2016 Seat Leon 5D sensor

Driver assistance systems
Front Assist system including
C ity
emer
gency braking and
pedestrian monitoring*
Introduction 

›› ›

table on page 2
The Front Assist system including City emer-
gency braking and pedestrian monitoring can
help avoid collisions.
The Front Assist system may warn the driver,
within the constraints of the system, of im-
pending collisions, prepare the vehicle for
emergency braking in case of danger, provide
support during braking and apply automatic
braking.
The City emergency braking and pedestrian
monitoring functions are an integral part of
the Front Assist system.
The Front Assist is not a replacement for
driver awareness.
Distance warning
If the system detects that safety is endan-
gered by the proximity of the vehicle in front,
it may warn the driver by means of a message
on the instrument panel when driving at a
speed of between approximately 60 km/h
(37 mph) and 250 km/h (156 mph)
››› Fig. 207. The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic
s

ituation and driver behaviour.
Advance warning
If the system detects a possible collision with
the vehicle in front, it may warn the driver by
means of an audible warning and an indica-
tion on the instrument panel when driving at
a speed of between approximately 30 km/h
(18 mph) and 250 km/h (156 mph)
››› Fig. 207.
The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic situation and driver behaviour. At
the same time, the vehicle will prepare for a
possible emergency braking ››› .
C ritic
a

l warning
If the driver fails to react to the advance
warning, the system may actively intervene in
the brakes when driving at a speed of be-
tween approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) and
250 km/h (156 mph), generating a brief jolt
to warn of the imminent collision.
Automatic braking
If the driver also fails to react to the advance
warning, the system may brake the vehicle
automatically, by progressively increasing
braking effect driving at a speed of between
approximately 4 km/h (2.5 mph) and
250 km/h (156 mph). By reducing speed in
case of a possible collision, the system may contribute to reducing the consequences of
an accident

.
Front assist
If the Front Assist notices that the driver is
not braking sufficiently in case of a collision
hazard, the system can increase braking ef-
fect and thus avert the collision when driving
at a speed of between approximately 4 km/h
(2.5 mph) and 250 km/h (156 mph). Front
assist only acts while the brake pedal is
pressed down hard. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Front Assist
cannot c

hange the laws of physics. The driver
is always responsible for braking in time. If
the Front Assist issues a warning, then, de-
pending on the traffic circumstances, you
must brake immediately or dodge the obsta-
cle.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist alone cannot avoid acci-
dents and seriou
s injuries.
● In complex driving situations, the Front As-
sis
t may issue unnecessary warnings and in-
tervene unnecessarily in braking, such as in
traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is im-
paired, f
or example, by dirt or because the ra-
dar sensor has lost its settings, the system » 207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
may issue unnecessary warnings and
inter
v
ene inopportunely in the braking.
● During driving, the Front Assist does not re-
act to peop
le or animals or vehicles crossing
your path or which approach you head-on in
the same lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take
over the c
ontrol of the vehicle. Note
● When the Fr ont As

sist causes a braking,
the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions by the Front Assist
on the brake
s may be interrupted by pressing
the clutch, accelerator or moving the wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as descri-
bed in this c
hapter (e.g. in intervenes several
times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the
system checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership. On-screen warning lamps and mes-
s
ag
e

s Fig. 207
On the instrument panel display:
W arnin
g indic

ations. Distance warning
If
the s
af

e distance with regard to the vehicle
in front is exceeded, the relevant warning will
appear on the instrument panel display
. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and contr o
l lamps on page 109. Note
When the Front Assist is connected, the indi-
cation s

on the instrument panel screen may
be concealed by warnings from other func-
tions, such as an incoming call. Radar sensor
Fig. 208
On the front bumper: radar sensor. A radar sensor is installed on the front bump-
er t
o det
ermine the tr

affic situation
››› Fig. 208 1 . This sensor can detect vehi-
c l
e

s in front up to a distance of approximately
120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired
by dirt, mud or snow, or by environmental in-
fluences such as rain or mist. In this case the
Front Assist monitoring system does not
work. The instrument panel displays the fol-
lowing message: Front Assist: No sensor vision! If necessary clean the ra-
dar sensor ››› .
When the r a
d

ar sensor begins to operate
properly again, the Front Assist will automati-
cally be available again. The message will
disappear from the instrument panel display.
208

Driver assistance systems
Front Assist operation may be affected by a
s tr
on
g radar reverse reflection. This may oc-
cur, for example, in a closed car park or due
to the presence of metallic objects (e.g. rails
on the road or sheets used in road works).
The area in front of and around the radar sen-
sor should not be covered with adhesives,
additional or similar headlights, as this may
negatively affect Front Assist operation.
If structural modifications are made to the ve-
hicle, for example, if the suspension is low-
ered or the front spoiler is modified, Front As-
sist operation may be affected. So structural
modifications should only be made by speci-
alised workshops. SEAT recommends visiting
a SEAT dealership for this purpose.
If work is done incorrectly on the front of the
vehicle, the radar sensor could be damaged
or lose its settings, and Front Assist opera-
tion may be affected. So repair work should
only be made by specialised workshops.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this purpose. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d

amaged or has lost its settings, dis-
connect the Front Assist. This will avoid pos-
sible damage. If this occurs have it adjusted.
● The sensor may become damaged or lose
its settin
gs when knocked, for example, dur- ing a parking manoeuvre. This may compro-
mise the sy
s

tem's efficacy or disconnect it.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
ist
knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose.
● Clean away the snow with a brush and the
ice pref
erably with a solvent-free de-icer
spray. Operating the Front Assist monitoring
sys
t

em Fig. 209
On the instrument panel display:
Fr ont
As

sist switched off message. Front Assist is active whenever the ignition is
sw
it
c

hed on.
When the Front Assist is switched off, so too
are the advance warning function (pre warn-
ing) and the distance warning. SEAT recommends leaving the Front Assist al-
way

s switched on. Exceptions ››› page 210,
Switch Front Assist off in the following situa-
tions.
Activating and deactivating Front Assist
With the ignition switched on, the Front As-
sist can be switched on and off as follows:
● Select the corresponding menu option us-
ing the butt
on for the driver assistance sys-
tems ›››
 page 31.
● OR: switch the system on and off in Easy
Connect
using the  button and the
Set
up and
Driv
er a
s
sistance function buttons
› ›
›
 page 27.
When Front Assist is switched off, the instru-
ment panel will inform that it has been
switched off with the following indicator 
››› Fig. 209.
Switching the advance warning function on
or off
The advance warning function may be switch-
ed on and off in the Easy Connect system us-
ing the  button and the
Set
up and
Driv er a
s

sistance function buttons
› ›
›
 page 27.
The system will store the setting for the next
time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends keeping the advance
warning function switched on at all times. »
209
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Depending on the infotainment system in-
s t
al
led in the vehicle, the advance warning
function may be adjusted as follows:
● Ready
● Medium
● Delayed
● Deactivated
SEAT r
ecommends driving with the function
in “Medium” mode.
Switching distance warning on and off
If the safe distance with regard to the vehicle
in front is exceeded, the relevant warning will
appear on the instrument panel display
. In this case, increase the safe dis-
tance.
The distance warning may be switched on
and off in the Easy Connect system using
the  button and the
S
ETUP and
Driv er a
s

sistance function buttons
› ›
›
 page 27.
The system will store the setting for the next
time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends keeping the distance
warning switched on at all times. Switch Front Assist off in the following
situation

s In the following situations the Front Assist
Monitorin
g

System should be deactivated
due to the system's limitations ››› :
● When the vehicle is to be towed.
● If the vehicle is on a test bed.
● When the radar sensor is damaged.
● If the radar sensor takes a heavy knock, for
ex amp

le in a rear collision.
● If it intervenes several times unnecessarily.
● If the radar sensor is covered temporarily
with some k ind of

accessory, such as an ad-
ditional headlight or the like.
● When the vehicle is to be loaded on a lorry,
ferry
or train. WARNING
If the Front Assist is not switched off in the
sit uation

s described, serious accidents and
injuries may occur.
● Switch off the Front Assist in critical situa-
tions. System limitations
Front Assist has certain physical limitations
inher
ent in the sy

stem. Thus, in certain cir-
cumstances some of the system's reactions may be inopportune or be delayed from the
driver's s

tandpoint. So pay attention in order
to intervene if necessary.
The following conditions may cause Front As-
sist not to react or to do so too late:
● On taking tight bends.
● Pressing the accelerator all the way down.
● If the Front Assist is switched off or dam-
aged.
● If the ASR h

as been manually disconnec-
ted.
● If the E

SC is controlling.
● If several brake lights of the vehicle or elec-
trically
connected trailer are damaged.
● If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
● If there are metal objects, e.g. rails on the
roa
d or sheets used in road works.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If the vehicle over-accelerates.
● In case of snow or heavy rain.
● In case of narrow vehicles, such as motor-
bike
s.
● Misaligned vehicles.
● Vehicles crossing the other's path.
● Vehicles approaching in the opposite direc-
tion.
210

Driver assistance systems
● Spec
i
al loads and accessories of other ve-
hicles that jut out over the sides, backwards
or over the top.
City Emergency braking function Fig. 210
On the instrument panel display: ad-
v anc
e w

arning message The City emergency braking function is part
of
Fr
ont

Assist and is active whenever the
system is switched on.
Depending on the equipment, the City emer-
gency braking function may be switched on
and off in the Easy Connect system using
the  button and the
S
ETUP and
Driv er a
s

sistance function buttons
› ›
›
 page 27. The City Emergency braking function picks
up, at s

peeds between approximately 4 km/h
(2.5 mph) and 30 km/h (19 mph), the traffic
situation in front of the vehicle.
If the system detects a possible collision with
a vehicle in front of it, the vehicle prepares
for a possible emergency braking ››› .
If the driv
er f

ails to react to a possible colli-
sion, the system may brake the vehicle auto-
matically, by progressively increasing braking
effect driving to reduce speed in the event of
a collision. The system can thus help to re-
duce the consequences of an accident.
Status display
Automatic deceleration by means of the City
Emergency braking function is displayed on
the instrument panel by means of the ad-
vance warning ››› Fig. 210 1)
. WARNING
The smart technology included in the City
Emerg ency

braking function cannot defy the
laws of physics. The driver is always respon-
sible for braking in time.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ●
The City Emer

gency braking function alone
cannot prevent accidents or serious injury.
● In complex driving situations, the City
Emergency
braking function may issue unnec-
essary warnings and intervene inopportunely
in braking, such as in work areas or if there
are metal rails.
● If the operation of the City Emergency brak-
ing fu
nction is impaired, for example, by dirt
or because the radar sensor has lost its set-
tings, the system may issue unnecessary
warnings and intervene inopportunely in the
braking.
● During driving, the City Emergency braking
function doe
s not react to people or animals
or vehicles crossing your path or which ap-
proach you head-on in the same lane. Note
● When the City Emer

gency braking function
causes a braking, the brake pedal is “hard-
er”.
● Automatic interventions on the brakes by
the City Emer
gency braking function may be
interrupted by pressing the clutch, accelera-
tor or moving the wheel.
● The City Emergency braking function can
brake the
vehicle until it stops completely.
However, the brake system does not halt the
vehicle permanently. Use the foot brake! »1)
The symbol on the instrument panels with colour
dis p

lay is in colour. 211
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
If sev er
al inopportune intervenes occur,
switch off the Front Assist and with it the City
Emergency braking function. Take it to a spe-
cialised workshop, SEAT recommends visiting
a SEAT dealership.
● If numerous unnecessary interventions oc-
cur, the C
ity Emergency braking function may
switch off automatically. Pedestrian Monitoring*
1)Fig. 211
On the instrument panel display: 
Adv anc
e w

arning message.  Pedestrian
Monitoring deactivated. The pedestrian monitoring system can help
pr
ev
ent

accidents involving pedestrians or
reduce the consequences of an accident. The system warns of danger of collision, pre-
pare

s the vehicle for emergency braking, as-
sists in the braking and brakes automatically.
If the system detects a possible collision with
a pedestrian, it warns the driver with an
acoustic signal and a message on the dash
panel display ››› Fig. 211.
The pedestrian monitoring system, including
the advance warning, is automatically con-
nected when the ignition is switched on
››› page 167.
SEAT recommends always having the pedes-
trian monitoring system connected. The ex-
ceptions set out for the Front Assist system
are equally valid for the pedestrian monitor-
ing system ››› page 210.
Switching the pedestrian monitoring system
on and off
With the ignition on, the pedestrian monitor-
ing system can be switched on and off as fol-
lows:
● Switch the system on and off in the info-
tainment sy
stem using the  button and
the S
ETUP and
Driv
er a
s
sistance function but-
t on
s
›››
 page 27.
When the pedestrian protection system is
switched off, the dash panel display shows a message indicating this
›››
Fig. 211 . The
pedestrian monitoring system is switched off
with the Front Assist function. WARNING
The technology in the pedestrian monitoring
sys t

em cannot defy the laws of physics and
only works within the system's limits. The
driver is always responsible for braking in
time. If the pedestrian monitoring system is-
sues a warning, brake the vehicle immediate-
ly with the brake pedal or swerve to avoid the
pedestrian, depending on traffic conditions.
● The pedestrian monitoring system alone
cannot av
oid accidents or serious injury.
● In complex driving situations, the pedes-
trian monitorin
g system may issue unneces-
sary warnings and intervene unnecessarily in
braking, such as in main roads with turnings.
● If the operation of the system is impaired,
for ex
ample, because the radar sensor and
camera are covered or have lost their set-
tings, the system may issue unnecessary
warnings and intervene inopportunely in the
braking.
● The driver must always be ready to take
over the c
ontrol of the vehicle. 1)
Depending on the vehicle equipment, pedestrian
monitorin g i

s not available in all countries.
212

Operation
If the driver continues to do nothing, the sys-
t em aut
om
atically takes over the accelerator,
brakes and steering in order to brake the ve-
hicle and keep it in its lane ››› . If the re-
m ainin
g br

aking distance is sufficient, if nec-
essary the system slows down the vehicle un-
til it stops completely and automatically
switches on the electronic parking brake
››› page 172.
When the Emergency Assist is actively adjust-
ing, the hazard warning lights come on
››› page 135 and the vehicle makes slight zig-
zag movements in the lane in order to warn
other drivers.
Switching the Emergency Assist on and off
The Emergency Assist is switched on auto-
matically when the Lane Assist is switched on
››› page 213.
Technical requirements for using the Emer-
gency Assist ● The adaptive cruise control (ACC) must be
switc
hed on ››› page 196.
● The Lane Assist must be switched on
›››
page 213.
● The selector lever must be at the D/S posi-
tion or in the
Tiptronic selection track.
● The system must have detected a lane sep-
aration line on both side
s of the vehicle
››› Fig. 213. The following conditions may cause the
Emergency

Assist not to react or to switch off
automatically:
● If the driver accelerates, brakes or moves
the steerin
g wheel.
● If any of the conditions mentioned in
›››
page 218, Technical requirements for us-
ing the Emergency Assist are not fulfilled.
● If any of the conditions required for opera-
tion of the Lane Ass
ist are not met
››› page 213.
● If any of the conditions necessary for the
adaptiv
e cruise control (ACC) to work are no
longer fulfilled ››› page 196. WARNING
The smart technology incorporated into the
Emerg ency

Assist cannot overcome the limits
imposed by the laws of physics; it only works
within the limits of the system. The driver is
responsible for driving the vehicle.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit the
visibility, weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
● Keep your hands on the wheel at all times
to be re
ady to intervene in the steering at any
time.
● The Emergency Assist alone cannot always
avoid acc
idents or serious injuries.
● If the operation of the Emergency Assist is
impaired, f
or example if the radar sensor of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) or the Lane
Ass
i

st camera are covered or have lost their
settings, the system may intervene inoppor-
tunely in braking or in steering.
● The Emergency Assist does not react to
people or anim
al or vehicles crossing your
path or which approach you head-on in the
same lane. WARNING
If the Emergency Assist Intervenes inoppor-
t u nely

, serious accidents and injuries may oc-
cur.
● If the Emergency Assist does not operate
properly, sw
itch off the Lane Assist
››› page 213. Doing so will also switch off the
Emergency Assist.
● Have the system checked by a specialised
workshop
. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this. Note
● Autom atic

interventions by the Emergency
Assist on the brakes may be interrupted by
pressing the accelerator or brake or by mov-
ing the wheel.
● Hazard warning lights that come on auto-
matica
lly can be switched off by pressing the
accelerator or the break, moving the steering
wheel or pressing the hazard warning light
switch. 218

Operation
WARNING
● Alw a
ys pay attention, also when looking
straight ahead, to traffic and the vehicle
surroundings. The assistance systems are not
a replacement for driver awareness. When in-
serting or removing the vehicle from a park-
ing space, or when performing similar ma-
noeuvres the driver always assumes the re-
sponsibility.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● The ultrasound sensors have blind spots in
which ob
stacles and people are not regis-
tered. Pay special attention to children and
animals.
● Always keep visual control of the vehicle
surrou
ndings: use the mirrors for additional
help. CAUTION
Parking Aid functions may be negatively af-
fect ed b

y different factors that may lead to
damage to the vehicle or its immediate sur-
rounds:
● Under certain circumstances, the system
does not
detect or display certain objects:
– Objects such as chains, trailer draw bars,
fences, posts and thin trees.
– Objects that are located above the sen-
sors, such as protrusions in a wall. –
Ob j

ects with certain surfaces or struc-
tures, such as wire mesh fences or pow-
der snow.
● Certain surfaces of objects and garments
do not refl
ect the ultrasound sensors' sig-
nals. The system cannot detect, at least cor-
rectly, these objects or people wearing such
clothes.
● Ultrasound sensor signals may be affected
by e
xternal sound sources. In certain circum-
stances this may prevent them from detect-
ing people or objects.
● Please note that low obstacles detected by
the syst
em may no longer be registered by
the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. In
certain circumstances, objects such as high
kerbs that could damage the bottom of the
vehicle are not detected either.
● If the first warning from the ParkPilot is ig-
nored, the v
ehicle could suffer considerable
damage.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator
grill
e, bumper, wheel arch and vehicle under-
body can adjust the orientation of the sen-
sors. This can affect the parking aid function.
Have the function checked by a specialised
workshop. Note
● In cer t

ain situations, the system can give a
warning even though there is no obstacle in
the detected area, e.g: –
with r ough or c

obbled floors or ground
with long grass;
– with external ultrasound sources, such as
cleaning vehicles or other vehicles;
– In downpours, intense snow or dense ex-
haust gases;
– if the registration plate (front or rear) is
not properly affixed to the bumper sur-
face;
– or in locations such as the brow of a hill.
● In order to guarantee good system opera-
tion, keep the ultr
asound sensors clean, free
of snow or ice, and do not cover them with
adhesives or other objects.
● If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-
ment to c
lean the ultrasound sensors, apply
it directly only very briefly and always from a
distance of more than 10 cm.
● Retrofitting of accessories to the vehicle,
such a
s a bicycle rack, may interfere with the
operation of the Parking Aid.
● In order to familiarise yourself with the sys-
tem, it i
s advised that you practice parking in
an area or car park that is free from traffic.
There must be good weather and light condi-
tions.
● The volume and tone of the warnings can
be modified, in addition t
o the indications
››› page 230.
● In vehicles without a driv
er information
system, these parameters can be modified in
a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised
workshop. 226