Transporting children safely
●
When a chi l
d seat is mounted in the rear
seats, the door child-proof lock should be ac-
tivated ››› page 121. Child seats
Safety in
structionsRead the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 20. WARNING
When travelling, children must be secured in
the v ehic
le with a restraint system suitable
for age, weight and size.
● Read and always observe information and
warning
s concerning the use of child seats
››› page 84. WARNING
The retaining rings are designed only for use
with “ISOFIX” and T op
Tether* system child
seats.
● Never secure other child seats that do not
have the “ISOFIX” or T
op Tether* system, or
retaining belts or objects to the fastening
rings - this can result in potentially fatal inju-
ries to the child.
● Ensure that the child seat is secured cor-
rectly u
sing the “ISOFIX” and Top Tether* se-
curing rings. WARNING
An undue installation of the safety seat will
incr e
ase the risk of injury in the event of a
crash.
● Never tie the retainer strap to a hook in the
luggag
e compartment.
● Never secure or tie luggage or other items
to the low
er anchorages (ISOFIX) or the upper
ones (Top Tether). Categorisation of child seats into
gr
oup
s Use only child seats that are officially ap-
pr
o
v
ed and suitable for the child.
Child seats are subject to the regulation ECE-
R 44. ECE-R stands for: Economic Commis-
sion for Europe Regulations.
The child seats are grouped into 5 catego-
ries:
Group 0: Up to 10 kg (up to around 9
months)
Group 0+: Up to 13 kg (up to around 18
months)
Group 1: from 9 to 18 kg (up to approx. 4
years old)
Group 2: from 15 to 25 kg (up to approx. 7
years old) Group 3: From 22 to 36 kg (over around 7
ye
ars old)
Child seats that have been tested and ap-
proved under the ECE R44 standard bear the
test mark on the seat (the letter E in a circle
with the test number below it).
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and
observe any statutory requirements when in-
stalling and using child seats.
We recommend you to always include the
manufacturer's Child Seat Instruction Manual
together with the on-board documentation.
SEAT recommends you use child seats from
the Original Accessories Catalogue . These
child seats have been designed and tested
for use in SEAT vehicles. You can find the
right child seat for your model and age group
at SEAT dealers.
85
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Transport and practical equipment
●
For the r e
ar 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 bac k
rest 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 ob j
ects if the rear seat backrest is
lowered or lifted without due care and atten-
tion.
● Before lowering the rear seat backrest, al-
way
s adjust the front seats so that neither
the head restraints nor the cushions of the
rear backrest can hit them. Transport and practical
equipment
St or
ag
e compartments
Storage areas under the front seats* Fig. 153
Storage compartment under the
fr ont
se
ats. There is a storage compartment with a cover
u
nder e
ac
h front seat.
The drawer* is opened by pulling on the cov-
er ››› Fig. 153.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it
locks into position. WARNING
● The dra w
ers will hold a maximum weight of
1.5 kg. ●
Do not driv e w
ith 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. 154
Left-hand front seat: folding table. –
To open the tray, open it up in the direction
of the arr
o
w ››› Fig. 154. WARNING
● The fo l
ding 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. » 145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Transport and practical equipment
load of the compartment should not exceed
0.2 k g.
● Co
at hooks in the door frames ›››
.
● Other storage compartments are found in
the r e
ar se
at, to the left and the right of the
seats. WARNING
● Ple a
se 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 c
lothing. Do not leave any heavy
or sharp objects in the pockets.
● Do not use clothes hangers to hang up the
clothing, a
s this could interfere with the func-
tion of the head-protection airbags. Power sockets
Fig. 157
Centre console: front/rear 12-volt
po w
er soc
ket. Fig. 158
Detailed view of the side trim in the
lug g
ag
e compartment: 12-volt power socket
(applies only to the LEON ST model). In the centre console
– Remove the connector located in the centre
con
so
le of the power socket ››› Fig. 157. –
Insert
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. 158.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance
into the pow
er 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. Impr
oper 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
dam agin
g the sockets. Note
The use of electrical appliances with the en-
gine swit c
hed off will cause a battery dis-
charge. 147
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Storing objects Lo
a
ding the luggage compartment
›› ›
table on page 2
All luggage and other loose objects must be
safely secured in the luggage compartment.
Unsecured objects which shift back and forth
could impair the driving safety or driving
characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity. – Distribute the load evenly in the luggage
comp ar
tment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possi-
ble in the lug
gage compartment.
– Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening
rings
›››
page 153. WARNING
● Loo se lug
gage and other objects in the lug-
gage compartment could cause serious inju-
ries.
● Always stow objects in the luggage com-
partment
and secure them on the fastening
rings.
● Use suitable straps to secure heavy ob-
jects.
● D
uring sudden manoeuvres or accidents,
loose ob
jects can be thrown forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This in-
cr
e
ased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag. If this happens, objects may shoot out-
ward like a missile. Risk of fatal injury.
● Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when tr
ansporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or
allo
wed maximum weight. If said weights are
exceeded, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle may change, leading to accidents, in-
juries and damage to the vehicle.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cia
lly when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around
the vehic
le. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle. Note
● Air cir c
ulation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered. ●
Strap s
for securing the load to the fasten-
ing rings are commercially available. Luggage compartment cover
3 Applies to the model: LEON/LEON SC
Fig. 159
Rear lid open with the luggage com-
p ar
tment
cover. The luggage compartment cover blocks the
v
iew int
o the lug
gage compartment.
Removing – Remove the straps A and unfasten the
c o
v
er of the support B by pressing up-
w ar
d
s in the direction of arrow 1 .
Fittin g
– Inser
t the cover horizontally so that it coin-
cides
with the “plate” on the axis of the
supports B and press down until it engag-
e s.
148
Air conditioning
Note
Always read the assembly instructions that
come w ith the c
rossbars and the roof carrier
system carefully and keep them in the vehi-
cle. Loading the roof carrier system
The load can only be secured if the crossbars
and the roof
c
arrier system are properly in-
stalled ››› .
Max imum authori
sed roof load
The maximum permissible roof load is 75 kg.
This figure comes from the combined weight
of the roof carrier, the cross bars and the load
itself on the roof ››› .
A lw
a
ys check the weight of the roof carrier
system, the cross bars and the weight of the
load to be transported and weigh them if
necessary. Never exceed the maximum au-
thorised roof load.
If you are using cross bars and a roof carrier
with a lower weight rating, you will not be
able to carry the maximum authorised roof
load. In this case, do not exceed the maxi-
mum weight limit for the roof carrier which is
listed in the fitting instructions. Distributing a load
Distrib
ute loads uniformly and secure them
correctly ››› .
Chec k
att
achments
Once the cross bars and roof carrier system
have been installed, check the bolted con-
nections and attachments after a short jour-
ney and subsequently with a certain frequen-
cy. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load
can r e
sult in accidents and considerable vehi-
cle damage.
● Never exceed the maximum authorised
load on the r
oof and on the axles or the vehi-
cle's maximum authorised weight.
● Never exceed the load capacity of the cross
bars
and the roof carrier system, even if the
maximum authorised roof load has not been
reached.
● Secure heavy items as far forward as possi-
ble and di
stribute the vehicle load uniformly. WARNING
If the load is loose or not secured, it could fall
from the r oof
carrier system or cause acci-
dents and injuries.
● Always use belts or retaining straps that
are suit
able and in a good condition.
● Secure the load properly. Air conditioning
He atin
g,
ventilation and cool-
ing
Introduction Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 45
Viewing Climatronic information
On the screen of Climatronic control unit and
on the screen of the factory-fitted Easy Con-
nect system, the theoretical values of the
temperature zones are shown.
The unit of temperature measurement can be
changed in the Easy Connect system.
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with its activated
charcoal cartridge serves as a barrier against
impurities in the air taken into the vehicle in-
terior.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed
regularly so that air conditioner performance
is not adversely affected.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due
to use in areas with very high levels of air
pollution, the filter must be changed more
frequently than stated in the Service Sched-
ule. »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amou nt
of
fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres
(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 256 to save fuel. If
the pressure 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-
crease 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
Br ak
in
g and stability systems
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces
the tendency
t
o 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.
178
Operation
Several warning and indication lamps light
up f or a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds.
Displayed on the CCS screen
Status Fig. 192:
CCS temporarily switched off. The set
speed is displayed in small figures.
System error. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is
empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is
displayed in large figures. WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause acci-
dents and sev
ere injuries if it is not possible
to drive at a constant speed maintaining the
safety distance.
● Do not use the cruise control in heavy traf-
fic, if the dis
tance from the vehicle in front is
insufficient, on steep roads, with several
bends or in slippery circumstances (snow,
ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or
on unpav
ed roads.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance
to the v
ehicles ahead in line with visibility, A
B
C
D weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic
s
ituation.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise
contro
l system, turn it off every time you fin-
ish using it.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is
too high for the pr
evailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot
maintain a c
onstant speed. The vehicle tends
to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 109. Operating the cruise control system*
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 40
The value indicated in the table in brackets
(in mph, miles per hour) only refers to instru-
ment panels with indications in miles.
Changing gear in CCS mode
The CCS decelerates as soon as the clutch
pedal is pressed, intervening again automati-
cally after a gear is engaged. Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travel
ling down hills the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. Slow the vehicle
down using the brake pedal and reduce
gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched
off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could af-
fect the w
orking order of the CCS.
● If you press and maintain the accelerator
pedal f
or a certain time, driving faster than
the stored speed.
● If the dynamic driving control systems in-
terv
ene (e.g. ASR or ESC).
● If the airbag is triggered.
186
Towing bracket device
Trailer towing Wh at
do
you need to bear in mind
when towing a trailer? Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer
when fitted w
ith the c
orrect equipment.
If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, con-
sult ››› page 228.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-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. It is available at any
Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maxi-
mum permitted trailer weight, you can then
climb correspondingly 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 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 re- duced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or
par
t
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 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 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 226.
Trailer rear lights
The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations ››› page 226. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
re s
ult in fatal accidents. Note
● To w
ing 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 to
wing a trailer in your country. 225
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety