New start-stop technology is set to give an eco-boost to the most popular engines powering cars from PSA Peugeot Citroen.

Urban fuel consumption should fall by 15% when next-generation micro hybrid gadgetry becomes available in the next few months.

Citroen's C5 range will be first to offer e-HDi, the first system to marry a reversible starter-alternator with diesel power.

Due to be launched by the end of the year, the innovative equipment also promises a 5g/km average reduction in tailpipe emissions and a 15% cut during city driving.

Developed jointly with component supplier Valeo over the last three years at a cost of more than 300 million euros, e-HDi will also feature in 1.4 and 1.6-litre versions of the replacement C4 hatchback line-up early next year along with Peugeot's 407 replacement, and the 308 lower-medium car range.

"After pioneering stop/start on the petrol Citroen C3 in 2004, we have drawn on all our experience to offer the best solution for diesel drivers. We believe this to be the best technology available and think it will soon become the new industry benchmark," PSA sales and marketing vice president Jean-Marc Gales told Fleet News.

"This is a significant development because research has proved that the engine is not needed for 30 % of the time the average car spends in cities or busy urban traffic.

"Something needs to be done to avoid this waste of energy and we think this is an effective solution."