Safety
Transporting children safely Saf ety
f
or children
Introduction Before transporting babies and children in a
chi
l
d seat placed in the front passenger seat,
first completely read the information regard-
ing the airbag system.
This information is extremely important for
driver and passenger safety, particularly that
of babies and children.
SEAT recommends the use of child seats from
the SEAT accessory programme. These child
seats have been designed and tested for use
in SEAT vehicles. You can purchase child
seats with different mountings from a SEAT
dealership. WARNING
Make sure children are properly belted in and
corr ectly
secured to avoid severe or fatal inju-
ries while the vehicle is in motion.
● Never use a rear-facing child seat in the
front p
assenger seat if the front passenger
front airbag is enabled.
● Children up to 12 years old should always
travel
on the rear seat. ●
Chil dr
en must always be protected with an
approved child restraint system suited to
their height and weight.
● Children must assume the proper sitting
position and be pr
operly belted in while trav-
elling.
● Ensure the seat backrest is upright when a
chil
d seat is being used on it.
● Do not allow the child's head or other part
of his
or her body to enter the deployment
area of the side airbags.
● Make sure the belt webbing is correctly
positioned.
● Nev
er hold children or babies on your lap or
in your arms.
● On
ly one child may occupy a child seat.
● Please read and observe the child seat
manufact
urer's handling instructions. WARNING
An empty or loose child seat could fly uncon-
tro l
lably around the vehicle interior and
cause injuries in the event of an accident or
sudden braking.
● When not in use while the vehicle is in mo-
tion, alwa
ys safely secure the child seat or
store it in the luggage compartment. Note
Replace the child seat after an accident, as it
ma y
have invisible damage. Important information regarding the
fr
ont
p
assenger's airbag Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 16.
Read and always observe the safety informa-
tion included in the following chapters: ● Safety distance with respect to the passen-
ger airbag ›
›› in Introduction on page 59.
● Objects between the passenger and the
pa s
senger side airbag ››› in Front airbags
on p ag
e 61
.
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 63.
When transporting children, use a child seat
suitable for the age and size of each child
››› page 67.
64
Transporting children safely
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 63. 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.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap,
this c
an 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
t
o 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 52.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat
›››
page 67.
● When a child seat is mounted in the rear
seats, the door c
hild-proof lock should be ac-
tivated ››› page 99. Child seats
Saf ety
in
structions Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 16. WARNING
The lower anchor points for child seats do not
include rin g
s. Only secure booster seats to
lower anchor points. WARNING
Child seats with lower anchor points and with
an upper r et
aining strap must be installed in
line with the manufacturer's instructions.
Failure to comply could result in severe inju-
ries.
● Always secure just one r
etaining strap to a
child seat with the luggage compartment re-
taining ring.
● Always use the correct retaining rings for
the retainin
g strap.
● Never secure the retaining strap to a retain-
er. WARNING
In general, the rear seat is always the safest
pl ac
e for children, who are belted correctly, in
the event of an accident.
● A suitable child seat that is correctly instal-
led and used on one of
the rear seats offer » 65
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Transporting children safely
General information on transporting
c hi
l
dren in the vehicle Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 17.
Legal regulations and provisions will always
take priority over the descriptions of this in-
struction manual. There are different regula-
tions and provisions for the use of child seats
and their mountings ( ››› table on page 67).
In some countries, for example, the use of
child seats on certain seats in the vehicle
may be forbidden.
The physical principles and the forces acting
on the vehicle in the event of a collision or
other type of accidents also apply to children
››› page 52. However, unlike adults and
youngsters, children do not have fully devel-
oped muscle and bone structures. In the
event of an accident, children are subject to a
greater risk than adults of sustaining severe
injuries.
Given that children's bodies are not yet fully
developed, child restraint systems must be
used that are especially adapted to their
height, weight and constitution. There are
laws in force in many countries that indicate the use of approved seat systems for trans-
portin
g b
abies and children.
Only used authorised, approved child seats
that are suitable for the vehicle. Always con-
sult with a SEAT dealership or a Specialised
workshop should you have any doubts.
Specific child seat regulations for each coun-
try (selection)
Child seats must comply with the ECE-R 44 1)
regulation. You can get additional informa-
tion by consulting your SEAT dealership or at
the internet address www.seat.es. Categorisation of child seats according to
ECE
-R 44
Weight cat-egoryWeight ofthe childAge
Group 0up to 10 kgup to approximately. 9 months
Group 0+up to 13 kgup to approximately.18 months
Group 19 to 18 kgapprox. 8 months to31
/ 2 years
Group 215 to 25 kgapprox. 3 to 7 years
Group 322 to 36 kgapprox. 6 to 12 years Not all children fit in the seat of their weight
gr
oup
. Nor do al
l seats adapt to the vehicle.
Therefore, always check whether the child fits
properly in the child seat and whether the
seat can be installed safely in the vehicle.
Child seats approved under the ECE-R 44 reg-
ulation are fitted with the corresponding ap-
proval symbol. The sign is an upper-case E in
a circle with the identification number below
it. 1)
ECE-R: Economic Comi
ssion for Europe Regulation.
67
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Safety
Use of the child seat on the front pas-
sen g
er se
at1) Transporting children on the front passenger
seat
i
s not permitted in all countries. Further-
more, not all child seats are approved for use
on the front passenger seat. Your SEAT deal-
ership has an updated list of all approved
child seats. Only used child seats that are ap-
proved for each vehicle.
The front airbag on the front passenger side
is highly dangerous for a child. The front pas-
senger seat is life-threatening to a child if he
or she is transported in a rear-facing child
seat.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the
front passenger seat, an inflating front airbag
can strike it with such great force that severe
or fatal injuries may result ››› . Therefore,
r e
ar
-facing child seats must never be placed
on the front passenger seat when the front
passenger front airbag is enabled.
Only use a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat if the front passenger front
airbag is disabled. When it is disabled, the
yellow ›››
page 58 con-
trol lamp on the dash panel will be lit. If you
cannot disable the front passenger front air- bag and it remains activated, it is forbidden
to tran
sport children on the front passenger
seat ››› .
Thin g
s
to note if using a child seat on the
front passenger seat:
● The front passenger front airbag must
be
disabled when using a rear-facing child
seat ››› page 58.
● The seat backrest of the front passenger
seat mu
st be upright.
● The front passenger seat must be moved as
far bac
k as possible.
● A height-adjustable front passenger seat
must
be raised to its highest point.
Suitable child seats
The child seat must be authorised by the
manufacturer especially for use on a front
passenger seat with a front or side airbag.
Universal seats for children can be fitted in
the front passenger seat, in groups 0, 0+, 1,
2 or 3 according to the ECE-R 44 regulation. WARNING
If a child seat is mounted on the front passen-
ger se at, the ri
sk of the child sustaining se- vere or fatal injuries in the event of an acci-
dent inc
r
eases. Rear-facing child seats must
never be mounted on the front passenger
seat when the front passenger front airbag is
enabled. This is life-threatening to the child
should the front airbag deploy, as the child
seat would be struck by the inflated airbag
and thrown against the seat backrest. WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, a child must
be tr ans
ported in a rear-facing child seat on
the front passenger seat, strictly observe the
following:
● Always disable the front passenger front
airbag and le
ave it disabled.
● The child seat must be approved by the
manufact
urer for use on a front passenger
seat with front and side airbag.
● Follow the installation instructions of the
chil
d seat manufacturer and observe the
warnings.
● Move the front passenger seat as far back
as po
ssible and adjust it to its highest posi-
tion to keep as far away as possible from the
front airbag.
● Move the seat backrest to the upright posi-
tion. 1)
Compliance with current national legislation and
the manuf act
urer's instructions is required when us-
ing or installing child seats.
68
Transporting children safely
●
Chil dr
en must always be protected with an
approved child restraint system suited to
their height and weight. Use of the child seat on the rear seat
If a child seat is mounted on the rear seat,
ad
apt
the position of the front passenger
seat so that the child has enough space.
Therefore, adapt the front passenger seat to
the size of the child seat and the height of
the child. Ensure the passenger is in the cor-
rect position ››› page 48.
Suitable child seats
The manufacturer must authorise the child
seat for use in the rear seats with side air-
bags.
Universal seats for children can be fitted in
the passenger seat, in groups 0, 0+, 1, 2 or 3
according to the ECE-R 44 regulation.
The rear seats are suitable for child seats
with the ISOFIX system specially designed
for this type of vehicle in accordance with
regulation ECE-R 44.
ISOFIX child seats approved for rear seats
ISOFIX child seats are divided into the follow-
ing certified categories: “universal”, “semi-
universal” or “specific categories for the ve-
hicle”. ●
If the ISOFIX c
hild seat is certified “univer-
sal”, it must be supported by the lower an-
chor points and the Top Tether retaining
strap.
● If the ISOFIX child seat is certified “semi-
univer
sal” or “specific categories for the ve-
hicle”, check that the child seat is certified
for the vehicle before employing it. The child
seat manufacturer supplies, in addition to
the ISOFIX child seat, a list of vehicles for
which the corresponding ISOFIX child seat
has been certified. If necessary, contact the
child seat manufacturer for an updated list of
vehicles.
69Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Lights and visibility
●
In some v ehic
les, the brake lights will flash
when braking abruptly at speeds of approxi-
mately 80 km/h (50 mph) to warn vehicles
travelling behind. If braking continues, the
hazard warning lights system will automati-
cally be turned on at a speed of less than ap-
proximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake
lights remain lit. Upon accelerating, the haz-
ard warning lights will be automatically
turned off. Adjusting the headlights
In those countries where vehicles drive on
the other s
ide of
the r
oad to the home coun-
try, the asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle
drivers of oncoming vehicles.
For this reason, stickers may be needed to
cover the headlights when driving abroad.
For further information, please refer to a spe-
cialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting
a technical service. Note
The use of stickers to cover headlights is only
permitted o v
er a short period. To modify the
direction of the headlamps more permanent-
ly, please take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service. Headlight range control, lighting of
the in
s
trument
panel and controls Fig. 111
Next to the steering wheel: Head-
light r
an
ge control Headlamp height adjustment
The he
a
dlight
range control ››› Fig. 111 is
modified according to the value of the head-
light beam and the vehicle load status. This
offers the driver optimum visibility and the
headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers
››› .
The he a
dlights
can only be adjusted when
the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch ››› Fig. 111:
ValueVehicle load status a)
–Two front occupants, luggage compart-
ment empty
To reset, turn switch
››› Fig. 111:
ValueVehicle load status a)
1All seats occupied, luggage compartment
empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment
full.
3Driver only, luggage compartment full
a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the
table, it is possible to select intermediary positions.
Instrument and switch lighting
When the side lights or dipped beam head-
lights are switched on, the lighting for instru-
ments and controls lights up at a constant
brightness. WARNING
Heavy objects in the back of vehicle may
cau se he
adlight dazzle and distract other
drivers. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load
stat
us so that it does not blind other drivers. Luggage compartment light
The light is activated when the rear lid is
open, ev
en when the ignition and lights
ar
e
turned off. For this reason, ensure that the
rear lid is always closed. 107
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Seats and head restraints
Adju s
tin
g the seat and head re-
straints
Manual front seat adjustment Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 12 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 48. WARNING
● Adjus t
the front seats only when the vehi-
cle is stationary. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.
● Be careful when adjusting the seat height.
Carel
ess or uncontrolled adjustment can
cause injuries.
● The front seat backrests must not be re-
clined for driv
ing. Otherwise, seat belts and
the airbag system might not protect as they
should in case of an accident, increasing risk
of injury. Removing and fitting the rear head re-
s
tr
aint
s Fig. 119
Removing the rear head restraint The rear seats are equipped with a head re-
s
tr
aint
.
Removing the rear head restraint.
● Unlock the seat backrest and fold it forward
›››
page 123.
● Push the head restraint up as far as it will
go ››
› .
● Pull the head restraint out of the fitting
w ithout
r
eleasing the button ››› Fig. 119 1 .
● Fold the backrest of the rear seat backward
ag ain u
nti
l it is engaged.
● Safely store the removed head restraints.
Fitting the re
ar head restraint
● Unlock the seat backrest and fold it forward
›››
page 123. ●
Insert
the head restraint into the guides on
the seat backrest.
● Push the head restraint down as far as it
wil
l go while pressing button 1 .
● Fold the backrest of the rear seat backward
ag ain u
nti
l it is engaged.
● Adjust the head restraint to the correct po-
sition ››
› page 51. WARNING
Travelling with the head restraints removed
or improperly a
djusted increases the risk of
severe or fatal injuries in the event of acci-
dents and sudden braking or manoeuvres.
● Always fit and adjust the head restraint
properly whenev
er a person is occupying a
seat.
● Refit any removed head restraints immedi-
ately so th
at passengers are properly protec-
ted. CAUTION
When removing and fitting the head restraint,
mak e s
ure it does not hit the headliner of the
vehicle or the front seat backrest. Otherwise,
the interior roof and other parts of the vehicle
could be damaged. 112
Transport and practical equipment
WARNING
Driving with the rear lid unlocked or open
cou l
d cause serious injuries.
● Always drive with the rear lid closed.
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Loose
items c
ould fall out of the vehicle and injure
other road users or damage other vehicles.
● Drive particularly carefully and think
ahead.
● A
void sudden manoeuvres and braking giv-
en that thi
s could cause an uncontrolled
movement of the open rear lid.
● When transporting objects that protrude
out of the lug
gage compartment, indicate
them suitably. Observe legal requirements.
● If objects must project out of the luggage
compar
tment, the rear lid must never be used
to “secure” or “attach” objects.
● If a baggage rack is fitted on the rear lid, it
should be r
emoved before travelling with the
rear lid open. WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior
when the re ar lid i
s open. This could cause
loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poi-
soning, serious injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle al-
way
s drive with the rear lid closed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must
drive with the r
ear lid open, observe the fol- lowing to reduce the entry of toxic gases in-
side the
v
ehicle:
– Close all windows.
– Disable air recirculation mode.
– Open all of the air outlets on the instru-
ment panel.
– Switch on the blower to maximum. CAUTION
An open boot hatch changes the length and
height of the
vehicle. Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded
v
ehic
l
e, note the following:
● Secure all objects ›››
page 114.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driv-
ing with a r
oof carrier system ››› page 127. WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the
st ab
ility and safety of the vehicle resulting in
an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move. ●
When tran s
porting heavy objects, use suit-
able ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position. Practical equipment
Introduction Storage compartments must only be used to
st
or
e light or small objects. WARNING
In the event of sudden braking movements or
turn s, loo
se objects may be thrown around
the vehicle interior. This could cause serious
injuries to passengers and cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle.
● Do not transport animals or place hard,
heavy or sh
arp objects inside the vehicle in:
open storage compartments, dash panel, rear
shelf, items of clothing or bags.
● While driving, always keep object compart-
ments c
losed. WARNING
Objects falling into the driver's footwell could
prev ent
use of the pedals. This could lead the
driver to lose control of the vehicle, increas-
ing the risk of a serious accident. » 115
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety