
Lights and visibilitySetting 3Driver only, luggage compartment full
Driving with trailer and minimum draw-
bar load.
Dynamic headlight range control
The contr
o
l is not mounted in vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control. The head-
light range is automatically adjusted accord-
ing to the vehicle load status when they are
switched on. WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that
the hea dlight
s dazzle and distract other driv-
ers. This could result in a serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load
stat
us so that it does not blind other drivers. Lighting of the instrument panel,
s
c
r
eens and controls Depending on the model, the lighting of the
in
s
trument
panel and controls can be adjus-
ted in the Easy Connect system, using the button and the SETTINGS
fu
nction b
utton
››› page 33. With the ignition on and without light activa-
tion, the instrument
panel lighting remains
activated in daytime light conditions. The
lighting is reduced as the exterior light di-
minishes. In some cases, e.g. when driving
through a tunnel without the function
active, the instrument panel lighting may
even switch off. The objective of this function
is to provide the driver with a visual indica-
tion that he or she should activate the dip-
ped beam.
Interior and reading lights 1) Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 32
Glove compartment and luggage compart-
ment lighting*
When opening and closing the glove com-
partment on the front passenger side and the
rear lid, the respective light will automatically
switch on and off.
Footwell lighting*
The lights in the footwell area below the dash
(driver and front passenger sides) will switch on when the doors are opened and will de-
cre
ase in intensity while driving. This bright-
ness can be adjusted using the Easy Connect
system, by means of the button and the
f u
nction b
utton SETTINGS > Lights >
Interior lighting ›››
page 33).
Ambient light*
The ambient light lights up the area of the
centre console, the footwell area and, de-
pending on the version, the front door pan-
els.
The ambient lighting in the door panels may
change colour. Brightness and colour can be
adjusted using the Easy Connect system, by
means of the button and the function
b utt
on
SETTINGS > Lights > Interior
lighting ›››
page 33). Note
The reading lights switch off when the vehi-
cl e i
s locked using a key or after several mi-
nutes if the key is removed from the ignition.
This prevents the battery from discharging. 1)
Depending on the level of equipment fitted in the
vehic l
e, LEDs can be used for the following interior
lights: front courtesy light, rear courtesy light, foot-
well light, sun blind and glove compartment light. 147
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Visibility S u
n
visors Fig. 145
Sun visor Options for adjusting driver and front pas-
sen
g
er s
un visors:
● Lower the sun visor towards the wind-
scr
een.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its
mounting and t
urned towards the door
››› Fig. 145 1 .
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, lon-
git udin
al
ly backwards.
Vanity mirror light
There may be a vanity mirror, with a cover, on
the rear of the sun visor. When the cover is
opened 2 a light comes on. The lamp goes out when the vanity mirror
c
o
v
er is closed or the sun visor is pushed
back up. WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always store sun blinds and visors in their
hous in
g when not in use. Note
The light above the sun visor automatically
swit c
hes off after a few minutes in certain
conditions. This prevents the battery from
discharging. Sun blind*
3 App
lies to the model: LEON ST Fig. 146
Rear window: sun blind. Rear window sun blind*
– Pull out the visor and hook it into the hooks
in the c entre of
the top of the door frame
››› Fig. 146.
Windscreen wiper and window
wiper sys
tems
Window wiper lever Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 32 CAUTION
If the ignition is switched off with the wind-
sc r
een wipers active, they complete their
wipe before returning to the rest position.
Ice, snow and other obstacles on the wind-
screen may damage the wiper and the wind-
screen wiper motor.
● If necessary, remove snow and ice from the
winds
creen wipers before starting your jour-
ney.
● Carefully lift the frozen windscreen wipers
from the gla
ss. SEAT recommends a de-icer
spray for this operation.
● Do not switch on the windscreen wipers if
the winds
creen is dry. Cleaning with the
windscreen wipers while dry can cause dam-
age. 148

Seats and head restraints
Electric driver's seat adjustment* Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 19 WARNING
● If the el ectric
front seats are used negli-
gently or without paying due attention, it can
cause serious injury.
● The front seats can also be electrically ad-
just
ed when the ignition is switched off. Nev-
er leave a child or any other person who may
need help in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, electrical ad-
justment
can be stopped by pressing any
control. CAUTION
To avoid damaging the electrical components
of the fr ont
seats, please refrain from kneel-
ing on the seat or applying sharp pressure at
a single point to the seat cushion and back-
rest. Note
● It m a
y not be possible to electrically adjust
the seat if the vehicle battery is very low.
● If the engine is started while the seats are
being electric
ally adjusted, the adjustment
will stop. Adjusting the front head restraints
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 20
Adjust the head restraint ›››
page 20 so
that as far as possible the top of the head re-
straint is level with the top of your head.
When this is not possible, try to get as close
as possible to this position.
Adjustment of the rear head restraints Fig. 150
Rear centre head restraint: release
point . When transporting people in the back seat,
p
l
ac
e the head restraints of the occupied
seats at a minimum of the next socket up
››› .Adjusting the head restraints
– To set the head restraint higher, grasp the
side
s
with both hands and move it up-
wards, until you see it engage.
– To set the head restraint lower down, press
the 1
› ››
Fig. 150
b
utton and move it
downwards.
Removing the head restraint
To remove the head restraint, the correspond-
ing backrest must be partially folded forward. – Unlock the backrest ›››
page 156.
– Move the head restraint upwards until it ar-
rives
to the top.
– Press button 1
› ›
› Fig. 150
, while simulta-
neously pressing on the security hole 2 ›››
Fig. 150 with a fl at
screwdriver a maxi-
mum of 5 mm wide, and remove the head
restraint.
– Move the backrest until it engages properly
›› ›
.
Fittin g the he
a
d restraint
To mount the external head restraints, the
corresponding backrest must be partially fol-
ded forward.
– Unlock the backrest ›››
page 156.
– Insert the head restraint bars into the
guides u
ntil they perceptibly engage. It »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Fig. 162
Detailed view of the side trim in the
lugg 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 from the power socket ››› Fig. 161
.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance
into the pow
er socket.
In the luggage compartment (applies only to
the LEON ST model) – Lift the power socket cover ›››
Fig. 162.
– 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. USB power sockets
Depending on the equipment
and the coun-
try, the vehicle may also have USB connec-
tions exclusively for charging or as a power
socket.
These USB ports are located at the rear of the
console, between the front seats ››› Fig. 161
. These connectors can work at a maximum
power of up to 10.5 W per port.
They are not intended for file playback. 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 el
ectrical appliances with the
engine switched off will cause a battery dis-
charge.
● Should the connected appliance overheat,
immediately
switch it off and disconnect it
from the socket. ●
Bef or
e switching the ignition on or off, un-
plug the appliances from the USB ports to
protect them from any damage caused by
fluctuations in voltage. Storing objects
Lo a
ding the luggage compartment All luggage and other loose objects must be
saf
ely
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 167. 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. 160

Driving
WARNING
● Never ru n the en
gine in confined spaces, as
the exhaust gases are poisonous. CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and
extr eme lo
ad conditions until the engine has
reached its normal operating temperature,
otherwise this can damage the engine. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by idling it. You
shoul d driv
e off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This will help avoid unnecessary ex-
haust emissions. Note
● If it i
s difficult to turn the ignition key to
the position 1 , move the steering wheel to
both side s
to release the steering lock.
● When starting from cold, the engine may be
a little noisy
for the first few seconds until oil
pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve
lifters. This is quite normal, and no cause for
concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and
reconnect
ed, the key must remain in the posi-
tion 1 for around 5 seconds before starting
up.
● Vehic
les with automatic gearbox without
electronic
brake, depending on the country:
after switching off the ignition, you can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is
in pos
ition “P” (p
arking lock). Next, the se-
lector lever is locked. Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position
›› ›
Fig. 191 1 .
Eng agin
g the steering wheel lock
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in posi-
tion ›››
Fig. 191 1
› ›
› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gag
e.
P
ossible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch 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
injur
y.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could suddenly lock, making it impossible
to steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you
leav
e the vehicle. This is particularly impor-
tant if there are children in the vehicle, as
they might otherwise be able to start the en-
gine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause in-
juries. CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high
loa d f
or a long time, there is a risk of heat
building up in the engine compartment after
it has been switched off; this could cause en-
gine damage. For this reason, you should idle
the engine for approximately 2 minutes be-
fore you switch it off. Note
● Aft er the en
gine is switched off the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes, even if
the ignition is switched off. It is also possible
that the fan turns itself on once more if the
coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment
or due to its prolonged exposure to solar ra-
diation. » 179
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
If the v
ehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the vehi-
cle, otherwise the battery could discharge. Starter button*
Fig. 192
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: s
tarter button. Fig. 193
On the right of the steering column:
emerg ency
start. The vehicle engine can be started with a
s
t
ar
ter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats.
Opening the driver's door when exiting the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.
Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly push the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal ››› .
F or
v
ehicles with both manual and automatic
transmission, the starter button text START ENGINE STOP flashes like a heartbeat
when the sy s
t
em is preset for switching the
ignition on and off. Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver l
eaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is switched off automatically
after a certain time. If at that time the dipped
beam is on, the parking lights will stay on for
approx. 30 minutes. The side light can be
turned off by blocking the vehicle
››› page 125 or manually ››› page 140.
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat: ● Immediately after pushing the starter but-
ton, keep the
vehicle key next to the right
trim of the steering column ››› Fig. 193, as
close as possible to the Kessy logo.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
automatic
ally.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-
onds or pr
ess it once for more than 1 sec-
ond ››› .
180

Driving
● The en gine t
urn
s off automatically.
Engine restart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if: ● The driver's seat belt is not fastened,
● the driver does not step on any pedal,
● the driver door is opened.
After aut
omatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks
the vehicle or manually turns off the light, the
side light goes out. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
re s
ult in serious injury. ●
When swit c
hing on the ignition, do not
press the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise
the engine could start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c ar
e, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exitin
g. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
● Bef or
e leaving the vehicle, always discon-
nect the ignition manually and, if appropri-
ate, take into account the instructions on the
screen of the dash panel.
● If the vehicle is stationary for a long time
with the ignition on, the v
ehicle battery
might be discharged and it might not be pos-
sible to start the engine.
● In diesel vehicles, there may be a delay in
the engine st
arting if it requires preheating.
● If during the STOP phase you press the
STAR
T ENGINE STOP button, the ignition is
swit c
hed off and the button flashes.
● If the indication “Start-Stop system deacti-
vated:
Start the engine manually” is dis-
played on the dash panel display, the START ENGINE STOP button will blink. Starting the engine
3 Valid for vehicles: with starter button
StepStarting the engine with the starter
button
››› page 180.
1.Press and hold the brake pedal until step 5
is performed.
1a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: press
and hold the clutch down until the engine
starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selec-
tor lever in position P or N.
3.
Briefly press the starter button ››› Fig. 192
without pressing the accelerator. For the en-
gine to start there must be a valid key in the
vehicle.
After starting the engine, the light of the START ENGINE STOP
button changes to a fixed
light indicating that the engine has started.
4.
If the engine does not start, stop and wait for
approx. 1 minute before trying again. If nec-
essary, perform an emergency start
››› page 180.
5.Disconnect the parking brake when you are
about to start driving ››› page 183. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, e s
pecially if a gear or gear range is en-
gaged. The vehicle could then suddenly move
or something strange could happen that
would cause damage, fire or serious injury. » 181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
fastened, an y
of the following situations take
place:
● On vehicles with an automatic gearbox: A
gear r
ange is engaged or the vehicle is
switched to another one and the accelerator
pedal is lightly pressed.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: The
clutc
h pedal is pressed fully before starting
off and the accelerator is pedal lightly press-
ed.
● To facilitate certain manoeuvres there are
exc
eptions that allow the automatic parking
brake to be released without the driver's seat
belt being fastened.
The parking brake can be prevented from be-
ing automatically released by continuously
pulling up the ››› Fig. 195 switch when
starting off.
The electronic parking brake is not discon-
nected until the button is released. This
can facilitate starting off when a heavy load
is towed ››› page 246.
Automatic activation of the electronic park-
ing brake when exiting the vehicle incorrect-
ly
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the
electronic parking brake is activated auto-
matically when exiting the vehicle incorrectly
if: ●
The selector l
ever is in the D/S or R posi-
tion or in the Tiptronic selector gate.
● AND: the vehicle is stationary.
● AND: the driv
er door is
open.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency brake function if you
are unable to stop the vehicle with the foot
brake ››› .
● Pull and hold the › ›
›
Fig. 195 button in
this position to forcefully stop the vehicle. At
the same time, an acoustic warning can be
heard.
● To stop the braking process, release the
button or pr
ess the accelerator. WARNING
The improper use of the electronic parking
brak e c
an cause accidents and serious injury.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to
stop the
vehicle, unless it is an emergency.
The braking distance may be considerably
longer. Always use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine when a
gear r
ange or a gear is engaged and the en-
gine is running. The vehicle could move, even
if the electronic parking brake is activated. CAUTION
To prevent the vehicle from unintentionally
mov in
g when parking it, first apply the elec- tronic parking brake and then remove your
foot
fr
om the brake pedal. Note
● In vehic
les with a manual gearbox, releas-
ing the clutch and accelerating at the same
time automatically disconnects the electronic
parking brake.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be
poss
ible to disconnect the electronic parking
brake. Use the jump-start ›››
page 70.
● When the electronic parking brake is ap-
plied or rel
eased, noises may be heard.
● The system performs automatic and audi-
ble t
ests sporadically in the parked vehicle if
some time elapses without the electronic
parking brake being used. Using the handbrake
Fig. 196
Handbrake between the front seats.184