Contents3
ContentsManual structure
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Content
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Safety First
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Safe driving
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
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Brief Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and equipment
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Cockpit
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Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital display in the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dash panel menus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel controls
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General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
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Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility
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Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and stowage
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The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical
sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher
Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
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Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
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Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with LPG* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic gearbox*
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control* (Cruise control - GRA) . . . . . . . .
Practical tips
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Intelligent technology
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Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock brake system and traction control M-ABS
(ABS and TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* . . . .
Driving and the environment
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Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Leon_EN.book Seite 3 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Safe driving
8The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in the event of accidents.
But this safety equipment cannot neither help you nor your passengers if you
or they are sitting in an incorrect position or do not properly adjust or use this
equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important,
h o w i t p r o t e c t s yo u , w h a t yo u ha v e to co ns i d e r w h e n u s i n g i t a n d h o w yo u a n d
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your
passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before starting every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw-
lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels ⇒page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals. – Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according
to your size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the head restraints in the in-use position ⇒page 14
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly applied seat belts ⇒page 44.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒page 10.
– Fasten your safety belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly ⇒ page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any circum-
stance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road ⇒,
for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you, e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving abil ity is impaired (e.g. by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs).
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Safe driving11
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Fasten your safety belt securely ⇒page 19.
– Keep both feet in the foot well so that you have the vehicle under control at all times.Adjustment of the driver's seat ⇒page 129.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.•Adjust the driver's seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between
the centre of the chest and the centre of the steering wheel ⇒page 10,
fig. 1 . If you are sitting nearer than 25 cm, the airbag system cannot protect
you properly.•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a qualified workshop. The workshop
will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This reduces the
risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.•To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeu-
vres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag
system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her seat belt
properly. The further the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or to the incorrect
sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.
Proper sitting position for front passenger
The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the
dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest
possible protection in the event that it is triggered.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an
accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front
passenger:
– Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible ⇒.
– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests completely against it.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ⇒ page 13.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the front passenger seat.
– Fasten your safety belt securely ⇒page 19.It is possible to deactivate the passenger airbag in exceptional circum-
stances ⇒ page 24.
For detailed information on how to adjust the front passenger's seat, see
⇒ page 132.
WARNING
•An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe
injuries.
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Safe driving
12•Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is at least 25 cm between
your breastbone and the dash panel. If you are sitting nearer than 25 cm,
the airbag system cannot protect you properly.•If your physical constitution pr events you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a qualified workshop. The workshop
will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.•Al ways kee p you r feet in t he footw ell w hen t he vehicle is moving; never
rest them on the instrument panel, out the window or on the seat. An incor-
rect sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in case of a
sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain
severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position.•To reduce the risk of injury to the front passenger in events such sudden
braking manoeuvres or an accident, never travel with the backrest tilted far
back! The airbag system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection
when the backrest is in an upright position and the front passenger is
wearing his or her seat belt properly. The further the backrests are tilted to
the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the
belt web or to the incorrect sitting position!•Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum
protection.
Correct sitting position for passengers in the rear seats
Passengers in the rear seats must sit up straight, keep their
feet in the foot well s and wear their seat belts properly.To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking
manoeuvre or an accident, passengers on the rear bench seat must
consider the following: – Adjust the headrest to the correct position
⇒page 14.
– Keep both feet in the foot well in front of the rear seat.
–Fasten your safety belt securely ⇒page 19.
– Use an appropriate child restrain t system when you take children
in the vehicle ⇒page 44.
WARNING
•If the passengers on the rear seat are not sitting properly, they could
sustain severe injuries.•Adjust the head restraint properly in order to achieve maximum protec-
tion.•Seat belts can only provide optimal protection when backrests are in an
upright position and the passengers are wearing their seat belts properly.
If passengers on the rear seat are not sitting in an upright position, the risk
of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web increases.
WARNING (continued)
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Safe driving
16Pedal areaPedals
The operation of all pedals must never be impaired by objects
or floor mats.– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and
clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi- tions.Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely
fastened on the foot well.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be pressed down thoroughly in
order to stop the vehicle.
Wear suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good
feeling for the pedals.
WARNING
•Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.•Never place objects on the driver footwell. An object could move into
the pedal area and impair pedal operatio n. In the event of a sudden driving
or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake, clutch or
accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened
in the foot well and do not impair operation of the pedals.– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip and do not obstruct the pedals ⇒.Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to
prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a quali-
fied dealership. Fasteners* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
WARNING
•If the pedals are obstructed, an accident may occur. Risk of serious inju-
ries.•Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.•Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk
of accident.
Stowing luggageLoading the boot
All luggage and other loose objects must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity.
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Safe driving17
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.
– Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the
luggage compartment.
– Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart- ment.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings ⇒page 17.
WARNING
•Loose luggage and other objects in the boot could cause serious inju-
ries.•Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.•Use suitable specialist straps to secure heavy objects.•During sudden manoeuvres or accide nts, loose objects can be thrown
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of
fatal injury.•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. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style
accordingly, to avoid accidents.•Never exceed the allowed axle loads or allowed maximum weight. If the
allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-
acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and
damage to the vehicle.•Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal
risk.
•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock
both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you
lock the vehicle, make sure that ther e are no adults or children in the
vehicle.•Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every
passenger must be properly belted in ⇒ page 19.Note
•Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that the ventilation slits are never covered.•Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially
available.Fastening rings*
There can be four fastening rings in the boot for fastening
luggage and other objects.– Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage and other objects to the fastening rings ⇒ in “Loading the
boot” on page 16.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the straps.During a collision or an accident, even small and light objects can build up so
much energy that they can cause very severe injuries. The amount of “kinetic
WARNING (continued)
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Safe driving
18energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the object.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the vehicle. During
a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, this object generates a force corre-
sponding to 20 times its weight. That means that the effective weight of the
object increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of the injuries
which might be sustained if this “projectile” strikes an occupant as it flies
through the passenger compartment. This increased risk of injury will be
further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.
WARNING
•If pieces of baggage or other objects are secured to the fastening rings
with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could result in the
event of braking manoeuvres or accidents.•To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying forward,
always use appropriate retaining cords which are secured to the fastening
rings.•Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.
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Seat belts19
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Seat beltsBrief IntroductionBefore driving: remember your seat belt!
Wearing a seat belt proper ly can save your life!In this chapter you will learn the importance of wearing seat belts,
how they work and how to properly fasten, adjust and wear them.
– Read and consider all the information as well as the warnings in
this chapter.
WARNING
•If seat belts are worn incorrectly or no t at all, the risk of severe injuries
increases.•Properly worn seat belts can reduce severe injuries in case of sudden
braking manoeuvres or accidents. For safety reasons, you and your passen-
gers must always wear the seat belts properly while the vehicle is moving.•P r e g n a n t w o m e n o r p e o p l e w i t h p h y s i c al d i s a b i l i t i e s m u s t a l s o u s e s e a t
belts. Like all other passengers, these people can also sustain severe inju-
ries if they are not wearing their seat belts properly.
Number of seatsYour vehicle has five seats, two on the front part and three on the rear part.
Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
WARNING
•More people than available seats must never be transported in your
vehicle.•Every passenger in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system.
Seat belt warning lamp*
The warning lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten
the seat belt.Before starting the vehicle:
– Fasten your safety belt securely.
– Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before driving off.
– Protect children by using a child seat according to the child's height and weight.After the ignition has been switched on, the warning lamp on the instru-
ment panel lights up
1) if the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt, and a
warning signal is heard if the vehicle is driven at more than 30 km/h for 90
seconds.
1)Depending on the model version
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