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, you will have various functions which enable you to lower your fuel consumption:
- the rev counter;
- gear change indicator;
- the free-wheel function;
- the driving style indicator;
- Eco acceleration indicator;
- the journey record and eco-driving advice via the multimedia screen;
- ECO mode;
- the Stop and Start function FUNCTION STOP AND START.
Free-wheel function
On vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox (depending on the vehicle), during deceleration phases (driver’s foot fully off the accelerator pedal), switching to freewheeling (automatic neutral) decreases engine braking and allows you to move farther without accelerating in order to save fuel.
Warning light appears on the instrument panel:
- in grey when the vehicle is not in free-wheel mode;
- in green or white, depending on the vehicle, when the vehicle is in free-wheel mode (automatic neutral).
On instrument panel A, B, C or D
Depending on the vehicle, the information display can be organised and customised based on the instrument panel customisation style selected from the multimedia screen.
Gear change indicator 1
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:
shift up a gear;
downshift a gear.
If you regularly follow this indicator, you will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Driving style indicator 2
Informs you about the driving style adopted in real time. This is shown by indicator light 2.
The more petals displayed on 2, the more your driving is flexible and economical.
If you regularly monitor this indicator, you will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Please refer to the multimedia instructions for further information.
Acceleration indicator Eco 3
This informs you in real time whether you are accelerating moderately or strongly.
This is shown by the 3 warning light:
- green: acceleration is moderate and correct;
- white: acceleration is too high;
- grey: acceleration is high.
Note: it is not possible to simultaneously display the driving style indicator 2 and the Eco acceleration indicator 3.
On the multimedia screen
Journey record
Once the engine is switched off, you will see “Journey record” displayed on the multimedia screen 4, enabling you to view information on your last journey.
This indicates:
- the general score;
- score evolution;
- distance without fuel consumption.
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 compare your performance between trips and the performance of other vehicle users.
Please refer to the multimedia instructions for further information.
ECO mode
ECO mode is a function which optimises fuel consumption.
It affects certain driving operations (acceleration, shifting gears, cruise control, deceleration etc.).
Limiting acceleration enables low fuel consumption in urban and surrounding areas.
Activating the function
The function can be activated:
- by pressing switch 5;
- by the central control 6 MULTI-SENSE ;
- from the multimedia screen (refer to the multimedia instructions).
The warning light comes on on the instrument panel to confirm activation.
While driving, it is possible to exit 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.
Disabling the function
Depending on the vehicle, the function can be deactivated either:
- by pressing switch 5;
- by the central control 6 MULTI-SENSE.
The warning light goes out on the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.
Driving advice and ECO driving
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.
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.
- 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 involving heavy and 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 flat ground. 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. |
Obstructions to the driver
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.
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 consumes fuel - switch off all electrical components when they are not genuinely needed in order to save fuel. 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.
Recommendations 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 vehicle for door-to-door calls (short journeys with long waits in between) because in such conditions the engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature.