Seat Leon ST 2013 Owner's Manual
OWNER’S
MANUAL
Leon
Foreword
This Instruction Manual and its corresponding supplements should be read carefully to familiarise yourself
with your vehicle.
Besides the regular care and maintenance of the vehicle, its correct handling will help preserve its value.
For safety reasons, always note the information concerning accessories, modifications and part replacements.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the on-board documentation to the new owner, as it should be kept with the
vehicle.
Table of Contents
About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sitting position for vehicle occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Controls and displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Instruments and warning/control lamps . . . . 61
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Introduction to the Easy Connect system* . . . 79
System settings (CAR)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Rear lid (luggage compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Panoramic sliding sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Sun protection equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Windscreen wiper and rear wiper systems . . . . . 120
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Seats and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Heating, ventilation, cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Kick-down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Hill driving assistant* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Start-Stop system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox* . . . 173
Driver assistance systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Monitoring system Front Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Lane Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
SEAT Drive Modes* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Tiredness detection (break recommendation)* . 213
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Electro-mechanical steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Progressive steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Information recorded in the control units . . . . . . 228
3Table of Contents
4 Table of Contents
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Running in the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Driving through flooded roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Installation of exhaust gas filtration systems . . . 230
Economic and ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Environmental friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Retrofitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Care and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Care of vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Care of the vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Windscreen washer reservoir and wiper blades . 262
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle 272
Accessories, replacement parts and repairs . . . . 272
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Radio transmitters and business equipment . . . 272
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 286
Fuses and bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Changing bulbs in headlight unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Changing bulb for front fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Changing tail light bulbs (on side panel) . . . . . . 299
Changing tail light bulbs (on rear lid) . . . . . . . . . 301
Changing number plate light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . 303
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Important . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Filling capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
About this manual
What you should know before reading this manual
This manual contains a description of the equipment supplied with the vehicle at the time of press. Some of the equipment hereunder described will
not be available until a later date, or is only available in certain markets.
Because this is a general manual for the LEON range, some of the equipment and functions that are described in this manual are not included in all
types or variants of the model; they may vary or be modified in accordance
with technical or market requirements; this cannot be interpreted as dishonest advertising.
The illustrations are intended as a general guide and may vary from the
equipment fitted in your vehicle in some details.
The direction indications (left, right, front, rear) appearing in this manual refer to the normal forward working direction of the vehicle except when otherwise indicated.
The equipment marked with an asterisk* is fitted as standard only in
certain versions, and is only supplied as optional extras for some versions, or are only offered in certain countries.
All registered marks are indicated with ®. Although the copyright sym-
®
bol does not appear, it is a copyrighted mark.
The section is continued on the following page.
Marks the end of a section.
WARNING
Texts preceded by this symbol contain information on safety. They warn
you about possible dangers of accident or injury.
CAUTION
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to potential sources of damage
to your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts preceded by this symbol contain relevant information concerning environmental protection.
Note
Texts preceded by this symbol contain additional information.
5About this manual
6 Content
Content
This manual is structured to provide the information you need in an organised way. The content of this Manual is divided into sections which belong
to chapters (e.g. “Air conditioning”). The entire manual is divided into five
large parts which are:
1. Safety First
Information about the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as
seat belts, airbags, seats, etc.
2. Operating instructions
Information about the distribution of controls in the driver position of your
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, about how to create a suitable climate in the vehicle interior, etc.
3. Practical Tips
Advice relating to the driving, caring and maintenance of your vehicle and
certain problems you can solve yourself.
4. Technical specifications
Figures, values and the dimensions of your vehicle.
5. Alphabetic index
At the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will
help you to quickly find the information you require.
Safety First
Safe driving
7Safe driving
Brief introduction
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is a part of the occupant protection
Dear SEAT Driver
Safety first!
This chapter contains important information, tips, suggestions and
warnings that you should read and consider for both your own
safety and for your passengers' safety.
WARNING
● This manual contains important information about the operation of
the vehicle, both for the driver and the passengers. The other sections of
the on-board documentation also contain further information that you
should be aware of for your own safety and for the safety of your passengers.
● Ensure that the onboard documentation is kept in the vehicle at all
times. This is especially important when lending or selling the vehicle to
another person.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
system and can reduce the risk of injury in the event of accident.
Never put your safety or the safety of your passengers in danger. In the
event of an accident, the safety equipment may reduce the risk of injury.
The following list includes most of the safety equipment in your SEAT:
● Three-point seat belts
● Belt tension limiters for the front and rear side seats
● Belt tensioners for the front seats
● Front airbags
● knee airbags,
● Side airbags in the front seat backrests
● Side airbags in the rear seat backrests*
● Curtain airbags
● ISOFIX anchor points for child seats in the rear side seats with the ISOFIX
system,
● Height-adjustable front head restraints
● Rear head restraints with in-use position and non-use position
● Adjustable steering column
The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in the event of an accident. However, these safety systems can only be effective if you and your
8 Safe driving
passengers are sitting in a correct position and use this equipment properly.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important, how it protects you, what you have to consider when using it and how
you and your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the
safety equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you
and your passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!
Before starting every trip
The driver is always responsible for the safety of the passengers and the safe operation of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals are working
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the
surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured ⇒ page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and rear vision mirrors properly
according to your size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒ page 15
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to
their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly ap-
plied seat belts ⇒ page 48.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers al-
so to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒ page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to
fasten their seat belts properly. ⇒ page 20.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style
and the personal behaviour of all vehicle occupants.
As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any circumstance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road
⇒
, for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by pas-
sengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medi-
cation, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate for road, traffic and
weather conditions.
– When travelling long distances, take breaks regularly - at least
every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip, the risk of injury and accidents increases.
9Safe driving
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
10 Safe driving
Sitting position for vehicle occupants
Introduction
WARNING
● The front seats, head restraints and seat belts must always be adjusted to the size of the vehicle occupant to provide you and your passengers with the greatest possible protection.
● Ensure your correct sitting position before setting off, and do not
change this during the journey. Also advise your passengers to ensure
their correct sitting positions not to be changed.
● A vehicle occupant sitting in an incorrect position is at risk of serious
injury in the event that an airbag is activated.
● If the passengers in the rear seats are not sitting in an upright position, they are more likely to be injured due to the incorrect position of the
seat belts.
● It is important that the driver keeps at a minimum of 25 cm from the
steering wheel. It is important that the passenger keeps at a minimum of
25 cm from the dash panel. The airbag system will not be able to give the
required protection if the minimum distance is not observed. This can
cause a risk of fatal injury!
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside part at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel or along its interior edge). In such cases,
if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands
and head.
● The backrests must not be reclined too far back while driving. This
could limit the effect of the seat belts and the airbag system. Risk of injury!
WARNING (Continued)
● Objects must not be placed in the footwell, as they could move to the
area of the pedals in the event of a braking manoeuvre or change of direction. This would prevent the clutch, brake or accelerator from being
pressed.
● Always keep your feet on the footwell when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, on the window or on the seat! An incorrect sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in case
of a sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could
sustain severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position!
11Safe driving
Correct sitting position for driver
The correct sitting position for the driver is important for
safe and relaxed driving.
Fig. 1 The correct distance between driver and
steering wheel
Fig. 2 Correct head restraint position for driver
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of
an accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the driver:
– Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least
25 cm between the steering wheel and the centre of your chest
⇒ Fig. 1.
– Move the driver seat forwards or backwards so that you are able
to press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor
with your knees still slightly angled ⇒
.
– Ensure that you can reach the highest point of the steering
wheel without lifting your back from the seat.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same
level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the
same level as the top of your head ⇒ Fig. 2.
– Move the seat backrest to an upright position so that your back
rests completely against it.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ⇒ page 20.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle un-
der control at all times.
Adjustment of the driver seat ⇒ page 129.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
12 Safe driving
WARNING
● An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.
● Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between
the centre of the chest and the centre of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 1. If
you are sitting closer than 25 cm, the airbag system cannot protect you
properly.
● If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a specialised workshop. The workshop
will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This reduces
the risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.
● Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any
other manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if
the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and
head.
● To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeuvres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The
airbag system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when
the backrest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her
seat belt correctly. The further the seat backrests are tilted to the rear,
the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web
or to the incorrect sitting position!
● Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.
Correct sitting position for front passenger
The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the
dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest possible protection in the event that it is triggered.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of
an accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front
passenger:
– Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible ⇒
– Move the seat backrest to an upright position so that your back
rests completely against it.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same
level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the
same level as the top of your head ⇒ page 14.
– Always keep both feet in the footwell in front of the front pas-
senger seat.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ⇒ page 20.
It is possible to deactivate the front passenger airbag in exceptional circum-
stances ⇒ page 27.
Adjusting the front passenger seat ⇒ page 129.
.
13Safe driving
WARNING
● An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe
injuries.
● Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your chest and the dash panel. If you are sitting closer than 25 cm,
the airbag system cannot protect you properly.
● If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a specialised workshop. The workshop
will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.
● Always keep your feet in the footwell when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, out the window or on the seat. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in case
of a sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could
sustain severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position.
● To reduce the risk of injury to the front passenger in events such as
sudden braking manoeuvres or an accident, never travel with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the backrest is in an upright position and the front
passenger is wearing his or her seat belt properly. The further the seat
backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or to the incorrect sitting position!
● Adjust the head restraint correctly in order to achieve maximum protection.
Correct sitting position for passengers in the rear seats
Passengers in the rear seats must sit up straight, keep their
feet in the footwells, have the head restraints positioned for
use and wear their seat belts properly.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident, passengers on the rear seat bench must
consider the following:
– Adjust the head restraint to the correct position. ⇒ page 15
– Always keep both feet in the footwell in front of the rear seat.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ⇒ page 20.
– Use an appropriate child restraint system when you take chil-
dren in the vehicle ⇒ page 48.
WARNING
● If the passengers in the rear seats are not sitting properly, they could
sustain severe injuries.
● Adjust the head restraint correctly in order to achieve maximum pro-
tection.
● Seat belts can only provide optimal protection when seat backrests
are in an upright position and the vehicle occupants are wearing their
seat belts correctly. If passengers In the rear seats are not sitting in an
upright position, the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the seat
belt increases.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
14 Safe driving
Correct adjustment of front seat head restraints
Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of
passenger protection and can reduce the risk of injuries in
most accident situations.
Fig. 3 Correctly adjusted
head restraint viewed
from the front
Fig. 4 Correctly adjusted
head restraint viewed
from the side
Adjust the head restraint correctly in order to achieve maximum
protection.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same
level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the
same level as the top of your head and, at the very least, at eye
level. ⇒ Fig. 3 and ⇒ Fig. 4.
Adjusting the head restraints ⇒ page 131
WARNING
● Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted
increases the risk of severe injuries.
● Incorrectly adjusted head restraints could result in death in the event
of a collision or accident.
● Incorrectly adjusted head restraints also increase the risk of injury
during sudden or unexpected driving or braking manoeuvres.
● The head restraints must always be adjusted according to the height
of the passenger.
15Safe driving
Correct adjustment of rear seat head restraints
Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of
the passenger protection and can reduce the risk of injuries
in most accident situations
Fig. 5 Head restraints in
correct position
Fig. 6 Head restraint position warning label
Rear head restraints
– The rear head restraints have 2 positions: use and non-use.
– One position for use (head restraint raised) ⇒ Fig. 5. In this po-
sition, the head restraints are used normally, protecting passengers along with the rear seat belts.
– And one position for non-use (head restraint lowered).
– To fit the head restraints in position for use, pull on the edges
with both hands in the direction of the arrow.
WARNING
● Under no circumstances should the rear passengers travel while the
head restraints are in the non-use position. See the warning label located on the rear side fixed window ⇒ Fig. 6.
● Do not swap the centre rear head restraint with either of the outer
seat rear head restraints.
● Risk of injury in case of an accident!
CAUTION
Note the instructions on the adjustment of the head restraints ⇒ page 131.
Examples of incorrect sitting positions
An incorrect sitting position can lead to severe injuries to vehicle occupants.
Seat belts can provide optimal protection only when the belt webs
are properly positioned. Incorrect sitting positions substantially reduce the protective function of seat belts and increase the risk of
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
16 Safe driving
injury due to incorrect seat belt position. As the driver, you are responsible for all passengers, especially children.
– Never allow anyone to assume an incorrect sitting position in
the vehicle while travelling ⇒
The following list contains examples of sitting positions that could be dangerous for all vehicle occupants. The list is not complete, but we would like
to make you aware of this issue.
Therefore, whenever the vehicle is in motion:
● Never stand in the vehicle.
● Never stand on the seats.
● Never kneel on the seats.
● Never tilt your seat backrest far to the rear.
● Never lean against the dash panel.
● Never lie on the rear bench.
● Never sit on the front edge of a seat.
● Never sit sideways.
● Never lean out of a window.
● Never put your feet out of a window.
● Never put your feet on the dash panel.
● Never put your feet on the surface of a seat.
● Do not allow anyone to travel in the footwell.
● Never travel without wearing the seat belt.
● Do not allow anyone to travel in the luggage compartment.
.
WARNING
● Any incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe injuries.
● Sitting in an incorrect position exposes the vehicle occupants to se-
vere injuries if airbags are triggered, by striking a vehicle occupant who
has assumed an incorrect sitting position.
● Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and
maintain it throughout the trip. Before every trip, instruct your passengers to sit properly and to stay in this position during the trip ⇒ page 10,
Sitting position for vehicle occupants.
Pedal area
Pedals
The operation of all pedals must never be impaired by objects or floor mats.
– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and
clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial po-
sitions.
Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely fastened on the footwell.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be pressed down thoroughly in
order to stop the vehicle.
17Safe driving
Wearing suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good
feeling for the pedals.
WARNING
● Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.
● Never place objects on the driver footwell. An object could move into
the pedal area and impair pedal operation. In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake,
clutch or accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened
in the footwell and do not impair operation of the pedals.
– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip
and do not obstruct the pedals ⇒
Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to
prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a specialised dealership. Fasteners* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
.
WARNING
● If the pedals are obstructed, an accident may occur. Risk of serious
injuries.
● Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.
● Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original
floor mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk of accident.
Storing objects
Loading the luggage compartment
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 compartment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage
compartment.
– Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings ⇒ page 18.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
18 Safe driving
WARNING
● Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment could
cause serious injuries.
● Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.
● Use suitable straps to secure heavy objects.
● During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk
of fatal injury.
● Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect vehicle handling and lead to an accident.
Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style accordingly, to avoid accidents.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or allowed maximum weight.
If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and damage to the vehicle.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially 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 vehicle. 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.
● Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. All vehicle
occupants must have their seat belt fastened ⇒ page 20.
Note
● Air circulation 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 slits are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially
available.
Fastening rings*
There can be four fastening rings in the luggage compartment for fastening luggage and other objects.
– Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage
and other objects to the fastening rings ⇒
gage compartment on page 18.
Bear in mind that in the case of a collision or accident, even small and light
objects that are not firmly fixed can be projected at the occupants causing
injury.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h (30 mph), this object generates
a force corresponding to 20 times its weight. That means that the effective
weight of the object increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine the severity
of the injuries which might be sustained if this object strikes an occupant as
it flies through the interior of the vehicle. This increased risk of injury will be
further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.
in Loading the lug-
WARNING
● If pieces of luggage or other objects are secured to the fastening
rings with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could be
sustained in the event of braking manoeuvres or accidents.
● To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying forward, always use appropriate retaining cords which are secured to the fastening
rings.
● Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.
19Safe driving
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
20 Seat belts
Seat belts
Brief introduction
Before driving: remember your seat belt!
Wearing a seat belt properly can save your life!
In this section you will learn the importance of wearing seat belts,
how they work and how to properly fasten, adjust and wear them.
– Read and consider all the information as well as the warnings in
this chapter.
WARNING
● If seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe injuries increases.
● Properly worn seat belts can reduce severe injuries in case of sudden
braking manoeuvres or accidents. For safety reasons, you and all other
vehicle occupants must always wear the seat belts properly while the vehicle is moving.
● Pregnant women or people with physical disabilities must also use
seat belts. Like all other vehicle occupants, these people can also sustain
severe injuries if they are not wearing their seat belts properly.
Number of seats
Your vehicle has five seats, two in the front and three in the rear. Each seat
is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
In some versions, your vehicle is approved only for four seats. Two front
seats and two rear seats.
WARNING
● Never transport more than the permitted amount of people in your vehicle.
● Every vehicle occupant must properly fasten and wear the seat belt
belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appropriate child restraint system.
Seat belt warning lamp*
The control lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten
the seat belt.
Fig. 7 Indication of the
state of the seat belts in
the rear seats on the
dash panel.
Before starting the vehicle:
– Fasten your seat belt securely.
– Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly be-
fore driving off.
– Protect children by using a child seat according to the child's
height and weight.
After the ignition has been switched on, the warning lamp on the instrument panel lights up1) if the driver has not fastened his/her seat belt. An
audible warning is heard if the vehicle is driven at more than 30 km/h (18
mph).
The warning lamp* is switched off if the driver seat belt is fastened while
the ignition is switched on.
Indication of the state of the seat belts in the rear seats.
The seat belt status display ⇒ Fig. 7 on the instrument panel informs the
driver, when the ignition is switched on, whether the passengers in the rear
seats have fastened their seat belts. The symbol indicates that the passenger in this seat has fastened “his or her” seat belt.
When a seat belt in the rear seats is fastened or unfastened, the seat belt
status is displayed for approx. 30 seconds. The indication can be hidden by
pressing the
The seat belt status flashes for a maximum of 30 seconds when a seat belt
in the rear seats is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. An audible
warning will also be heard if the vehicle is travelling at over 25 km/h
(15 mph).
0.0/SET
button on the dash panel.
21Seat belts
1)
Depending on the model version
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
22 Seat belts
Why wear seat belts?
Physical principles of frontal collisions
In the event of a frontal collision, a large amount of kinetic
energy must be absorbed.
Fig. 8 Vehicle about to
hit a wall: the occupants
are not wearing seat
belts
Fig. 9 The vehicle hits
the wall: the occupants
are not wearing seat
belts
It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on
collision: When a vehicle starts moving ⇒ Fig. 8, a certain amount of energy
known as kinetic energy is produced in the vehicle and its occupants.
The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the
weight of the vehicle and its passengers. The higher the speed and the
greater the weight, the more energy there is to be released in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the
speed doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic energy is
multiplied by four.
Because the vehicle occupants in our example are not restrained by seat
belts, all of the occupants' kinetic energy has to be absorbed at the point of
impact ⇒ Fig. 9.
Even at speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on bodies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1000 kg). At greater speed these forces
are even higher.
Vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle.
In a head-on collision, they will move forward at the same speed their vehicle was travelling just before the impact. This example applies not only to
head-on collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.
The danger of not using the seat belt
The general belief that the passengers can protect themselves with their hands in a minor collision is false.
Fig. 10 A driver not
wearing a seat belt is
thrown forward violently
Fig. 11 The unbelted
passenger in the rear
seat is thrown forward violently, hitting the driver
wearing a seat belt
Even at low speeds the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great
that it is not possible to brace oneself with one's hands. In a frontal collision, unbelted vehicle occupants are thrown forward and will make violent
contact with the steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen or whatever else is
in the way ⇒ Fig. 10.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts. When triggered, airbags
provide only additional protection. All occupants (including the driver) must
wear seat belts properly at all times during the trip. This will reduce the risk
of severe injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat or not.
Note that airbags can be triggered only once. To achieve the best possible
protection, the seat belt must always be worn properly so that you will be
protected in accidents in which no airbag is deployed.
It is also important for the rear passengers to wear seat belts properly, as
they could otherwise be thrown forward violently through the vehicle interior in an accident. Passengers in the rear seats who do not use seat belts
endanger not only themselves but also the front occupants ⇒ Fig. 11.
23Seat belts
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
24 Seat belts
Seat belt protection
Passengers not wearing seat belts risk severe injuries in the
event of an accident.
Fig. 12 A driver wearing
the seat belt properly is
secured by the belt in
sharp braking
Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could
lead to severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce the danger of being thrown from the vehicle.
Vehicle occupants wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the
ability of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front part of your vehicle
and other passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to absorb the kinetic energy released in a collision. Taken together,
all these features reduce the releasing kinetic energy and consequently, the
risk of injury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is
why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when "just
driving around the corner".
Ensure that your passengers wear their seat belts as well. Accident statistics
have shown that wearing seat belts is an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection
provided by airbags in the event of an accident. For this reason, wearing a
seat belt is required by law in most countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. The front airbags, for example, are only triggered in some
frontal accidents. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor frontal
collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, overturns or accidents in
which the airbag trigger threshold value in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat belt and ensure that all vehicle
occupants have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off!
Safety instructions on using seat belts
If seat belts are used correctly, they can considerably reduce
the risk of injury in an accident.
– Always wear the seat belt as described in this section.
– Ensure that the seat belts can be fastened at all times and are
not damaged.
25Seat belts
WARNING
● If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe
injuries increases. The optimal protection from seat belts can be achieved only if you use them properly.
● Fasten your seat belt before every trip - even when driving in town.
The other vehicle occupants must also wear the seat belts at all times,
otherwise they run the risk of being injured.
● The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the seat belt is not
positioned correctly.
● Never allow two passengers (even children) to share the same seat
belt.
● Always keep both feet in the footwell in front of your seat as long as
the vehicle is in motion.
● Never unbuckle a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Risk of fatal
injury.
● The seat belt must never be twisted while it is being worn.
● The seat belt should never lie on hard or fragile objects (such as
glasses or pens, etc.) because this can cause injuries.
● Do not allow the seat belt to be damaged or jammed, or to rub on any
sharp edges.
● Never wear the seat belt under the arm or in any other incorrect position.
● Loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket) impairs the
proper fit and function of the seat belts, reducing their capacity to protect.
● The slot in the seat belt buckle must not be blocked with paper or
other objects, as this can prevent the latch plate from engaging securely.
● Never use seat belt clips, fastening rings or similar instruments to alter the position of the belt webbing.
WARNING (Continued)
● Frayed or torn seat belts or damage to the connections, belt retractors or parts of the buckle could cause severe injuries in the event of an
accident. Therefore, you must check the condition of all seat belts at regular intervals.
● Seat belts which have been worn in an accident and stretched must
be replaced by a specialised workshop. Renewal may be necessary even
if there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be
checked.
● Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.
● The belts must be kept clean, otherwise the retractors may not work
properly.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
26 Seat belts
Seat belts
Seat belt adjustment
The seat belts for the front and rear occupants are locked into position by a latch.
Fig. 13 Belt buckle and
latch plate of seat belt
The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the seat belt is not
positioned correctly.
– Adjust the seat and head restraint correctly.
– To fasten the belt, take hold of the latch plate and pull it slowly
across your chest and lap.
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat
and push it down until it is securely locked with an audible click
⇒ Fig. 13.
– Pull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged
in the buckle.
The seat belts are equipped with an automatic retractor on the shoulder
strap. Full freedom of movement is permitted when the shoulder belt is
pulled slowly. However, during sudden braking, during travel in steep areas
or bends and during acceleration, the automatic retractor on the shoulder
belt is locked.
The automatic belt retractors on the front seats are fitted with seat belt tensioners ⇒ page 29.
WARNING
● An incorrectly worn seat belt can cause severe injuries in the event of
an accident.
● The seat belts offer best protection only when the backrests are in an
upright position and the seat belts have been fastened properly.
● Never put the latch plate in the buckle of another seat. If you do this,
the seat belt will not protect you properly and the risk of injury is increased.
● If a vehicle occupant is incorrectly belted in, the seat belt cannot protect him or her properly. An incorrectly positioned seat belt can cause extremely severe injuries.
● Always engage the retractor lock when you are securing a child seat
in group 0, 0+ or 1 ⇒ page 48.
27Seat belts
Seat belt position
Seat belts offer their maximum protection only when they
are properly positioned.
Fig. 14 Correct seat belt
and head restraint positions, viewed from front
Fig. 15 Correct seat belt
and head restraint positions, viewed from side
The following features are available to adjust the seat belt in the shoulder
region:
● front seat height adjustment*.
WARNING
● An incorrectly worn seat belt can cause severe injuries in the event of
an accident.
● The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across the neck. The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the
torso ⇒ Fig. 14.
● The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across
the stomach. The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis
⇒ Fig. 15. Pull the belt tight if necessary to take up any slack.
● Read and observe the warnings ⇒ page 24.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical Tips Technical specifications
28 Seat belts
Pregnant women must also fasten their seat belts properly
The best protection for the unborn child is for the mother to
wear the seat belt properly at all times during the pregnancy.
Fig. 16 Positioning seat
belts during pregnancy
The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the seat belt
is properly positioned ⇒ page 27.
– Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly ⇒ page 10.
– Holding the latch plate, pull the belt evenly across your chest
and as low as possible over the pelvis ⇒ Fig. 16.
– Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the corresponding seat
and push it down until it is securely locked with an audible click
⇒
.
– Pull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged
in the buckle.
WARNING
● An incorrectly worn seat belt can cause severe injuries in the event of
an accident.
● For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must lie as low as
possible over the pelvis, never across the stomach, and always lie flat so
that no pressure is exerted on the abdomen.
● Read and observe the warnings ⇒ page 24.
Seat belt release
The seat belt must not be unfastened until the vehicle has
come to a standstill.
Fig. 17 Remove latch
plate from buckle
– Press the red button on the belt buckle ⇒ Fig. 17. The latch
plate is released and springs out
⇒
.
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