DRIVING ADVICE, ECO DRIVING
Fuel consumption is accredited in accordance with a standard regulatory method. Identical for all manufacturers, this enables vehicles to be compared with one another.
Consumption in real time depends on vehicle usage conditions, equipment fitted and the user’s driving style. To optimise fuel consumption, please refer to the following advice.
Depending on the vehicle, you have different functions to help you reduce your fuel consumption.
On the instrument panel:
- the rev counter;
- gear change indicator;
- the driving style indicator;
- “Free wheel” mode;
- ECO mode;
- the Stop and Start functionFUNCTION STOP AND START;
- the predictive ECO driving assistant indicator light ECO PREDICTIVE DRIVING ASSISTANT;
- the power meter.
On the multimedia screen (for more information, see the multimedia system user manual):
- data relating to your energy consumption;
- an energy consumption graph;
- scores based on your driving style;
- ECO driving advice;
- the journey record and eco-driving advice via the multimedia screen;
- an ECO driving mode.
On the instrument panel
Depending on the vehicle, you can customise the instrument panel with different types of information.
Gear change indicator 2
Depending on the vehicle, to obtain optimum consumption levels, a warning light on the instrument panel lets you know the best time to move up or down a gear:
upshift a gear;
downshift a gear.
If you regularly monitor this indicator you will be able to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Driving style indicator 3
Informs you about the driving style adopted in real time.
You can display the driving style indicator by repeatedly pressing up/down on the switch 1.
The larger the 3 indicator circle is, the better the management of speed, acceleration and anticipation.
The smaller the 3 indicator circle is, the worse the management of speed, acceleration and anticipation.
If you regularly monitor this indicator you will be able to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
On the multimedia screen
Journey record
When the engine is switched off, a notification appears on the multimedia screen 4 to provide information on your driving during your last trip.
This notification provides direct access to the “ECO driving” menu. This menu provides more information on your driving and its effect on your fuel consumption.
Please refer to the multimedia instructions for further information.
“Free wheel” mode
Depending on the vehicle, for vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox, in the deceleration phases (with the foot fully off the accelerator pedal), switching to freewheeling (automatic neutral) decreases engine braking and allows you to farther without accelerating in order to save fuel.
The warning light appears in grey, then in green to indicate that the vehicle is in “free-wheel” mode.
Note: pressing the brake pedal once deactivates “free-wheel” mode.
When driving downhill, the “Free wheel” function is deactivated in order to use the regenerative braking system and/or the engine brake, depending on the vehicle.
ECO mode
ECO mode is a function which optimises fuel consumption. It affects the vehicle behaviour (acceleration, gear shifting, cruise control, deceleration, etc.).
Limiting acceleration enables low fuel consumption in urban and surrounding areas.
Activating the function
You can access ECO mode:
- from the multimedia screen 4;
- using the steering wheel control 5.
The “ECO” indicator light 6 is displayed on the instrument panel to confirm that it is activated.
To do this, press the accelerator pedal firmly and fully.
ECO mode is reactivated when you take pressure off the accelerator pedal.
Deactivating the function
Please see the multimedia system user manual for information on how to deactivate ECO mode.
Power meter
(E-Tech full hybrid version)
The power meter gives the driver a real-time view of the vehicle’s electrical consumption.
“Energy recovery” usage zone A
When driving, if you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal or apply the brake, the motor generates electrical current during deceleration, and this energy is used to slow down the vehicle and recharge the traction battery. E-TECH FULL HYBRID VEHICLE SYSTEM: regenerative braking system.
Optimum use zone 7
Indicates nil consumption.
“Recommended consumption” B green usage zone
In all-electric or E-Tech full hybrid mode, the traction battery and/or the combustion engine supply the energy required to move the vehicle. This is the ECO zone.
“Consumption not recommended” C white usage zone
Indicates high energy consumption.
Navigation system
Use the information available on your navigation system (traffic information etc.) to simplify your journey.
Driving advice and ECO driving
Behaviour
- Drive carefully for the first few miles until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, rather than let it warm up while the vehicle is stationary.
Driving advice and ECO driving
(continued)
- High speeds significantly affect the vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Examples (at a steady speed):
- reducing the speed from 80 mph (130 km/h) to 68 mph (110 km/h) approximately saves up to 20% of fuel approximately;
- reducing the speed from 56 mph (90 km/h) to 50 mph (80 km/h) approximately saves up to 10% of fuel approximately.
- Dynamic driving with a lot of frequent acceleration and braking is expensive on fuel in comparison to the time saved.
- Do not over rev the engine in the intermediate gears. You should always use the highest gear possible.
- Avoid sudden acceleration.
- Brake as little as possible. If you anticipate an obstacle or bend in advance, you may then simply release the accelerator pedal.
- Do not try to maintain the same speed up a hill, accelerate no more than you would on the level. Keep your foot in the same position on the accelerator pedal.
- Double declutching and accelerating before switching off are unnecessary in modern vehicles.
- Bad weather, flooded roads:
| Do not drive through floods if the water is above the lower edge of the wheel rims. |
Heating levels
It is normal to notice an increase in the vehicle’s fuel consumption when using the heating (particularly when the outside temperature drops below zero) or air conditioning.
Obstructions to the driver
On the driver’s side, only use mats that are suitable for the vehicle, attach using the pre-fitted components, and check the fittings regularly. Do not lay one mat on top of another.
There is a risk of wedging the pedals
Tyres
- An underinflated tyre increases fuel consumption.
- To optimise fuel consumption, set the highest speed tyre pressure or the recommended pressure indicated on the edge of the driver’s door. TYRE PRESSURE.
- The use of non-recommended tyres can increase fuel consumption.
Advice on use
- Opt for ECO mode.
- Electricity is fuel; switch off all the electrical components which are not really needed. However (safety first), keep your lights on when the visibility is bad (“see and be seen”).
- Use the air vents. Driving with the windows open at 60 mph (100 km/h) will increase fuel consumption by 4%.
- Never fill the fuel tank right to the brim to avoid overflow.
- On vehicles equipped with non-automatic air conditioning, switch off the air conditioning when it is not required.
Advice for reducing consumption and therefore helping to preserve the environment:
If the vehicle has been parked in the sun, open the doors for a few moments to let the hot air escape before starting the engine.
- Do not leave an empty roof rack fitted to the vehicle.
- It is better to fit a trailer for bulky objects.
- When towing a caravan, fit a wind deflector and adjust it carefully.
- Avoid using the car for door-to-door calls (short journeys with long waits in between) because the engine never reaches its normal operating temperature.