What does ECO mean on the Nissan Qashqai?
2 Answers
ECO refers to the car's economical driving mode function. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from the combination of Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The Eco mode is further divided into active Eco driving mode and non-active Eco driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's economical mode has been activated. Eco mode is categorized into active and non-active types. The difference lies in the fact that the active type has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the Eco mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately turns on, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. The non-active Eco mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light illuminates, it serves merely as a reminder function. The Eco mode automatically evaluates your driving behavior, and if your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most vehicles employ the active Eco driving mode, meaning they have a dedicated switch button. Therefore, during daily driving, we can activate the Eco mode. However, it is unnecessary to enable Eco mode when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not only fail to demonstrate the fuel-saving characteristics of Eco mode but also impact the vehicle's power performance. Additionally, the Eco mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the car prioritizes speed, causing the Eco mode to automatically deactivate. During idle parking or in N/P gear and manual mode, the Eco mode may also become ineffective. When a high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the Eco mode will not function under these conditions either.
The ECO mode on the Qashqai is essentially an economical driving mode. When activated, the vehicle automatically adjusts throttle response and gear-shifting patterns to keep the engine operating in the most fuel-efficient range. It's particularly useful in city traffic jams, saving 10%-15% more fuel compared to normal mode. However, after using it for half a year, I noticed a minor drawback: the throttle response becomes sluggish, making acceleration and overtaking feel underpowered, so I manually turn it off on highways. By the way, this mode also coordinates with the air conditioning system, reducing cooling power to save electricity. It's advisable to deactivate it during long summer drives to avoid stuffiness in the cabin.
