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Driving advice, eco-driving

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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, the equipment fitted and the user's driving style. To optimise fuel consumption, please refer to the following advice.
Depending on the vehicle, there may be different functions available to help you reduce your fuel consumption:
  • the rev counter;
  • gear change indicator;
  • the journey record and eco-driving advice via the multimedia display;
  • ECO mode activated by the ECO button;
  • the Stop and StartSTOP AND START FUNCTION function.
If fitted on the vehicle, the navigation system provides additional information.

Gear change indicator 1

To optimise consumption levels, a warning light on the instrument panel A or B indicates the best time to move up or down a gear:
Shift up a gear;
Shift down a gear.
If you regularly follow this indicator, you will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Journey record

Once the engine is switched off, you will see "Journey record" displayed on the screen 2 which enables you to view information relating to your last journey.
This indicates:
  • average fuel consumption;
  • the number of miles/kilometres travelled;
  • number of miles/kilometres saved.
An overall rating from 0 to 100 is displayed to let you assess your eco driving performance. The higher the rating, the lower the fuel consumption.
Eco advice is given to help improve your performance.
With your favourite journeys saved, you can evaluate your performance.
For more information, please see the multimedia system instructions.

mode ECO

ECO mode is a function which optimises fuel consumption. It acts on certain power consuming systems in the vehicle (heating, air conditioning, power-assisted steering, etc.) and on certain driving actions (acceleration, gear changing, cruise control, deceleration, etc.).
Limiting acceleration enables low fuel consumption in urban and surrounding areas. When ECO mode is in use, it is normal to notice a change in the heating level.

Activating/deactivating the function

Activating the function

Press the switch 4.
The warning light 3 is displayed on the instrument panel A or B to confirm activation.
While driving, it is possible to leave the ECO mode temporarily in order to improve engine performance.
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

Press the switch 4.
The warning light 3 disappears from the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.

Driving advice, Eco-driving

WARNING
Driver obstruction
On the driver's side, only use mats suitable for the vehicle, attached with the pre-fitted components, and check the fitting regularly. Do not lay one mat on top of another.
There is a risk of wedging the pedals

Behaviour

  • Drive carefully until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, rather than let it warm up while the vehicle is stationary.
  • Dynamic driving with a lot of frequent acceleration and braking is expensive on fuel in comparison to the time saved.
  • High speeds significantly affect the vehicle's fuel consumption. Examples (at a steady speed):
    • reducing the speed from approximately 80 mph (130 km/h) to 68 mph (110 km/h) saves up to around 20% of fuel;
    • reducing the speed from approximately 56 mph (90 km/h) to 50 mph (80 km/h) saves up to around 10% of fuel.
  • 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 level ground. Keep your foot in the same position on the accelerator pedal.
  • Double declutching and accelerating before switching off the engine are unnecessary in modern vehicles.
  • Bad weather, flooded roads:
    Do not drive through water if it is higher than the lower edge of the wheel rim.

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.

Tyres

  • An underinflated tyre increases fuel consumption.
  • The use of non-recommended tyres can increase fuel consumption.

Advice on use

  • Favour the ECO mode.
  • Electricity is fuel – switch off all the electrical components when they are not genuinely 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 62 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 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.
  • When towing a caravan, fit a wind deflector and adjust it carefully.