
Turning on ECO mode saves fuel. Below are the specific introductions to the driving modes of the car: NORMAL mode: It achieves the best balance between fuel economy and power performance. Suitable for city driving. SPORT mode: It controls the transmission and engine to achieve fast and powerful acceleration. This mode also alters the steering feel, making it suitable for situations requiring agile driving responses, such as driving on winding roads. When sport mode is selected, the SPORT indicator on the multi-information display will light up. ECO mode: It helps the driver accelerate in an environmentally friendly manner and improves fuel economy through moderate throttle characteristics and control of the air conditioning system operation (heating/cooling). When eco mode is selected, the ECO-MODE indicator on the multi-information display will light up. When the air conditioning is in use, the system automatically switches to air conditioning eco mode for better fuel economy.

The ECO mode really saves fuel, which I particularly noticed when driving our family SUV on long trips. It limits throttle response and reduces air conditioning effort. The little green leaf on the dashboard indicates the system is helping you meticulously manage fuel consumption. However, I turn it off when driving on mountain roads, otherwise climbing slopes becomes too strenuous. This feature is most suitable for highway cruising or crawling in city traffic. Remember not to stomp on the accelerator - gradual acceleration shows the most noticeable effect. My cousin's actual tests showed it can save about 7% in fuel costs.

I once tried driving a full tank of gas in ECO mode and found the fuel consumption was about half a liter lower than in normal mode. This mode is like installing a butler for your car, automatically adjusting shift points and air conditioning power. But you have to accept the fact that acceleration becomes sluggish, and the steering feedback also gets duller. Once when I was in a hurry, I turned off ECO and immediately felt the car come alive. It's great for long trips or daily commutes, but it's more reliable to turn it off when climbing hills with a full load.

ECO mode primarily saves fuel by limiting engine output and optimizing transmission logic. After activation, you can clearly feel a lag in throttle response, and the air conditioning compressor won't operate at full power. I've observed the real-time fuel consumption on the dashboard, and it saves about 10%-15% fuel in urban areas, with particularly noticeable effects during traffic jams. However, it might consume more fuel on highways because power is restricted at high RPMs. The key is to adapt it to your own driving habits.

In principle, ECO saves fuel through three main methods: first, by delaying throttle response to reduce the impulse for sudden acceleration; second, by making the transmission shift up earlier; and third, by reducing the power consumption of accessories like the air conditioning. However, I must remind you not to expect it to perform miracles—if you always have a heavy foot on the throttle, it won't help. Remember to regularly check the air filter and tire pressure; these, combined with ECO, truly save fuel. Additionally, turbocharged cars using ECO may accumulate carbon deposits faster.

My car has been running for three years, and the records show that the ECO mode does save fuel, but it needs to be used in the right scenarios. The most noticeable effect is during morning and evening rush hours, when the car feels like it's been tuned into a 'Zen mode,' with slow starts and automatic RPM control. However, the fuel-saving effect diminishes when the air conditioning is on in summer. Once, I forgot to turn off ECO mode while overtaking on a provincial highway, and even flooring the accelerator didn't help speed up. My suggestion is to switch modes in advance for complex road conditions, but for daily city driving, combining it with anticipatory driving is the most cost-effective.


