45Hybrid system
Air conditioning
QuestionAnswer
It seems to me that the vehicle runs less on electric when the heating or air conditioning is operating, is that right?
The demand for heating or air conditioning may require the starting of the Diesel engine until the desired level of comfort is attained. Normal hybrid operation is simply put back. The period can be longer under low or very high ambient temperatures.
It seems to me that when it is very hot and the air conditioning is working, the vehicle runs on electric for shorter periods. Is that right?
When it is hot, the periods when the Diesel engine is put on standby and the vehicle runs on electric are necessarily restricted in order to limit the difference between the temperature in the vehicle and the level of comfort selected. In very hot weather, it is always possible to press the Eco OFF button (which brings the vehicle out of ZEV mode and prevents electric running or the stopping of the engine) to give preference to temperature control (keeps the air conditioning running).
Special Hybrid4 features
QuestionAnswer
Can I tow with my hybrid vehicle and how much? A Hybrid4 vehicle can tow between 500 kg and 800 kg (see the "Towing" section). This allows a jet ski or two-wheeler on a trailer to be towed, for example. The "technical" reason for the limit is related to maintaining adequate cooling capacity for the internal combustion engine as well as the hybrid components that are also cooled by the engine's cooling system.
Why does engine braking seem so strong? When you take your foot off the accelerator, the engine braking results mainly from the energy recovery by the electric motor. This leads to a higher level of deceleration than a conventional vehicle and so allows the recovery of free energy.
245Practical information
We recommend the use of genuine CITROËN towbars and their harnesses that have been tested and approved from the design stage of your vehicle, and that the fitting of the towbar is
entrusted to a CITROËN dealer or a qualified workshop. If the towbar is not fitted by a CITROËN dealer, it is imperative that it is fitted in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
Driving advice
Distribution of loads
Distribute the load in the trailer so that the heaviest items are as close as possible to the axle and the nose weight approaches the maximum permitted without exceeding it. Air density decreases with altitude, thus
reducing engine performance. Above 1 000 metres, the maximum towed load must be reduced by 10 % for every 1 000 metres of altitude.
Side wind
Take into account the increased sensitivity to side wind.
Cooling
Towing a trailer on a slope increases the temperature of the coolant. As the fan is electrically controlled, its cooling capacity is not dependent on the engine speed. To lower the engine speed, reduce your speed.
If the warning lamp and the STOP warning lamp come on, stop the vehicle and switch off the engine as soon as possible.
Braking
Towing a trailer increases the braking distance. To avoid overheating of the brakes on a long mountain type of descent, the use of engine braking is recommended.
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressures of the towing vehicle and of the trailer, observing the recommended pressures.
Lighting
Check the electrical lighting and signalling on the trailer.
The rear parking sensors will be deactivated automatically if a genuine CITROËN towbar is used.
Driving with a trailer places greater demands on the towing vehicle and the driver must take particular care.
The maximum towed load on a long incline depends on the gradient and the ambient temperature. In all cases, keep a check on the coolant temperature.
Refer to the "Technical data" section for details of the weights and towed loads which apply to your vehicle.
