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Cruise uncontrolled

I recently bought a Peugeot 208, which I must say is perfect for my needs except for the cruise control. Every car I have driven with cruise control keeps to the selected speed both up hills and down. On the 208, however, the cruise control allows the overrun when descending a hill to exceed the selected speed as if there was no control actuated.

Believing there was a fault, I called my Peugeot dealer who informed me: "Cruise control is designed for motorways where there are no hills."(I recently drove along the M5 passing Clevedon, Somerset, where, although the Cruise Control was set at 60mph, the overrun took me to 75mph before I decided to brake.)

Another fitting on the 208 is what I thought to be an excellent safety Feature: A speed limiter allows the driver to set a maximum speed (say 32mph) when in a built up area, and the maximum speed is limited to that, thereby preventing the driver from inadvertently exceeding the limit.

However, this also allows the car to overrun when descending a hill. I am, of course, aware that it is my responsibility to ensure that I keep within the law, regardless of any gadgets fitted to the car, but I question the use of a speed limiter which doesn't limit, and a cruise control which gives up when descending a hill. Tell me, am I being unreasonable?

Asked on 22 December 2012 by BS, Bristol

Answered by Honest John
The dealer is plainly a member of the Flat Earth Society. But you make an interesting point. Most cruise control and certainly all speed limiters I have ever tried hold the speed on descents. The BMW 320dED does this particularly well by not over braking and keeping the economy at 99.9mpg +. So I'll note your criticism.
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