Company Car & Van August 2021

COMPANY

CAR AND VAN The motoring magazine for SME fleets

Toyota RAV4 goes plug-in hybrid

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

VW CADDY CARGO

BMW iX3

FIAT PROFESSIONAL

Plug-in option makes most sense for fleets

Bavarians introduce first electric SUV

August 2021 • Issue 68

Volkswagen’s van drives just like a car

Ducato Series 8 arrives in the UK

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Contents 09

12

New wave of tax breakers are a great compromise for fleets While the government pushes EVs like there’s no tomorrow, it has also realised that for many company car drivers, electric range and the current charging infrastructure just won’t work for them.

The compromise is the plug-in-hybrid, which has been incentivised with low Benefitin-Kind tax rates. For this issue we spent some time in four of these tax breakers, beginning with the Toyota RAV4.

Toyota is renowned as a self-charging hybrid brand, so the RAV4 PHEV is its first sojourn into the plug-in-hybrid market. We spent a week in one and discovered that it’s an SUV well worth considering. Jaguar Land Rover has also launched plug-in variants of most of its SUV model range, and the first to get the once-over from us was the Range Rover Evoque – and it didn’t disappoint. And Kia has added a plug-in to its Sorento range, which we drive as well.

For those looking for a smaller hatchback as their next company vehicle, the MercedesBenz A250e also comes with plug-in technology while retaining most of the fun the A -Class offers. And not to be left out, Lexus announced that it is bringing a PHEV to market in the form of the NX450+, which is also featured inside.

We’ve not forgotten electric, with road tests of the Vauxhall Mokka-e and Mazda MX-30, plus a feature on the Volkswagen ID.4.

Finally, we’re delighted to welcome the new Sunderland-built Nissan Qashqai.

On the commercial front, we spent a day in a quarry near Buxton with Isuzu, where its new D-Max pick-up was showcased. In this issue, we breakdown the new model range with a drive in the DL40.

Volkswagen has a new Caddy Cargo van offered as petrol or diesel. A diesel model arrived with us in June and we think we have driven the most car-like van of all time. You’ll find the review inside.

There’s now a good selection of electric vans coming to market and in this issue we review three of them. We spent a week in the Mercedes-Benz e-Sprinter, LEVC VN5 and the Maxus eDeliver 3. All showcase how an electric van could work for your business.

And finally, the Fiat Professional Ducato 8 will be landing in a Fiat showroom near you shortly, so we have a feature on Europe’s number one best-selling large van as well. Enjoy.

Andrew Walker, Editor and Publisher

29

22 CARS & NEWS Europcar 4 Q&A with... BMW’s Rob East

6

Rolec news

7

BMW iX3

8

Lexus NX450H+

10

Vauxhall Mokka-e

12

Volkswagen ID.4

14

Toyota RAV4

16

Range Rover Evoque Plug-In

22

Mercedes-Benz A250e

24

Kia Sorento

26

Mazda MX-30

27

Nissan Qashqai

28

COMMERCIALS Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

29

LEVC VN5

32

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

34

Isuzu D-Max DL40

37

Maxus eDeliver 3

39

News: Chadderton Maxus

44

Fiat Professional Ducato

46

39

34

Company Car & Van is wholly owned and published by: Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd 12 Oakwood Lane, Bowdon, Cheshire WA14 3DL t: 07734 264735 e: andrewmaxwalker@icloud.com w: www.companycarandvan.co.uk Follow us at twitter.com/andrewmaxwalker and www.linkedin.com/in/companycarandvan Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, the publisher can accept no responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The carriage of adverts in this publication should not necessarily be viewed as an endorsement of the products or services advertised. All articles within this publication are copyright of Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd. Editorial consent must be obtained before any are reproduced, either in printed form or electronically. www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Company Car & Van | August 2021 | 03

COMPANY NEWS: EUROPCAR

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Bridging the supply gap: Long-term rental can offer a flexible and agile option Debbie Wallace, Head of SME at Europcar Mobility Group UK, looks at the benefits of flexible rental solutions when it comes to dealing with the current delays in new vehicle supply.

At a time when many businesses have seen an uptick in workload due to increased customer demand following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, it seems that the availability of everything from building materials through to new vehicles is down, due to supply issues.

Car manufacturers, in particular, have been affected from all sides. Factory closures during the pandemic, a factory fire in Japan and extreme winter weather conditions in Texas earlier this year have all led to a shortage of semi-conductor chips. The upshot is that they have been unable to produce enough new vehicles to meet a suddenly ramped up demand.

As a consequence, prices of second-hand vehicles have increased dramatically. According to BCA the average sold value of second-hand light commercial vehicles is up 57% year on year – putting an additional financial burden on businesses already challenged by the effects of the pandemic.

While recent SMMT figures show that production levels of new commercial vehicles, are on the increase, it will take time for these to filter down to the showrooms. In the meantime businesses need to look at alternative ways to meet their extra vehicle needs.

Because of the interruptions and delays to the supply of new vehicles, companies who own or lease their vehicles only have two options – extending leasing agreements or in the case of ownership not replacing older vehicles. Yet both can be costly and have

implications for driver safety.

One option to bridging the supply gap is long-term rental, which offers a flexible and cost-effective solution that supports businesses with their ongoing plans and ensures that they have the vehicles they need when, where and for as long as required. While the outright purchase of vans and commercial vehicles is proving challenging, working with a trusted and experienced rental supplier can offer businesses easy access to new or nearly new vehicles with no deposit or early termination fees.

Flexible usership

The uncertainty of the last year has put huge stresses on businesses but the key to success is the ability to remain agile, to grasp opportunities as and when they arise. For

organisations that rely on their commercial vehicles and company cars to drive their business forward, flexible ‘usership’ can give them the edge in uncertain times.

Europcar has one of the youngest fleets in the industry and through our strong relationships with car manufacturers we have been able to keep a good supply of new, technologically up-to-date vehicles coming on fleet.

With service and maintenance included it means organisations can have peace of mind and concentrate on the day-to-day running of their business For more information on how Europcar can help you with your vehicle planning, visit www.europcar.co.uk/business or call the team on 0371 384 0140.

Birmingham sets new standards for urban air quality Birmingham has become the latest urban area in the UK to launch its Clean Air Zone, following Bath and with plenty more cities to come.

The CAZ is within the area of the A4540 Middleway (but not the Middleway itself) and will be used to encourage the drivers of the most polluting vehicles to upgrade or replace their vehicle. People are also being encouraged to think about walking, cycling or using public transport more – especially for shorter journeys.

A daily fee will be charged on vehicles that do not meet the emission standards for the zone. If owners do not pay the daily fee after this date the registered keeper of the vehicle will be issued with a penalty charge notice.

04 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

Cars, taxis and LGVs which do not meet the Clean Air Zone emission standard will be charged £8 a day and non-compliant coaches, buses and HGVs will be charged £50 per day.

The Clean Air Zone charge runs midnight to midnight. Drivers can pay six days in advance of their visit, the day of their visit and six days after the day of their visit, giving a total payment window of 13 days.

Payments can be paid online using the Government’s payment system or over the phone by calling 0300 029 8888 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm). To avoid being charged in a Clean Air Zone, your vehicle must meet the following minimum standard: • Buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles:

Euro VI • Vans, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cars: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol) • Motorcycles: Euro 3.

A range of support measures have been brought in to support those immediately impacted by the changes. This includes temporary exemption permits and financial incentives as well as the Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV Fund) – but there’s no support for fleets.

However, the majority of modern vehicles – certainly those built in the past six-seven years – should be okay, though fleets still running older vehicles, particularly diesels, should pay close attention to the rules. www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Q & A WITH BMW’S ROB EAST

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

BMW’s in a great place to adjust to changing demands Rob East, General Manager, Corporate Sales BMW Group, outlines the company’s future strategy to Andrew Walker CC&V: Post-pandemic, there are supply issues for most car and van manufacturers, relating to a worldwide semi-conductor shortage. How well do you think the brand has coped with this?

Rob East: We recognise this is a difficult global situation, but for us, customer communication is key. We’ve been clear and transparent with our customers where any restrictions on optional equipment have been necessary on certain models and how we’re working to resolve these; even developing a bi-weekly bulletin so our customers are kept up to date with moving developments.

CC&V: With generous BIK tax incentives on plug-in-hybrid and fully electric cars, all of the car manufacturers are moving their fleet offering in this direction. Do you think the end is nigh for your petrol and diesel models in the corporate sector?

RE: We continue to see a place for combustion engines in our range and for our customers, and therefore we continue to invest in this powertrain technology. BMW has pledged to have 23 electrified vehicles by 2025 so we’re already working towards an electric

future and feel confident we’re able to take our fleet customers on this journey.

CC&V: The BMW 330e and 530e, as well as the MINI Countryman PHEV, have been your headline fleet models for a couple of years now. Which new BMW and MINI models will increase your plug-in or electric offering to fleet in the next year or so?

RE: As a brand, the next few years will see exciting new electric models launched. In July we launched the new BMW iX3 (see page 8), which is already performing strongly even though no customers have seen or driven this car yet. Towards the end of 2021 we launch the all-new BMW iX and BMW i4, both of which we expect to perform well in the corporate market.

CC&V: With many businesses letting employees work from home, with less time spent in the office, do you think that your average BMW fleet customer will be reducing their annual mileage and if so, how will the BMW ‘Business Partnership’ programme address this?

RE: We have seen useage profiles of our fleet drivers change significantly during the pandemic. Mileage is dropping in line with changing commuting patterns. Furthermore, this change has helped increase interest and adoption of our electrified models.

Our Business Partnership programme is totally flexible, giving customers the ability to change their contracted mileage to suit their

current circumstances, allowing them to adjust the programme now and in the future should their commuting pattern change again.

CC&V: In a recent survey about electric cars, our readers’ biggest concerns were EV range anxiety and access to charging points, not the actual cost of electric vehicles.

Based on our findings, do you think that electric is the way forward or do selfcharging and PHEV cars have an important role to play in the transition to a fully electric fleet?

RE: For many fleets, our plug-in hybrid vehicles such as the BMW 330e or MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid remain a great choice. In discussion with our customers on switching to fully electric vehicles, it’s become obvious that range anxiety has reduced but the focus has shifted to concerns around charging infrastructure.

We are working with our partners at Alphabet to identify ways in which we can bundle our products together for customer ease – for example, installing wall boxes upon delivery and providing access to BMW Charging, which means drivers need only one RFID card to access one of the largest networks of charge points from various providers.

Our upcoming electric models have a great range: the BMW iX, for example, has a WLPT range of up to 380 miles, which combined with the ability to charge at a rate of up to 150kW becomes a game changer for high-mileage company car drivers.

‘‘

Our plug-in hybrid vehicles such as the BMW 330e or MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid remain a great choice ... it’s become obvious that range anxiety has reduced...

06 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ROLEC EV

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Rolec partners with nationwide businesses to support electrification plans As the UK is shifting towards a netzero future, businesses across the nation have opted for Rolec as their chargepoint partner to support their electrification journeys Electric vehicle registrations are increasing month by month; the UK witnessed a 122.9% increase in pure-electric vehicle registrations in June compared to the same period last year.

In the same month, pure-electric vehicles accounted for 10.7% of the market share, while diesel vehicles accounted for 8.1% – and this is not the first time that pure-electric vehicles have out-performed their diesel counterparts.

A driver towards these trends is that businesses are opting to electrify their fleets and company car drivers are choosing sustainable vehicles as their next vehicle choice, not only for their significant long-term cost savings but the sheer range of electric vehicles now on the market.

It is apparent that electric vehicles are becoming favourable for businesses across the nation. Within the last several months, Rolec has become the chargepoint manufacturer of

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

choice for various industries. Willmott Dixon, the UK’s leading independent construction and property services company has pledged to become a zero carbon company by 2030, part of their commitment includes the electrification of their fleet. To support the adoption of electric vehicles among their employees, Willmott Dixon has begun a roll-out of EV charging infrastructure across over 100 of their sites, nationwide, providing employees the facilities to recharge their vehicles at their workplace.

By choosing Rolec as their chargepoint partner, Willmott Dixon’s sites will benefit from future-proof charging infrastructure, ensuring that current and new electric vehicles on the market are able to charge seamlessly.

Thrifty Car & Van Rental has also partnered with Rolec for its proven electric vehicle charging hardware and its products’ smart capabilities. With Thrifty introducing more than 15 electric vehicles to their branches, the partnership with Rolec allows Thrifty’s vehicles to be recharged and ready for their customers.

The future is certainly electric for Thrifty as by 2023, they will be rolling out EV charging infrastructure across all of their 85 branches.

For Quinn Infrastructure, specialists in the UK rail and utility networks, forming a partnership with Rolec accelerates opportunities for its respective industries, allowing their customers to benefit from a complete nationwide turnkey EV charging infrastructure solution.

With numerous train stations now offering short stay and long stay visitors with the facilities to recharge their electric vehicles, both Rolec and Quinn Infrastructure will be working together to ensure more and more train stations across the UK can offer their visitors EV charging at their car parks.

For more news on what Rolec are getting up to, please visit: www.rolecserv.com/industry-news

Company Car & Van | August 2021 | 07

NEW CAR REVIEW: BMW iX3:

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

iX3 is a pure electric first for BMW This summer sees a new addition to the BMW range: the iX3 Premier Edition and BMW iX3 Premier Edition Pro, with both offering a significant level of standard equipment over and above the current X3.

The BMW X3 will be the brand’s first model with a pure-electric drive system, a plug-in hybrid system or highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are now arranged together in a single housing, creating a power density that is 30 per cent greater than that of existing BMW fully-electric vehicles. The motor is up to 93 per cent efficient, compared with under 40 per cent for combustion engines.

The new drive system unit generates maximum output of 286 hp and peak torque of 295 lb-ft which, unlike many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. It pushes the iX3 from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, putting it in the same territory as the conventionally powered BMW X3 xDrive30i. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph.

Sending power to the rear wheels creates a characteristic BMW driving experience with outstanding traction ensured thanks to the standard-fit ARB technology. Cutting-edge battery-cell technology plays a headline role in the latest development stage of high-voltage batteries. The storage capacity of the battery has been substantially increased, relative to the installation space required and its weight.

The gravimetric energy density of the 188 prismatic cells in the new BMW iX3 is around 20 per cent higher than that of the battery cells used by the BMW Group in its fully- electric vehicles up to now. A gross energy content of 80 kWh – of which 74 kWh is utilised – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the new BMW iX3 to offer a range of up to 279 miles (WLTP test cycle).

Another technical highlight making its debut in iX3 thanks to BMW Group’s fifth- generation eDrive technology is the innovative new charging unit, which sends power to both the 400V battery and the 12V on-board power supply. When charging using alternating current, it enables both single-phase and three-phase charging at up to 11 kW. Plugging the vehicle into a direct current rapid-charging station opens the door to charging outputs of up to 150 kW, meaning the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 34 minutes. Drivers can inject the 08 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

power required to add 62 miles to the car’s driving range (in the WLTP cycle) in just 10 minutes.

Adaptive recuperation enhances efficiency and driving comfort during a journey. The intensity of the Brake Energy Regeneration is adapted to the road situation using data from the navigation system and the driver assistance system sensors.

The BMW iX3 includes a newly developed Flexible Fast Charger cable which can be hooked up to both standard domestic and industrial sockets using optional adapters.

Recharging at home is further enhanced with a personal Wallbox. Available through BMW partner, Smart solutions, this monitors energy usage and cost, as well as keeping a historic record of home-charging energy expenditure, making it very convenient for company car users.

The exceptionally efficient drive system, extensive use of secondary raw materials in the manufacture of aluminium castings and thermoplastics, absence of rare earths and across-the-board use of green electricity in production, including the cells for the highvoltage battery, are all contributory factors in the impressive CO2 assessment for the new BMW iX3.

During the customer-use phase, the iX3

outperforms the diesel-powered BMW X3 xDrive 20d by more than 30 per cent when drawing on average European electricity sources or roughly 60 per cent when powered by green electricity.

Inside, the interior features understated blue accents, while the clearly structured controls, high-quality materials and stylish surfaces combine to create the premium interior ambience associated with BMW SAV models.

The versatility of the iX3 is confirmed by spaciousness on a par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 variants.

Thanks to the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest, boot capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 litres.

The iX3 is equipped with BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional; a fully-digital screen grouping comprising a high-resolution 12.3 inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Central Control Display.

iX3 PRICING Premier Edition Price: £58,850 otr Premier Edition Pro Price: £61,850 otr More at

www.bmw.co.uk/ix3

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

NEW CAR REVIEW: LEXUS NX450H+

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Lexus’ all-new NX model pushes range and low carbon agenda The all-new NX marks the introduction of Lexus’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the latest achievement in the brand’s distinguished history of electrified vehicle innovation.

The company has called on its unmatched expertise and experience to give its new NX450h+ luxury mid-size SUV class-leading performance and efficiency from the new rechargeable, plug-in system. Due for launch later in 2021, it will take its place alongside the new UX300e battery electric SUV to add momentum to the Lexus Electrified programme.

Its bloodline can be traced back to 2005 and the introduction of the RX400h, the world’s first premium hybrid model. Since then, Lexus has constantly developed hybrid as the core technology for its electrified vehicles and made it available across almost its entire model range. With increased choice and improved performance, it has achieved more than two million hybrid vehicle sales worldwide.

Such has been the level of environmental efficiency of the technology, Lexus calculates its hybrid electric cars have so far saved around 19 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The new NX450h+ demonstrates Lexus’s continued progress towards its goal of carbon neutrality throughout the lifecycle of its vehicles by 2050. It is among 20 new or improved models Lexus will bring to market by 2025, including more than 10 electrified (plug-in hybrid, self-charging hybrid or battery electric) vehicles.

Lexus’s established power management technology are key to the vehicle having an all-electric (EV) driving range of 40 miles* – again, a class-leading capability. In EV driving, the NX450h+ will, according to driving conditions, be able to reach speeds of up to 84mph on electric power.

Ahead of formal homologation, Lexus estimates CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km will be achieved (WLTP combined cycle).

What further differentiates the NX450h+ from

The new Lexus plug-in hybrid electric system The plug-in electric system in the NX450h+ features a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder hybrid engine, an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors – one on the rear axle to provide full-time all-wheel drive. The full system produces a maximum 302bhp, which should enable acceleration from rest to 62mph in just more than six seconds.

The class-leading capacity of the battery and

its competitors is the fact that when the battery is depleted, the car defaults to a highly efficient self-charging hybrid system. On other models, the default is to an internal combustion engine alone, with significantly higher fuel consumption and emissions. In this scenario, the Lexus is expected to be up to 20 per cent more efficient.

NX350h self-charging hybrid While the NX450h+ will be the flagship model, the new NX range will also include a self-charging hybrid electric model, the NX350h. This, too, demonstrates the substantial progress Lexus has made with its fourth generation hybrid system: compared to the current NX300h, it delivers 22 per cent more power (239bhp) and 15 per cent faster acceleration from 0-62mph (7.7 seconds). This level of performance notwithstanding, Lexus expects CO2 emissions to fall by around 10 per cent. * Figure subject to final homologation

Price cut keeps UX300e at head of electric pack Lexus has stepped in to ensure customers are not disadvantaged by changes to the Government-funded grant support for new electric vehicle purchases, by offering a £2,155 reduction in its UX300e’s otr price.

At the same time, a new PCP offer is available with monthly payments from £429. This is with a representative 3.9 per cent APR and a £1,000 finance deposit allowance for a 48-month agreement, provided by Lexus Financial Services.

10 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

In addition, Lexus’s Kinto One service is offering personal contract hire leasing at £465 per month with a £2,790 initial rental (both inclusive of VAT at 20 per cent).

For business customers, the exceptional environmental efficiency of the UX300e attracts significant cost benefits, including a one per cent benefit-in-kind rating for company car tax and a zero charge for road tax. Lexus has introduced a Business Contract Hire offer with monthly payments

of £387 and an initial rental of £2,322 (both exclusive of VAT at 20 per cent).

The UX300e is equipped with a 201bhp electric motor, powered by a high-capacity 54.35kWh lithium-ion battery that’s located beneath the vehicle floor, ensuring no compromise in cabin and load space. On a full charge, it can cover up to 196 miles, with zero emissions; recharging using a DC fast-charging connection can be accomplished in 52 minutes. www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: VAUXHALL MOKKA-e

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

‘‘

The Mokka-e is probably the most normal electric car we’ve ever driven...

Andrew Walker Now part of the Stellantis Group, Vauxhall is benefitting from the shared resources that the company has poured into electric vehicles. The Corsa-e was the brand’s first electric car and it was recently joined by the larger Mokka-e, which CC&V spent some time in recently.

Launched alongside the petrol version of the Mokka, the electric version is offered as a SE Nav Premium, Elite Nav Premium or SRI Nav Premium. All are powered by the same 50kWh battery, with 136PS of power on tap and 220Nm. The entry Mokka-e, the SE Nav Premium, costs £33,040. As an entry level model, it comes well equipped, with a 7” colour touchscreen with SatNav, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, electronic climate control, ECO LED headlights and cruise control with intelligent speed limiter.

The electric power tops out at 136hp in Sport mode – but this mode reduces battery range. Normal mode is best for everyday driving, while Eco mode pushes the battery range to the limit.

Charging Zero to full on a 7kWh home charger takes 7.5 hours. We have a Rolec 7kWh charger at the office (http://www.rolecserv.com/

TECH DATA Vauxhall Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium

Price: £32,080 after PiCG CO2: 0 g/km Power: 50kWh battery BIK: 1% 0-60mph: 8.7 seconds

home-charging) and it really takes the hassle out of owning an electric vehicle. Drive, return, plug-in, repeat. AYou’ll soon get the hang of where to charge publicly and some of these are actually free, Podpoint at Tesco for example.

We recently signed up to Octopus Go, which reduces the cost of charging to just 5p a kWh between 12.30 am and 04.30 am. Typical daytime rates are 13p a kWh while many public charge points cost over 20p a kWh, so spend some time researching and looking for a specialist electricity provider for home, as this 12 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

You can make mine a tasty Mokka-e is great way to keep fuel costs down.

It’s well worth noting that you can preprogramme the Mokka-e via your Smart Phone to charge in the night. You can also do this via the touchscreen EV menu inside the car and the timer button inside the fuel cap. At 5p a kWh it costs just £2.50 to get the Mokka-e fully charged and with a range of 180 miles in our real world test, that is an absolute bargain and up to 80% less than the cost of driving 180 miles in a petrol Mokka.

Interior Inside, the Mokka-e takes its cue from the Corsa-e. Vauxhall has kept the dashboard traditional, with a largish steering wheel and physical climate buttons, rather than the fiddly on screen offering you’ll find inside the interiors of the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008.

The cabin itself is nicely laid out and it’s easy to get comfortable. The touchscreen is simple to use and access to your phone and various modes is via switches on the steering wheel.

There’s plenty of room for driver and front seat passenger. Rear headroom is fine but rear leg room is tight and there’s really only enough room in the back for two adults. Cabin storage is decent, with four door pockets, a sizeable glove box, under armrest space and drinks holder. The batteries are located under the floor, so passenger room is unaffected.

However, the battery space does impact on luggage space, reducing it by 310 litres.

Driving The Mokka-e is probably the most normal electric car we’ve ever driven. That sounds like damning by faint praise, but it isn’t. We spent a week in its company and it’s very easy to like.

While we couldn’t match Vauxhall’s claimed range of 201 miles from fully charged, we would say that 180 miles is definitely possible.

Hit the motorway and drive at 70mph in Eco mode and that will fall to around 140 miles. The

regeneration of battery power, which is easier when driving around town, really does make a difference and the city is where the Mokka-e performs best.

It also handles smoothly and is pretty good to drive on winding B roads, despite the presence of those heavy batteries. However, rough roads sent vibrations through the 17” alloy wheels, just as in the Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208. It’s plainly an issue caused by the battery location, which is the same across all of the PSA electric model range.

Pros and cons For fleet managers and company car drivers alike, there’s a lot to be pleased about on the Mokka. It looks modern, features the most up to date safety and tech and all models are priced at under £35,000.

The really good news is the Mokka-e comes with a BIK of 1% and you’ll pay virtually nothing for your company car in tax year 2021/22. If you’re opting out of your company’s car scheme you also get the government grant, currently £2,500, off the car’s asking price, as the Mokka-e qualifies in Category One for the subsidy.

Negatives are minor. Rear passenger space is a bit tight, and that rough ride over poor roads is annoying. It’s perhaps a little conservative to drive... but that’s about it.

It’s not exciting but for all that, we enjoyed our week in the Mokka-e and we think it’s the best looking small EV currently out there. Taken as a company car with the related savings you can make on tax and fuel, and it’s definitely worth a look for fleet managers and end users.

CC&V VERDICT

Conservative to drive but overall it is a stylish SUV with a near 200-mile range.

What’s not to like?

CC&V RATING: N N N N www.companycarandvan.co.uk

NEW CAR REVIEW: VOLKSWAGEN ID.4

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Style and City boost for the ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 range has grown further, with City and Style variants of the 2021 World Car of the Year rolling out to UK customers.

Both models bring the option of ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ battery and motor specifications, with the former delivering 52 kWh and 148 PS, and the latter having 170 PS on tap, with the same 52 kWh net battery capacity setup.

The new City also represents the new entry-point into the ID.4 range, and qualifies for the PIVG, which brings the car’s OTR price down to £32,150 (RRP).

In addition to the four ‘Pro Performance’ specifications already offered on the ID.4 (1ST Edition, Life, Family and Max), the ID.4 is now offered with ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ battery and powertrain options, with ‘Pure’ versions providing 148 PS and 220 Nm of torque, while the ‘Pure Performance’ delivers 170 PS and 310 Nm of torque. Both of these feature a battery pack with 52 kWh (net capacity), which enables up to 213 miles of range across both City specifications, and up to 211 miles in Style variants (all WLTP, combined).

These latest trims fit below the existing ones in the ID.4 line-up, with the City Pure having the additional bonus of being eligible for the Government’s Plug-in Vehicle Grant, thus starting at an eye-catching £32,150 OTR (with PIVG deducted). The City Pure Performance is priced at £36,030, the Style Pure at £38,150 and the Style Pure Performance at £39,530 (all OTR, recommended prices). Beyond those are the ID.4 Life, Family and Max models, with the 204 PS and 77 kWh ‘Pro Performance’ powertrain.

The ID.4 ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ specifications can both add up to 137 miles of range from a 100 kW rapid charger in 30 minutes, while a 7.2 kW home charger takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes to take the

14 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

TECH DATA ID.4 City Price: 0-62 Range: BIK: Top speed:

£32,150 (with PIVG) 10.9 secs 213 miles 1% 99mph

battery from 0 to 100%. Charging to 80% from a DC, CCS charge point takes 38 minutes.

The ID.4 City, as the entry-level model in the ID.4 line-up, sets the pace for the equipment offered across the electric SUV’s range, with standard-fit features including LED headlights and tail lights, 10-colour ambient lighting throughout the car’s interior – which complements Volkswagen’s ID. Light communication interface – and a 10-inch Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system.

Driver assistance systems for the entry-level ID.4 are a particular strength for the model, with Front Assist, Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control all fitted as standard, in addition to convenience-boosting assistance features

like traffic sign recognition, a rain sensor and parking sensors front and rear.

The Style, as the design-focused trim positioned above the City, is marked out by its 18-inch Falun alloy wheels, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist, a front LED light strip between each headlight and the front Volkswagen roundel, 3D-design LED tail lights with dynamic turn signal, and illuminated door handle recesses, while the car’s windows from the B-pillar backwards are tinted. Inside, the ID.4 Style gains a suite of comfort, convenience and practicality features, including 3-zone Climatronic climate control and a luggage net for the load area, while easy access is provided by a keyless locking and starting system. A rear-view camera is also standard-fit for the Style, as part of its Assistance Package.

The ID.4 City and Style, and the ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ reflect the ID.3 in expanding the ID.4’s breadth of appeal, with the two new powertrain and battery options further diversifying the electric SUV’s expanding line-up, taking the number of separate variants of ID.4 currently on sale to eight, including the last few remaining ID.4 1ST Editions.

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: TOYOTA RAV4

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

RAV4 puts Toyota on the PHEV train Toyota has finally accepted that the world wants a PHEV, and though it’s late to the party, the RAV4 is a great place to start, says Andrew Walker Toyota – the self-styled ‘Kings of the selfcharging hybrid’ – has finally launched a PHEV, and it’s arrived in the form of the RAV4 Plug-In. On the downside it’s expensive, with the range starting at £46,495, so this may not be the retail car for you.

On the plus side, however, you get a lot for your money: for a start it’s class leading, with Toyota claiming a 46-mile pure-electric range.

16 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

Couple this to CO2 emissions of just 22g/km, which attracts a BIK of just seven per cent, and corporate customers should be salivating as this clever car really makes financial sense.

The RAV4 PHEV is offered in a choice of three specs. It starts with the Plug-In Design, which retails at £46,495 and features, among other items, 18” Grey Machined-face fivespoke alloys, 9” Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with Smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote controlled dual-zone automatic air conditioning and a 32A Mennekes fast charger Plug-In Dynamic from £47,395, with 19” Black Machined-face five-spoke alloys, a black bi-tone roof, wireless mobile phone charger and the 32A Mennekes fast charger Finally, there’s the range topping Plug-In

Dynamic Premium, which costs £50,895 and adds a Toyota Skyview panoramic roof, JBL Premium Sound System, driver and front passenger air ventilated seats and also comes with a 32A Mennekes fast charger.

Which ever trim level you pick you get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 182bhp and an 18.1kWh battery, which powers two electric motors. The front motor offers 134kW (176bhp) and the rear 40kW (53bhp).

The engine and electric motors don’t produce maximum output at the same time, so peak power is 302bhp, plenty enough for a 0-62mph time of just six seconds. Top speed is 112mph or in pure electric mode, it’s 84 mph.

Continued on page 18

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: TOYOTA RAV4

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Continued from page 16 Most of the time the plug-in RAV4 drives through its electric motors, only occasionally driving the front wheels. The engine is there to mainly generate charge and it will only occasionally send power directly to the front wheels. The driver can flick through three modes – EV for pure electric running, EV/HV, which shuffles between fully electric and hybrid power automatically, HV for solely hybrid running.

There’s also a charging mode, which sees the engine top up the battery on the move. You can select this option from a button next to the gear lever, which is easy to do and a bonus when compared with many other plug-ins, in which you need to scroll through numerous touch screens to select this option.

Electric and combined range If there’s enough battery charge, the RAV4 defaults to EV mode, only switching as required. Home charging means it takes 2.5 hours to charge to full on a 7.2kWh wall box such as those supplied by Rolev (see http:// www.rolecserv.com/home-charging); again, when compared to many other plug-ins, this is quick.

Toyota claims up to 46 miles of pure-electric driving is possible. We averaged 36 miles; admittedly that’s lower but this is still, in the

‘‘

Toyota claims up to 46 miles of pure electric driving... we averaged 36 miles... admittedly lower but it’s still way better than other comparative plug-ins

‘‘

immortal words of Wayne Campbell, ‘way’ better than most other compatible plug-in’s pure electric range. The trick is, we found out, to save the EV charge for urban driving, while going full Hybrid on the motorway and utilising EV/HV in slower moving traffic.

The RAV’s digital display shows you just how well or how badly you’re doing in this regard and improving on this becomes a bit of a challenge for each journey as you try to do better then the previous one.

Toyota claims a staggering fuel economy of 282.5mpg, but this is nigh-on possible to achieve in the real world. In a wet and windy May driving 300 miles on combined roads, with 200 miles of that on the motorway, we averaged 56mpg. Plug-in on a daily basis, drive locally or in town and this could easily reach 70mpg.

Exterior/Interior There’s not much to differentiate the PHEV 18 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

you can touch and see in the RAV4 are of good quality, though you do find cheaper plastics on the door pockets and lower down on the centre binnacle.

The latest Toyota infotainment system now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are both simple to access through a USB. And our Dynamic Premium test car also featured a Wireless Mobile charger in front of the gear stick, where you can leave your smart phone while on the move.

RAV4 from its hybrid sibling. There’s dark plating at the bottom of the car, a dark mesh grille and the words ‘Plug-In’ have been added above Hybrid on the badging, but that’s about it.

It’s on the inside that you see big differences.

We were testing the range-topping Dynamic Premium, which comes with a pair of comfortable red-stitched front leather seats and some matching dash trim. Toyota’s general build quality on its fixtures and fittings has certainly improved and almost all of the plastics

Practicality Storage options include a cubby under the front armrest, four decent-sized door bins, twin cup holders, space for keys or your phone in the dashboard front, average sized glove box and rear seat pockets as well. Thanks to the larger electric battery, you lose 60 litres of boot space over the standard hybrid RAV4, so 520 litres is on offer.

There’s plenty of room inside for five adults to get comfortable. The rear seats are split 60:40, not individually and tilt, but don’t slide.

Continued on page 20 www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: TOYOTA RAV4

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

CC&V VERDICT Low BIK coupled to a pure electric range of 40+ miles, make this Toyota well worth a look.

CC&V RATING: NNNN

Continued from page 18 The boot doesn’t feature quick-release seat lowering, which nowadays feels like a mistake.

Driving On the Toyota/Lexus self-charging range the CVT gearbox has been accused of being a bit whiney, but in the plug-in, the transition between petrol-hybrid and pure EV is smooth enough not to notice, which makes driving very relaxing.

Around town and in slower traffic the RAV4 really shines. Start the engine and well, there’s nothing to hear and as you pull away the car moves forward on battery power. As your speed increases and you switch to hybrid mode, the petrol engine kicks in. In traffic it’s sublime and ever so quiet. On the motorway there’s enough power on offer to comfortably join the carriageway at motorway speeds and plenty of power to overtake slow moving vehicles.

Some wind and road noise does enter the

20 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

cabin, but its not loud enough to prevent the use of your Bluetooth device or Apple CarPlay to make hands-free calls. The excellent JBL sound system fitted to the Dynamic Premium model allowed me to listen in clarity to my favourite DAB radio stations. The built-in SatNav was easy to programme and the touchscreen functions worked well, but as with other SatNavs, Google Maps via Apple CarPlay looks and works better. It’s hard to criticise the dashboard and its functionality except to say that it’s a little bland.

We took to the motorway in Eco mode, which dulls the throttle but increases fuel economy. Sport mode adds a bit of fun and when you put your foot down, this plug-in feels rapid, with screeching tyres from a standing start a testament to this.

Like all cars containing batteries for electric motoring, the RAV4 plug-in is heavy, so it feels a little more sluggish into and out of tight corners and is a little less forgiving at slower speeds, especially when you are driving over

pot-holed roads or poor road surfaces. On the plus side, however, the power steering is light and with the rear view camera, it’s easy to park.

It’s built for comfortable city dawdling and straight line relaxation at which it excels.

Conclusion With a retail price close to £50,000, the RAV4 plug-in is most definitely a company car proposition and not one for retail. With just 7% BIK, any business customer who selects one will pay a lot less to the Treasury – around £1,250-£1,500 per year as a 40% taxpayer – than a standard self-charging RAV4 would set you back.

Inside it’s spacious, well put together, features on-trend safety and the latest tech.

Toyota’s rock solid reliability is a given.

Most importantly, it’s pure electric range of 35-46 miles puts it right at the top of the tree compared to other PHEVs, especially when you consider that it’s a large SUV built to carry a family of five.

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: RANGE ROVER EVOQUE PLUG-IN

The Range Rover Evoque has added a Plug-In version and the resulting BIK rate makes it a top choice for company car drivers, says Andrew Walker Land Rover launched the MK 2 Evoque in 2019, following on from the highly successful original version which sold over 800,000 models in 116 countries.

The new model offers improved styling and on-board tech, higher quality finishes and, most importantly, a range of more fuel efficient mild-hybrid engines and, drum roll please, the first electrified Evoque, the P300e plug-inhybrid. This has a stunningly low BIK of just 11%, making this a serious company car proposition.

While it may look similar to the original it is actually heavily revised. We’ll begin with the power train, because this is the key to the PHEV’s low BIK and emissions. The plug-in features a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, plus an electric motor that’s located in the rear axle. This gives the Evoque a pure electric range of 34 miles. While the 1.5 petrol engine offers a decent 200PS, it’s the extra 109PS courtesy of the 15kWh battery that really makes the difference, offering 540Nm of torque, enabling the150kg heavier plug-in to feel nimble. Indeed, it’s no slouch, hitting 60mph in just 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 132mph.

There are three specs: R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE or R-Design Dynamic HSE, and all offer a comprehensive equipment inventory, including a rear camera, Lane Keep Assist, front and rear parking aid, LED headlights, AppleCar Play and Android Auto, a 10” touchscreen and much more as you move up the ranks.

Sidle up to the new Evoque and it’s easier to pick up on the differences over the original.

Slimmer LED headlights, recessed door handles, a more bulbous rear end and sweeping direction indicators all take their cue from the larger Velar, with R-Dynamic models adding black and burnished copper detailing plus a body-coloured front bumper.

Climb aboard and the interior smacks of quality. ‘Kvadrat’ textile upholstery is standard, available in two shades and complemented by faux-suede Dinamica elements, while quilted leather in four colour ways is a £1,650 upgrade. And it doesn’t stop with the seats; you can choose from numerous headlining options, wood or aluminium trim, configurable ambient lighting and illuminated tread plates.

We were testing the P300 e SE R-Dynamic 9-speed automatic diesel, which costs from £52,480 OTR. This model also comes with features that will take your Evoque off-road – trust me, it’s a proper off-roader, despite the good looks.

The cabin is a joy to be in and is much improved over its predecessor. There’s some 22 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Plug-in Evoque offers premium motoring with cash-saving BIK

useful storage on offer and the Evoque’s extra 21mm gives the rear more legroom over the Mk1. Headroom is still a little compromised by the sloping roof and, in our case, the panoramic glass roof. Luggage capacity is unchanged from the mild-hybrid versions, at 472 litres to a max of 1,383 litres, and the charging cables (13 Amp and 7.2kWh) are stored under the flat boot floor.

The plug-in Evoque’s 15kWh battery takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to charge from empty on a standard home 7.2kWh charger, although this can be done in under 30 minutes, using a more powerful fast charger.

The plug-in features a meter on the digital instrument panel to keep you informed of the electric range. Otherwise, it looks and feels just like a normal petrol Evoque. You get the same smooth eight-speed automatic gear change and excellent levels of comfort. This is a satisfying car to be in whether driving or as a passenger.

The on-board tech works well. I connected my iPhone to Apple CarPlay and had a play around with the touch screen system when stationary, as there’s an awful lot in there; Vehicle Dimensions, Weather, Park and Pay and Valet mode anyone?

On the motorway there’s plenty of power on offer enabling you to overtake slower moving traffic and the Evoque sits happily at motorway speeds utilising Adaptive Cruise Control. The cabin is very quiet with little wind or road noise noticeable. On a journey along the winding

roads around Beeston Castle, the small Evoque handled exceptionally well and after a couple of hours behind the wheel, I really couldn’t fault it.

The pros are many but are led by that BIK level of 11%. Add to that a fabulous cabin, quiet and comfortable interior, great kit and a brilliant off-road, premium image.

What of the cons? Well, let’s start with the price: to buy outright, all of the plug-in variants are expensive compared to the standard petrol or diesel versions, with our range topping P300e HSE R-Dynamic setting you back £52,480. The plug-in version makes most sense as a company car, leasing monthly. As we found out, the rear seats will fit three adults but actual rear space is tight.

With just 11% BIK on emissions of 44g/km, compared to 37% BIK on the next lowest emitting 4WD mild hybrid, this IS the Evoque to choose if you’re in the fleet sector.

CC&V VERDICT We cannot recommend the plug-in Evoque highly enough. It’s at the top of the class for SUVs in its sector until, or if, a pure EV Range Rover Evoque is offered, with proper 4X4 capabilities. That day may never come but until it does, the plug-in will do nicely, thanks very much.

CC&V RATING: NNNNN

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: MERCEDES-BENZ A250 e

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

The new A250 e adds typical Mercedes-Benz quality to the PHEV sector, says Andrew Walker

Company cars come and company cars go and today, thanks to government tax incentives, many are going quicker than ever.

In order to attract the company car driver and appease the company car fleet manager, Mercedes-Benz has started to bring out new plug-in hybrid models, to sit alongside its new electric EQC and EQA cars. The first one to make it to Company Car Towers was the A250 e, Benz’s most affordable plug-in hybrid.

Mercedes is keeping it simple in terms of range, with hatchback and saloon body styles, but only in the higher-spec AMG Line-based trim. So you get to choose from AMG Line Edition costing just under £33,980, AMG Line Executive £34,480, AMG Line Executive Edition from £35,980, or AMG Line Premium Plus £37,480, with each costing around £1,500 more than the equivalent petrol model.

All are powered by a turbocharged 1.3 litre 158bhp petrol engine with a 101bhp electric motor and a 15.6kWh battery, which altogether offer an output of 215bhp. It’s quick: 6.6 seconds for 0-62mph.

Plug in at home on a 7.2kWh walk box (http://www.rolecserv.com/home-charging) and a full charge takes about two hours. Mercedes claims a 45-mile electric range but our real world test put this closer to 32, but that’s still better then most of the competition. Overall, Mercedes claims a combined mpg of 283 miles, which as we found out, is a little high !

However, thanks to its electric option and low CO2 emissions of just 24g/km, the A250 e comes with BIK as low as 7%, great news for your wallet and your accountant.

There are four driving modes available: Electric for pure electric driving; Comfort, which blends the electric motor and petrol engine for the most efficient driving; Sport, for more fun; and Individual, which allows you to tinker with settings to your heart’s content.

Standard equipment is good, with entry Edition featuring 18” AMG alloys, AMG body styling, a night package, sports seats and ambient lighting in 64 colours. If you choose the AMG Line Executive model, it comes with 24 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

A250 e is breaking hearts of rivals – and the Treasury AMG Mercedes’ Parking Package as standard, which adds a reversing camera, active parking assistance, front and rear parking sensors and wireless phone charging. Standard kit includes the MBUX user experience with touchscreen interface with ‘Hey Mercedes’ intelligent voice recognition, with the larger 10.25” touchscreen infotainment screen, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The quality impresses. From the five air vents across the dashboard, to the steering wheel controls, dashboard top and central binnacle, all are top-notch. The seat finishes are neat and tidy, the steering wheel control functions simple to work out. The gear lever on the steering column and seat adjusters on the doors take getting used to, but it’s a great cabin to be in.

Space is significantly better than on the previous model. It’s 14mm longer, offers +9mm of front and +22mm of rear shoulder room, + 35mm /36mm of elbow room and +7mm/+ 8mm of headroom more than the Mk1. Access to the rear seats is also a lot easier.

The lithium-ion batteries eat up a bit of boot space, which is now 310 litres – 60 litres less than the petrol.

We spent a week in the A250 e and overall, thoroughly enjoyed it. The driving position is low and feels sporty. A journey to south London and back over a Bank Holiday weekend showed the car at its best. Despite four hours each way in the cabin, I found the seats super-comfortable and escaped with no aches and pains whatsoever.

On the motorway it’s so easy to drive. Taking

advantage of Adaptive Cruise Control, you can select your speed, sit back and relax as the miles disappear before you. Just one word of caution: always keep the EQ settings in the Electric in the City function to store your electric range for urban driving where it is utilised best, as the A250 e has a habit of draining it on the motorway.

Steering is light and precise and though the eight-speed automatic gearbox isn’t the smoothest, it does the job.

Only downsides are a bit of road noise but the pros are numerous: great build, it’s very comfortable, and has a low BIK. The claimed combined mpg of 283 miles, as with all PHEVs, is nigh-on impossible, but as we discovered, 70 mpg is infinitely possible.

All in all, you’d be hard pressed to find a better premium plug-in hybrid tax avoider than the A250 e. The Audi A3 TFSI e is definitely a lot quieter but takes twice as long on a home wallbox to charge from empty to full and has a lower pure electric range (41 compared to the A Class’s 45 miles). It also has a smaller boot and doesn’t have Mercedes-Benz’s fabulous digital cockpit. Knock your fleet manager’s door down for an A250 e.

CC&V VERDICT Merc style coupled with low BIK make this A-Class the one for company car customers

CC&V RATING: NNNNN www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: KIA SORENTO PHEV

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Kia offers exciting new option to Sorento Andrew Walker We really liked Kia’s latest Sorento when it arrived last year. However, for company car purposes, neither the petrol nor diesel variants were ticking any BIK boxes, so the arrival of a plug-in-hybrid Sorento with just 11% BIK is big news in our sector.

That BIK is driven by CO2 emissions of just 38g/km and equates to a 20% tax payer forking out £1,080 or a 40% tax payer £2,160 on the 4 spec per annum, compared to £2,713 or £5,426 in the 1.6 petrol. That’s a lot of money in your wallet.

You’re not compromising on appeal either.

The Sorento has aggressive SUV looks with a larger grille than the previous version, vertical tail lamps which wrap around the side of the body and a dramatic rear tailgate with twin rear light clusters which look very ‘Bentayga’.

Inside there’s loads of on-trend tech KIA; even the entry level ‘2’ comes with 19” alloys, seven seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, tinted glass, roof rails, USB charge ports galore and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allied to an 8” touchscreen which incorporates DAB and a reversing camera.

There’s plenty of safety kit, too, including Hill-start Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.

The cabin is spacious and the dashboard cocoons the driver into a comfortable driving

26 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

position. Everything is very solidly made and the interior is finished to a very high quality.

Under the bonnet of the PHEV and you’ll find the same engine as the self-charging petrol Sorento, so six-speed automatic gear box with All Wheel Drive. But, it comes with a bit more power, 261 bhp, under the bonnet. In Sport mode you can reach 62mph in 8.4 seconds and go onto a top speed of 119 mph. Electric range is up to 35 miles on a single battery charge.

Steering is light and overall the Sorento offers quiet urban driving. The ride does feel firm, perhaps due to the car’s suspension, which has been set up to help control the

increase in kerb weight created by the 140kg battery hidden under the floor.

The claimed electric range is 35 miles. Even when driving in town and keeping speeds under 40mph locally, we’d caution that 25-27 miles is a more realistic figure. Don’t use the battery on the motorway as the range will disappear instantly.

CC&V VERDICT

If you’re looking for a seven-seat SUV packed with kit and a low BIK, this is a great proposition

CC&V RATING: N N N N

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: MAZDA MX-30

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Driver appeal shows Mazda MX-30 is ready to punch above its weight Andrew Walker The MX-30 is Mazda’s first all-electric production vehicle and Company Car and Van had the opportunity to sample it in the wet and windy Yorkshire Dales recently. The good news is that for an electric car, it drives and handles particularly well.

Currently, there are two schools of thought with electric cars. It’s basically, smaller battery, lower range, more fun to drive vs larger battery, higher range, not so much fun to drive, and the MX-30 falls into the former. However, though it is powered by a relatively small 35.5kWh battery, it still has a claimed range of 124 miles.

The MX-30 is offered in three specifications.

SE-L Lux costs £28,545 before the Government’s plug-in car grant. It comes with 18”alloys, LED lights, an 8.8” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Next up is Sport Lux, costing £30,545. This adds privacy glass, heated seats and keyless entry. The range topper is the GT Sport Tech which costs £32,845. This features a Bose stereo, power/ tilt sunroof and a 360-degree parking camera.

The Mazda family has long been a CC&V favourite, with top-class interior and some clever touches, and the MX-30 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. From the floating central binnacle, to the separate 7” climate control touchscreen, all is cleverly designed and beautifully finished. The use of environmentally- friendly materials, such as cork, vegan leather and recycled plastic bottles, is also tastefully done.

The MX-30 may be an SUV in looks, but it doesn’t offer proper rear doors. Mazda has instead repeated the freestyle ‘suicide doors’, first seen in the 2002 RX-8, which feature a built-in B pillar.

Mazda MX-30 buyers will receive a free wall box home charger, while the car is equipped with both a Type 2 mode 2 charge cable for 3-pin plug charging and a Type 2 mode 3 charge cable for AC charging. Additionally, the DC socket allows for rapid charging up to 50Kw. In this charge mode a charging time of 30 to 40 minutes can deliver up to 80 per cent battery charge. Using a standard 7.4kWh home charger will see the MX-30 fully charged in around five hours.

Thanks to its smaller battery, which only weighs 310kg, the MX-30 is an awful lot more fun to drive than most electric cars. There’s also no discernible one-pedal driving style to save battery range through brake regeneration, the MX-30 feels more rapid and much lighter on its feet than the competition.

On a selection of country lanes the MX-30 feels nothing but well poised and handled the tight turns and corners with aplomb. There’s a www.companycarandvan.co.uk

total of 143bhp and 271Nms on offer, so 62mph is reached in 9.7 seconds, with a top speed of 87mph.

In electric and plug-in cars, the addition of a heavy battery underneath the floor really alters handling. Not so with the MX-30. The smaller, lighter battery is barely noticeable and unlike most EVs, it also manages the trick of running well over poor road services.

As a city electric car the MX-30 is hard to

fault. It’s almost as quirky as the Honda-e and drives as well as the MINI electric, its two main competitors. However, the inclusion of the rear suicide doors means that it doesn’t offer the most practical solution for rear passengers.

From a driver’s perspective, it’s brilliant, one of the best electrics we’ve driven. Quality wise, it is more than a match for the premium German and Swedish brands, without their premium asking price. And it offers 1 per cent BIK.

“The smaller, lighter battery is barely noticeable and unlike most EVs, it also manages the trick of running well over poor road services”

CC&V VERDICT If you can live with the range, the MX-30 is one of the best electric cars we’ve driven, with build quality to match.

CC&V RATING: NNNN

Company Car & Van | August 2021 | 27

NEW CAR REVIEW: NISSAN QASHQAI

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

New Qashqai carries on the great work Nissan has reinfored its position as the leader in the European crossover segment with its all-new, third generation Qashqai. More than three million units of Qashqai have been sold since Nissan invented the segment in 2007.

The new iteration retains the guiding principles that have driven the concept, design and development of the two previous generations of Qashqai: elegant design, enhanced packaging and efficient powertrain, combined with elevated quality and a driving experience from a higher segment. Thanks to the new Alliance CMF-C platform, a showcase of advanced engineering, innovation and advanced technology, the new Qashqai will again raise the bar in the crossover segment and customers will savour those attributes.

From the side, the new Qashqai appears more athletic and dynamic, with a single ‘fast line’ that strikes through the car from the front to the rear, giving a very horizontal presence to the car, but also conveying a sense of dynamism.

The new generation Qashqai is available for the first time with 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (the previous generation offered up to 19-inch wheels). These larger diameter wheels fill the arches and further contribute to the robustness of the car on the road.

Customers appreciate the personal touches,

28 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

so the new Qashqai will be available in 11 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 16 variations to choose from.

Connected, comfortable and commanding, the cabin of the new Nissan Qashqai sets a new segment standard for premium feel, distinctive design and enhanced usability.

Creating a reassuring and calming environment, new white ambient lighting is used throughout the cabin, with its uniformity giving a premium and harmonious impression.

Extensive attention has been paid to the ergonomic and aesthetic quality of the switch gear and buttons with a high quality, tactile feel giving users a sense of confidence and the refinement.

The new Qashqai offers an advanced infotainment system with a broad portfolio of

connected services including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car WiFi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, a dedicated app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle.

The new Qashqai continues to give drivers a commanding sense of their environment with improved forward, side and rear visibility.

Enhancements include a wider windscreen opening angle, thinner front pillar design and side mirrors mounted on the door, instead of the a-pillar, reducing zones of obscured visibility.

The longer wheelbase of the new Qashqai combines with efficient packaging to create even more room for users. Knee room for rear occupants has grown by 28mm to 608mm, with more distance created between driver and front passenger.

Front and rear headroom has increased by 15mm thanks to the small increase in exterior dimensions.

Supporting Nissan’s goal of achieving 50 per cent electrified sales in Europe by 2024, the new Nissan Qashqai will not only be available with a 1.3 DiG-T petrol equipped with mild hybrid technology, but it also represents the European debut of e-POWER, Nissan’s innovative and award-winning powertrain that draws technologies from the company’s pioneering Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

CVS ON TEST: VOLKSWAGEN CADDY CARGO

Caddy Cargo is a car-like treat for the delivery team Andrew Walker is smitten by the small Volkswagen load-lugger’s driver appeal The all-new Volkswagen Caddy Cargo is the first VW van to be based on the MQB platform that underpins most of the company’s cars. This makes it much more fun to drive than previous Caddys and it now features the same interior as the VW car range.

Improvements don’t stop there either. The new model also features new engines, new trim, improved suspension and improved tech and safety. There’s also much improved cabin quality and a more modern exterior.

Despite the clamour for electric vans, VW won’t be electrifying the Caddy and will instead wait for an electric ID Buzz Cargo, which will be built on an all-electric platform. So you have a choice of three 2.0 TDI turbo diesels, offering 75hp, 102 hp or 122hp plus a 1.5 TSI turbo petrol producing 114hp. All versions use AdBlue, with the Caddy’s system also featuring something called ‘twin dosing’ to reduce emissions even further.

The new Caddy Cargo is offered in two sizes: standard short-wheelbase (SWB) and Maxi long-wheelbase (LWB). Both models feature lower loading floors and with wider real wheel arches on both, than were offered on the previous model, it now means that Euro pallets can now be loaded into the cargo area sideways, with two Euro pallets now fitting in side by side.

Most models have a 1,500kg braked towing capacity, with the 75hp diesel and 114hp petrol version limited to 1,400kg. The unbraked towing limit is 750kg.

Caddy Cargo is 93mm longer then the

previous version, at 4,500mm. The wheelbase is also up by 73mm to 2,755mm. The van is 62mm wider, at 1,855mm, excluding the door mirrors and is 5mm lower at 1,818mm, than the previous model’s height. Outside dimensions are reduced so maximum loading length has fallen from 2,249mm to 2,150mm.

All Caddy Cargos come with a fixed bulkhead and six load-lashing points. SWB models come with a single sliding side door on the passenger side while Maxi models come with two on either side of the van. Twin opening rear doors are a given and the Caddy’s doors open extra wide, too. In a change from the previous model, the Caddy 5 comes with rear doors that don’t have windows but you can order glazed doors or a tailgate.

There are three trim levels – Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro – with the entry model costing £22,458. It is well equipped, with Composition Audio infotainment with 6.5” touchscreen, DAB+ radio, Bluetooth, SD card slot, twin USB-C ports and two speakers, cruise control with speed limiter, electronic parking brake, electric door mirrors and windows and LED interior lighting. There is also a solid bulkhead and six load lashing rings.

It’s a good start and highlights the way Volkswagen has focused on improving the interior and giving the Caddy Cargo a premium feel. Taking its cue from the Golf 8 and ID.3, Volkswagen has decided to ‘clean up’ the dashboard, so there’s very few physical buttons, with almost everything controlled by a central infotainment touchscreen display and a digital dial cluster. The Active Info display, which sits in front of the driver, allows you to access the van’s functions, again, very car-like. The Discover Media nav system adds an excellent 10” colour touchscreen and four speakers.

Overall the cabin layout is the same as in the

latest VW car range, so no complaints there.

Build quality is top-notch and the floor and seat coverings look built to last.

Powered by the 2.0 litre 122hp diesel engine, our test van literally flew around and it’s really good fun to drive. Top speed is 115mph and maximum power offers you 320Nms of torque.

The engine comes with lowish CO2 emissions of 127g/km and claimed combined fuel economy is 57.6 mpg. Over our usual stomping ground of the M56, M53, M6, A556, A56 and Cheshire back lanes, we covered over 250 miles and averaged 47.8 mpg; that’s down from the claimed figure but to my mind, is pretty typical for a diesel van. The 50-litre tank means you can travel for 500 miles between fill-ups.

The smallish stature of the SWB version means excellent road holding, although the suspension is a little hard. The new electricallyassisted power steering is light and precise and the six-speed gearbox features a short, smooth shift. Changes to the front suspension have improved the steering response and the Caddy is easier to manoeuvre than the old model.

It also has brilliant build quality, and overall is the best small van for creature comforts and driveability. It truly handles like a small family hatchback and is worlds away from vans of even three years ago.

However, the sub-1,000kg payload will put some off. Standard equipment is good and way better then the Caddy 4. But others – notably Stellantis’ small vans – offer more for less, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even on entry level models. On wet roads, noise is more noticeable than I would have expected, and it’s not the cheapest van out there, but I loved driving the Caddy cargo: indeed, it’s comfortably the best small van I’ve ever driven.

CC&V VERDICT A van that drives just like a car; Volkswagen hits all the right notes with the Caddy Cargo

CC&V RATING: NNNNN

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Company Car & Van | August 2021 | 29

ON TEST: LEVC VN5

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Clever range extender elevates VN5 to a new level Although the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has been around in one form or other since 1908, it was only after Chinese company Geely bought the London Taxi Company in 2013 that the current move to electrification began.

The company changed its name to LEVC in 2017, with the clue to its future in the name. The first model to roll off the lines under the new name was the innovative electric taxi, the TX, followed by a TX-based van, the VN5, in 2020.

What makes the VN5 different is its eCity technology. The VN5 is powered by a lithium-ion battery and features a petrol range extender to maintain the battery charge state. The battery always powers the motor and drives the vehicle.

The range-extender acts as a back-up generator and is only used to trickle-charge the battery to maintain its current state of charge. When the 31kWh battery is depleted (after about 58 miles in the VN5), the 1.3-litre range extender engine kicks in and charges it back up again, providing a total range of over 300 miles. As a limited range is the number one problem for electric vans, for example the Mercedes-Benz eVito will travel 81 miles on a single charge and the Renault Master just 75 miles, LEVC believes that this clever technology, is a game changer.

The VN5 may be electric but it has to offer van customer what they want and the company has tried hard to deliver on this. With up to 5.5m3 capacity, the VN5’s hold will take two Euro-sized pallets with a gross payload of 830kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door, large enough for enabling a pallet to be side-loaded, with a 60/40 split door at the rear, making loading and unloading easier. The cabin features a fully adjustable drivers seat, an open glove box, twin drinks holders, two decent-sized door pockets and a couple of cubby’s located in the dash and central binnacle. The automatic gear stick, hand brake and starter button are located between the front seats, which means that the van is offered with either one or two front seats, with no third seat option, which is a shame.

Customers can choose from three models.

Entry level Business costs from £46,500 and features an 11kW OBC, DAB, a single sliding side door, a bulkhead, floor trim and cargo cladding, four floor loops, black steel wheels and a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

Next up is City, costing from £48,000, which further adds a heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, under seat storage, curtain airbags and Lane Departure Warning. Range topping Ulitima, offers the 11kWOBC, a rear view camera, SatNav, silver steel wheels and eight tie loops.

It’s well equipped but there are plenty of option packs and safety kit to add, including a Safety Pack, Drivers Pack and Comfort Pack.

LEVC are based in Ansty, just south of 32 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

Coventry, where both the TX and VN5 are manufactured in a state-of-the-art electric vehicle factory. CC&V was invited down for a road-test over a two-hour driving route which encompassed motorway, dual carriageways, town centre and rural roads.

The VN5 features three driving modes – Pure EV, Smart and Save – and we were encouraged to try them all. As we discovered, Save works best when travelling on the motorway or a long dual carriageway, Pure EV is best for slower town traffic and Smart is ideal for the majority of normal driving. The VN5 also comes with two stage regenerative braking, accessed by nudging the gear lever to the right side and very useful in town, allowing drivers to bank battery power when slowing down.

On the motorway, we used the cruise control to set our speed at 70 mph and headed off towards Rugby. Unladen, the van was quite noisy but not so loud as to stop me receiving a Bluetooth hands-free phone call while on route.

Connecting my iPhone to the USB was simple and for a change, the USB inputs are located further back in the centre binnacle between the front seats, so there’s no issue with dangling wires when you’ve plugged in. I found the driver’s seat comfortable and the seat adjustment excellent, although the head rest was too hard for my liking.

The large side windows and windscreen give good visibility and on the move, being familiar with the Volvo portrait touchscreen menu was an advantage, as I was able to switch between my iPhone and the DAB radio for entertainment.

Out on the country roads, the VN5 offers up decent enough handling. The weight is at the front which helps in this regards. As with the TX, the VN5 offers a class-leading 10.1m turning circle, which allows for easier urban deliveries.

The fuel tank isn’t that large at 36 litres and neither is the 1.5-litre engine, but since these are

designed to charge the generator and not power the engine, they’re more than up to the task.

LEVC’s eCity technology, means that the VN5’s official combined fuel economy is 313mpg (WLTP), with CO2 emission of just 21g/km and it comes with a top speed of 80 mph.

After a couple of hours in the VN5 we came away impressed. Price-wise it stacks up well against the larger Renault Master and Fiat Professional Ducato pure EVs, although its cargo capacity is more in line with the smaller and similarly priced Mercedes-Benz eVito and Volkswagen ABT eTransporter and cheaper triumvirate of Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e.

Negatives? We were disappointed that there isn’t a three-seat version on offer, and the 830kg payload and 5.5 m3 load space leaves it trailing the diesel competition for practicality.

However, we are being picky because, when up against the pure-electric Nissan e-NV200, smallest Maxus eDeliver 3 and Renault Kangoo ZE, it more than keeps up. While it may not offer the payload or cubic capacity of diesel rivals, LEVC is marketing the VN5 as the perfect ‘delivery to door’ solution. But thanks to its petrol engine, which gives it a 300-mile range, it’s more than just a ‘last mile’ solution and may be the van you need to transition gently into the electric marketplace.

CC&V VERDICT

Not perfect but strikes us as offering the ideal ‘delivery to door’ solution, thanks to that petrol engine and the clever use of the battery. It puts a cat among the pigeons in this sector and will have rivals worried.

CC&V RATING: NNNN

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: MERCEDES-BENZ eSPRINTER

Mercedes-Benz’s eSprinter is the premium urban delivery vehicle but with a price tag north of 50k, does it offer value?

Andrew Walker finds out.

We first drove the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter back in 2018 and came away mightily impressed. The brand stated then that an electric version would follow and in late 2020 Mercedes-Benz duly delivered, launching the eSprinter.

The eSprinter shares its running gear with the smaller eVito electric van, which we drove in 2020, and like its smaller electric brethren, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the diesel variant. Prices start from £51,950 for the eSprinter Progressive L2 H2 FWD, a price that excludes VAT and the OLEV grant. Customers should note that where the diesel range feature three specs – Pure, Progressive and Premium – eSprinter is only offered in Progressive trim and with one size of battery, the 55kWh. This equates to a range of up to 96 miles.

From the outside, there’s not a lot to distinguish the eSprinter from any other Sprinter. There’s a lower case blue ‘e’ in front of Sprinter on the rear left door, but that’s about it. Even the recharging port is tucked away, hidden underneath the Benz badge located in the centre of the front grille. Look inside and again, it’s almost identical to an auto diesel Sprinter, featuring the same steering wheel stalk gear lever, an identical dashboard and the same cabin storage. There’s also a top quality finish to the dash and the neat and tidy matt black interior.

The main difference is that underneath the Start button is a Drive Mode selector, which allows you to select from three electric driving modes, C, E and E+. C stands for Comfort and is the default mode, delivering the full power and torque of the van; E is for Economy and limits the power and torque; and E+ lowers the power further and also deactivates the climate control.

Furthermore, like many current EVs, eSprinter also comes with brake regeneration.

You can adjust the level of this via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Default is D- which provides the most regen though you can also opt for D or D+, which both reduce the braking force. There’s also the option to choose D++, which turns the regen braking off.

All of these settings can be viewed in the instrument cluster located in front of the driver.

Equipment In Progressive spec you get a heated seat for the driver with armrest, dual passenger seat, comfort overhead control panel, a full-width partition, height and rake adjustable steering wheel, TEMPMATIC air-con, a wooden floor, a mode 3 type 2 eight-meter charging cable, linear speed limiter 120km/h, headlight assistant, heat-insulating glass, and 270-degree 34 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

eSprinter is the delivery van for the discerning driver double-wing rear-end doors. In addition to DAB radio, the Mercedes-Benz audio system comes with a Bluetooth interface with hands-free function and a USB port Safety features include Active Brake ASSIST, Attention ASSIST, Crosswind ASSIST and Emergency eCall. There are also double locks and a Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm as standard, along with remote locking, theft warning alerts and geo-fencing, thanks to Mercedes PRO connect.

Standard charging speed is 20kW, which takes two hours to go from 10% to 80%. This can be upgraded to 80kW rapid-charging, which lowers that time to 30 minutes for the same increase in battery life. Both options come as standard with an eight-metre Type 2 cable. We would definitely recommend either of these charging methods as fully charging the eSprinter at home is time consuming, as we discovered. Using a 7.4kW Rolec home charger (https://www.rolecserv.com/homecharging) takes upwards of eight hours.

Payload The power comes from four parallel-mounted high-voltage battery blocks installed securely in the eSprinter’s underbody. They can be replaced individually in the event of damage.

The clever location of these means that the load space on eSprinter remains uncompromised.

However, due to the extra battery weight, the payload is reduced to 774kg. While this may seem a major negative, we would argue that due to its short range of 96 miles, the eSprinter is really built for last-mile deliveries. With a load area of 11m3, three metres of loading length and over two metres of height, in effect it’s perfect for parcels. To back us up, Amazon has ordered 800 for its UK fleet.

On the road After all of the technical info, what’s the eSprinter like to drive and, most importantly, how accurate is that claimed range?

Offering single speed, FWD transmission, powered only by a 114hp electric motor, the eSprinter gets up to 30 mph quickly and then the acceleration peters out. We took it out on the motorway and just like the diesel model, the eSprinter is a every quiet place to be, with little outside wind and road noise.

At a constant 62mph the eSprinter makes good progress. We had selected E driving mode on departure, as in January with the outside temperature below zero, E+ was a no go. We also utilised the D brake regeneration, which enabled us to recharge when we slowed down. After a journey of 43 miles, the battery range reduced from 96 miles to 53 miles – a perfect one mile driven for every mile of range.

Continued on page 36 www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: MERCEDES BENZ eSPRINTER

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Continued from page 34

CC&V VERDICT

Trust me, this is impressive; while driving another electric van the previous week, we had only averaged half a mile to every claimed mile of range. A couple of local trips, taken over shorter distances, resulted in the same findings.

Drive a mile, use a mile of range.

Handling in town is decent, too, with the light Sprinter steering a real bonus.

For van fleet operators our range results are a positive, enabling companies to plan their routes and driving distances accordingly and to factor in regular re-charging as well.

Perfect for last mile delivery, the e-Sprinter’s quality and accurate electric range shines through.

Anything amiss?

So there’s plenty to cheer about with the eSprinter, but are there any drawbacks?

While the cabin is very comfortable, with seating wide enough for three and the cabin easy to get in and out of, the single spec option of Progressive means that drivers will miss out on Mercedes-Benz’s excellent 10.25” colour touchscreen media system, which is fitted on Premium models. All you get is a mono display, non-touch screen, fitted with a DAB radio and single ‘C’ USB input. The absence of radio or Bluetooth short cut buttons on the steering wheel also feels a little old hat.

And while we praised the Benz’s brake regeneration earlier, utilising this on the motorway and trying to keep a constant speed can become a chore. Brake regeneration makes the accelerator pedal feel heavy, so

36 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

more effort is required to push it. Premium specced Sprinters feature cruise control, a far less tiresome way to drive at a constant speed.

Will it work for me?

If your business involves carrying lighter payloads, travelling shorter distances in or around an urban area, then the eSprinter is definitely worth your consideration. With a starting price north of 50k, you’ll have to look at the eSprinter as a long-term investment before it begins to save your business money. Charge your eSprinter regularly, especially overnight on cheap electricity, utilise the range daily, take advantage of the OLEV grant and reduced taxation and the eSprinter will start saving you money quicker than you’d imagine.

Servicing costs should reduce too, as electric motors have fewer moving parts than a

combustion engine, so in theory, there’s less to go wrong, or that will need replacing.

Furthermore, the eSprinter comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and the battery pack is warranted for eight-years, or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70 per cent capacity after this time.

Conclusion The key with any electric vehicle is its range and in the case of the eSprinter, customers can feel reassured that it does offer an accurate mile-for-mile battery range. It also features a modern, clutter-free interior, with high-quality fixtures and fittings, plus a hard-wearing finish and plenty of standard safety features.

It’s a large electric panel van that does anything and everything you’d want a large panel van to do – with zero emissions!

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: ISUZU D-MAX DL40

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

D-Max DL40 is a safe bet for your next pick-up Buxton in the Peak District proved the perfect environment in which to test the all-terrain capabilities of the new Isuzu D-Max. Andrew Walker reports Isuzu’s new D-Max landed in the UK in May 2020 and Company Car & Van was lucky enough to spend some time driving the new model near Buxton in the Peak District. As established players leave the sector altogether, pick-up competition has shrunk, so Isuzu has high hopes for the latest D-Max. As a commercial vehicle brand only, Isuzu reckons it knows a thing or two about pick-ups, and certainly the new model got off to a flying start when it received a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the first pick-up to receive this under the latest testing regime.

The previous D-Max range had a reputation for toughness, reliability and durability but lacked a car-like interior, on-trend-tech and safety features. The former are still there – this is a pick-up that will go almost anywhere – but it now features some clever new additions that take it from a mountain bike, to a gravel bike, which is a major improvement.

The latest D-Max comes in three ranges –

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Business, All-Purpose and Adventure – and four new trim levels: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross. We had the opportunity to drive a number of new models at the launch and after a spin in the range-topping V-Cross, we took to the streets and green lanes in the DL40, the range topper in the All-Purpose range.

First and foremost, the 1.9-litre 162bhp engine carries over from the previous model.

The ladder frame chassis, while similar to before, now comes with larger rails, additional bracing plus newer steels, all of which contribute to make it stronger. There’s a longer wheelbase, re-designed rear suspension, a shorter body, with increased load space both inside and out and a newly designed front and rear end.

Continued on page 38

Company Car & Van | August 2021 | 37

ON TEST: ISUZU D-MAX DL40

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Continued from page 37 What’s new?

For a start, there’s electric power assisted steering, which makes a big difference on and off road. The seats have also been redesigned and are now more comfortable, while the dashboard is more upmarket with a new touchscreen infotainment system. All models now come with a height and reachable adjustable steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, DAB radio, Bluetooth, a front USB port and a 4.2” multi-information display. The D-Max load bed is 30mm deeper than it used to be, so Isuzu has put a step into the rear bumper to make reaching in easier. Every Double Cab model now gets a tailgate damper and all models have a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide levels; this means it has succumbed to AdBlue.

Payload Every version has a payload rating of at least 1,070kg, which is important for commercial vehicle tax purpose.There’s also a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. Another interesting point is that, every variant of the All-New Isuzu D-Max weighs under 2,040kg. Therefore Extended and Double Cabs are subject to normal passenger car speed limits. Many double cab pick-up trucks – Ranger and Hilux included –

38 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

exceed this weight limit so must comply with goods vehicle speed limits which are 10mph lower on single and dual carriageways.

Can it handle the tough stuff?

Don’t worry; for all its road manners, it’s still perfect for anyone who needs to use their truck off road. The selectable shift-on-the-fly 4WD drive engages faster, rear axle articulation has increased and all models bar entry-level Utility models come with a mechanical rear diff lock in addition to electronic aids that now include hill descent control and hill start assist. We tested it in a variety of situations. In water, it has a wading depth of 800mm, and on gravel and up and over some very steep hills, it performed admirably. The 4WD does engage faster than before and the locking diff, low-range gearing

and electronic aids work perfectly.The good news continues in that the economy is good for a pick-up: DL40 manual offers 33.6 mpg/auto 30.7 mpg with emissions of 220g/km and 241g/km respectively.

It’s also very well kitted out. There’s a 7” multifunction colour touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with six speakers. Keyless entry, a push button start, dual-zone climate control, bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery, two tone 18” alloys, silver side steps, front and rear USB ports and an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat also feature.

It’s light and day over the outgoing D-Max. It is much better to drive than the old models and it handles the road much more like a large SUV than before. The 1.9 engine works fine in almost every situation, but it’s lack of out and out pull could be an issue for some.

While other pick-up manufacturers have shied away from the sector, Isuzu is to be congratulated on not only launching a new model, but a massively improved one to boot.

CC&V VERDICT

The new D-Max is much, much better than before and unquestionably the safest pick-up money can buy

CC&V RATING: NNNN

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: MAXUS eDELIVER 3

Newcomer Maxus has an electric option that delivers Andrew Walker gets behind the wheel of an upstart van that aims to shake up the sector: the Maxus eDeliver 3 Thanks to Covid 19, you may have missed the news that LDV changed its name in April 2020 to Maxus. Maxus is owned by the Chinese SAIC corporation and is distributed in Europe by the Harris Group in Ireland. While Maxus is still making diesel vans – it recently launched a new large panel van the Deliver 9 – it is in the electric van sector that it is ahead of the game.

First announced at the 2019 CV Show, the Maxus eDeliver 3 is the brands all-new medium sized electric van. Where the Chinese came Continued on page 40

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Company Car & Van | August 2021 | 39

ON TEST: MAXUS eDELIVER 3

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Newcomer Maxus has an electric option that delivers

40 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

space height is 1330mm, maximum width is 1665mm andit measures 1220mm between the wheel arches. The cargo length is 2180mm in the SWB van.

The access at the rear, comes courtesy of a 60:40 split doors, which are 1.25m high and 1.25m wide. The side door is 710mm wide due to bulkhead intrusion and 1230mm high.

Standard equipment includes, arm rests, air-con, SatNav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, twin USB’s, Bluetooth connectivity, a drivers airbag, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

The van is light thanks to the inclusion of aluminium and high strength steel, which aids both range and payload.

‘‘

It feels much more modern inside than the interiors of the Nissan e-NV200 or Renault Kangoo, which are both beginning to show their age

‘‘

Continued from page 39 late to the combustion engine party, they were pretty much the first in with electric powertrains, as the larger LDV EV80 highlights so effectively.

From launch, customers can select either a SWB panel van or LWB version as a chassis cab, paired with the more powerful battery.

Talking of which, there are two battery packs to choose from. A 35kWh battery, offering a city range of 141 miles and a combined range of 99 miles and the larger 52.5kWh battery, which increases the city range to 213 miles and the combined to 151 miles.

A rapid 45-minute DC charge with both batteries will top up your battery to 80 per cent of range, while using the most common Type 2 AC charger with the 35kWh battery will take six hours. For the 52.5kWh battery, this increases to eight hours.

Payload is competitive with the 35kWh SWB van offering 865kg. The SWB van coupled with the 52.5kWh battery 905kg. The LWB chassis cab fitted with the larger 52.5kWh battery offers a 1,202kg payload, which isn’t too shabby either.

The SWB van measures 4.55m long, with a 4.8m cubed capacity. The maximum cargo

While the exterior of eDeliver 3 bears an uncanny resemblance to the Nissan e-NV200, inside it’s more modern than the Nissan, with the dash-located touchscreen the highlight.

The cabin build quality is okay, with some decent plastic and finishes and on the steering wheel, but it’s not as good as the quality you’ll find in the larger Maxus diesel Deliver 9. In comparison, it feels more modern inside than the interiors of the Nissan e-NV200 or Renault Kangoo, which are both beginning to show their age.

Up front, there are two front seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a drive mode selector dial, which frees up cabin space, with plenty of useful storage in the doors, between the front seats with two drinks holders and an open glove box.

Courtesy of Chadderton Motor Company our local Maxus dealer, we took to the road in the SWB 35kWh version of the eDeliver 3. It’s incredibly easy to drive and even offered up some decent speed when pushed, hitting 60mph in about 8 seconds. Top speed is 75 mph, which is more than adequate for the motorway.

Continued on page 42 www.companycarandvan.co.uk

ON TEST: MAXUS eDELIVER 3

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

sdf sfd dfsdf sddsffdff sdf sdfsfdfsd fdf gdfgdf dfg dfgdf gdfgdfgdfgfdg dfg fdgdf gdfgdfgdffgg dfg dfg fdgdfgdfgdfgfg dfg dfgdf gdfdfgdfgdfdg

Continued from page 43 Utilising the regeneration and the ECO button, we made our way around Manchester, driving approximately 30 miles but only using 20 miles of range, which was good. ECO means you’re top speed is limited to around 65mph, but if you switch it off, swifter progress can be made. The regeneration switch can be set to low, medium or high, dependent on what type of driving you are doing. Generally, motorway would be low, urban medium and city high regeneration.

On the motorway at speed, the van did feel a

little front heavy, especially when steering from lane to lane and when you’re in traffic, and there’s some battery noise when you slow down that takes a bit of getting used to. The van panels are not the stiffest on sale and the rear doors don’t close with as much of a thud as we’d like. These, though, are our only criticisms. Overall, the ride is good, it generally handles well and the cabin is quiet. The on board tech is easy to use and works well and it’s very well equipped.

If you’re still not sure about electric vans for your business because of range, it’s worth

noting that the eDeliver 3 fitted with the larger battery offers the best range of any electric van.

It’s also competitively priced, with an entry level cost of £36,000 including vat, before the OLEV grant is taken into account.

Competition comes in the form of the smaller Nissan e-NV200, which offers a payload of 705kg and a range of 124 miles, or the larger PSA group’s Citroen e-Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro-e and Peugeot e-Expert, which have payloads from 1262kgs and a range of 143 miles on the WLTP cycle. Price-wise, the Nissan e-NV200 starts at £31,468 and the Citroen e-Dispatch at £38,099 including vat and before the OLEV grant.

With a name change and two new electric vans – the larger eDeliver 9 will arrive shortly – the future looks bright for Maxus, as the Chinese-owned company aims high in the European van market. With a decent geographical spread of UK dealerships, there’s also a Maxus van centre located near you. If you haven’t tried an electric van yet, there’s no excuse not to pop in and try one.

CC&V VERDICT Good things come in small packages and the electric range-busting eDeliver 3 shows why.

CC&V RATING: NNNN

42 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

COMPANY NEWS: CHADDERTON MOTOR COMPANY

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Chadderton Motor Company is going from strength to strength

44 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

‘‘

Our team will always endeavour to find the right new or used vehicle from our stock or via our huge network of industry contacts

‘‘

Chadderton Motor Company was established only three years ago as an addition to Lynton Refrigeration, a successful family business established over 38 years ago in Oldham by Steve Walsh, father of Scott, our hands-on managing director.

However, since then we have quickly become recognised as a major contributor in helping build the Maxus dealer network and brand awareness within our area of responsibility, which not only covers Greater Manchester but also parts of Lancashire, Derbyshire and West Yorkshire. We’ve done this by attending numerous exhibitions and events to promote the soon-to-be operational Clean Air Zone as well as MAXUS brand.

Based in Chadderton only a few hundred yards from Junction 21 of the M60, we are conveniently placed to offer new and used van sales, servicing, repairs, tyres, four-wheel alignment and MoTs to all makes of cars and commercial vehicles up to 3.5t. If we don’t have the right new or used vehicle in stock, our team will always endeavour to find it for you through their huge network of industry contacts, saving customers time and effort and leaving them to get on with running their own businesses.

One of the earliest holders of the MAXUS (formally LDV) franchises, Chadderton Motor

Company has built a reputation for knowledge and experience that will answer businesses’ questions on operating and funding their vehicles – something that is now even more complex with the dawn of EVs and the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone soon to come into force. We are THE experts to talk to if you are changing any of your commercial vehicles soon.

The future of Maxus CVs is looking very bright, with all its current ICE and EV models, including panel vans, drop side, tippers and fridge vans, compliant with the new Clean Air Zone, and there’s a range of new models and variants in the pipeline. We have over £2m of

stock arriving before the end of 2021, unlike many manufacturers who are already quoting well into 2022 for delivery so are well placed to keep our customers moving.

Scott Walsh, Owner and Managing Director of Chadderton Motor Company, is confident of a bright future not only for the dealership but also for the Maxus brand. He said: “I can only see us going from strength to strength. We have built a team with a wealth of industry knowledge in commercial vehicles and our refrigeration background gives us the expertise to give advice to any business. We are constantly developing new products and working with innovative companies to help the transition to this new era of clean, reliable and cost-effective commercial vehicles that will be required for this new era of transport.”

He added: “We aim to offer our customers a seamless service from the moment they arrive on our doorstep, through the sales process, arranging finance and then build a long-term relationship through servicing and repairs. We want our customers to stay with us for life and to become part of the Chadderton Motor Company family.”

We are open Monday to Friday, from 8am-5.30pm and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday, and look forward to hearing from you soon.

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

VAN NEWS: FIAT PROFESSIONAL DUCATO

www.companycarandvan.co.uk

Eight’s great as the new Ducato redefines urban LCV Fiat Professional’s new Ducato has reached Series 8 – an outstanding achievement for a model launched in 1981, and still Europe’s best-selling light commercial vehicle.

The new model reaffirms its leadership and remains one step ahead of the competition, by focusing on technology and connectivity, and even by refreshing the design and overall appearance of the interior.

A new all-digital configuration of the internal instruments, courtesy of the Full Digital Cockpit that can immediately and clearly provide practical journey information and alerts – from the satnav to the driver assistance systems – offers a great deal of flexibility, down to the options for reconfiguration and interaction with the UConnect infotainment system.

With this fully refreshed architecture, the new Ducato adds driver assistance and safety systems to improve the driving experience and make the Ducato a safer environment for work or leisure. Indeed, it is the first LCV with level two autonomous driving, offering a full range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) both on the road and when parking.

In addition, there are new levels in terms of driving comfort. Keyless Entry and Go – to lock and unlock the cabin and load compartment doors and start the engine without the key; electric parking brake to reduce clutter in the cabin and facilitate relocations; the Eat-andWork passenger seat, which becomes a convenient space to work or for a snack when folded down; a compartment to charge mobile phones wirelessly; double USB-A and USB-C ports; a high-voltage 230-V power socket; larger and more spacious door panels; and new padding on the seats.

Powertrains New Ducato has fully refreshed its engine range, developed to comply with Euro 6D-Final regulations, and by expanding the range on offer with Heavy-Duty type-approval. The new Multijet3 diesel engines lower consumption and CO2 emissions, while durability is also increased.

Four levels of output (120hp, 140hp, 160hp 46 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van

and 180hp) are available, with a new and improved six speed manual transmission – offered in all four levels and the muchappreciated nine speed automatic transmission, available in the 140hp, 160hp and 180hp variants.

Available in the three highest levels of output, the heavy duty range with manual and automatic transmission completes the engines on offer, maintaining the same torque as the light duty models, already best-in-class with 450Nm of torque from the most powerful engine. Altogether, New Ducato provides customers with the choice of 13 combinations in the line-up, to best adapt to all mission specifications.

Design The designers at Centro Stile have paid great attention to the redefinition of the New Ducato’s lines and the ergonomics of its interior. The front now has a bolder look, featuring the new, iconic Fiat badge in its center, to proudly emphasize the fact it forms part of the Italian brand, as a vehicle produced at the Atessa plant.

Similarly, the grid, engine housing and skid

PRICING Panel Van: Ducato 35 Lh2 2.2 Multijet III 140 Hp My21 – £32,955 Window Van: Ducato Window Van 35 Lh2 2.2 Multijet III140 Hp My21 – £33,455 Crew Van: Ducato Crew Van 35 Mh2 2.2 Multijet III 140 Hp My21 – £35,005 Chassis Cab: Ducato Chassis Cab 35 Lh1 2.2 Multijet III 140 Hp My21 – £30,855 Chassis Double Cab: Ducato Maxi Chassis Double Cab 35 Lh1 2.2 Multijet III 140 Hp My21 – £32,155

plates have been redesigned to give an impression of stylistic uniformity in step with the times.

However, the factor that immediately attracts the attention is the design of the high-performance new lights with full-LED technology. The lights are divided into three sections, with the lowest dedicated to the LED light guide and create a decidedly sporty look as well as offering 30 per cent more brightness than conventional halogen headlights.

Equipment levels New Ducato is available in three configurations: Tecnico, Tecnico Plus and Business Edition, and are all wider ranging than ever before. These three configurations can be customised even further by adding other packs with ADAS systems and improved functionality, all of which are designed to make the New Ducato ‘fit for every mission’ and tailor-made for client requirements.

Connected Ducato All new connected services can transform the new Ducato. First, the Uconnect system makes it possible to manage and monitor the vehicle directly from various devices. Further services include remote assistance, smart navigation, remote control, fleet management and much more. These create a virtuous circle where all stakeholders can benefit from the advantages of work done in a spirit of constant contact and sharing via the main features on offer, for example My Assistant, to ensure safety and assistance while traveling, providing geolocated support in the event of an incident.

Every month, a report is also sent on the health of the New Ducato, with recommendations on how best to take care of the vehicle.

My Remote offers interaction with the vehicle, even when away from it, to lock and unlock the doors, check its location and set up alerts on speed, area and time slots. Plus, if using a voice assistant, directions can be sent straight to the car and receive information on vehicle status. www.companycarandvan.co.uk