Transporting children safely
Transporting children safely Saf ety
f
or children
Introduction For safety reasons, as we have learned from
acc
ident
statistics, we recommend that chil-
dren under 12 years of age travel in the rear
seats. Depending on their age, height and
weight, children travelling in rear seats must
use a child seat or a seat belt. For safety rea-
sons, the child seat should be installed in the
rear seat, behind the front passenger seat or
in the centre back seat.
The physical laws involved and the forces
acting in a collision apply also to children
››› page 82. But unlike adults, children do not
have fully developed muscle and bone struc-
tures. This means that children are subject to
a greater risk of injury.
To reduce the risk of injuries, children must
always use special child restraint systems
when travelling in the vehicle.
We recommend the use of child safety prod-
ucts from the SEAT Original Accessories Pro-
gramme, which includes systems for all ages
made by “Peke” (not for all countries).
These systems have been especially de-
signed and approved, complying with the
ECE-R44. regulation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and
ob
ser
ve any statutory requirements when in-
stalling and using child seats. Always read
and note ››› page 91.
We recommend you always carry the manu-
facturer's Child Seat Instruction Manual to-
gether with the on-board documentation.
Important information regarding the
front p
assenger's airbag Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 25.
Read and always observe the safety informa-
tion included in the following chapters:
● Safety distance with respect to the passen-
ger airbag ›
›› page 85.
● Objects between the passenger and the
pas
senger side airbag ››› in Front airbags
on p ag
e 87
.
The passenger side front airbag, when ena-
bled, is a serious risk for a child that is facing
backward since the airbag can strike the seat
with such force that it can cause serious or
fatal injuries. Children up to 12 years old
should always travel on the rear seat.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to
transport children on the rear seats. This is
the safest location in the vehicle. Alternative-
ly, the front passenger airbag can be disa- bled with a key-operated switch
›››
page 89.
When transporting children, use a child seat
suitable for the age and size of each child
››› page 92. WARNING
● If a c hi
ld seat is secured to the front pas-
senger seat, the risk to the child of sustain-
ing critical or fatal injuries in the event of an
accident increases.
● An inflating front passenger airbag can
strike the r
ear-facing child seat and project it
with great force against the door, the roof or
the backrest.
● Never install a child seat facing backwards
on the front p
assenger seat unless the front
passenger front airbag has been disabled.
Risk of potentially fatal injuries to the child!
However, if it is necessary, in exceptional ca-
ses, to transport a child in the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger front airbag
must always be disabled ››› page 90. If the
passenger seat has a height adjustment op-
tion, move it to the highest, most upright po-
sition. If you have a fixed seat, do not install
any child restraint system in this location.
● For those vehicles that do not include a key
lock sw
itch to deactivate the airbag, the vehi-
cle must be taken to a technical service.
● All vehicle occupants, especially children,
must
assume the proper sitting position and
be properly belted in while travelling. » 91
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Safety
●
Never ho l
d children or babies on your lap,
this can result in potentially fatal injuries to
the child!
● Never allow a child to be transported in a
vehicl
e without being properly secured, or to
stand up or kneel on a seat while travelling.
In an accident, the child could be flung
through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal in-
juries to themselves and to the other vehicle
occupants.
● If children assume an improper sitting posi-
tion when the vehic
le is moving, they expose
themselves to greater risk of injury in the
event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an
accident. This is particularly important if the
child is travelling on the front passenger seat
and the airbag system is triggered in an acci-
dent; as this could cause serious injury or
even death.
● A suitable child seat can protect your child!
● Never leave a child alone in the child seat
or inside the
vehicle because depending on
the season, very high temperatures may be
reached inside a parked vehicle, which could
be fatal.
● Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall
must
not wear a normal seat belt without a
child seat, as this could cause injuries to the
abdominal and neck areas during a sudden
braking manoeuvre or in an accident.
● Do not allow the seat belt to become twis-
ted and the seat
belt should be properly in
place ››› page 80.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat
›››
page 92, Child seats. ●
When a chi l
d seat is mounted in the rear
seats, the door child-proof lock should be ac-
tivated ››› page 133. Child seats
Safety in
structions Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 25. 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 91. 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 Regulation.
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)
92
Transporting children safely
Group 3: Fr om 22 to 36 kg (over around 7
y e
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. 93
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
should not be possible to remove the head
r e
s
traint from the backrest.
– Move the backrest until it engages properly
›››
.
WARNING
● Ple a
se observe the general notes
››› page 78.
● Remove the rear head restraints only when
it is
necessary for the placement of a child
seat ››› page 91. After removing a child seat,
remount the head restraint immediately.
Travelling with the head restraints removed
or improperly adjusted increases the risk of
severe injuries. Seat functions
Intr oduction WARNING
Inappropriate use of the seat functions can
cau se sev
ere injuries.
● Assume the proper sitting position before
your trip and rem
ain in it throughout. This al-
so applies to the other occupants.
● Always keep hands, fingers, feet and other
part
s of the body away from the operating ra-
dius and the adjustment of seats. Seat heating
Fig. 151
In the centre console: front seats
he atin
g sw
itch The seat cushions can be heated electrically
when the ignition i
s
sw
itched on. The back-
rest is also heated in some versions.
The seat heating should not be engaged in
any of the following conditions:
● The seat is unoccupied.
● The seat has a covering.
● There is a child seat installed in the seat.
● The seat cushion is wet or damp.
● The indoor or outdoor temperature is great-
er than 25°C (77°F).
A
ctivate
Press the button or . Seat heating is
switched on fully. Adjusting the heating output
Pres
s the button or repeatedly until the
desired intensity level is reached.
Deactivating
Press the button or until all warning
lamps switch off. WARNING
People who, because of medications, paraly-
si s
or chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes) cannot
perceive pain or temperature, or have a limi-
ted perception thereof, may suffer burns to
the back, buttocks or legs when using seat
heating, an occurrence that may entail a very
lengthy recovery period or from which it may
not be possible to recover fully. Seek medical
advice if you have doubts regarding your
health.
● People with limited pain and temperature
thresho
lds must never use seat heating. WARNING
If the fabric of the cushion is wet, this can ad-
ver sely
affect the operation of the seat heat-
ing, increasing the risk of burns.
● Make sure the seat cushion is dry prior to
usin
g the seat heater.
● Do not sit on the seat with clothing that is
wet or d
amp.
● Do not leave clothing that is wet or damp
on the seat. 154
Seats and head restraints
●
Do not s pi
ll liquid on the seat. CAUTION
● To av oid d
amaging the heating elements of
the seat heaters, please do not kneel on the
seat or apply sharp pressure to a single point
on the seat cushion or backrest.
● Liquids, sharps objects and insulating ma-
teria
ls (e.g. covers or child seats) can damage
the seat heating.
● In the event of smells, switch off the seat
heating immedi
ately and have it inspected by
a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should remain on only when
needed. Otherw i
se, it is an unnecessary fuel
waste. Front centre armrest
The centre armrest can be adjusted to various
l
ev
el
s.
Adjusting the centre armrest – To adjust the tilt, lift the armrest from the
star
ting position so that it is engaged.
– To return the armrest to the starting posi-
tion, remov
e the armrest from the upper
fixed position and lower it. The armrest can be moved backwards and
forw
ards.
Folding down the passenger seat
back
rest* 3 Applies to the model: LEON / LEON ST
Fig. 152
Front passenger seat: lever for fold-
in g do
wn the b
ackrest. The front passenger seat can be folded down
t
o inc
r
ease the storage space.
● Pull lever 1
› ›
› Fig. 152
and push the seat
backrest 2 until the backrest is horizontal.
WARNING
When the front passenger seat is folded
down it c
annot be occupied. Folding down and raising the rear seat
b
ac
k
rest 3 Applies to the model: LEON/LEON SC
Fig. 153
Clip to support the seat belt. Fig. 154
Backrest release lever. The backrests can be folded forward individu-
al
ly
or t
ogether. »
155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Folding the backrest forwards
– Place the side seat belts in the trim clip
› ›
›
Fig. 153.
– Slide the head restraint(s) downwards
›››
page 153.
– Press the release lever ›››
Fig. 154 1 in the
dir ection of
the arr
ow.
– Fold the backrest forwards.
Conv
erting the table to a seat
– Raise the backrest until it engages in its
upright pos
ition ››› . The red marking on
the t ab
›
›
› Fig. 154 2 should no longer be
v i
s
ible when the backrest is properly se-
cured. WARNING
The safe driving chapter contains important
inform ation, tip
s, suggestions and warnings
that you should read and observe for your
own safety and the safety of your passengers
››› page 74. WARNING
● Mak e s
ure 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
latc
hed so that objects stored in the luggage compartment will not fly forward through the
interior durin
g s
udden braking. CAUTION
● With the b ac
krest inclined there is a danger
of damaging the rear head restraints when
adjusting the front seats backwards.
● When folding the backrest forwards, make
sure t
o 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
b
ac
k
rest 3 App
lies to the model: LEON ST Fig. 155
On the rear seat backrest: release
c at
c
h 1 ; red mark
2 . Fig. 156
In the luggage compartment: levers
for r emot
e release of the left part 1 and right
par t
2 of the rear seat backrest.
The rear seat backrest is split and each part
be lo
w
er
ed 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 un-
lock button
● Lower the head restraint properly.
● Push the unlock button ›››
Fig. 155 1 for-
w ar
d
s and at the same time lift the backrest.
● The rear seat backrest is not engaged when
the red mark
ing of the button 2 is visible.
L o
w
ering the rear seat backrest with the re-
mote release lever
● Lower the head restraint properly.
156
Transport and practical equipment
● Open the r e
ar lid.
● P
ull the remote release lever of the left part
›››
Fig. 156 1 or right part
2 of the backrest
in the dir ection of
the arr
ow. The released
part of the rear seat backrest is folded auto-
matically down and forwards.
● If this occurs, close the rear lid.
The rear se
at backrest is not engaged when
the red marking of the button ››› Fig. 155 2 is visible.
F
o
l
ding up the rear seat backrest
● Lift the backrest and press it firmly into the
lock u
ntil it engages ››› .
● It should not be possible to see the red
m ark
of
the unlock button 2 .
● The backrest must be properly engaged. WARNING
Serious injuries can be caused if the rear seat
bac k
rest is lowered or lifted without due care
and attention.
● Never lower or lift the rear seat backrest
while driv
ing.
● Do no trap or damage the seat belt when
rais
ing the rear seat backrest.
● When lowering or lifting the rear seat back-
res
t, keep your hands, fingers, feet and other
body parts out of its path.
● For the rear seat belts to offer the necessa-
ry pr
otection all the parts of the rear backrest must be properly engaged. This is particular-
ly impor
t
ant in the case of the centre rear
seat. If someone is seated in a seat whose
backrest is not properly engaged they will fly
forward, along with the backrest, during an
accident or a sudden driving or braking ma-
noeuvre.
● 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. 157
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 han-
dle of the cover ››› Fig. 157.
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. » 157
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety