2014 Seat Leon 5D fuel

Operation
Economical and environmentally
friendly driving Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.
Active cylinder management (ACT
®
)*
Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
page 74.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption will drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change
in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lo w
er gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without
the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of
improved fuel
efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanc
ed resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres
142

Driver assistance systems
(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
turn to a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures ››› page 208 to save fuel. If
the pr e
ssure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation
also increa-
ses tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
cr

ease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
Since the luggage rack increases the aerody-
namic drag of the vehicle, you should remove
it when not needed. This will save, at a speed
of 100-120 km/h (60-75 mph), 12% of fuel.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby gen-
erating electricity. This implies that any in-
crease in power consumption also increases
fuel consumption! For this reason, switch off
any unneeded electrical devices. Devices that
use a lot of electricity includes the blower at a high setting, the rear window heating or
the seat heating*. Driver assistance systems
Braking and stability systems Electronic Stability Control (ESC) The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces
the tendency to skid and improves the stabil-
ity and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC
detects critical handling situations, such as
vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin
on the driving wheels. It stabilises the vehi-
cle by braking individual wheels or by reduc-
ing the engine torque. The warning lamp will
flash on the instrument panel when the ESC
is intervening
.
ESC includes the Anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the brake assist system, the traction
control system (ASR), electronic differential
lock (EDL), electronic self-locking*, selective
torque control* and tractor-trailer sway miti-
gation*. ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle
by changing the torque.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up un-
der braking until the vehicle has reached a
virtual standstill. You can continue to steer
the vehicle even when the brakes are on full.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not
pump the brakes. You will feel the brake ped-
al pulsate while the ABS is working. »
143
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can tell you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. Start-Stop system*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce CO
2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode ● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more
than 4 km/h (2 mph) since the last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop system is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 149. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
switched off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 149. Stop/Start the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and release the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play. –
When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and keep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the
di s
play.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine will start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the
automatic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R.
148

Driver assistance systems
Switching off the Lane Assist system
in the following situations Due to the limits of the Lane Assist system,
switch it off in the following situations:
● When more attention is required of the
driver
● When driving in a sporty style
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● On roads in poor condition
● In areas of road works Note
The Lane Assist system deactivates when
driving below 60 km/h (40 mph). SEAT driving modes (SEAT Drive
Profile)*
Introduction SEAT Drive Profile enables the driver to
choose between four profiles or modes,
Nor-
mal , Sport
, Eco
and Individual
, that modify the
behaviour of various vehicle functions, pro-
viding different driving experiences. In the FR and X-PERIENCE models equipped
with dynamic chassis control and Navi Sys-
tem Plus, the
Comfort profile is also availa-
b l
e.
In the Leon Cupra model the four profiles are Comfort, Sport, Cupra and Individual.
The Individual profile can be configured ac-
cor

ding to personal preferences. The other
profiles are fixed.
Description Depending on the equipment fitted in the ve-
hicle, SEAT Drive Profile can operate on the
following functions:
Engine
Depending on the profile selected, the en-
gine responds more spontaneously or more
in harmony with the movements of the accel-
erator. Additionally, when
Eco
mode is selec-
ted, the Start-stop function is automatically
activated.
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the
gear change points are modified to position
them in lower or higher engine speed ranges.
Additionally, the Eco1)
mode activates the In- ertia function, enabling consumption to be
further reduced.
In manual gearbox vehicles,
Eco1)
mode cau-
ses the gear change recommendation indica-
tions that appear on the instrument panel to
vary, facilitating more efficient driving.
Dynamic chassis control (DCC)
DCC continuously adapts the shock absorb-
ers to the condition of the road and current
driving conditions, according to the pre-set
programme.
In the event of a fault in the DCC, the follow-
ing message is displayed on the instrument
screen Fault: damping setting.
Address
Power steering becomes more robust in Sport
mode to enable a sportier driving style. In the
Leon Cupra the power steering becomes
more robust in Cupra mode.
Air conditioning
In vehicles with Climatronic, this can operate
in eco 1)
mode, especially restricting fuel con-
sumption. »1)
In the Leon Cupra model, Eco mode is selected
through the Individual profile.
169
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
Ambient lighting
The ambient lighting guides located in the in-
terior front door panels of the Leon FR and
the Leon Cupra change colour from white to
red depending on the driving mode selected.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 1)
According to the active driving profile, the ac-
celeration gradient of the adaptive cruise
control varies.
Electronic self-locking differential 1)
The self-locking differential adapts its behav-
iour depending on the driving profile chosen.
Normal mode or Cupra mode can be selected
to prioritise improved traction in sport driv-
ing. Setting driving mode Fig. 165
Centre console: MODE button. You can select from
Normal
, Sport
, Eco
and In-
dividual .
You can select the required mode either by
repeatedly pressing the button MODE
››› Fig. 165 , or on the touch screen, in the
menu th at
opens when the above 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 different to Normal
.
Driving
profileCharacteristics
NormalOffers a balanced driving experience, suit-
able for everyday use.
SportProvides a complete dynamic performance
in the vehicle, enabling the user a more
sporty driving style.
Eco
Places the vehicle in a particularly low
state of consumption, facilitating a fuel-
saving driving style that is respectful to
the environment.
Individual
Enables some configurations to be modi-
fied by pressing the Profile settings but-
ton. The functions that can be adjusted
depend on the equipment fitted in the ve-
hicle.
Conven- ience a)It permits more relaxed and comfortable
driving, for example for long motorway
journeys. Its main characteristic is the soft
suspension setting (DCC).
a)
Only for FR and X-PERIENCE models equipped with dynamic
chassis control and Navi System Plus. WARNING
When operating SEAT Drive Profile, pay atten-
tion to all traffic: doing otherwise could cause
an accident. 1)
Applies to the Leon Cupra model.
170

Driver assistance systems
Note
● When the vehicle is switched off it will al-
ways store the driving profile that was selec-
ted when the ignition key was removed. Nev-
ertheless, when the engine is restarted the
engine and the gear will not restart in its
sportier mode in order to save fuel. For en-
gine and gear to revert to a sportier mode,
select the corresponding driving profile again
on the Easy Connect system screen.
● Your speed and driving style must always
be adjusted to visibility, weather, and traffic
conditions.
● The eco mode is not available when towing
a tr ai
ler. Setting driving mode
3 Applies to the model: Leon Cupra
Fig. 166
Centre console: Cupra Drive Profile
button. You can select from
Convenience, Sport,
Cupra
and

Individual.
Cupr a Drive Profile button
You can select the required mode either by
repeatedly pressing the button with the Cu-
pra logotype ››› Fig. 166, or on the touch
screen, in the menu that opens when the
above button is pressed.
An icon on the Easy Connect system display
informs about the active mode.
The light of the button with the Cupra logo-
type remains lit up only when the Cupra pro-
file is active.
Driving profileCharacteristics
Conven- ienceIt permits more relaxed and comfortable
driving, for example for long motorway
journeys. Its main characteristic is the
soft suspension setting (DCC).
SportIt represents the vehicle's default behav-
iour, suitable for dynamic driving.
CupraIt gives the vehicle a decidedly sportier
nature, and makes for maximum perform-
ance.
Individual
Enables some configurations to be modi-
fied by pressing the Profile settings but-
ton. The functions that can be adjusted
depend on the equipment fitted in the ve-
hicle. WARNING
When operating SEAT Drive Profile, pay atten-
tion to all traffic: doing otherwise could cause
an accident. Note
● When the vehicle is switched off it will al-
ways store the driving profile that was selec-
ted when the ignition key was removed. Nev-
ertheless, when the engine is restarted the
engine and the gear will not restart in its
sportier mode in order to save fuel. For en-
gine and gear to revert to a sportier mode,
select the corresponding driving profile again
on the Easy Connect system screen.
● Your speed and driving style must always
be adjusted to visibility, weather, and traffic
conditions. Kick-down
The kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
celeration to be reached.
If the
eco
* ›››
page 170 mode has been selec-
t ed in S

EAT Drive Profile*, and the accelerator
is pressed beyond a hard point, the engine
power is automatically controlled to give your
vehicle maximum acceleration. »
171
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the
vehicle and trailer combination must be re-
duced 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 maxi-
mum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint
of the t
owing 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
to
wing bracket are for certification purposes
only. The correct figures for your specific
model, which may be lower than these fig-
ures for the towing bracket, are given in the
vehicle documentation 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 moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure 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 rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Tow rope
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer
››› page 178.
Tr
ailer rear lights
The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations ››› page 178. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
result in fatal accidents. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to towing a trailer in your country. Hitching and connecting the trailer
Fig. 171
Schematic diagram: assignment of
the pins of the trailer's electrical socket.
Key of the Schematic diagram ››› Fig. 171:
PinMeaning
1Left turn signal
2Rear fog light
3Earth, pins 1, 2, 4 to 8
4Right turn signal
5Tail light, right
6Brake lights
7Tail light, left
8Reverse lights
9Permanent live
10Cable without positive charge
11Earth, pin 10178

Advice
Automatic car washes
Before going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and roof. If the vehicle has spe-
cial accessories such as spoilers or a roof
rack or two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisa-
ble to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving
bristles if possible.
Washing the vehicle with a high pressure
cleaner
When washing the vehicle with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the
spraying distance . Do not hold the nozzle too
c lo
se to soft materials such as rubber hoses
or seals. The same applies to the parking aid
sensors*, which are located in the rear bump-
er.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out
in a
direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of
water to soften the dirt first, and rinse off as
well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge,
glove
or brush using only slight pressure.
You should start on the roof and work down. Special car
soap
should only be used for very
persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and of-
ten.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned
last. Use a second sponge for this. WARNING
● The vehicle should only be washed with the
ignition switched off. Failure to follow this in-
struction could result in an accident.
● Do not clean the underside of chassis, the
inside of wheel arches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Other-
wise, there is a risk of sustaining cuts.
● When washing the car during the winter
season: water and ice in the brake system
can reduce braking effectiveness: risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight –
otherwise the paint can be damaged.
● Do not use sponges, abrasive household
sponges or similar to clean insect remains.
This could damage the surface.
● Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from
the headlights at regular intervals, for in-
stance when filling the fuel tank. The head-
lights should only be washed with water, do not wipe them with a dry cloth or sponge. It
is best to use soapy water.
● Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the
water out in a direct stream. This could dam-
age the tyres even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand,
always use the electrical power control. CAUTION
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please proceed as follows to lock
the wiper arms so that they are not moved to-
wards the top of the windscreen:
–the bonnet must be closed.
– switch the ignition on and off.
– press the windscreen wiper lever forward
briefly (windscreen washer function).
This will lock the wiper arms. For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special
wash bays. These areas are prepared to pre-
vent oily water from getting into the public
drains. In some places, washing vehicles out-
side the areas intended for this purpose is
prohibited. 184