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 with ECO zone;
- gear change indicator;
- the driving style indicator;
- the journey record and eco-driving advice via the multimedia screen;
- ECO mode;
- the Stop and Start (refer to the information on “Stop and Start function” in Section 2).
Warning light is displayed on the instrument panel when parameter “Freewheel in Eco mode” is activated (ON in menu “User settings”).
If fitted on the vehicle, the navigation system provides additional information.
On the instrument panel
Depending on the vehicle, the information display can be organised and customised based on the instrument panel customisation style selected from the multimedia screen.
The rev counter with ECO zone 1
Driving in the ECO zone helps you optimise fuel consumption under most circumstances.
Gear change indicator 2
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 or ä move up a gear;
- ‰ or æ move down a gear.
If you regularly follow this indicator, you will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Driving style indicator 3
Informs you about the driving style adopted in real time. This is shown by indicator light 3.
The more petals there are on indicator 3, the smoother and more economical your driving.
If you regularly monitor this indicator, you will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
To activate/deactivate the driving style indicator, please see the multimedia system instructions.
On the multimedia screen
Journey record
Once the engine is switched off, you will see “Journey record” displayed on the screen 4, 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. This corresponds to driving without fuel consumption (deceleration and/or foot off the accelerator pedal).
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.
For more information, please see the multimedia system instructions.
ECO mode
ECO mode is a function which optimises fuel consumption. It acts upon 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.
Free wheel in ECO mode
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.
To activate/deactivate the “free wheel” mode, see “Vehicle settings customisation menu” in Section 1.
Activating the function
The function can be activated:
- by pressing switch 5;
- by pressing the 6 switch (please refer to the information on “Multi-Sense” in Section 3);
- from the navigation menu on the multimedia screen (please refer to the multimedia instructions).
The warning light comes on on the instrument panel to confirm activation.
While driving, it is possible to leave 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 switch 6.
The warning light goes out on the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.
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.
- 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 with a lot of 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 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.
- Opt for the highest speed pressure or the pressure recommended to optimise fuel consumption indicated on edge of the driver’s door (please refer to the information on “Tyre inflation pressure” in Section 4).
- 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 which are not really 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 60 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.
- 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 car for door-to-door calls (short journeys with long waits in between) because the engine never reaches its normal operating temperature.