3.15 litres/100km for New Renault Symbol… By applying Renault's eco-driving guidelines, New Renault Symbol 1.5 dCi 85hp succeeded in returning average fuel consumption of just 3.15 litres/100km over the Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge's 1,430km route. This performance is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 85g/km and represents a saving of almost 30% compared with the model's homologated combined cycle fuel consumption (4.3 litres/100km). The three New Renault Symbols which took part were standard production cars and hadn't been modified in any way. At the end of the route, New Renault Symbol's tank still contained 8 litres of diesel, which meant that it could have gone a further 250km, making a total range of 1,700km. These results were supervised by an independent adjudicator and certified by OTAM, an independent Turkish certification body. …during the Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge Three 1.5 dCi 85hp versions of New Renault Symbol pulled out of Istanbul on September 5 with officially sealed full tanks with the aim of covering a 1,430km loop using as little fuel as possible thanks to the technique known as eco-driving. The Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge took place on a route made up of several different types of road which were open to ordinary traffic and which represented a normal run for the model's targeted customers. The two-day event took in an overnight stop in the Turkish resort of Cesme, and passed via Bursa and Izmir before the return leg to Istanbul. The drivers made full use of so-called eco-driving techniques which call for thinking ahead, anticipating what other road users are about to do and optimizing engine speeds as a function of traffic situations and speed. Eco-driving can result in substantial fuel savings. In addition to showcasing the frugality of its new model, the Renault Symbol Eco-Challenge enabled Renault to demonstrate New Renault Symbol's remarkable fuel consumption performance thanks to the application of a few straightforward eco-driving techniques. New Renault Symbol is a three-volume saloon car which exudes refinement and elegance, and permits families to benefit from a high level of comfort while at the same time being economical to run and respectful of the environment. New Renault Symbol is poised to replace Clio Symbol/Thalia in Turkey, Russia, the countries of the Maghreb region and Central and Eastern Europe from October 2008. Tip n°1: Improve your gearshifts • Shift down at approximately 1,000rpm • Shift up to the next gear at approximately 2,000rpm in diesel vehicles and at 2,400rpm in a petrol-engine vehicle ! At 50kph, you should already be in fourth or fifth gear. Tip n°2: Drive smoothly • Maintain a steady speed as soon as possible (from 40kph) • Brake with the engine and use your foot brake as little as possible. ! At 50kph in fifth gear, lift off the accelerator 100 metres before a red light. Tip n°3: Think about how you accelerate • Up to 50kph, it is preferable to accelerate briskly up to fifth gear • At speeds in excess of 50kph, acceleration should be smooth ! Change gear very swiftly up to fifth gear. Tip n°4: Climbs and descents • Keep to the same speed when going down a hill • On an uphill gradient, let the car shed speed, but without becoming an obstruction for other road-users. If possible, maintain your vehicle at a steady speed above 40kph ! Use descents to take your foot off the accelerator, not to increase your speed. Tip n°5: Use your motor smartly • Turn off your engine if you stop for more than one minute • Do not warm up your engine even in winter ! Pull away as soon as the engine has fired up Tip n°6: Treat your vehicle well • Check tyre pressures every month • If you have to use the air conditioning, make sure the difference between the temperatures inside your vehicle and outside is not too great (5°C maximum) • Do not leave any unnecessary loads in your vehicle • Remove roof bars and roof boxes when not in use. ! Proper servicing and proper use of your vehicle are as important as eco-driving. |