2011 Seat Leon 5D weight

51
Child safety
Securing child seats
Ways to secure a child seat
A child seat can be secured differently on the rear seat and
on the front passenger seat. You can secure a child seat to the rear seat or front passenger seat in the
following ways:
● Child seats in groups 0 to 3 can be secured with a seat belt.
● Child seats in groups 0, 0+ and 1 with the ISOFIX and Top Tether* sys-
tems can be secured without using the seatbelt, thanks to the ISOFIX and
Top Tether* securing rings ⇒ page 51.
CategoryWeightSeat locationsFront passen-
gerRear outerRear centre
Group 0<10 kgU*U/LUGroup 0+<13 kgU*U/LUGroup 19-18 kgU*U/LUGroup 2 / 315-36 kgU*UU
Suitable for universal approved restraining systems for use in this age
category (universal retention systems are those fitted using the adult
seat belt).
Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible, as high as pos-
sible and always deactivate the airbag.
Suitable for retention systems using the ISOFIX and Top Tether* an-
chors.
U:
*:
L:
WARNING
● When travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a re-
straint system suitable for age, weight and size.
● Never install a child seat facing backwards on the front passenger
seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This could
cause fatal injuries to the child! However, if, in exceptional cases, it is
necessary to transport a child in the front passenger seat, the front pas-
senger airbag ⇒ page 44, Deactivating airbags* must always be disabled
and the seat adjusted to its highest position, where possible.
● Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the
use of child seats ⇒ page 46.

Child seats fastened with the “ISOFIX” and Top Tether*
system
Child seats with the ISOFIX or Top Tether* system can be se-
cured quickly, easily and safely on the rear outer seats.
Fig. 30 ISOFIX securing
rings 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

135
Seats and storage compartments
Front seats
Adjustment of the front seats
Fig. 90 Front left seat
controls
The control elements in ⇒ fig. 90 are mirrored for the front right-
hand seat.
1
Adjusting the seat forwards and backwards
– Pull up the grip and move the seat forwards or backwards.
– Then release the grip 1
and move the seat further until the
catch engages.
2
Adjusting the seat height*
– Pull the lever up or push down (several times if necessary) from
its home position. This adjusts the seat height in stages. 3
Adjusting the backrest angle
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.
4
Adjusting the lumbar support*
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel to
adjust the lumbar support.
As you make the adjustments, the curvature of the cushioned area of the
lumbar region becomes more or less acute. In this way, it adapts to the nat-
ural curvature of the spine.
WARNING
● Never adjust the driver or front passenger seat while the vehicle is in
motion. While adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents. Adjust the driver or front passenger seat
only when the vehicle is stationary.
● To reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger in case of
a sudden braking or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted to-
wards the rear. The maximum protection of the seat belt can be achieved
only when the backrests are in an upright position and the driver and
front passenger have properly adjusted their seat belts. The further the
backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to im-
proper positioning of the belt web!
● Exercise caution when securing the seat height into forwards/back-
wards position. Injuries can be caused if the seat height is adjusted with-
out due care and attention.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

139
Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
● The drawers will hold a maximum weight of 1.5 kg.
● Do not drive with the drawer cover open. There is an injury risk for
passengers if the cargo is released in case of sudden braking or an acci-
dent.

Other storage compartments
Other storage compartments can be found:
● in the centre console,
● in the side trims of the luggage compartment,
The hooks for hanging are found on the pillar between the front and rear
side windows.
WARNING
● Do not store loose objects on the dash panel. These objects could be
flung through the passenger compartment when the vehicle is moving
(e.g. while accelerating, braking or cornering) and distract the driver.
Risk of accident.
● Ensure that no objects can fall from the centre console or other stor-
age compartments into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. In
the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to use the
brake, clutch or accelerator. Risk of accident.
● Clothing hung on the coat hooks must not restrict the driver's view.
Risk of accident. The coat hooks are intended only for use with light arti-
cles of clothing. Do not leave any hard, sharp or heavy objects in hanging
articles of clothing. During sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents, es-
pecially those involving airbag deployment, these objects could injure
the vehicle occupants.
 Front drink holders
Fig. 97 Front drink hold-
er
On the centre console, in front of the gear lever, there are two drink holders
⇒ fig. 97.
WARNING
● Never place hot drinks in the drink holder. During normal or sudden
driving manoeuvres, sudden braking or an accident, the hot drink could
be spilled. Danger of scalding.
● Never use rigid materials (for example, glass or ceramic), these could
cause injury in the case of an accident.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

144Seats and storage compartments
Rear shelf
Fig. 105 Rear shelf
Removing the shelf
– Unhook the loops ⇒ fig. 105 B
from housings A
–
Extract the cover from its slot, in its rest position and pull out-
wards.
WARNING
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the rear shelf, because they will
endanger the vehicle occupants in case of sudden braking.
CAUTION
● Before closing the tailgate, ensure that the rear shelf is correctly fitted.
● An overloaded boot could mean that the rear shelf is not correctly seat-
ed and it may be bent or damaged.
● If the luggage compartment is overloaded, remove the tray.
Note
● Ensure that, when placing items of clothing on the luggage compart-
ment cover, rear visibility is not reduced. 
Roof rack*
Please observe the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:
● For safety reasons, only luggage racks and accessories approved by
SEAT should be used.
● It is imperative to precisely follow the fitting instructions included for the
rack, taking special care when fitting the front bar in the holes designed for
this and the rear bar between the marks on the upper part of the rear door
frame while respecting the correct direction of travel indicated in the instal-
lation manual. Not following these instructions may damage the bodywork.
● Pay special attention to the tightening torque of the attachment bolts
and check them following a short journey. If necessary, retighten the bolts
and check them at regular intervals.
● Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted
for each roof rack system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly
along the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the en-
tire roof (including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor
should the total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the Technical Data
section.
● When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an in-
creased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.
● For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere
with the load on the roof rack system when opened. 

178Driving
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system)
Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed
in the range of 30 km/h to 180 km/h.
Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the ac-
celerator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.
● Do not use the cruise control system when driving in dense traffic, on
roads with lots of bends or on roads with poor conditions (with ice, slip-
pery surfaces, loose grit or gravel), as this could cause an accident.
● Always switch the cruise control system off after using it in order to
avoid an involuntary use.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current
road, traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending
downhill. The vehicle will accelerate due to its own weight. Use the foot
brake to slow the vehicle. Switching the cruise control system on and off
Fig. 131 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise con-
trol
Switching on the system
– Push the switch ⇒ fig. 131 B
to the left to
ON.
Switching off the system
– Either push the switch B
to the right to
OFF or turn the ignition
off when the vehicle is stationary.
When the cruise control is on and a speed is programmed, the indicator 
on the instrument panel is lit. 1)
When the cruise control is disconnected the warning lamp  turns off. The
cruise control deactivates completely when the 1st gear is engaged.*
1)
Depending on model version

192Driving and the environment
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible,
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero (dis-
connection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly
at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of
improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no un-
necessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof
rack even when it is not in use. 

195
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Instructions to follow
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
⇒ page 196.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for
the towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documents or in ⇒ chapter Tech-
nical Data.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension brack-
ets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

196Trailer towing
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 caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate. 
Driving tips
Driving 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 slight-
est 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 be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 55.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC (ESP)* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or
rocking. 
Fitting a towing bracket*
It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle. 