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;

- the “free-wheel” function;

- performance mode;

- gear change indicator;

- the driving style indicator;

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

- ECO mode activated by the ECO or DRIVE MODE button;

- the Stop and Start function FUNCTION STOP AND START.

If fitted on the vehicle, the navigation system provides additional information.

“Free-wheel” function

Depending on the vehicle, on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox and with ECO mode activated, during deceleration phases (driver's foot fully off the accelerator pedal), switching to freewheeling (automatic neutral) allows you to move farther without accelerating in order to save fuel.

The indicator light is displayed on the instrument panel in green (or in white, depending on the vehicle) when the vehicle is freewheeling (automatic neutral).

Note: the “free-wheel” function is deactivated when the brake pedal is pressed or when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

Driving advice and ECO driving

If your vehicle is equipped and if driving under-load, the “Performance mode” function enables you to limit under-revving, gives priority to engine braking when decelerating and enables more dynamic engine driving.

Note: performance mode is only available for vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Activation, deactivation of performance mode

Press the 1 button until activation is confirmed by the message “Perfo” displayed in the 2 area on the instrument panel.

Press the 1 button again as many times as necessary to return to “normal” mode. The “Perfo” indicator light goes out to confirm deactivation.

Each time the engine is switched off, performance mode will be deactivated and it will be necessary to select it again.

Performance mode may be used to equal effect in both automatic and manual modes.

Gear change indicator 3

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:

Š upshift a gear;

downshift a gear.

Driving style indicator 4

Informs you about the driving style adopted in real time. You will be notified by the size of the 4 indicator light.

- Large: measured, economical driving;

- Medium: a fairly measured driving style;

- Small: driving too fast.

To activate/deactivate the driving style indicator, please see the multimedia system instructions.

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

Press the 5 switch until activation is confirmed by the 6 warning light displayed on the instrument panel.

While driving, it is possible to exit the ECO mode temporarily in order to improve engine performance.

For this, depress the accelerator pedal firmly and fully.

ECO mode is reactivated when you take pressure off the accelerator pedal.

Disabling the function

Press the 5 switch as many times as necessary to return to normal mode. Warning light 6 goes out on the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.

Note: on vehicles equipped with an automatic gearbox, each time the engine is switched off ECO mode will be deactivated and it will be necessary to activate it again.

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.

- Dynamic driving involving heavy and 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 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 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

- Opt for 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.

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 the engine never reaches its normal operating temperature.