When I lift the seat release lever, on the backrest, the catch doesn't release. Instead the lever lifts up with no resistance and then flopps back down. I'm guessing something has become unhooked somewhere. What makes it worst is the headrest is out and I can't get it back with the seat in the upright position

Any ideas how to release it??

hmmm happened to me too last week, going to take it to dealer this week as warranty runs out next month.

I have noticed that if you look at the back of the seat from the boot side and look under the flap of material near the seat locking catch you can see the catch and lever have come unattached.

I was shocked to find its flimsey plastic but if you could im sure a screwdriver could be used to release the catch.

Mines also still within warranty so I think I'll book it in tomorrow and get them to take to fix it.

I was just hoping there was an easy way to release it - it was a right pain getting a bike in the back with the single seat stuck up

On the octavia the three pieces of plastic which form the release mechanism (excluding the actual metal catch bit) cost a grand total of £2.46, so that should give you an idea of the build quality...

Also there is one long piece of plastic which has a thin tapered bit at the end which is what snaps unsurprisingly.