Just a question. We were told by the stealer, when purchasing Cinnamina, that the ECO button reduces the power in this setting.
My question is....


A) Does it actually reduce the power of the engine via some restrictive technology

or

B) Does is effectively reduce the perceived power, by merely altering the responsiveness of the throttle?

yostumpy said:

Just a question. We were told by the stealer, when purchasing Cinnamina, that the ECO button reduces the power in this setting.
My question is....


A) Does it actually reduce the power of the engine via some restrictive technology

or

B) Does is effectively reduce the perceived power, by merely altering the responsiveness of the throttle?

Click to expand...

From my experience I think it's a bit of both, obviously it switches in a different map so I'm presuming boost is reduced and also the throttle response is altered - a bit like a 'go pedal' in reverse if you know what I mean. I dont really think it makes the car any more economical though, it just encourages you to drive it more economically! Boot it in Eco Mode and you'll get worse mpg then normal mode! You need a min of about 10K on the car before Eco becomes usable IMO and then it's quite nice around town etc.

I was under the impression that ECO altered the dynamics of the engine induction.

As far as I understand, the valves are actuated by electronics and hydraulics and the timing and lift of the valves is changed. Basically, the engine is "de-tuned" in ECO. Maybe the throttle pedal actuation is changed too.

Personally, I don't like it and rarely use it. However, the lighter steering is a good idea, but the rest of the ECO idea is a waste of time.

Regards,
Mick.

Mick F said:

I was under the impression that ECO altered the dynamics of the engine induction.

As far as I understand, the valves are actuated by electronics and hydraulics and the timing and lift of the valves is changed. Basically, the engine is "de-tuned" in ECO. Maybe the throttle pedal actuation is changed too.

Personally, I don't like it and rarely use it. However, the lighter steering is a good idea, but the rest of the ECO idea is a waste of time.

Regards,
Mick.

Click to expand...

Since my car 'came of age' I've run it in ECO mode for perhaps 90% of the time; I think it forces one to adapt and drive more economically and it's perfectly adequate for the sort of suburban driving I mostly do. Of course, if I want to have fun it's just a click away...

It's a pity they had to tie it to the lighter steering though. I'd like to be able to switch the steering like I can on the partner's Pop with its 'City' mode.

Yes, no doubt the ECO mode is good if you do that sort of driving regularly, but we don't do much urban/city stuff. The ECO idea is of no use to us, though I have tried it on many occasions.

I like the lighter steering when parking and definitely like it in a tight parking spot.

As far as I know, our daughter's 2004 Panda has a button for lightening the steering, but I don't think it does anything to the engine. That would suit me fine for our 500TA.

Thanks,
Mick.

Well if its anything like my turbo charged GP, ECO mode limits the turbo boost. It also lightens the steering and adjusts the throttle response...

AFAIK, turbo pressure is unaffected by the ECO button, what it does is alter the UniAir systems valve timing, lift and duration. Essentially, it's like sticking an ECO camshaft in it.

Some users have reported better low RPM drivability in ECO, I personally I only use it as a kind of Cruise control, the pedal position required to maintain speed is more comfortable in ECO than normal.

Pressing Eco reduces max torque from 145Nm to 100Nm, amongst other things. In my experience this gives a much smoother drive at low revs. My TA starts juddering below about 40mph in 5th with Eco off, but will go down to near 30 with it on. The idea is, you can change up sooner when driving in town, which improves economy. Tests I've done on motorway cruising confirm that Eco has no effect on mpg in that scenario, and as UFI says the pedal position is different to maintain a given speed.
Personally I'd prefer it if the steering stayed at the non-Eco setting as I like the extra weight, but the difference isn't that big.

You lot will have to upgrade to a panda ta if you want separate Eco and city steering buttons

deeyup said:

You lot will have to upgrade to a panda ta if you want separate Eco and city steering buttons

Click to expand...

Downgrade you mean! ?

Now, now, play nice.


Fiat 500s are best car though. This is science.

Noxide said:

Now, now, play nice.


Fiat 500s are best car though. This is science.

Click to expand...

We go way back! deeyup is an ex 500 owner until he 'upgraded'

Mercky said:

We go way back! @deeyup is an ex 500 owner until he 'upgraded'

Click to expand...

Haha, I'm joking.

But if that's the case... :devil::devil:

UFI said:

Essentially, it's like sticking an ECO camshaft in it.

Click to expand...

Probably that wouldn't be legal. I think the car has to produce the same emissions in both modes in the NEDC. Therefore the ECO mode can only do things a skilled driver can do with his right foot in normal mode. (Except for the steering of course.)