weight in working order (with driver) in kg 1341
Gross front axle weight in kg 935
Gross rear axle weight in kg 950
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer without brakes 670
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1200
Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change 4.1 litres
Power output in kW (bhp) rpm 118 (160)/ 4500-6200
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 250/ 1500-4500
No. of cylinders, capacity in cm
3
4/ 1798
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON or regular unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)With a slight power loss
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