Seats and head restraints
The armrest can be moved backwards and
forwards.
Folding down the passenger seat
backrest* 3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 108
Front passenger seat: lever for fold-
ing down the backrest. The front passenger seat can be folded down
to increase the storage space.
● Pull lever 1
››› Fig. 108 and push the seat
b ac
krest until the backrest is horizontal. WARNING
When the front passenger seat is folded
down it cannot be occupied. Folding down and raising the back
seat backrest
3 Applies to the model: LEON/LEON SC
Fig. 109
Clip to support the seat belt. Fig. 110
Backrest release lever. The backrests can be folded forward individu-
ally or together.Folding the backrest forwards
– Place the side seat belts in the trim clip
››› Fig. 109 .
– Slide the he a
d restraint(s) downwards
››› page 107.
– Press the release lever ››› Fig. 110 1 in the
direction of the arrow.
– Fold the backrest forwards.
Converting the table to a seat – Raise the backrest until it engages in its
upright position ››› . The red marking on
the tab ››› Fig. 110 2 should no longer be
visible when the backrest is properly se-
cured. WARNING
The safe driving chapter contains important
information, tips, suggestions and warnings
that you should read and observe for your
own safety and the safety of your passengers
››› page 37. WARNING
● Make sure that the rear backrest is securely
locked in position so that the seat belt can
provide proper protection on the centre rear
seat.
● The rear backrest must always be securely
latched so that objects stored in the luggage » 109
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Operation
compartment will not fly forward through the
interior during sudden braking.
CAUTION
● With the backrest inclined there is a danger
of damaging the rear head restraints when
adjusting the front seats backwards.
● When folding the backrest forwards, make
sure to place the side seat belts in the trim
clip to prevent them from being damaged by
becoming trapped in the backrest lock. Folding down and lifting the rear seat
backrest
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 111
On the rear seat backrest: release
catch 1 ; red mark
2 . Fig. 112
In the luggage compartment: levers
for remote release of the left part 1 and right
part 2 of the rear seat backrest.
The rear seat backrest is split and each part
be lowered separately to extend the luggage
compartment.
When the rear seat backrest is lowered no-
body else can travel in the corresponding
seats (not even a child).
Lowering the rear seat backrest with the
unlock button
● Lower the head restraint properly.
● Push the unlock button ››› Fig. 111 1 for-
wards and at the same time lift the backrest.
● The rear seat backrest is not engaged when
the red marking of the button 2 is visible.
Lowering the rear seat backrest with the
remote release lever
● Lower the head restraint properly. ●
Open the rear lid.
● Pull the remote release lever of the left part
››› Fig. 112 1 or right part
2 of the backrest
in the direction of the arrow. The released
part of the rear seat backrest is folded auto-
matically down and forwards.
● If this occurs, close the rear lid.
The rear seat backrest is not engaged when
the red marking of the button ››› Fig. 111 2 is visible.
Folding up the rear seat backrest
●
Lift the backrest and press it firmly into the
lock until it engages ››› .
● It should not be possible to see the red
mark of the unlock button 2 .
● The backrest must be properly engaged. WARNING
Serious injuries can be caused if the rear seat
backrest is lowered or lifted without due care
and attention.
● Never lower or lift the rear seat backrest
while driving.
● Do no trap or damage the seat belt when
raising the rear seat backrest.
● When lowering or lifting the rear seat back-
rest, keep your hands, fingers, feet and other
body parts out of its path. 110
Transport and practical equipment
●
For the rear seat seat belts to offer the nec-
essary protection all the parts of the rear
backrest must be properly engaged. This is
particularly important in the case of the cen-
tre rear seat. If someone is seated in a seat
whose backrest is not properly engaged they
will fly forward, along with the backrest, dur-
ing an accident or a sudden driving or braking
manoeuvre.
● A red signal on the button 2 warns that
the backrest is not engaged. Always check
that the red marking is not visible when the
backrest is in the upright position.
● When the rear seat backrest is lowered or is
not properly engaged nobody else can travel
in the corresponding seats (not even a child). CAUTION
Serious damage can be caused to the vehicle
and other objects if the rear seat backrest is
lowered or lifted without due care and atten-
tion.
● Before lowering the rear seat backrest, al-
ways adjust the front seats so that neither
the head restraints nor the cushions of the
rear backrest can hit them. Transport and practical
equipment
Storage compartments Storage areas under the front seats* Fig. 113
Storage compartment under the
front seats. There is a storage compartment with a cover
under each front seat.
The drawer* is opened by pulling on the cov-
er
››› Fig. 113 .
T o c
lose the drawer, press the cover until it
locks into position. 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 accident. Folding table*
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 114
Left-hand front seat: folding table. –
To open the tray, open it up in the direction
of the arrow ››› Fig. 114 . WARNING
● The folding trays may not be folded down
whilst the vehicle is in motion and anyone is
seated on the second row of seats. There is a
risk of injury during a sudden braking ma-
noeuvre! The tray must therefore be closed
and properly secured whilst the vehicle is in
motion. » 111
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Transport and practical equipment
load of the compartment should not exceed
0.2 kg.
● Coat hooks in the door frames ››› .
● Other storage compartments are found in
the rear seat, to the left and the right of the
seats. WARNING
● Please make sure that any items of clothing
hanging from the coat hooks do not obstruct
your view to the rear.
● The coat hooks should only be used for
lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy
or sharp objects in the pockets.
● Do not use clothes hangers to hang up the
clothing, as this could interfere with the func-
tion of the head-protection airbags. Power sockets
Fig. 117
Centre console: front/rear 12-volt
power socket. Fig. 118
Detailed view of the side trim in the
luggage compartment: 12-volt power socket
(applies only to the LEON ST model). In the centre console
– Remove the connector located in the centre
console of the power socket ››› Fig. 117 . –
Inser t the plug of the electrical appliance
into the power socket.
In the luggage compartment (applies only to
the LEON ST model)
– Lift the power socket cover ››› Fig. 118.
– Inser
t the plug of the electrical appliance
into the power socket.
Electrical equipment can be connected to the
12 volt power socket. The appliances connec-
ted to each power socket must not exceed a
power rating of 120 Watt. WARNING
The power socket works only when the igni-
tion is on. Improper use may cause serious
injury or even fire. Children should therefore
not be left in the vehicle unattended if the
button is also left behind. Otherwise there is
a possibility that they may be injured. CAUTION
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid
damaging the sockets. Note
The use of electrical appliances with the en-
gine switched off will cause a battery dis-
charge. 113Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the
vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge.
Braking and parking
Using the handbrake Fig. 142
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away.
Always apply the handbrake when you leave
your vehicle and when you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
››› Fig. 142 . R
el easing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 142 and guide the handbrake lever
down f
ully ››› .
Always pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The handbrake warning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with
the handbrake on, the following message*
will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You will also hear an audible
warning. WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this will cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Never leave a vehicle key in the vehicle.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll. ● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill
, turn
the fr ont
wheels so that they point away from
the kerb
. »
131
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Care and maintenance
intervals, otherwise the exhaust tail pipe ma-
terial could be damaged. To remove impuri-
ties, do not use rim, paint or chrome cleaners
or other abrasive products. Clean the exhaust
tail pipes with cleaning products that are
suitable for stainless steel.
SEAT Official Services carry stocks of cleaning
products that have been tested and ap-
proved for use on your vehicle.
Care of the vehicle interior
Radio display/Easy Connect* and
control panel* The display can be cleaned with a soft cloth
and a professionally available “LCD cleaner”.
Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the
cleaning fluid.
The Easy Connect control panel* should first
be cleaned with a brush so that no dirt goes
into the device or between the keys and
housing. Next, we recommend cleaning the
Easy Connect control panel* using a cloth
dampened with water and washing-up liquid.
CAUTION
● To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe
the display with a dry cloth.
● To avoid damage, ensure that no liquid
goes into the Easy Connect control panel*. Plastic and leatherette parts
Plastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned
with a damp cloth. If this is not sufficient,
plastic parts and leatherette should only be
treated with a special solvent-free plastic
c l
eaner.
Te
xtile covers and trim parts Textile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door
trim) should be cleaned regularly with a vac-
uum cleaner. This will remove surface dirt
which could otherwise be rubbed into the
textile material during use. Do not use steam
cleaners, as the steam could carry the dirt
deeper into the textile material.
Normal cleaning
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or
a commercially available lint-free, micro-fibre
cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes
on floor coverings and mats, as other textile
surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use
a foam cleaner. Use a sponge to spread the
foam on the textile surface and to work it into
the material lightly. However, make sure that
the textile material does not become soaking
wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and ab-
sorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) andvacuum off any residue once the surface is
completely dry.
Cleaning stains
Treat drink stains (such as coffee or fruit
juice, etc.) with a cleaning solution for deli-
cate fabrics. This solution should be applied
with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to re-
move, a washing paste can be applied direct-
ly onto the stain and worked into the fabric.
The surface will then have to be wiped with
clear water to remove any residue left by the
paste. To do so, use a damp cloth or sponge
and then dab the stain with an absorbent
cloth.
Remove chocolate or make-up stains with a
cleaning paste (for e.g., soft soap). Then re-
move the soap with water (wet sponge).
A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove
grease, oil, lipstick or ball point pen. Then
dab the dissolved grease or colour particles
off with an absorbent cloth or similar. You
may also have to treat the stain once more
using washing paste and water.
If the covers or textile trim panels are badly
soiled we recommend that you have them
cleaned by a professional cleaning company
with a shampoo and spray.
»
187Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Advice
Note
Open Velcro fasteners on clothes can damage
the seat upholstery. Make sure they are
closed. Natural leather
General information
Our range of leathers is large. The main type
used is particularly nappa in various forms,
that is, leather with a smooth surface in dif-
ferent colours.
The amount of dye used determines the ap-
pearance and properties of leather. If the
leather is left in a more natural state, it re-
tains its typical natural napped appearance
and confers excellent all-weather properties
to the seats. Fine veins, healed scars, insect
bites, wrinkles and a subtle variation in shad-
ing remain visible; these are the characteris-
tic features of genuine natural leather.
Natural napped leather does not have a pro-
tective surface coating of dye. It is therefore
somewhat more prone to damage. This
should be borne in mind if children or pets
often travel in the car, or if there are other
factors that could lead to damage.
Types of leather with a coloured surface coat-
ing are likely to be more resistant to damage.
This has a great advantage for day-to-day
use. However, this means that the typical natural characteristics of the surface are less
apparent, though this does not affect quality.
Cleaning and care
Due to the natural properties of the specially
selected hides employed, the finished leath-
er has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt,
etc. so a degree of care is required in every-
day use and when looking after the leather.
Dark clothing (especially if damp or incorrect-
ly dyed) may stain leather upholstery on the
seats. Dust and grit in the pores and seams
can scratch and damage the surface. There-
fore leather should be cleaned at regular in-
tervals, depending on the actual amount of
use. When they have been in use for a certain
time, your car seats will acquire a typical and
unmistakable patina. This is characteristic for
leather as a natural product and is a sign of
genuine quality.
To maintain the value of natural leather you
should note the following points:
CAUTION
● Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight
for long periods, otherwise it may tend to
lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a
prolonged period in the bright sun, it is best
to cover the leather.
● Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as
belts, zip fasteners, rivets or similar, can also
leave permanent scratches and rough marks
on the surface of the leather. Note
● Use a suitable impregnating cream with ul-
tra-violet protection at regular intervals and
after cleaning. The cream nourishes and
moisturises the leather, keeps it supple and
able to breathe. A protective film will also
form.
● Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and
remove fresh dirt as soon as possible.
● Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and oth-
er inks, lipstick, shoe cream and similar
stains as soon as possible.
● Preserve the colour of the leather. A special
coloured cream will renew the colour of the
leather when required and will eliminate dif-
ferences in colour. Cleaning and care of leather
upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of at-
tention and care.
Normal cleaning
–
Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with wa-
ter and wipe over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a
mild soap solution (pure liquid soap: two
188
Index
Index
A
ABS see Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
A C
C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
radar sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Adaptive cruise control control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
messages on the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
radar sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
special driving situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 deactivating temporarily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Additional electrical appliances (efficiency pro- gramme) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Adjusting front head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
rear head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Adjusting the head restraints Front head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Airbags description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Differences between front passenger front air-bag systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
disabling the front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
functioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
head-protection airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 28
Air pressure (tyres) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Alcantara: cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
All-wheel drive Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Anti-dazzle interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Anti-dazzle rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Anti-puncture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Anti-puncture kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 87 see also Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Anti-theft
alarm system
Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 85, 227
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Anti-trap function Sliding panoramic sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Anti-trap function sliding Anti-trap function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Aspects to take into account before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ASR see Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
As s
istance systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
ACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
adaptive cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Assist systems Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Audible warnings Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Audible warning signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Auto Lock (central locking) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Automatic car washes see Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Aut om
atic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Backup programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Downhill speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Launch Control Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Manual release of selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Steering wheel with gearshift paddles . . . . . . 135
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132, 135
Automatic gear change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
B Balanced (wheels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 86, 205 Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Charge Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Disconnecting/Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
269