Navigating the Pump: How Much Can ECO Mode Really Save You at the Petrol Station?
With petrol prices continuing their relentless climb, many Australians are searching for any avenue to trim their weekly expenses. Faced with the prospect of paying over $2.20 per litre in some areas, coupled with rising interest rates and the escalating cost of everyday goods, it’s no surprise that Aussies are keen to find savings wherever possible. While discounts at the bowser and savvy fuel-buying strategies are well-known tactics, another potential money-saver might be lurking within your own vehicle: the ECO mode.
We decided to put this feature to the test, driving a common vehicle through a varied route to see just how much of a difference this seemingly simple button could make to your fuel consumption.
Understanding ECO Mode: What Does It Actually Do?
Not all cars are equipped with an ECO mode, but for those that are, it can significantly impact your fuel efficiency – provided it’s used in a way that allows it to perform at its peak. The general principle behind ECO mode is to adjust your car’s engine and transmission control logic to prioritise fuel economy. This often means a more gentle acceleration, adjusted gear shifts, and potentially altered throttle response.
To investigate its effectiveness, a 2021 Hyundai Kona was taken for a spin around Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The experiment involved completing the same 27.4-kilometre loop in three distinct driving modes: Normal, ECO, and Sport. The chosen route was designed to simulate a typical driving experience, encompassing a variety of conditions:
- Suburban Streets: Navigating residential areas with lower speed limits.
- Main Road: Encountering a 70km/h zone, offering a chance for more consistent speed.
- Freeway: Cruising at higher speeds, with limits ranging from 80km/h to 100km/h, a prime environment for ECO mode to shine.
- Inner-City Congestion: Experiencing heavily trafficked roads, typical of urban driving, with frequent stops and starts.
- Industrial Area: Driving through a 50km/h zone, often characterised by stop-start traffic and varying road conditions.
While acknowledging that this wasn’t a strictly controlled scientific test, the methodology aimed to provide a realistic comparison by using the same vehicle, driven by the same person, on the identical route, at a similar time of day.
The Initial Test Drive: Normal Mode
Before diving into the ECO mode, the baseline was established in Normal mode. The trip meter was reset, and the driver focused on smooth acceleration, aiming to maintain a consistent speed where possible.
In Normal mode, the Hyundai Kona performed admirably, achieving a fuel consumption of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km). This figure actually beat Hyundai’s claimed fuel efficiency for the 2021 Kona by 0.2 L/100km, demonstrating that careful driving in the standard mode can already yield good results.
Did ECO Mode Make a Difference? Round One.
The second leg of the experiment involved engaging ECO mode. The driver remained mindful of acceleration, aiming to replicate the driving style from the Normal mode test to avoid skewing the results.
During this drive, a notable observation was made: the fuel efficiency dipped to as low as 4.8 L/100km while on the freeway. This was an improvement compared to the 5.1 L/100km achieved on the freeway in Normal mode. However, when the entire 27.4-kilometre loop was completed, the overall result for ECO mode was only slightly more efficient, coming in at 5.9 L/100km.
This initial result suggested that ECO mode’s effectiveness is heavily influenced by the driver’s input. A quick consultation with an expert confirmed this, leading to a decision to re-test ECO mode with a significantly more conservative driving approach.
The “Nanna Style” ECO Drive: A New Approach
The third test drive adopted a drastically different driving philosophy, dubbed “Nanna style.” This involved tapping the accelerator pedal as lightly as possible, staying at or slightly below the speed limit, and maximising coasting opportunities. For vehicles without an automatic start/stop function for traffic lights, the ignition was manually switched off during longer waits.
This ultra-conservative approach proved effective for fuel saving, with the fuel economy for the loop dropping to an impressive 5.5 L/100km. This was a marked improvement compared to the 5.9 L/100km from the less-cautious ECO drive, the 6.0 L/100km from Normal mode, and significantly better than Hyundai’s claimed 6.2 L/100km.
However, this gentle driving style wasn’t without its social consequences. While no horns were honked, the driver did experience some tailgating, particularly on inclines, as other road users became impatient with the slower pace.
How Does Sport Mode Stack Up?
The final mode tested was Sport mode, which is designed to enhance performance rather than economy. The driving style here was a departure from the “Nanna” approach, but not an overtly aggressive one. The driver adopted a typical middle-aged driver’s pace, avoiding excessive revving or reckless overtaking.
The outcome was as expected: a substantial increase in fuel consumption. The Sport mode test resulted in a fuel economy of 7.6 L/100km. This represents a 26.7 per cent increase over Normal mode and nearly 30 per cent more than the “Nanna” ECO drive.
Key Takeaways for Savvy Driving
The experiment provided some clear insights into the practical application of different driving modes:
- ECO Mode’s Strengths: ECO mode demonstrably contributes to fuel savings, particularly on longer journeys at consistent speeds. If your driving predominantly involves highway cruising, the benefits are likely to be more pronounced.
- The Importance of Driving Style: The “Nanna style” test highlighted that driver behaviour is a critical factor in fuel efficiency, regardless of the selected mode. Adopting a smooth, gentle, and anticipatory driving approach can yield significant savings.
- City Driving Considerations: For drivers who frequently encounter hilly terrain or heavy stop-start traffic, the benefits of ECO mode might be less dramatic, and the trade-off for slower acceleration could lead to frustration for other road users.
- Sport Mode for Performance, Not Economy: Sport mode is clearly designed for spirited driving and will inevitably lead to higher fuel consumption.
In conclusion, while ECO mode can offer tangible savings, especially on open roads, the most significant impact on your fuel bill might come from adopting a more mindful and gentle driving style, often referred to as “Nanna mode,” irrespective of the car’s current driving setting. And as for Sport mode? Unless you’re prioritising performance over your wallet, it’s likely best saved for special occasions.
