2013 Seat Leon 5D display

202Driver assistance systems
Monitoring system Front Assist*
Introduction
The Front Assist Monitoring System helps to avoid rear-end collisions.
The Front Assist can warn the driver in case of a collision hazard, prepare
the vehicle for emergency braking in the event of danger, assisting the driv-
er in braking and provoking automatic braking.
The Front Assist system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 73
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Cruise control system (CCS) ⇒ page 184
● Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ⇒ page 189
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
Distance warning
If the system detects that safety is compromised because you are driving
too close to the vehicle in front, it can warn the driver with an on-screen
message on the instrument panel when you are driving at a speed between
approx. 60 km/h (37 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph) ⇒ Fig. 138.
The warning moment varies depending on traffic conditions and the driver's
behaviour.
Pre-warning
If the system detects a possible collision with the vehicle ahead, it can warn
the driver with a sound warning and a message on the instrument panel
display when driving at a speed of between approx. 30 km/h (18 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph) ⇒ Fig. 138. The warning moment varies depending on traffic conditions and the driver's
behaviour. At the same time, the vehicle prepares for a possible emergency
braking ⇒ 
.
Critical warning
If the driver does not react to a pre-warning, the system can automatically
brake the vehicle when travelling at a speed of between approx. 30 km/h
(18 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph), causing a brief jolt to warn of an immi-
nent collision hazard.
Automatic braking
If the driver fails to react to a critical warning, the system can automatically
brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to reduce
speed when travelling at a speed of between approx. 5 km/h (3 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph). Reducing speed in the event of a possible collision,
the system can thus help to reduce the consequences of an accident.
Brake assist
If the Front Assist realises that the driver is not braking enough in the event
of a collision hazard, the system can increase braking pressure and thus
avert the collision when travelling at a speed of between approx. 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph). Braking assistance only takes place
while the brake pedal is being pressed down hard.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Front Assist cannot change the laws of
physics. The driver is always responsible for braking in time. If the Front
Assist issues a warning, then, depending on traffic conditions, it is nec-
essary to brake immediately by applying the brake pedal or dodging the
obstacle.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist in itself cannot avoid accidents and serious injuries. 

203
Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● In complex driving conditions, the Front Assist may unnecessarily
warn and act unintentionally on the brakes, such as, for example, in the
case of traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is impaired, for example, because
of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system may
issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The ACC does not react during driving to people or animals or vehi-
cles changing lane or approaching in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take control of the vehicle again.
Note
● When the Front Assist causes a braking, the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the Front Assist braking may be interrupted
by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as described in this chapter (e.g. if it
intervenes several times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the system
checked by a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership. Warning lamps and messages on the display
Fig. 138 On the instrument panel display: Warning messages
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

Collision warning
a)
. The sys-
tem detects a possible colli-
sion with the vehicle in
front.Brake or change course! Use
the foot brake!
Safety distance warning
with the vehicle in front.Increase the safety dis-
tance!
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Distance warning
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the following warning ⇒ Fig. 138 
(magnified image).
Increase the distance! 
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204Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may result in an accident and injury.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or on-screen messages.
Note
When the Front Assist is connected, the instrument panel display messages
pertaining to other functions may be hidden, such as an incoming call. 
Radar sensor
Fig. 139 On the front
bumper: radar sensor.
On the front bumper there is a radar sensor to detect traffic conditions
⇒ Fig. 139 1
. This sensor can detect vehicles driving ahead at a distance
of up to approx. 120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired by dirt, such as mud or snow,
or by environmental influences, such as rain or water mist. In this case the Front Assist Monitoring system does not work. The following message is
shown in the instrument panel display:
Front Assist: Sensor without visibili-
ty!. If necessary, clean the radar sensor ⇒ 
.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the Front Assist will be auto-
matically available again. The message will disappear from the instrument
panel display.
Front Assist operation may be affected by a heavy reverse reflection of the
radar signal. This may occur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the
presence of metal objects (e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work
sites).
The area ahead of and around the radar sensor should not be covered with
adhesives, additional headlights or the like, as this may have a negative ef-
fect on Front Assist operation.
If structural modifications are made to the vehicle, e.g., if the suspension is
lowered or the front spoiler is modified, Front Assist operation may be affec-
ted. This is why structural modifications should only be assigned to special-
ised workshops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
If the front part of the vehicle is repaired incorrectly, the radar sensor might
lose its setting and Front Assist operation would be affected. This is why re-
pair jobs should only be assigned to specialised workshops. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
CAUTION
If you have the impression that the radar sensor is damaged or has lost its
setting, disconnect the Front Assist. This will prevent possible damage. In
this case have it adjusted.
● The sensor may lose its settings if it is knocked, for example, during a
parking manoeuvre. This may compromise the system's efficacy or lead it to
switch off. 

205
Driver assistance systems
● A radar sensor repair requires specialist knowledge and special tools.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
● Snow should be removed with a brush, while ice should be removed
with a solvent-free anti-ice aerosol. 
Handling the Front Assist Monitoring system
The Front Assist Monitoring system is activated whenever the ignition is
switched on.
When the Front Assist is switched off, so are the pre-warning function and
distance warning.
SEAT recommends that the Front Assist always be activated. Exceptions
⇒  page 205, Temporarily switching off the Front Assist Monitoring System
in the following situations.
Switching the Front Assist warning system on and off
With the ignition on, the Front Assist can be switched on and off as follows:
● Select the corresponding menu option using the button for the driver as-
sist systems ⇒ page 75.
● OR: switch the Easy Connect system on or off using the button 
and
the function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80
Switching the pre-warning function on or off
The pre-warning function can be switched on or off on the Easy Connect sys-
tem using the button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assist⇒ 
page 80.
The system maintains the setting the next time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends that the pre-warning function always be switched on. Switching distance warning on or off
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the relevant warning. In such an eventuality, increase
the safety distance
⇒ table on page 203.
The distance warning can be switched on or off on the Easy Connect system
using the button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assist⇒ page 80.
The system maintains the setting the next time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends that the distance warning always be switched on. 
Temporarily switching off the Front Assist Monitoring
System in the following situations
The Front Assist Monitoring System should be switched off in the following
situations due to the system's limitations ⇒ :
● When the vehicle is being towed.
● When the vehicle is on a roller test bed.
● When the radar sensor is damaged.
● If the radar sensor takes a big knock, for example, in a rear-end colli-
sion.
● If it intervenes several times unnecessarily.
● If the radar sensor is covered temporarily by an accessory such as an ad-
ditional headlight or the like.
● When the vehicle is to be loaded on a lorry, a ferry or train. 
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206Driver assistance systems
WARNING
If the Front Assist is not switched off in the aforementioned situations,
accidents and serious injuries may be caused.
● Switch off the Front Assist in critical situations.

System limitations
The Front Assist Monitoring System has certain physical limitations inherent
in the system. Thus, for example, in certain circumstances some system re-
actions may be inappropriate or occur with delays as far as the driver is con-
cerned. Therefore, be on the lookout in case you have to intervene.
The following conditions may lead the Front Assist Monitoring System not
to react or react too late:
● When taking tight bends.
● If you step on the accelerator too hard
● If the Front Assist is switched off or damaged.
● If the ASR has been manually disconnected.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If several brake lights on the vehicle or trailer have electrical faults.
● If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
● If there are metal objects, e.g., rails on the road or the panels used on
work sites.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If the vehicle over-accelerates.
● In snow or heavy rain.
● In the case of narrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
● In the case of vehicles not driving straight.
● In the case of vehicles changing lanes. ●
In the case of vehicles approaching each other in the opposite direction.
● Loads and special accessories in other vehicles jutting out over the
sides, front or rear. 
City emergency braking function
Fig. 140 On the instru-
ment panel display: pre-
warning message
The City emergency braking function is part of the Front Assist Monitoring
System and is always active when this system is on.
Depending on the equipment, the City emergency braking function can be
switched on or off on the Easy Connect system using the button 
and the
function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80.
The City emergency braking function detects, at speeds between 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 30 km/h (19 mph) approx., the situation of the traffic in front
of the vehicle up to a distance of approx. 10 m.
If the system detects a possible collision with a vehicle in front, the vehicle
prepares for a possible emergency braking ⇒ 
.

207
Driver assistance systems
If the driver does not react to a collision hazard, the system can automati-
cally brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to re-
duce speed in the event of a collision. The system can thus help to reduce
the consequences of an accident.
Status display
Automatic deceleration by the City emergency braking function is shown on
the instrument panel display by means of a pre-warning message
⇒ Fig. 140 1)
.
WARNING
The smart technology included in the City emergency braking function
cannot defy the laws of physics. The driver is always responsible for
braking in time.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The City emergency braking function alone cannot prevent accidents
or serious injury.
● In complex driving conditions, the City emergency braking function
may act on the brakes, for example, in areas with road works or metal
rails.
● If the City emergency braking function is impaired, for example, be-
cause of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The City emergency braking function does not react during driving to
people or animals or vehicles changing lane or approaching in the oppo-
site direction in the same lane.
Note
● When the City emergency braking function causes a braking, the brake
pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the City emergency braking function may be
interrupted by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering
wheel.
● The City emergency braking function can decelerate the vehicle and
bring it to a standstill. However, the brake system does not halt the vehicle
permanently. Use the foot brake!
● If several inappropriate interventions take place, disconnect the Front
Assist and with it the City emergency braking function. Visit a specialised
workshop, SEAT recommends a SEAT dealer.
● If numerous unfounded interventions occur the City emergency braking
function may disconnect automatically 
Lane Assist system* Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272 
1)
The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
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209
Driver assistance systems
Indication on the display and warning lamps
Fig. 141 On the instrument panel display: Indication on the Lane Assist system dis-
play (example 1)
Fig. 142 On the instrument panel display: Indication on the Lane Assist system dis-
play (example 2) Indications on the display
The system is active, but not available, either because the minimum
speed has not been reached or because the lane lines are not recog-
nised ⇒ Fig. 141 .
The system is active and available, both lane lines are recognised. The
steering angle is not being corrected at this moment ⇒ Fig. 141 .
The system is operational, a highlighted line A
indicates that there
was a risk of involuntarily crossing the lane line and that the steering is
being adjusted to correct the angle ⇒ Fig. 142 .
The two highlighted lines A
light up simultaneously when both lane
lines are recognised and the Lane Assist function is active ⇒ Fig. 142
.
Control lamps
flashes or
lights upPossible causeSolution

(yellow)Lane Assist active but
not available.The system can not accurately recog-
nise the lane. Please see page 210,
The Lane Assist system is not availa-
ble (the control lamp is lit up yellow).

(green)Lane Assist system ac-
tive and available._
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. 
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212Driver assistance systems
If the DCC has a fault, the instrument panel display shows the message
Fault: Damping control.
Steering
Power steering becomes more robust in sport mode to enable a more sporty
driving style.
Air conditioning
In vehicles with Climatronic, this can operate in eco mode, especially re-
stricting fuel consumption.
Ambient lighting
The ambient lighting guides located in the interior front door panels of the
Leon FR change colour from white to red when sport mode is activated. 
Setting driving mode
You can select from Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.
Fig. 144 Centre console:
MODE button The required mode can be selected on the touch screen, in the menu that
opens when the
MODE button is pressed.
An icon on the Easy Connect system display informs about the active mode.
The MODE button light remains lit up yellow when the active mode is differ- ent to normal.
Driving pro-
fileCharacteristics
NormalOffers a balanced driving experience, suitable for everyday
use.
SportProvides a complete dynamic performance in the vehicle, en-
abling the user a more sporty driving style.
EcoPlaces the vehicle in a particularly low state of consumption,
facilitating a fuel-saving driving style that is respectful to the
environment.
IndividualEnables some configurations to be modified by pressing the
Profile settings button. The functions that can be adjusted
depend on the equipment fitted in the vehicle.
WARNING
When operating SEAT Drive Mode, pay attention to all traffic. Doing oth-
erwise could cause an accident.
Note
● The vehicle will start in the mode that was selected at the moment it was
switched off.
● Changing modes can alter vehicle handling. The SEAT Drive Mode func-
tion does not allow configurations that compromise safety under any cir-
cumstances. 