2011 Seat Leon 5D seats

138Seats and storage compartments
Storage compartment
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 95 Passenger side:
storage compartment
The compartment can be opened by pulling the lever ⇒ fig. 95. On opening,
a lamp* lights up, and on closing, it turns off.
If the glove compartment remains open inadvertently, on locking the vehicle
using the remote control or the key, the lamp* turns off. If the vehicle is not
locked using the remote control or the key and the glove compartment re-
mains open, after little time the lamp* turns off.
WARNING
Always keep the storage compartment cover closed while the vehicle is
in motion in order to reduce the risk of injury caused by a sudden braking
or by an accident.
 The centre console with drink holder
The centre console has a drink holder.

Storage compartment under the left hand side front seat*
There is a storage compartment with a cover under the front
left hand side seat.
Fig. 96 Storage com-
partment under the front
seats
The locker* ⇒ fig. 96 A
is opened by pulling on the cover.
There are two open positions of 15 and 60 degrees depending on the pres-
sure applied to the cover. In the 60 degree position, the cover will collapse
if too much pressure is applied.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it locks into position. 

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

140Seats and storage compartments
Ashtrays*, cigarette lighter* and electrical
sockets
Ashtray*
Fig. 98 Ashtray located
in the front drink holder
Opening and closing the ashtray
– To open the ashtray, lift the cover ⇒ fig. 98.
– To close, push the cover down.
Emptying the ashtray
– Extract the ashtray and empty it.
WARNING
Never put paper in the ashtray. Hot ash could ignite the paper in the ash-
tray and cause a fire.
 Cigarette lighter*
Fig. 99 The cigarette
lighter is located in the
electric socket on the
front of the centre con-
sole
– Press on the cigarette lighter ⇒ fig. 99 to activate it ⇒ 
.
– Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glow-
ing coil.
WARNING
● Improper use of the cigarette lighter can lead to serious injuries or
start a fire.
● Using the lighter carefully. Carelessness or negligence when using
the cigarette lighter can cause burns, risk of injury.
● The lighter only works when the ignition is turned on or the engine is
running. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children alone inside the ve-
hicle.


141
Seats and storage compartments
Electrical sockets
Electrical equipment can be connected to any of the 12 volt
sockets.
Fig. 100 Power socket,
front centre console
Electrical accessories may be connected to the 12 volt power point in the
front centre console ⇒ fig. 100 and in the luggage compartment*. The appli-
ances connected to each power point must not exceed a power rating of
120 Watt.
WARNING
The power sockets and the connected accessories will only operate when
the ignition is on or when the engine is running. Improper use of the
sockets or electrical accessories can lead to serious injuries or cause a
fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children alone inside the vehi-
cle.
Note
● The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge.
● Before using any electrical accessories, see the instructions in
⇒ page 208. 
Auxiliary audio connection (AUX-IN)*
Fig. 101 Auxiliary audio
connection
– Lift the AUX cover ⇒ fig. 101.
– Insert the plug as far as possible (see Radio manual). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

142Seats and storage compartments
MEDIA-IN* connector
Fig. 102 Opening con-
nector on centre console
Fig. 103 Connector on
the centre console
For information concerning the use of this equipment, please see the Radio
handbook. First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire
extinguisher
Warning triangle
Fig. 104 Housing for the
emergency warning trian-
gle in the boot
The emergency warning triangle can be fitted in the side lining of the lug-
gage compartment.
Note
● The warning triangle is not part of the vehicle's standard equipment. 
First-aid kit and fire extinguisher
The first aid kit* can be housed in a storage box in the left side lining of the
luggage compartment. 

143
Seats and storage compartments
The fire extinguisher* is attached to the luggage compartment carpet with
Velcro.
Note
● The first-aid kit and the fire extinguisher are not part of the vehicle's
standard equipment.
● The first aid kit must comply with legal requirements.
● Observe the expiry date of the contents of the first aid kit. After it has
expired you should purchase a new one.
● The fire extinguisher must comply with legal requirements.
● Ensure that the fire extinguisher is fully functional. The fire extinguisher
should, therefore, be checked regularly. The sticker on the fire extinguisher
will inform you of the next date for checking.
● Before acquiring accessories and emergency equipment see the instruc-
tions in ⇒ page 208. 
Luggage compartment
Storing objects
All luggage must be securely stowed. Please observe the following points to ensure the vehicle handles
well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment
as possible. –
Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable
straps on the fastening rings.
WARNING
● Loose luggage and other loose items in the vehicle can cause serious
injuries.
● Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly move and
change the way the vehicle handles.
● During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects in the passen-
ger compartment can be flung forward, injuring vehicle occupants.
● Always store objects in the luggage compartment and secure with
suitable straps. This is especially important for heavy objects.
● When you transport heavy objects, always take in account that a
change in the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle han-
dling.
● Please observe information on safe driving ⇒  page 7, Safe driving.
CAUTION
Hard objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating ele-
ment in the rear window and cause damage.
Note
The ventilation slots in front of the rear side windows must not be covered
as this would prevent stale air being extracted from the vehicle. 
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. 

173
Driving
Handbrake Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 129 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 129.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ fig. 129 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
. Always apply the handbrake
as far as it will go in order to prevent you from
driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning turns off when the handbrake is
released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following mes-
sage* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You will
also hear an acoustic warning signal.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating,
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an
accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications