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DRIVING ADVICE, ECO-DRIVING

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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 journey record and eco-driving advice via the multimedia display;

- ECO mode activated by the ECO button;

- the Stop and Start function FUNCTION STOP AND START.

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:

\ upshift a gear;

[ downshift 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, enabling you to view information relating to your last journey.

This indicates:

- average fuel consumption;

- 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.

ECO mode

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 for changes in the heating level to occur.

Activating the function

Press switch 4.

The 3 warning light comes on 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.

Disabling the function

Press switch 4.

Warning light 3 goes out on the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.

Driving advice, 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.

- 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 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.

- Do not overrev 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.

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.

- 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.

- In vehicles fitted with air conditioning, it is normal to observe an increase in fuel consumption (especially in urban conditions) when it is used. For vehicles fitted with manual air conditioning, switch off the system 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.

- When towing a caravan, fit a wind deflector and adjust it carefully.