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3284-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving mode select
■Changing the driving mode
To select the drive mode, perform operations on the multi-information
display.
Press “ ” or “” of the meter control switches and select .
Press “ ” or “” of the meter control switches, and select “Drive
Mode”.
Press “ ” or “” of the meter control switches, and select drive
mode.
■Driving modes
● “NORMAL” mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and
dynamic performance. Suitable for city driving.
● “SPORT” mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, smooth and quick
acceleration. This mode also changes the steering feel, making it
suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves.
When sport mode is selected, the “SPORT” indicator will illuminate
on the multi-information display.
In response to driving conditions, one of 3 drive modes can be
selected.
Select the drive mode
1
2
3
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3294-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
●“ECO” mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and
improve fuel economy through moderate throttle characteristics
and by controlling the operation of the air conditioning system
(heating/cooling).
When Eco mode is selected, the “ECO MODE” indicator will illumi-
nate on the multi-information display.
While the air conditioning is being used, the system automatically
switches to air conditioning eco mode ( P. 484), allowing for driving
that leads to even better fuel economy.
■ When canceling “ECO” mode/ “SPORT” mode
● Select the drive mode again. Also, “SPORT” mode will be canceled auto-
matically when the power switch is turned off.
● However, “NORMAL” mode and “ECO” mode will not be canceled automati-
cally until another drive mode is selected, even if the power switch is turned
off.
■ Switching the drive mode when in EV drive mode
P. 230
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409
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 328)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 127)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
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4104-6. Driving tips
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to
move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
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4114-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper
tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appro-
priate for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
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4846-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and
the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after the button is pressed.
■ Fogging up of the windows
● The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the
windshield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
● When driving on dusty roads, in tunnels, or in heavy traffic, set the outside/
recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling oper-
ation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior
effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
● In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri-
oritize fuel efficiency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
● To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Adjust the temperature setting
• Turn off Eco drive mode
● Even when the drive mode is set to Eco drive mode, the air conditioning eco
mode can be turned off by pressing the .
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5137-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
■ High pressure car washes
● Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is
closed properly.
■ Note for a smart entry & start system
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the fol-
lowing correction procedures to wash the vehicle:
● Place the key in a position 2 m (6 ft.) or more separate from the vehicle
while the vehicle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
● Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart entry &
start system. ( P. 165)
■ Aluminum wheels
● Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent. Do not use hard
brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or harsh chemical clean-
ers.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
● Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after
driving for long distance in the hot weather.
● Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■ Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
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5247-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
C-HR_HV_OM_Europe_OM10538E
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become el ectrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■ When working on the engine compartment
● Make sure that the indicator on the power switch and the “READY” indica-
tor are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc., right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the 12-volt
battery. Fuel and 12-volt battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately. If you still experience discom-
fort, consult a doctor.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. ( P. 535)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.,
from getting in your eyes.