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Economical Driving

~4min read

Efficiency starts with your driving style. The chapter "Economical Driving" in the Citroën C6 (I Gen) shows how conscious driving behaviour can noticeably reduce fuel consumption. The recommendations range from gear selection and use of engine braking to anticipatory driving and the correct use of electrical equipment such as air conditioning or seat heating. Small habits such as correct loading, avoiding unnecessary roof racks and checking tyre pressure also help reduce consumption and emissions. If you service your vehicle regularly, check tyre pressure and stay attentive when refuelling, you can reduce your environmental footprint without giving up comfort.

Economical driving involves a range of everyday practices that allow the driver to optimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Optimise the use of your gearbox

With a manual gearbox, pull away gently, shift up without hesitation and drive so that you change up early. If your vehicle is equipped with a gear shift indicator, follow its prompt to shift to a higher gear; when it is displayed in the instrument cluster, follow the prompt.

With an automatic transmission or an electronically controlled mechanical gearbox, stay in position Drive "D" or Auto "A", depending on the type of selector, and avoid pressing the accelerator pedal hard or suddenly.

Adopt a gentle driving style

Keep safe distances between vehicles, use engine braking in preference to the brake pedal, and press the accelerator pedal gradually. These behaviours help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and reduce traffic noise.

In fluid traffic conditions, and if your vehicle has a "Cruise" switch, select cruise control from 40 km/h.

Monitor the use of your electrical equipment

If the passenger compartment is overheated before you drive off, ventilate it by lowering the windows and opening the vents before using the air conditioning.

Above 50 km/h, close the windows and leave the vents open.

Remember to use the equipment that helps limit the temperature inside the passenger compartment (sunshade for the sunroof, curtains, ...).

Switch off the air conditioning once you have reached the desired comfort level, unless the control is automatic.

Switch off defrosting and demisting if these are not controlled automatically.

Switch off seat heating as early as possible.

Do not drive with the fog lamps and rear fog lamp switched on when visibility is sufficient.

Especially in winter, avoid letting the engine idle before you engage first gear; your vehicle warms up faster while driving.

As a passenger, avoid connecting your multimedia devices (films, music, video games...) to help limit the consumption of electrical energy, and therefore fuel.

Switch off your portable devices before leaving the vehicle.

Reduce the causes of increased consumption

Distribute weight throughout the vehicle; place the heaviest luggage at the rear of the boot, as close as possible to the rear seats.

Limit the payload of your vehicle and minimise aerodynamic drag (roof racks, roof carrier, bicycle carrier, trailer...). Preferably use a roof box. Remove roof racks and roof carriers after use.

When the winter season is over, remove the winter tyres and refit the summer tyres.

Observe the maintenance instructions

Check the tyre pressure regularly and when the tyres are cold, referring to the label on the inside of the driver's door.

Carry out this check in particular:

  • before a long journey,
  • at every change of season,
  • after a long period of standstill.

Do not forget the spare wheel and the tyres of the trailer or caravan.

Maintain your vehicle (oil, oil filter, air filter, ...) regularly and follow the service schedule of maintenance operations specified by the manufacturer.

When refuelling, do not keep topping up after the third automatic cut-off of the fuel nozzle. This prevents overflow.

At the wheel of your new vehicle, you will notice a more consistent average fuel consumption only after the first 3000 km.

With the Citroën C6, economical driving is easy. The saloon offers numerous tips and technical solutions for reducing fuel consumption. From optimal gear selection to economical use of electrical consumers, everything is designed to minimise CO2 emissions and maximise efficiency.

The Citroën C6 also excels in loading and maintenance. Practical tips on avoiding excess consumption and regular servicing keep the car reliable and environmentally friendly. This way, every journey is not only comfortable but also sustainable.

The Citroën C6 proves that a luxurious driving experience and environmental awareness need not be contradictory. This saloon offers comfort and efficiency at a high level, ideal for anyone who wants to travel sustainably.

Test yourself

A quick Citroen C6 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.