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, there may be different functions available to help you reduce your fuel consumption:

  • the rev counter;
  • the gear change indicator;
  • ECO mode.

Gear change indicator 1

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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:

2_ALL_093_1_pictogramme.png shift up a gear;

2_ALL_095_1_pictogramme.png downshift a gear.

If you regularly follow this indicator, you will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

ECO mode

(depending on the vehicle)

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.

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Activating the function

Depending on the vehicle, the function can be activated either:

  • using the 2 MULTI-SENSE switch;
  • from the multimedia screen (refer to the multimedia instructions).

The 3 warning light appears 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.

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Deactivating the function

Depending on the vehicle, the function can be deactivated either:

  • using the 2 MULTI-SENSE switch;
  • from the multimedia screen (refer to the multimedia instructions).

The 3 warning light disappears from the instrument panel to confirm deactivation.

Driving advice and ECO driving

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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 approximately 80 mph (130 km/h) to 68 mph (110 km/h) saves up to around 20% of fuel;
    • 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 level ground. 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.

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.

warning

Driver obstruction

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.

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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

  • 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.
  • On vehicles equipped with non-automatic air conditioning, switch off the air conditioning when it is not required.

Advice for reducing consumption and 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.