Driving advice, eco-driving

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Driving advice, eco-driving

Eco-driving

Fuel consumption is accredited in accordance with standard regulatory methods.
They are identical for all manufacturers and enable 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, various functions are available to help you reduce your fuel or energy consumption:
  • the rev counter;
  • the gear change indicator;
  • the driving style indicator;
  • the journey record and eco-driving advice via the multimedia screen;
  • acceleration indicator Eco;
  • the driving style indicator;
  • Eco mode;
  • "Free-wheel" mode (combustion version);
  • the Stop and StartSTOP AND START FUNCTION function;
  • the charge meter (electric version).
If fitted on the vehicle, the navigation system provides additional information.

Gear change indicator

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 monitor this indicator you will be able to reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption.

Driving style indicator

(depending on the vehicle)
Informs you about the driving style adopted in real time. You will be notified by indicator 1.
The more petals displayed on the indicator 1, 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.

Eco acceleration indicator

(depending on the vehicle)
This informs you in real time whether you are accelerating moderately or strongly.
You will be notified by 2:
  • 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 1 and the Eco acceleration indicator 3.

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:
  • 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

Depending on the vehicle, the function can be activated either:
  • by pressing switch 5;
  • 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 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 ease off the accelerator pedal.

Deactivating the function

Depending on the vehicle, the function can be deactivated by pressing switch 5.
The warning light goes out on the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.

"Free wheel" mode

(Combustion version)
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.
Tip
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.

Charge meter

(Electric version)
The charge meter gives the driver a real-time view of the vehicle's energy consumption.

Blue "Energy recovery" usage zone A

During driving, if you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal or press the brake pedal, the electric motor generates electrical current during deceleration and this energy is used to slow down the vehicle and recharge the traction battery.

"Recommended consumption" usage zone B

The traction battery supplies the electrical energy required for the motor to move the vehicle.

"Consumption not recommended" usage zone C

Indicates high energy consumption.
Tip
The presence and display of this information depends on the type of ambient setting selected.

Driving advice

(Combustion version)

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 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 the level. 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.
WARNING
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 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 in such conditions the engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature.

Vehicle range: advice

(Electric version)
In real usage, the range of an electric vehicle may vary depending on several factors over which you have partial control, which may make a considerable difference to the vehicle range.
These factors are:
  • speed and driving style;
  • road type;
  • heating level;
  • tyres;
  • use of electrical accessories;
  • vehicle loading.
Furthermore, activating mode Eco enables the vehicle to automatically take charge of all energy consumers (engine power etc.) to reduce their consumption to the fullest possible extentECO-DRIVING.

Speed and driving style

Driving at high speed will significantly reduce your vehicle's range.
Examples (at a steady speed):
  • reducing the speed from approximately 75 mph (120 km/h) to 62 mph (100 km/h) allows you to save up to around 20% of range;
  • reducing your speed from approximately 56 mph (90 km/h) to 50 mph (80 km/h) allows you to save up to around 10% of fuel range.
"Sporty" driving reduces your vehicle's range: opt for a "smoother" driving style.
Advice:
  • drive at a constant speed;
  • keep an eye on the tools available to you to view the road conditions (charge meter, current consumption, journey record, etc.) ECO-DRIVING ;
  • adapt your driving style to avoid excessive energy consumption;
  • favour energy recovery: anticipate traffic changes by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal or braking gradually.

Road type

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.

Heating levels

The use of heating or air-conditioning reduces vehicle range.

Vehicle loading

Avoid pointlessly overloading your vehicle.

Tyres

An under-inflated tyre increases energy consumption. Comply with the specified tyre pressures for your vehicle.
When driving, use tyres made by the same manufacturer, with the same dimensions, type and structure as the original tyres. The use of non-regulation tyres significantly reduces vehicle rangeTYRE PRESSURE.