Company Car & Van December 2022

Our December print and digital issue ends 2022 on a high note, with a number of important new launches covered, none more so than Volkswagen’s eagerly anticipated ID. Buzz Cargo, which gives the brand its first medium electric van.

We spent a day in Oxfordshire putting it to the test. Read our thoughts inside.

Nissan’s Leaf was launched in 2010 and arguably paved the way for all other electric passenger cars. We’ve come a long way since then, with scores of exciting e-vehicles on the market, so the question is, can Nissan keep up? The Ariya – its all-new electric crossover – is a welcome shot in the arm for Nissan, putting the brand on an equal footing with Kia and Hyundai. We had our first drive this month, and the report is inside.

Other new cars driven recently include Volkswagen’s ID.5, which joins the ID.3 and ID.4 to complete a triumvirate of electric cars from Wolfsburg, and we look at the Kia Niro EV, which adds an electric drivetrain to its established ICE and plug-in variants.

We also take a look at the Lexus RX and BMW iX1, both set to arrive in the new year, and finish with an estate, the updated MG5.

On the van and pick-up front, Fiat Professional has a new small van in the Doblo. First to arrive is the electric e-Doblo, which we’ve driven.

Ford’s E-Transit is being described as the best electric van yet; see if we agree.

The UK’s first electric pick-up, the Maxus T90EV, is causing a stir, and inside you’ll find out why, and finally, Toyota’s Proace City flies the flag for diesel.

Plenty to get stuck into but before I sign off, we wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and Car & Van-filled New Year!

Walker, Editor and Publisher

Andrew

Don’t stare!

The ID.Buzz Cargo is the first all-electric van from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It’s built on the MEB Platform that also features on the company’s ID. car range, but what makes it really stand out is that it has been designed with more than a nod to the classic Type 1 VW panel van from 1949, meaning it has a truly retro look.

There are two models to choose from, the Commerce and the Commerce Plus, with prices starting at £46,621 including VAT

Exterior

In a world of bland vans – after all, how do you make a box on wheels look good? – the Buzz Cargo is refreshingly different. At the front the Cargo has high LED headlights, with a slim lateral bar joining these with the large VW logo in the middle. Beneath this sits a honeycomb grille. The sides are smooth and flat, while the rear double doors also feature a mid-height light bar and narrow corner LED rear lights. There’s also large VW logo on the left hand door facing the ID. BUZZ lettering.

Interior

ID. Buzz Cargo launches as standard with three seats in the cab: driver’s seat plus double bench seat. If you don’t want the bench, you can option a single seat for the front passenger. There’s a fixed bulkhead behind the seats and this too can be personalised with a window or a hatch.

The dashboard layout, fixtures and fittings will be familiar to existing Volkswagen customers. All of it is exceptionally well made, looks good and feels durable. The main colour options are dark grey, black and chrome. The centrally located 10” infotainment touchscreen sits neatly in the centre on what is a very uncluttered dashboard.

Haptic climate controls lifted from the VW car range sit underneath this, with separate buttons badged MENU, CLIMA, ASSIST and MODE beneath. The cockpit in front of the driver has a free-standing 5.3” ID. Cockpit display.

The steering wheel controls can be used to access the Adaptive Cruise Control and other safety features, with those on the right offering shortcuts to the DAB radio, Bluetooth or, if connected, via VW App-Connect, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You also have two USB-C ports and two USB-C charging sockets up front.

Practicality

The Cargo is fitted with hard-wearing basket cloth seat upholstery and a heated driver’s seat. You also get a cabin width storage area on top of the dash, a good sized glove box, space to rest your phone in front of the USB ports, a cubby hole at the centre bottom of the dash, space above the glove box and double door storage.

The rear load space features LED lighting, four floor load lashing rings and lashing rails on the side walls. Cargo load space is 3.9 m3 with room for two Euro pallets. The load space measures 1,217 mm wide x 2,208mm long. GVW is 3,000 kg. Maximum payload is 607 kg, with a 1,000 kg braked towing capacity. Cargo also comes with twin sliding side doors and a wide opening tailgate. There’s a space under the right-hand side load floor for your charging cable and handily, the charging sockets are located on the rear right side of the van.

The ID. Buzz Cargo ‘Buzz Box’ (available with single passenger seat) is specifically tailored to use at work. In its top section it provides a large compartment for a laptop or clipboard, a further cup holder and a 1.4-litre flip-open compartment

Connectivity

The ID. Buzz is equipped with an Online

Connectivity Unit (OCU), into which a fixed SIM card (eSIM) is integrated. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest model utilises the OCU to access the increasingly comprehensive range of online services and vehicle functions of We Connect and We Connect Plus. We Connect Plus functions are available free of charge for one year with the Commerce while customers choosing the Commerce Plus can enjoy the service for free for three years.

Battery, range and charging

The $64,000 question with all EVs is how far will it go and how long does it take to charge? With a 77kWh battery the Cargo has range of 256 miles. On an 11 kW AC charger, the battery can go from 0 to 100 % in seven hours 30 minutes. On a 7kW home charging wall box, such as our own Rolec, (https://www.rolecserv. com/ev-charging) a full charge will take around 11 hours. If you’re out and about the Buzz Cargo can be charged at DC fast-charging stations at up to 170 kW. In this case, the battery is charged up from 5 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

Performance

The electric motor is integrated into the driven rear axle and develops a power output of 204 PS. 310 Nm of torque delivers enough

power to reach 62 mph in 10.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph.

Four driving modes are offered: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. As with the VW car ID range, the gear lever is located to the top right of the steering wheel. Simply twist to select from Drive, Neutral or Reverse. There’s also a B regeneration function, so once you are in Drive D, twist once more to engage this. It works really well, making the Cargo slow down when you remove your foot off the accelerator, great for downhill stretches and, of course, for extending your Cargo’s range.

Behind the wheel

The Buzz Cargo is without a doubt the easiest medium-sized van you can drive. It’s equipped with all of the same functions, physical switches and buttons as the ID car range, making it a large car driving experience.

The driver’s seat is supportive and comfortable, the steering wheel multi-adjustable and a good driving position is easy to find. Reaching and selecting the gears is easier than in the ID cars and the clutter-free dash is a design dream.

Riding on standard 18” steel wheels, the ride is excellent, with the battery weight evenly spread out to encourage the Cargo to grip the road, especially at corners. We did encounter a particularly poor road surface on our drive, several miles of uneven, bobbly tarmac, over which the Cargo had a tendency to fidget a little. To be fair, any car or van would have done the same, but the battery weight under the Cargo does become more noticeable in such

circumstances and is worth noting.

Head onto the motorway, however, and everything is serene. Select cruise control to 62mph and the Buzz Cargo will eat up the miles in almost silence and not drain your battery too quickly either. Driver and front passengers get plenty of head and legroom and all of the controls, including the dash-top drinks holder, are easily reached from the driver’s seat.

I own a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan so I’m used to the idiosyncrasies of VW’s infotainment and climate controls. You’ll need to study a little to stop them catching you out.

Most functions are performed via the central touchscreen and after a week behind the wheel, you will begin to remember what each menu is and how to swipe through to the one you want.

The haptic switches on the steering wheel and dash board are more haphazard though, often taking a hard press to move things along.

Again, the more time you’re in the Buzz, the easier this will get.

Real world driving range

We only travelled 75 miles in the Buzz Cargo, mostly on B roads, some A roads and a stretch of the M40. Our Cargo range showed 231 miles when we climbed aboard. On A and B roads we used the B regeneration function and on the motorway drove at a steady 62mph, alone and unladen.

On our return some 2.5 hours later the range left was showing as 172 miles, so pretty impressive. Of course, you’ll need to factor in ambient temperatures, payload and urgency of your arrival, but we’d commit to an average range of 200 miles, 250 in warmer weather and 160 in colder weather.

Pros

Quite easily the best looking van you can buy. Brilliantly bolted together with on-trend tech and connectivity plus all of the safety features you could wish for. It’s also relaxing and easy to drive and gives a comfortable ride. Owning one definitely makes a statement.

Cons

It’s an EV so you have to get used to the fact that the driving range is much less than a Volkswagen Transporter diesel. The battery size and weight also eat into the rear load space, with only a 607kg or 592kg (Commerce Plus ) payload. By way of a comparison, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric comes with a 1,000kg payload on it’s 75kWh battery offering.

CC&V VERDICT

Of all the electric vans we’ve driven, the ID.Buzz Cargo will divide opinion the most. Very good electric range compared to the competition but compromised by its carrying capacity, which is lower than the Citroen e-Berlingo or Fiat e-Doblo, for example. This may cause a dilemma for some but for us it misses the point: the ID.Buzz Cargo is the first electric van that puts style over substance, prioritising its classic history to create a look that very definitely stands out in a crowd. Volkswagen has, in our opinion, created a must-have van for those who want their business or product to stand out. Refreshingly different.

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

Northgate Vehicle Hire focuses its energy on charging infrastructure

Northgate Vehicle Hire is charging ahead with its own electrification plans by ensuring that over half of its branches will be fully equipped for EVs within the next 12 months – further enhancing each site’s capabilities.

This is in addition to every branch already having trained EV technicians on site.

Over the past year, Northgate’s busiest branches have been upgraded with EV charging facilities. They are being equipped at pace with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure they can serve the ever-growing Northgate electric fleet. By the end of 2023, a large number of Northgate’s branches will be fully capable of serving an EV fleet ahead of their mass adoption in UK.

Enhancing its wider Drive to Zero initiative, Northgate has focused its energy on installing a full charging infrastructure and charging provisions across its own branches, via its charging partner ChargedEV, to make its electrification journey as smooth and efficient as possible for customers.

“Alongside the Government’s deadline to end the sale of internal combustion vehicles by 2030, we have been committed to supporting our customers during, and after their switch to EVs. Northgate understands the importance of a clean transition to an electric fleet and will assist its customers in any way it can,” said Neil McCrossan, Northgate Vehicle Hire’s sales and marketing director.

A capable charging infrastructure is a critical step to ensuring a smooth EV transition for any business, and so Northgate partnered with leading EV charging installation experts ChargedEV – part of the Redde Northgate plc group. As a fully independent supplier and installer of charging facilities and equipment,

ChargedEV ensures every customer receives a bespoke package to meet their exact requirements.

Be it workplace charging, home charging or even public charging, ChargedEV specialises in fitting charging facilities, guaranteeing the best possible solution. It provides total ease of installation by supporting any major infrastructure planning and collaborating with local authorities and energy suppliers to install and futureproof a customer’s charging needs.

Northgate’s close connection with manufacturers means it is continually adding to an industry-leading line up of electric LCVs to its fleet.

From final mile solutions such as the Renault Zoe commercial hatchback, through to mid-sized panel vans such as the latest

Peugeot eExpert, Mercedes Benz eVito or even the larger Mercedes Benz eSprinter, Northgate offers an appealing proposition within its 12months+ rental option.

McCrossan added: “Some operators are still apprehensive about the journey to EVs but the sooner they start planning this the better – it may be a two-to-three-year period before they can fully electrify their fleets, but the earlier the process begins, the easier it will be.”

Northgate is running trials with several operators to get drivers behind the wheel of these trailblazing vehicles. Fleets such as QEST, and the Home Utility Group have already trialled eLCVs as an initial step towards electrification. These e-LCV loan vehicles allow a business to assess for themselves the benefits of an electrified fleet.

Northgate teams up with Monta for EV package

Northgate has partnered with leading EV charging platform Monta to power up its new electric vehicle (EV) and charger bundle package. 12 months+ rental customers who take an EV and charger package will now have full access to the Monta app and platform.

Monta’s platform allows Northgate to offer a solution to its customers which brings together domestic, commercial and public charging in one-easy-to-use app.

Northgate customers benefit from Monta’s extensive roaming network, searchable via an app, which guarantees drivers easy navigation to over 14,000 charge points across the UK. Drivers can also access smart charging features which allow them to choose between renewable energy or lower cost charging tariffs,

depending on their needs.

There are additional benefits for businesses who want to build a fleet or provide EVs as an employee benefit. Employers can sponsor their employees’ charge point, and instantly reimburse them for charging at home. Drivers can also pay on the road using a variety of methods such as Google Pay, Apple Pay and a digital wallet that can be topped up by their employer. As the platform can set up multiple payment methods for drivers using both personal and business payment cards, and a full usage dashboard and reporting suite are included, administration time is reduced for fleet managers.

“Northgate aims to help make customers’ transition to electrification as seamless as

possible, and our partnership with Monta is an important step in delivering this aim,” commented James Eustace, director of product and marketing at Northgate.

“Monta enables us to offer a truly turn-key solution for our customers which adds further value to our electric LCV rental contract and home charger bundle a single monthly payment.,” added Eustace.

“Northgate makes EV ownership a breeze, by adding the Monta platform to the offer we’re presenting a truly end to end solution for EV owners.

“We’re proud to work with partners who innovate and share our goal of making EV charging more accessible.” said Alok Dubey, UK Country Manager at Monta.

Northgate Glasgow getting electric van ready

Mazda has high hopes as CX-60 delivers in the premium sector

COMPANY CAR & VAN: There are supply issues for most car and van manufacturers relating to a worldwide semi-conductor shortage. Has this affected the supply of any of your models, especially the CX60?

Mazda production volumes, like most manufacturers, has been impacted by worldwide events, however, throughout this situation we appear to have faired better than most.

As things stand today we are quoting standard lead times for all of our cars. Factory orders take between 12 and 20 weeks, and we have physical stock of most models which are available for immediate delivery.

In terms of the all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV, Mazda Corporation has protected production of this car throughout the launch period and so we have good availability and sufficient confirmed production to meet expected customer demand.

CC&V: As an all-new plug-in, the CX-60 is stealing the headlines. How has it been received by SME fleets and have you seen success in the form of sales in our sector yet?

As a relatively small manufacturer in terms of market share we tend to find it takes a little time for traction to be gained following the launch of a new car. Awareness is our biggest challenge, but once the public starts to see the car on the road we see a snowball effect in terms of order take.

The great news is that our snowball is rolling and gaining size all the time, so I would urge anyone looking for a Premium PHEV SUV to take a look at the CX-60 now while availability is good.

CC&V: As more electric cars enter the market place, why should customers consider a Mazda EV or Plug-In as their next company car?

The great thing about all of the cars in the Mazda range is that the build quality, reliability and driving dynamics have always been amazing and the Kodo design language, which determines how our cars look, is multi award winning.

Anyone choosing a Mazda MX-30 or CX-60 as their next company car won’t be disappointed with how it looks, how it drives and will be delighted by the levels of standard specification, which regularly outclasses the competition.

CC&V: The Mazda corporate dealer network, will have an important part to play in helping SME’s transition from ICEs to EVs. How is Mazda helping them to do this?

Mazda UK has seven geographically located Fleet Specialist Dealers that predominantly serve the major fleets, but the entire dealer network has all of the tools to sell to SMEs regardless of whether they choose you outright purchase or lease their cars.

All dealers are trained from an aftersales

Availability on the all-new CX-60 is great at the moment, says Stephen Tomlinson – but that could change now the ‘Mazda snowball’ is rolling!

Stephen Tomlinson, Senior Manager, Head of Fleet Operations at Mazda UK, talks to Andrew Walker about global supply issues, EV concerns and the impact the company’s exciting all-new SUV, the CX-60, is having on the fleet world

CC&V VERDICT

Lovely performance, great looks and superb interior quality: the CX-60 makes a bid for inclusion in the premium sector. When all you’ve got to criticise is clickwheel access to the infotainment, you’re on to a winner

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

perspective to be able to service and repair EVs and PHEVs and so the user experience should be excellent too.

As things stand today Mazda offers ICE, Hybrid, PHEV and BEV models, providing a multi-solution approach transportation and reducing CO2 while at the same time offering alternative powertrains to meet a multitude of customer requirements.

CC&V: What percentage of overall UK CX60 sales will be expected to come from the corporate sector, compared to the retail sector?

It is expected that half of all-new Mazda CX-60 sales will come from the corporate sector. This compares to an overall fleet mix of circa 30 per cent when all models are taken into account.

CC&V: In a recent survey about electric cars and vans, our readers’ biggest concerns were EV range anxiety and access to charging points. Based on our findings, do you think that electric is the way forward, or do your ‘plug-in-hybrid’ models, such as CX-60, have an important role to play in the transition to cleaner fleets?

Without question cars such as the CX-60 have an important role to play in the transition to cleaner fleets. In a recent survey the average daily mileage covered by Mazda owners was just 26 miles, and so cars that are capable of covering this distance on a single charge, but are also able to cover longer distances by relying on a super-efficient ICE as back-up when required, are today’s ideal solution to overcome any potential range anxiety or access to charge points issues.

An SUV star is born

The addition of the CX-60 flagship SUV to Mazda’s ranks was greeted positively, with Company Car & Van heaping praise on it for versatility and drivability...

Following on from the all-electric MX-30, the CX-60 is Mazda’s second electrified vehicle. It’s a large SUV powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 100 kW electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery. This combination delivers a total system output of 327ps and 500Nm of torque, making it the most powerful road car Mazda has ever built.

Prices start at £43,950. For that you get features Mazda’s 12.3” infotainment system with Bluetooth, DAB, Apple Car Play and Android Auto and a 12.3” digital dash. You also get Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Sign recognition, push button start, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and a heated leather steering wheel.

Looks-wise, it’s more rounded and features smoother lines than either the BMW X3 or Audi Q5. Quality is excellent and should help Mazda make its hoped-for inroads into the premium sector. Soft touch plastics adorn all visible surfaces and all the finishing is excellent, as is the seat fabric and

instrumentation. Boot space is a generous at 570 litres, with 1,726 with rear seats folded.

On the road

With a WLTP combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and CO2 emissions of only 33g/ km, the plug-in CX-60 makes a strong case as a company car. Add in the 12% BIK, 2.5 hour charging time on a home 7 kWh charger and its 39-mile pure electric range, and the case gets stronger. Utilise your home smart charger at night when rates are lower and you’ll fully charge your CX-60 up for just £1.50 per night.

The good news is that despite the extra weight of the battery, the CX-60 makes a really good fist of hiding the weight. Over smooth surfaces, it rides excellently, it’s agile, with well-weighted steering and body control that’s impressive for a car weighing 2140kgs. Performance is never in question. Put your foot down to overtake and the 270Nm of torque brings swift overtaking. The 2.5-litre petrol engine sounds a little coarse when revved, but perhaps that’s a good thing, reminding the driver that there is a petrol engine there after all.

Overall, a stunning entry and one that propels Mazda into the company of the premium manufacturers.

Powering your fleet the smart way

While the implementation of electric vehicle charging point hardware is a significant priority for electrified fleets, how a fleet manager oversees the activity of their network of chargers is also important.

Recently, Sevadis announced its strategic partnership with EV charging point software provider, Monta – a common platform in the fleet sector for operating and managing EV charging points.

The partnership, named Sevadis Cloud Powered by Monta, brings together both hardware and software excellence, combining two award-winning electric vehicle charging solutions providers to offer an all-encompassing solution for the future of electrified transport.

Understanding that control over chargepoint consumption and general behaviour of users is vital, Sevadis Cloud Powered by Monta

ensures that the power is in the hands of the fleet manager/CPO (chargepoint operator). Allowing CPOs to monitor, track and evaluate their charging points’ usage and behaviour through an easy-to-use interface ensures that CPOs are always provided with transparency over their chargepoint network.

With Monta’s platform, CPOs are also able to integrate their fleet’s battery status and vehicle location, enabling complete transparency and attention to detail. With all of

User accessibility is also a key consideration when deploying EV charging infrastructures for fleet-use; with this in mind, Sevadis Cloud Powered in Monta allows CPOs to define who can use the site’s EV charging points, as well as the costs associated with usage.

their vehicle at a price that covers the business’ electricity costs.

Extensions of this include the ability to add users to the ‘smart queuing’ system, allowing drivers to be notified for when a chargepoint is available for their turn to recharge; reservation of chargepoints, meaning that only those who have reserved the EV charging point, can recharge; scheduled accessing, only allowing allocated drivers to use the charging points, ensuring that priority fleet charging requirements are fulfilled.

Reimbursing and billing of EV chargepoint usage is made easy with Sevadis Cloud Powered by Monta, allowing CPOs to issue payments and invoices to EV drivers using their site’s EV charging points.

this information in one portal, fleet managers are provided with a straightforward method of monitoring chargepoint activity, eliminating the requirement for time-consuming administrative tasks.

User accessibility is also a key consideration when deploying EV charging infrastructures for fleet-use; with this in mind, Sevadis Cloud Powered in Monta allows CPOs to define who can use the site’s EV charging points, as well as the costs associated with usage.

For example, an operational fleet driver may charge their vehicle for free, while an employee who drives an EV as a personal choice, may charge their vehicle at a discounted fee, and on the other hand, any external users may charge

The most notable feature here is the automated reimbursement of charging costs to fleet EV drivers who recharge their vehicles at home; a feature that is favoured by businesses that allow for key operational fleet drivers, senior leadership teams etc to charge their company EVs at no cost.

There are ample opportunities with the collaboration between Sevadis and Monta, in turn providing the small-medium sized fleets with a comprehensive EV charging solution that is fit for purpose and fit for the future.

For more on Sevadis and how they can fulfil your fleet electrification agenda: https://sevadis.com/fleet-requirements/

Sultana Rahman of Sevadis discusses a new partnership between Sevadis and Monta that will provide fleets with a seamless EV charging experience

With all of this information in one portal, fleet managers are provided with a straightforward method of monitoring chargepoint activity, eliminating time-consuming administration ‘‘

‘‘

Electrifying the future with SEGRO

Electrification is on the rise and the requirement for accessible, future-proofed and scalable electric vehicle charging facilities is now more important than ever, especially with fleet and company car drivers making the transition to EVs.

In order to facilitate the demand for EV charging points, SEGRO, leaders in sustainable commercial developments, appointed Sevadis to support the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructures across its latest developments in Tottenham and Hayes.

SEGRO opted for the award-winning (Red Dot Design 2022) MaxiCharger in its pillar variation for its optimal functionalities, such as the ability to dynamically load balance electricity supply without the requirement for expensive power, allowing for efficient charging without disrupting overall supply.

While the running of the EV charging points holds great importance for SEGRO, the ease of use for the electric vehicle driver is also

paramount. Opting for the MaxiCharger ensures that fleet and company car drivers are provided with a seamless charging experience via authorised-to-charge RFID cards and/or their smartphone.

Management of the MaxiChargers is made straightforward with the integration of smart back-office management system, Sevadis Cloud, which allows for complete control and full flexibility over the network of EV charging points across the two locations. With the ability to oversee multiple sites on the platform, SEGRO can scale their network of charging

facilities to suit their business requirements and manage EV charging activity all on one platform.

For SEGRO, the opportunities are endless with the implementation of the MaxiChargers. Not only can they provide the facilities to recharge electric fleets and company car drivers, but as a result of deploying EV charging infrastructure, they are able to attract forward-thinking businesses to their premises.

For more about the MaxiCharger and how it can fulfil your EV charging requirements, visit: MaxiCharger - EV Charging Station - Sevadis

Tapper Tiling levels up with new Ford Transit Custom from Van Sales UK

Tiling contractor Dan Tapper knows all about a flawless finish – so he was mightily impressed with the smooth purchase and delivery of his latest Ford Transit Custom, from independent supplier Van Sales UK.

Nottingham-based Dan trades as Tapper Tiling. His work is mainly within an hour’s drive of home but he will travel anywhere his services are required – working alone, or with a regular sub-contractor, he frequently takes on complex assignments, from traditional ornate hallway floors to ultra-modern wet-rooms.

“That means a reliable van is essential, to carry me and all my materials and tools to and from sites” he said. “But my vehicle is also part of the visible ‘face’ of my brand, so it must look smart and professional to reflect the high standards of workmanship and service that my customers expect.”

With its smart silver paintwork and eyecatching livery, Tapper Tiling’s new Transit Custom ticks both boxes.

“I’m really pleased with it,” Dan asserted. “But I’m equally delighted with the slick ordering and delivery service from Van Sales UK.

“I know of other tradespeople who have had problems getting hold of new vehicles – you hear of suppliers making promises and then not sticking to them. I had none of those issues, though. From my initial inquiry through to the handover of the Transit, sales executive Scott Wilson kept me fully informed and was totally honest and straight.

“The whole transaction was very straightforward and the vehicle was delivered to my door, in perfect condition, within a month of me placing my order. Everything was dealt with remotely and I never had to take time off work to visit a showroom. The process could not have been easier.”

Dan’s 2.8-tonne gvw Transit Custom has a compact L1 body and is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine which generates 96kW/130ps, and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. It boasts a 6m3 loadspace and can carry a payload of up to 738.7kg, and returns up to 38.7mpg (WLTP Combined).

“I chose a top-specification Limited model so as well as smart-looking colour-coded bumpers and door handles, I benefit from features like air-conditioning and heated seats – so the van is a comfortable drive whatever the weather is doing,” he added.

Van Sales UK, a division of parent company Vanaways, is an internet-based business with

no showroom or yard full of vans waiting to be sold. Instead, its sales experts work over phone and email networks, taking inquiries and orders and matching customers up with their perfect vehicle selections – so overheads are kept to a minimum. The company has been trading since 2017 and now supplies an average of 250 vans per month to customers across Britain.

Director Chris Jakeways said: “We can source any vehicle a customer wants, but for many people these days the brand of their new van is not a primary concern. There’s often very little to choose between models from different manufacturers.

“What’s more important is to make the process of getting that new van on the road as painless as possible. That’s where we score, by cutting the number of steps a vehicle takes between rolling off the production line and arriving at the customer’s premises, and by slashing time-consuming paperwork.” www.tappertiling.com

‘Flawless’ sales process is why tiler Dan Tapper is more than happy to work with Van Sales UK

Dan Tapper says sourcing his new Ford from Van Sales UK “could not have been easier”

Paul Cox comes on board as Van Sales UK looks to drive rapid expansion

Independent vehicle supply specialist Van Sales UK is pushing for rapid growth with the recruitment of a seasoned industry professional as sales director.

Paul Cox brings an impressive track record to his new role with the company – including stints with another leading independent van seller, a major manufacturer’s franchised network, and a rental specialist.

His appointment is just the first in a series of initiatives to boost Van Sales UK’s presence in the market. Plans are already underway to expand the sales team, and a move to a larger new office is imminent. Meanwhile the finishing touches are being put to a partnership deal that will see Van Sales UK promoted to a huge swathe of potential new customers.

“These are exciting times for the business and that was a big part of the attraction for me to get on board,” enthused Paul. “Van Sales UK has great potential for growth and my mission is to drive that forward as far and as fast as possible.”

Paul inherited a team of 11 sales executives but the plan is quickly to increase that number to 18. “We’ve already added another two

recruits so we’re on the way,” he reported.

“I’m also creating a specialised business development team, to focus on promoting the advantages we can offer to prospective new customers, while the retail team will devote their attention to incoming inquiries.

“I’ve been very lucky to inherit a fantastic group of people who are extremely highly motivated – which is testament to the positive working environment and strong team spirit established by managing director Chris Jakeways. My responsibility now is to help add the systems and processes that will allow us to

reach the next level.”

He continued: “My previous role was with a large plc and, by contrast, it’s a refreshing change to be in a business where decisions can be taken and plans put into action quickly. We’re a very nimble operation here and I want ensure we retain that agility and speed of response as we grow – the initial target is to hit 10,000 sales per year, and I fully expect that to be reached soon.”

Paul still lives in Cardiff, where he was born and bred, and outside work he has also taken on a voluntary role with the city’s football club.

“I first came into contact with Cardiff City FC when I held talks with them about a sponsorship arrangement, in one of my previous jobs,” he said. “I was so impressed with what I saw at the club, particularly the work they do at grassroots level, and I knew there and then I had to get more involved. I’m now an Ambassador for the club’s women’s football team – women’s and girls’ football is growing incredibly quickly in popularity and importance and as a great believer in diversity and inclusivity I’m very proud to play my part in the promotion of a great sport.”

Fleet planning for 2023

The economic challenges facing businesses across the UK are putting travel and fleet managers firmly in the spotlight. Supply of new vehicles remains difficult, making operational logistics complex. The need to tightly control costs is no less important.

Responding to these challenges, Europcar Mobility Group UK, remains focused on working in partnership with businesses, offering an extensive range of mobility services to keep them and their people on the move.

The right fleet for right now

Despite the supply challenges that have hit the entire automotive sector, Europcar has maintained a comprehensive fleet through strong manufacturer partnerships, giving businesses confidence in supply. A wide choice of ICE and low and zero emission vehicles means we have the right fleet for right now –including compact, mid-size and luxury cars and vans of all shapes and sizes.

Winter ready

Europcar’s wide range of light commercial vehicle solutions is helping businesses stay on the road through the winter months. In particular our specialist fleet, from ‘ready to rent’ Chapter 8 vehicles and Tippers to 4x4 pick-ups is available from 12 Vans & Trucks Supersites located at key points across the UK as well as from over 65 nationwide stations.

Our partnerships with Halfords and KwikFit also mean Europcar vans on rent can be supported efficiently if they encounter any damage or maintenance issues.

Access to 1,400+ FastFit locations for SMR requirements and UK wide coverage for windscreen replacements as well as a number of mobile repairers who can fix small SMR requirements, provides a further level of peace of mind for business van drivers.

Transitioning to zero

A clear strategy to steadily increase the proportion of electric vehicles over the next few years means Europcar can help businesses learn from real-world experiences as they plan

One size certainly doesn’t fit all ...

Europcar offers the ultimate flexibility in vehicle use, from hourly to yearly, on-demand to monthly, businesses can select the mobility solution that fits their needs.

their path to zero. Our long-term rental solution for electric gives employers the chance to assess the operational and commercial impact of electric vehicle use, as well as satisfy driver concerns.

Monthly – or more – rental of an electric vehicle is an effective way for a business and its drivers to experience electric motoring in real-world conditions before committing to lease or outright purchase.

Filling fleet gaps

Long-term rental also plays a crucial role in giving businesses flexibility while new vehicle supply is limited. Plus it has a great part to play in balancing operational needs and financial control. Europcar long-term rental solutions mean businesses can keep employees moving without having to make capital commitments or worry about lost deposits or early-termination penalty charges if requirements change.

Flexibility

One size certainly doesn’t fit all. That’s why Europcar offers the ultimate flexibility in vehicle use. From hourly to yearly including on-demand and daily to monthly and longer, businesses can select the mobility solution that’s fit for their needs.

Staying in control of costs

We use technology to make the life of the fleet and business travel manager easier and help them keep control on costs. Hand-held tech for vehicle delivery and collection reduces queries; SMS messaging provides drivers with prompts to get vehicles refuelled.

Responsive

Europcar’s Delivery and Collection service, facilitated by our strong network of locations, is integral to what we do, making us truly responsive to business needs. And our connected vehicle technology helps us know whether vehicles are ready for collection and are situated at the intended pick-up point improving overall fleet utilisation and, therefore, the customer experience.

Interactive online tool puts businesses using vans in the driving seat

Making vehicle selection as efficient as possible, the Europcar Vans & Trucks Guide gives fleet managers access to the latest models, including accurate dimensions and individual maximum load capacities to help find the right vehicle for the job.

The dynamic guide includes videos and interactive features. It also includes details on the wide range of customisation options available from Europcar’s Flex long-term rental services, including bespoke livery – from Chapter 8 to fully branded wrapping – as well as tow bars, racking and semi-cap options.

The role of a good rental company should be all about ‘adding value’. Europcar can do all the basics, plus, playing a consultative role we can help businesses plan their future mobility needs – listening, adapting and innovating.

To find out more about how Europcar can help your business plan for 2023 visit www.europcar.co.uk/business or call 0371 384 0140.

New MG5 estate brings load versatility to the electric party

MG has confirmed full pricing and specification of the new MG5 EV estate, available to order now with the first deliveries before the end of this year.

Reflecting MG Motor UK’s Get More trademark, buyers can choose between two specifications, both featuring fantastic levels of standard equipment, with the SE priced at just £30,995 and the Trophy at £33,495.

The new MG5 features significant styling updates, with a redesigned front and rear, enhanced LED headlights as standard, new 16’’ (SE) and 17’’ (Trophy) wheel designs and two new exterior colours.

The comprehensively equipped SE trim includes MG Pilot, automatic LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, rear parking camera, adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay/

Buyers who opt for the upgraded Trophy specification can enjoy an even more generous level of standard equipment, including rear privacy glass, leather interior with electric seat adjustment and heated front seats, 17’’ alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rain sensing wipers and a 360° camera.

Interior design and technology enhancements include a 10.25’’ widescreen infotainment system with upgraded software, now capable of supporting iSMART connected car functionality through MG’s dedicated smartphone app.

The new MG5 EV can now tow up to 500kg and is also equipped with Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) capability, meaning users can power other electric devices such as camping equipment using the energy stored in the battery.

The MG5 EV has remained immensely popular with buyers since its introduction in

MG has also recently announced the all-new pure-electric MG4 hatchback, based on the innovative new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) and which launched in September. The new MG4 and MG5 have significantly expanded the appeal of what is already a hugely successful range of electric cars.

MG Motor UK’s Commercial Director, Guy Pigounakis, said: “The continued success of the outgoing MG5 EV model reflected its unique proposition in the marketplace, so we’ve worked extremely hard to identify a suitable balance between equipment upgrades and price.

“We believe the result represents unbeatable value for money in the current marketplace, and that the new MG5 EV will encourage more drivers than ever to make the switch to zero emissions motoring.”

Android Auto as standard.

September 2020 and is currently the UK’s fifth best-selling electric vehicle, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

MG4 EV: agile and fun

The MG5’s smaller sibling is a vehicle that also impressed. Here’s a brief overview after CC&V’s recent roadtest...

There are three models, with two batteries; the SE Standard has a 51kWh battery with a 218-mile range., while the SE and Trophy specs have a 64kWh battery and offer 281 and 270-mile ranges respectively. A home 7kW wallbox will take about 8 hours to fully charge the 51kWh battery, or 10 hours for the larger 64kWh battery from zero to 100%. All models feature a 10.25’’ floating infotainment screen and a 7’’ driver display with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, plus EV-specific features, such as brake regeneration, energy data, charging station info and adjustable powertrain modes. SE models also gain the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system.

Driving modes

The MG4 features three driving mods – Eco, Normal & Sport – and four regeneration levels, in Low, Medium, Strong and Adaptive. Each does exactly what it says on the tin.

On the road

The agility is surprising. Whether it’s to do

with the thin battery, the 50:50 weight ratio or lightish components, or a combination of all, it’s a nimble and enjoyable companion, something most electric cars still struggle with.

Plenty of pros, a few cons. The good stuff first: it’s good looking, competitively priced and has impressive driving dynamics and battery range. You also get low two per cent BIK for company car drivers, a high level of equipment and competitive charging times.

Downside is a few cheap finishes, a smallish boot and rear visibility isn’t brilliant, but that’s about it.

In conclusion, MG’s first electric model built from the ground up is an excellent effort, offering potential EV customers a competitively priced entry point into the electric car sector.

MG boosts sales and twin awards success

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that MG’s market share has increased by 82 per cent year on year, with September 2022 sales marking a 61 per cent increase over the previous September.

Award-winning models such as the MG ZS EV and MG5 EV continue to be hugely popular with customers, as part of MG’s broad range of sporty, exciting and affordable cars which reflect its Get More philosophy.

MG Motor UK’s Commercial Director, Guy Pigounakis, said: “The latest SMMT figures are extremely positive, reflecting the incredible growth we’ve achieved within the last 12 months.

“I have no doubt our new MG4 and MG5 models will be immensely popular with customers looking to make the switch to electric as we head towards 2023.”

The news comes hot on the heels of the company securing a double success in prestigious motoring awards. First the MG MG ZS EV was named ‘Best Used Small SUV’ for a second consecutive year at the What Car? Electric Car Awards, before it was also named ‘best family electric car’ at the annual Carbuyer Best Car Awards.

Lexus has taken the wraps off the all-new RX, a model that leverages the company’s electrified strategy and its more than 15 years’ experience in electrified vehicle technology. Its development was part of a multi-tech approach that pushed the boundaries of what is possible in selfcharging hybrid performance and plug-in hybrid power and efficiency.

The new RX 500h is also Lexus’s first turbocharged hybrid, developed to provide high-end electrified performance, and that’s what really makes it a game-changer.

Using a completely new hybrid architecture comprising a 2.4-litre turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 366bhp. The front electric motor is positioned between the combustion engine and transmission (which has a clutch on both sides), enabling great flexibility in power delivery.

There is also an 80kW e-Axle, a compact, modular package housing a motor, gearing and an ECU, located between the rear wheels. Its compact dimensions help secure more space in the cabin and load compartment.

Power delivery is controlled by DIRECT4, an exclusive new Lexus drive-force technology which recently debuted on the RZ 450e. This intelligent system constantly balances the power and torque between the front and rear axles in any driving situation, automatically and seamlessly shifting the drive force between the two axles in milliseconds – more precisely than any mechanical system could.

DIRECT4 communicates a better feel between the road and steering wheel and delivers improved handling stability and driving dynamics at high speed. Importantly for the RX

Hey there good looking, where’ve you been hiding?

500h, it also enhances ride comfort with instant torque that helps control body movement.

In line with the model’s high performance, the front brakes have opposed callipers. Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) determines the optimum steering angle for the rear wheels.

RX 450h+: the first plug-in hybrid electric RX

• 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid electric powertrain

• Output: 302bhp/306 DIN hp/225kW

• 0-62mph: 7.0s

• CO2: 24-26g/km

• Fuel consumption: 235.4-256.8mpg

Lexus drew on its electrification expertise to produce the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, which it believes will be a logical step-up for many of its current RX 450h customers.

Expected to be the best-selling RX model in the UK, it features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre

hybrid engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 18.1 kWh capacity. An additional rear electric motor enables full-time all-wheel drive.

The plug-in system produces 302bhp and is expected to deliver 0-62mph acceleration in around seven seconds.

Overall, it offers roughly the same output as the outgoing RX 450h, but with more torque and faster acceleration. With more of the power coming from the electric motors, driving feels effortless yet refined. It will also give significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Lexus’s target CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle) are than 26g/km with fuel economy of less than 235.4mpg.

The battery’s size and capacity and Lexus’s electrification know-how combine to deliver an EV driving range of around 40 miles (target

figure, pending homologation) and enable all-electric driving at speeds up to 84mph. Crucially, high efficiency is maintained when the battery charge is depleted, as the vehicle then switches seamlessly to its self-charging hybrid system.

RX 350h: efficient fourth generation selfcharging hybrid

• 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid electric powertrain

• Output: 242bhp/245 DIN hp/180kW

• 0-62mph: 8.0s

• CO2: 143-150g/km

• Fuel consumption: 41.1-42.2mpg

• Performance data provisional/tentative pending homologation

The new RX 350h is characterised by the improved smoothness and efficiency of its fourth generation self-charging hybrid electric system.

This 2.5-litre petrol drivetrain provides 242b hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 8.0 seconds, performance comparable with the current RX 450h, while at the same time producing lower emissions. It will be a strong alternative to competitors with small-displacement engines and ideal for customers who prioritise comfort and efficiency.

RX quality: interior

Lavish details and flourishes are not necessarily the best way to express luxury. A “less is more” approach with design simplicity can be a much more effective way to communicate high quality, as witnessed in the interior of the Lexus RX.

This cool, contemporary approach is evident from the moment you open the door: surfaces are clean and uncluttered, helping create a sense of space and refinement.

What you experience is the result of an evolution of Lexus interior design, as Project Chief Designer Jota Kusakari explains: “We

challenged ourselves to create a simple yet thoughtful space that didn’t rely on ornamentation.”

This approach in no way lessens the appeal of Lexus’ famous takumi hand-crafted luxury: “We focused on giving the trim, seats and armrests a tactile feel worthy of a high-quality interior, even paying attention to the door opening and closing feel, and the audio quality, to realise a quality that inspires the senses,” says Kusakari.

The new design simplicity can be seen in the way the dashboard sweeps in a clean, continuous form, taking in the meter hood, instrument panel and the door trims. The car’s new e-latch electronic door release system positions the handles lower down, allowing the upper section of the door panels to be shaped as a natural extension of the instrument panel.

Tazuna driver’s cockpit

The theme of simplicity perfectly complements Lexus’ tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit, which rationalises the location and ease of use of the controls and information sources, so that attention is focused on the job of driving.

“Embodying the tazuna concept, the cockpit design realises a space that allows the driver to have a deeper, more intuitive connection

with the car, enabling them to control it as intended.,” says Kusakari. This rationale is witnessed in details such as co-ordinated arrangement of the information sources –centre console display, meters and head-up display – so their contents can be viewed with just small adjustment of the driver’s eyeline.

Sensory quality

The sensory quality reinforces the impact of the design in everything the car’s occupants can see, touch and hear. This takes in everything from the new multimedia system with intuitive touch screen and physical button controls, to the pleasing appearance and tactile appeal of new trims and upholsteries, the ambient lighting with a full spectrum of colour options and the reassuring sound made by the doors as they close.

The cabin’s relaxing, reassuring design is even reflected in way you can communicate directly with the car. The new “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant responds to requests and commands using natural speech. Tell it that you’re hungry and it will recommend nearby places to eat; mention that you’re cold and it will adjust the air conditioning.

Authentic SUV practicality

The interior design is perfectly appropriate for an SUV, delivering the necessary practicality, convenience and flexibility. Thanks to clever packaging and design, there’s more knee room for rear seat passengers and a better view both to the side and ahead, helped by the car’s lower belt line and the wider forward field of vision. Access has been made easier with a lower hip-point and adjustment of the easy access power adjustment.

For family trips, the load compartment is the same as the current RX for capacity, despite the new model having a shorter rear overhang; it’s thanks to clever design such as a thinner back door and a lower load height.

Lexus’ electrification know-how delivers an EV driving range of around 40 miles, with all-electric top speed of 84mph

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BMW’s premium compact SUV offers an electric advantage

Featuring a new distinctive design, a high level of electrification across the range and the latest in connectivity, the new BMW X1 builds on the concept of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) for the premium compact segment.

Now in its third model generation, the BMW X1 offers fully electric driving for the first time, complementing the brand’s existing batteryelectric models and make driving an all-electric BMW accessible to an even wider audience.

As well as the electric option the X1 is available with one petrol engine and two diesel engine options, plus two plug-in hybrid models. But the model that’s really got people talking is the BMW iX1 xDrive30, the BMW Group’s first premium compact model based on a flexible vehicle architecture to feature an all-electric drive system.

All versions are larger than its predecessor – by 53mm in length to 4,500mm, 24mm in width to 1,845mm and 44mm in height to 1,642mm. Its wheelbase is 2,692mm, 22mm longer than before, while its track widths have increased by 31mm to 1,592mm at the front and 1,593mm at the rear.

At the centre of the new front end design stands the large, almost square BMW kidney grille, its contouring highlighted by the three-dimensional chrome surround. The grille bars are finished in Black high-gloss as standard. In the outer areas of the lower air intake, large chrome strips accentuate the classy design of the front end.

Standard features include slim LED headlights for low and high beam that extend into the sides of the car. A distinctive graphic splits the headlights into three units for the low beam, high beam and daytime driving lights, the latter including the indicators.

Crisply sculpted surfaces for the wheel arches, doors and shoulders of the body generate an expressive interplay of light and shadow. A dynamically rising character line connects the front and rear wheel arches, while the long roofline flows into a spoiler extending out to the rear. Together with the shoulder-line above the flush door openers, extending from the front wheel arches into the rear lights, this gives the silhouette a stretched feel.

At the rear, horizontal lines, the narrow rear window and flared wheel arches emphasise the body’s width.

The user experience on board is underpinned by the seamless interaction between the BMW Curved Display, voice control, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and the BMW Head-Up Display (standard on Pro models). The standard BMW Curved Display is framed by by a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display. The screens merge

into a single unit behind a continuous glass surface curved towards the driver. The state-of-the-art graphics have been designed with a smartphone-style appearance, making them perfect for intuitive touch control.

New seat designs offer optimised comfort over long distances and extended functionality, with their prominent bolsters and adjustability of seat angle and depth. Electric seat adjustment with memory function is available for the driver seat in the xline and M Sport Premier models, with driver and passenger electric seats standard in Premier Pro models.

The rear compartment includes three full-sized seats with increased comfort. ISOFIX anchor points are integrated into the outer seats, and the 40:20:40 split backrests can be folded down to expand boot capacity. The fore-and-aft adjustment of the rear seat bench for combustion-engined models provides even greater versatility, sliding to allow boot capacity to expand from 540 litres to 1,600 litres.

Introducing the BMW iX1: the first pureelectric compact SAV

The all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30 is powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, each combined with power electronics and transmission in a single, compact housing. The drive units deliver a combined output of 313hp (including temporary boost) and overall torque of 494Nm.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also comprises the car’s charging technology and the 64.7kWh high-voltage battery positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody.

The battery’s high energy density and the drive system’s efficiency achieve combined power consumption of 18.4 – 17.3kWh per 100km (WLTP) and a driving range of 257 – 272 miles.

Combined Charging Unit and improved charging software

The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW iX1 xDrive30 enables single- and three-phase AC charging up to 11kW, optionally increased to 22kW (three-phase AC). This allows the battery to be fully recharged from empty in 6.5 hours as standard and just 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC recharging at up to 130kW makes it possible to boost the battery level from 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes, or increase range by 75 miles in just 10 minutes.

Two plug-in hybrid models

Two plug-in hybrids are also available: The BMW X1 xDrive30e and BMW X1 xDrive25e. Both feature an integrated electric drive unit powering the rear wheels, combined with a three-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels via the seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch.

The fifth-generation lithium-ion batteries have an increased usable content of 14.2kWh. Maximum charging capacity has climbed from 3.7kW to 7.4kW, enabling the high-voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 2.5 hours. A full vehicle charge is completed within eight hours when linked to domestic power output.

Electric range is now up to 48 – 55 miles in the WLTP cycle.

Welcome to the family, ID.5

Hot on the heels of the ID.3 and ID.4 comes the ID.5, a more stylish coupé version of, well, the ID.4. Since we really like the ID.4 it seems safe to assume we’ll like the ID.5 too. However, it now faces increased competition from the likes of the KIA EV6, Ford Mustang MACH E and Nissan Ariya, so how does it get on?

What is it?

A five-door family crossover. From the outside it’s certainly more striking to look at than an ID.4, with a new rear end design and C-pillars giving, it a more sloping roofline and a boot lid that features a rear wing.

Model choice and battery range

Choose from one 77kWh battery with three power options: the ID.5 Pro with 174PS, the Pro Performance with 204PS or the GTX with 299PS. There are three specs to choose from: Style, Tech and Max.

The 77kWh battery offers a choice of 324, 322 or 314-mile ranges, all dependant on the spec choice.

Equipment and goodies

All ID.5s offer customers plenty of standard

DC and 11 kW AC, Climatronic air-con, keyless entry and start, 12-way electric seats, a heated steering wheel, Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Park Assist Plus, DAB, Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Discover Max Pro Nav with a 12” colour touchscreen.

Our TECH 204PS Pro Performance also featured Wireless App-Connect, wireless smartphone charging, 19” alloys, IQ Light Matrix, 3D LED rear lights, panoramic glass, rear tinted glass and 30 colour interior ambient lighting.

Interior

This mirrors the inside of an ID.4, so factor in a centrally mounted 12” infotainment touchscreen, a 5.3” dash panel display, a flat bottomed steering wheel and a gear lever on the right end of the centre console that you twist to select from Drive, Reverse or Neutral.

The colours used on our test model were certainly different, featuring Soul Black and Florence Brown upholstery and the same combination on the dashboard. Build quality is pretty good, perhaps a step up on the ID.4, although there are some cheaper, harder plastics located lower down and the seat fabric

Practicality

The interior offers at least as much room as you’ll find in a Volkswagen Tiguan. Front seat passengers are spoiled for space, with even an armrest each. In the rear, there’s room for three adults to sit comfortably side by side. Cabin storage is generous, so you get four large door pockets, two central cup holders, some clever central storage between the front seats, where the twin USBs are located.

Rear passengers get plenty of head and legroom. They also get two c-USBs and their own heating vents. And if there’s only two in the back, an armrest folds down, inside of which there are cupholders.

Luggage capacity with the rear seats upright is a more than generous 549 litres, which increases to 1,561 litres with the rear seats folded. The boot is flat and rectangular, so it’s easy to slide stuff in and out of it. There’s a hidden storage space under the boot floor, where the two charging cables can be stored out of sight.

All ID 5s except those in entry-level Style trim come with an electrically operated tailgate as standard.

Latest addition to Volkswagen’s burgeoning electric car range is the best looking yet and easy to love, says Andrew Walker

Welcome to the family, ID.5

from page 26

Tech and connectivity

Volkswagen’s Discover Pro Navigation system with 12” colour touchscreen and touch-sensitive functionality, dominates the centre of the dash. You get pre-loaded European navigation data, branded points of interest, a 2D or 3D map view, speed limit display and car information display at the touch of a button.

It also allows for the simultaneous pairing of two compatible mobile devices and SMS functionality. Radio lovers need not worry, there’s a DAB digital radio receiver, with six speakers and Bluetooth telephone and audio connections.

App-Connect also features. This combines the functionality of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, allowing mirroring of smartphone display on the infotainment touchscreen. It can be connected wirelessly.

ID.5 also gets ID.Light and We Connect, which provides continuous interaction between driver and vehicle. For example, this includes ‘eCall’, which allows emergency SOS calls and comes with an automated breakdown notification.

It also includes a regular vehicle health report and reminds the driver of the car’s service schedule.

Battery range and performance

Our test car was the ID.5 5 TECH Pro Performance, fitted with the 77 kWh battery with 204 PS of power. Maximum torque is 310Nm, top speed 99mph and 0-62mph takes just 8.4 seconds.

The claimed WLTP range is 315 miles, with consumption at 4.1miles per kWh.

Charging

Using a standard 7.2kW home charger, it will take 11 hours to fully charge the battery from zero. We recommend Rolec – more at http://www.rolecserv.com/home-charging .

All ID.5s are supplied with a three-point 32-amp / 7.2kW charging cable and come with a three-year mobility guarantee in case of car breakdown.

It can also be fast charged, either via a 125 kW DC (direct current) or 11 kW AC (alternating current). Using the former means charging to 80 per cent capacity in just 25 minutes – ideal for a top-up during your lunch hour.

Functionality

Most of the car’s functions are touchsensitive and controlled through the touchscreen. In fact, all of Volkswagen’s updated models now feature the same system. The system itself is very intuitive and it doesn’t take too long to grasp its finer points.

The screen is easy to reach and the menus are straightforward. The screen graphics are clear and sharp and the set-up is very responsive. Something that is easy to get used to is the keyless-entry-and-go system. As long as you have the key, the ID.5 will unlock itself and when you push the brake pedal the engine will start. Select Drive from the twisty gear lever and away you go. When you come to stop, you just press Park, get out and the car will switch itself off and lock behind you.

Driving

Weighing at 2,117kg the ID.5 is no lightweight. However, the location of the battery under the chassis means that it’s surprisingly balanced on the road and corners pretty well. The 201bhp electric motor with 150kW or 204PS and 310Nm of torque, will propel the ID.5 quite quickly in a straight line, but on country roads, it’s a little more cumbersome.

Thanks to its single-speed automatic transmission and rear wheel drive set-up, it performs well in either urban traffic or when taking you along a motorway, with both tasks undertaken in supreme quiet and relaxing comfort.

To enhance battery range, you can select a regenerative brake mode. In Drive, you simply twist and push the gear lever to select the B function, which gives you access to this. Unlike some EVs the strength of the regeneration on

ID.5, as with ID.4 and ID.3, is not that high, however. While there is a downside on recharging there is an upside in that it helps make the ID.5 better to drive than some of its competitors.

As far as driving modes go, you can select from Eco, the best for saving battery range, limiting you to a top speed of 80mph; Comfort, Sport or Individual.

Pros

For company car drivers the benefits of running an ID.5 are impossible to ignore. Charging regularly at home and at night on a cheaper tariff will save on your fuel bill and there’s the BIK tax savings, too. Furthermore, the 77kWh battery on ID.5 offers customers a real world 250-275 mile driving range. And as a bonus it’s striking to look at.

Cons

The ID.5 is heavy so it’s not as fun to drive as a petrol Tiguan. For a car that retails at nearly £55,000, some of the fixtures and fittings aren’t as good as you’ll find on a Volkswagen Golf, which is disappointing. That cost also means leasing is by far your best option, particularly as a company car option.

Conclusion

The ID.5 we tested, with its 77kWh battery and coupé good looks, is a great addition to

the ID family. The driving range is comparable with the electric competition from ‘within’ the VAG Group, particularly stablemate the Skoda Enyaq, and from outside, in the guise of the KIA EV6, Nissan Ariya and Hyundai IONIQ 5.

It’s also a proper family five-seater, offering buyers loads of practical space and the latest tech and safety features.

Furthermore, the BIK benefits are immense, so if you’re a company car driver who needs a large family car, it should be on your shopping list.

CC&V VERDICT

Volkswagen rarely puts a foot wrong these days, and its new ID. electric range is a case in point. With ID.3 and .4 ploughing the road before it, the ID.5 brings all the electric motoring benefits fleet drivers want backed with the versatility and convenience of a family car. First rate.

CC&V RATING: N N N N

Ariya’s timely arrival finally gives Nissan another string to its bow

Nissan broke new ground when it introduced the Leaf in 2010, but little did it know that it would be another 12 years before its second electric car was launched – the Nissan Ariya. While we may puzzle over the company’s lack of enthusiasm to follow-up on the Leaf’s success, it is clear that the Ariya has been well worth the wait, as it offers something all electric vehicle owners crave: range, and lots of it. With a choice of two batteries and real world ranges of either 230 or 300 miles, the Ariya is just what the doctor ordered.

What is it?

Based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, it’s a five-door SUV Crossover in the mould of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and KIA EV6. Like the Leaf in 2010, it launches a new Nissan design ethos, with a top-quality interior inside a car that’s very spacious.

The key choice is the battery. The 63kWh is offered in either Advance or Evolve trim, while the larger 87kWh battery comes with either of those two or two other all-wheel drive options, the e-4orce Advance or e-4orce Evolve.

Exterior

The Ariya certainly looks good, with slim LED headlights and a flat black grille up front. It’s coupé shape offers a curved side profile, with a contrasting light blade and narrow rear window at the back. The rear end is slightly raised giving the car an aggressive stance. Overall, it looks the part.

Interior

Nissan has really gone to town here. As per the vogue, it’s minimalist inside and features wood-effect trim, top-notch upholstery, Japanese lantern inspired ambient lighting and stylish cream and black colour ways. The haptic climate controls are hidden within the wood-inspired centre dash and on Advance spec models, you get the electronically adjustable floating centre console.

Infotainment

The 12.3” infotainment screen dominates the centre dash. It’s not as big as those found on the Ford Mustang Mach E or Tesla Model 3, but it’s plenty big enough. As far as usability

goes, the screen functions are logical and work well, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. The graphics aren’t the sharpest we’ve experienced but the loading time is good. Overall, the system is way better than what you’ll find in other Nissan models.

Specifications

Advance offers 130kW DC CCS charging, automatic dual zone climate, Pro Pilot with Navi Link, the 12.3” TFT screen with 12.3” navigation screen and a 360 degree all around view monitor.

Evolve adds an electric panoramic sunroof, the power moving centre console, ventilated and heated front seats, synthetic leather and suede seats, 10 Bose speakers and intelligent key with memory function. Both e-4orce versions add All Wheel Drive with Snow Mode, front e-4ORCE entry guards, a rear e-4ORCE badge and dark chrome window mouldings.

Battery, charging and range

Here’s the crunch. The 63kWh battery offers 250 miles from a full charge. Utilise 130kW rapid charging and an 80 per cent top-up takes just over half an hour. The larger 87kWh battery comes with on-board 22kW charging and a range of 329 miles. On a home 7kWh charger like our own Rolec, a full charge from 20% on the smaller battery would take seven hours. As ever, get yourself a smart home charger, programme it to charge at night when electric rates are lower and it will cost you less too.

Practicality

The Ariya has a significant footprint,

measuring 4585mm long by 1850mm wide by 1660mm high. However, being electric means there’s loads more space inside. So you get a good sized 466 litre boot, with space underneath for your charging cables and the bonus of a power tailgate.

The cabin is really light and roomy, with large door pockets, a glove box, central twin drinks holders, under armrest space, front and rear USB connection (Type-A and Type-C) and on our Evolve test car a wireless phone charger. Rear privacy glass and a rear armrest finish things off.

If you need to tow, then the twin-motor e-4orce model is the one to choose as it will tow up to 1,500kg, the single motor version only 750kg. But be warned, this version only offers 408 litres of boot space.

Driving and real world range

Like all electric cars, straight line performance is brilliant. The Ariya’s 215bhp front-mounted electric motor with 300Nm of torque offers plenty of smiles. It’s quiet, refined and smooth.

We were testing the 87kWh Evolve and despite its 2,000kg weight, Nissan has done a fine job of hiding the imbalance caused by the battery, as it corners better than you’d expect. Unsurprisingly the suspension is a little on the firm side, with the battery showing itself here, but it’s still softer than in some competitors. Steering is light and generally positive and overall it’s a comfortable ride.

On the road you can shake things up a bit by selecting Sport Mode which sharpens the Ariya’s performance. Top speed is 100 mph and 0-62mph takes 7.6 seconds. The

In a sector where range is king, the Ariya could be a big seller, says Andrew Walker

alternative is to stick to Eco mode and utilise the Ariya’s on-board brake regeneration to eke out that extra range.

Talking of which, we managed to average 3.5kWh of brake regen in our time with the Ariya so we’d guess a real world range of 290 -300 miles is infinitely possible, putting it right up there with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ and ahead in this category of the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID ranges.

Pros Company car drivers get 2% BIK, so you’ll pay as little as £160 a year on the entry level Advance 63kWh version. The interior is one of the best in the electric car sector. It’s also spacious inside and very comfortable. The Ariya also proved to be one of the better larger battery electric cars to drive, with sharp handling and strong performance.

Cons

As with most electric cars, it suffers from a high entry price point. Our mid-range test car would set you back £53,590. Even though its one of the better handling electric SUVs, it’s not as good to drive as a Nissan Qashqai.

Conclusion

In 2021, both Kia and Hyundai came up with two of our favourite electric offerings with the EV6 and IONIQ 5. While the Volkswagen ID5,

Skoda Enyaq and Ford Mach-E are direct competitors, the Ariya belongs at the top table with the Kia and Hyundai. Not only does it look good, the attention to detail inside and build quality is excellent and it drives and handles well too. Furthermore, it’s real world range of 230 or 300 miles dependent on battery size, means range anxiety will take a back seat.

CC&V VERDICT

With range anxiety still stopping a hefty slice of the public from hitting the electric switch, the Ariya offers a real option

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

Niro EV is another tick in the right box from KIA

Model range and engines

Niro EV comes with a choice of three electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric –and three trim levels, designated ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’. We were testing the Electric model in ‘2’ trim. It’s powered by a 64.8kWh Li-ion polymer battery offering a maximum 150kW of power. Like all electric vehicles, the battery is located under the floor and adds some significant weight to the car, in this case 443kg.

What’s new?

It’s built on Kia’s third generation ‘K’ platform, which has been specifically engineered to accommodate the three available powertrains.

The K architecture allows for various battery mounting options depending on the powertrain; beneath the rear seats for the HEV, under the boot floor on the PHEV variants and centrally for the EV version.

The new Niro has also received suspension and steering improvements and additional

insulation and padding have been inserted around the vehicle’s structure to help combat unwanted engine and road noise.

Exterior

This is a much better proportioned car than the outgoing model. At the front there is the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Face’, which now extends to the front wings. The windscreen features a double-cowl design where the top and bottom mirror each other. Angular ‘Heartbeat’ daytime running lights, skid plates, boomerang rear lights and an aero C-pillar towards the rear also feature.

Customers can choose from eight exterior colours and a choice of ‘C’ pillar colours that contrast or complement the body colour.

On the EV version, the power socket is located at the front of the car. Otherwise it looks very much like the ICE versions.

The standard spec is good. Niro ‘2’ grades feature 17” alloys, Start/Stop with Smart entry, automatic LED headlights, an electric hand brake, climate control, rear parking sensors and camera, an 8.0” touchscreen display with DAB radio, six speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a 10.25” TFT LCD cluster.

Safety

The all-new Niro comes equipped with Kia’s ADAS system known as DriveWise. So you get Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality as standard on all grades. Lane Follow Assist, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and Lane Keep Assist are also included across the range. Front sensors, Highway Driving Assist and Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist are

included on ‘3’ and ‘4’ grades, with Parking Collision Avoidance Assist and Remote Smart Park Assist on ‘4’ versions.

Interior and infotainment

The interior is in keeping with Kia’s new design philosophy so you get an upmarket finish with good quality plastics used throughout. The dashboard on ‘2’ grade, is dominated by the car’s infotainment and instrument cluster screens, which stretch across two-thirds of the car.

Below the central touchscreen sits the car’s multi-mode display. This replaces physical buttons with a dedicated ‘haptic’ touchscreen, providing shortcuts to control the cars climate control, infotainment and SatNav.

The good news is that you don’t need to delve into too many sub-menus to choose what you want. It’s easy to work, with a small arrow which, when pushed, switches from climate to the car’s functions and helps free up dashboard space.

Practicality

Up front you get twin cupholders between the front seats. On some versions the cup holders rotate outwards and can be pushed back in when not needed, creating more space in the cabin. In front of this you get two USB connections and a 12v socket. The door pockets will also hold a bottle, but the glove box is slim. The front armrest lifts up to add more storage. Front and rear head and legroom is good as well.

The cabin now offers an integrated hanger-type design within the headrests, allowing clothing or bags to be hooked into

The Niro EV was launched in autumn and we were given an opportunity to drive one just as the temperatures began to drop, says Andrew Walker. The petrol and plug-ins were very impressive but how did the electric Niro perform?

place. Sitting next to these are twin USB ‘C’ inputs located on the inside of the front seat sides.

The cabin is more spacious than any previous Niro and 60:40 split rear seats fold down by pulling a lever leading to a maximum load space of 1,392 litres. The boot floor can also be lifted to reveal some useful storage space underneath, perfect for charging cables. The battery is cleverly spread under the car’s boot floor so the boot capacity actually great in the EV than other versions of the Niro.

Warranty

Kia is famous for its warranties and the Niro EV is no different. So you get a seven-year / 100,000 mile warranty (or three years and unlimited mileage), anti-perforation warranty (12 yrs/unlimited mileage), a paint warranty (five years/ 100,000 miles) and one-year Kia Roadside Assistance.

Charging and range

Niro Electric features an onboard 11kW charging system and the capability of charging on AC and DC units. On our 7.2kW Rolec Smart charger a full charge would take 9 hours 25 minutes. On a faster 11kW AC charger this reduces to 6 hours 20 minutes. Stop off at the most common public 50kW charger and this comes down to 1 hour 5 minutes. The claimed WLTP range on the Niro EV is 285 miles.

On the road

Niro Electric may be the heaviest Niro in the gang but thanks to the acceleration associated with electric cars, it’s actually the most fun to

drive, at least in a straight line. It will only take 7.8 seconds to hit 62mph and will go on to a top speed of 103mph.

On the motorway it’s an excellent performer and along with the larger KIA EV6 you can drive at 70mph and still get a decent return on your battery range. As an example we travelled 90 miles on the motorway at a constant 70mph and used up 96 miles of our Niro’s range.

With the standard adaptive cruise control the EV makes light of long journeys. On A and B-roads the electric Niro performed well, handling corners and adjusting to road situations with aplomb. The battery weight is noticeable, but it’s so well distributed you’d be hard-pressed to complain about it spoiling the car’s ride.

Pros

The low BIK makes it a company car choice. Great cabin, latest tech and safety fitted as standard. It’s also a much better looking car than the previous Niro, with plenty of cabin space for five. As a bonus the boot is larger too. Finally, the battery range is at the top of what you can get in an electric car.

Cons

The infotainment screens small compared to rivals. Even though the battery doesn’t spoil the ride it’s actually a bit vanilla when it comes to fun.

Conclusion

We always felt that the old Niro EV felt heavy, especially on winding roads. Thankfully, the new version doesn’t and feels much more pleasant to drive. The new Niro also comes fitted with a larger battery and offers a bigger range. Furthermore, all models feature a top-class cabin with excellent safety and infotainment features, with almost all of it standard across the range. For company car drivers and fleet managers alike, the EV offers an unbeatable BIK of just two per cent.

CC&V VERDICT

Kia can do no wrong at moment and is producing cars that tick every box, especially in the company vehicle sector

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

Proace City spec levels give it a crucial edge

The small van market is ultra-competitive, especially when you share your van’s underpinnings with four cousins. But the qualities of the Toyota Proace City still shine through. Andrew Walker reports.

Toyota was perhaps a little late to the party with the launch of its latest small van, the Proace City. Like its larger sibling the Proace, the Proace City is virtually identical to models from Toyota’s commercial van partners Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, whose versions in this sector are the Berlingo, Partner and Combo respectively, plus the new arrival, the Fiat Professional Doblo.

All are built on the same Stellantis platform but subtle individual differences abound from model to model. Toyota has decided to offer slightly different specs and equipment on its van than that aren’t available on the others, meaning the Proace City entry model is better equipped than rival versions further up the chain. This helps make, Toyota says, the

Proace City a better bet for small businesses and SMEs.

First and foremost, the Proace City is offered in two body lengths, L1 and L2, and comes with cargo volumes of 3.3 and 3.9 cubic metres, and a single roof height. There are two trims: Active and Icon.

Two engines are offered, both Stellantis 1.5 diesels, with either 75bhp or 100bhp and a 5-speed manual gearbox. There’s no auto version, nor is Toyota offering the largest 130bhp Stellantis engine either. And there’s a caveat, in that the L2 van is only available in top-spec Icon trim.

To be different, Toyota is offering twin-sliding side doors on both L1 and L2, while only the L2 versions of the Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall offer this, so that’s good news. Also standard is a full steel bulkhead and if you order the entry level Active, you can add the twin passenger seat option, which includes the through load fold down back, perfect for longer items.

Standard kit is impressive too, with air con, a USB socket and Bluetooth on Active. We were testing the L1 Icon and this adds an excellent 8” touchscreen, with connected Apps for Apple

Car Lay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, a red view camera, cruise control, a second USB, DAB and daytime running lights.

Both models feature excellent safety kit. Active comes with driver and passenger airbags, an option on its Stellantis siblings, curtain airbags, hill start, downhill assist, stability control and brakeforce distribution. Icon adds a speed limiter, tyre pressure monitors and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) on the twin airbags.

Only Icon models can be fitted with an alarm with motion and tamper sensors, while the Toyota Safety Sense system, which adds road sign assist, lane departure warning and tiredness alert is also only offered on Icon variants too.

Service intervals are 25,000 miles or two years. Both models feature a 50-litre fuel tank and a 17-litre AdBlue tank. Proace City benefits from Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty, while the Stellantis versions only get three years of cover, albeit with the same 100,000mile limit.

‘‘

Continued from page 36

We were testing the Icon SWB powered by the larger 100 bhp engine. Top speed is 107 mph, with 0-62 mph reached in 11.5 seconds. CO2 emissions are 151g/km with combined fuel economy on the WLTP cycle between 46.31 and 50.44 MPG.

We’ve stated in these pages many times before, just how much van cabs are now very car-like, and this is definitely the case with the Proace City. The fixtures and fittings will be familiar to Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat customers. The instrumentation is clear and concise and the large centre dash mounted touchscreen is a real highlight. Importantly for a van, it’s all easy to reach from the driver’s seat.

The seating position is high, while the compact, flat-bottomed steering wheel allows for easier access to the cabin. There’s good storage space too, with two glove boxes and two large door pockets, plus an above the head body wide shelf on our Icon model. Three occupants can also sit abreast in the front of the Combo Cargo although the centre front passenger will find leg room tight.

The build quality is excellent, with plenty of soft touch plastics on the front and top of the dashboard. Even the glovebox lid and door pockets are solid and built to last. The seat fabric feels hard wearing, with the floor

covering designed to take some punishment from booted feet. There’s also a handy electric handbrake and the gear stick sits at a good height for gear changes.

For load access, the twin rear doors open 180 degrees if required and both side sliding door open and closes with a reassuring clunk. I’m not a tradesperson, but always try to use a van for purpose when I test one and the Proace City was no different. A visit to Selco to buy some wood to make shed shelving allowed me to load in four pieces of MDF and two 2.4 m lengths of wood via the opening seat hatch.

We travelled over 200 miles in our week in the Proace City, driving on a mix of motorway, dual-carriageway and urban roads and never found it anything less than comfortable. Thanks to the steel bulkhead, the cabin is quiet. The infotainment system works extremely well. We connected an iPhone via the USB to utilise AppleCar Play and made a couple of handsfree calls without needing to shout. This also allowed us into Google Maps.

On the motorway, the addition of cruise control allows the driver to sit back and relax and in town, the five-speed gearbox is well set for slow traffic driving. Driving 212 miles, we averaged a shade over 49mpg.

The 100bhp model worked just fine with small loads and a single occupant, offering

plenty of torque in low revs and decent motorway progress. The 75bhp version might feel a little underpowered though, especially with two passengers on board.

Although the entry level Proace City is slightly more expensive than the equivalent Stellantis models, the City is better specced. It also comes with twin sliding side doors and you do get a better five year/10,000 mile warranty, so these factors need to be taken into account.

Like it’s Stellantis counterparts, the Proace City hasn’t got many faults. The only one we could find was the less than accurate air con, which is too cold at 19 degrees and too warm at 20 degrees. But this really is a minor quibble and the Proace City comes highly recommended.

CC&V VERDICT

Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat and Vauxhall probably thought they’d corner the market with Stellantis versions of the Proace City, but clever positioning means that Toyota offers something different.

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

The twin rear doors open 180 degrees if required and close with a reassuring clunk... and a full steel bulkhead is standard on the Proace City ‘‘

Readypower sees the benefits of the UK-built Corolla Commercial hybrid

Specialist rail and infrastructure services provider Readypower Group is replacing its fleet of diesel vehicles with 45 hybrid electric Toyota Corolla Commercial vans. The first of the new vehicles went into service in October, used by the company’s engineers to support clients across the country.

Readypower Group is a market-leading asset hire business with a specialist civil engineering division. Operating out of six principal hubs and additional satellite facilities across the UK, it supports customers in a wide range of sectors, including rail, power, highways and regulated infrastructure.

Tony Buckland, Transport Manager from Readypower Group said: “We have been running diesel vans and were keen to address the issue of our vehicle emissions.

“We looked at diesel models available on the market, but by choosing Corolla Commercial hybrids we have been able to reduce our average fleet CO2 emissions. There is a further positive as we are supporting British industry with the vans being built here in the UK.”

Neil Broad, General Manager, One Toyota Fleet Services said: “Our Corolla Commercial enjoys a unique position, being the only full petrol hybrid electric van available in the UK market. Its efficient hybrid system is selfcharging, so businesses do not have to factor in vehicle downtime for recharging. This makes it a practical and attractive proposition for customers who are not yet in a position to adopt fully electric vehicles.”

Corolla Commercial is built at Toyota UK’s manufacturing plant in Derby and is derived from the Corolla Touring Sports passenger car. Available in a single equipment grade, its high

Tony Buckland receives the first of the keys to his new fleet of Corolla Commercials

standard specification includes the full complement of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance features.

• Corolla Commercial is priced at £22,590 (commercial vehicle on the road price, excluding VAT).

“By choosing Corolla Commercial hybrids we have been able to reduce our average fleet CO2 emissions...”

FIAT adds a touch of Italian style to electrify the delivery sector

Back in January 2022 we spent a week in the electric Citroen e-Berlingo and concluded that it was very good. We also stated that with low and ultra-low emission zones arriving in 2022, fuel prices rising and the demand from online shopping showing no sign of abating, that more electric vans would follow.

And follow they have, with the Fiat e-Doblo the latest electric Stellantis van to be launched. It comes with a choice of 20 panel vans or four five-seater crew vans, and L1 and L2 versions. The shorter wheelbase models are 4.4m, the longer ones 4.75m. L1 comes with an 800kg payload, while L2 models have a 750kg payload, but come with a larger loading area. All versions feature the same 50kWh battery, which offers a WLTP range of 171 miles. Interestingly, the e-Doblo will tow 1 tonne.

Specs and equipment

The electric Doblo comes with a choice of two specs – Standard or Primo – and both are well equipped. Standard features include air con, cruise control, SatNav, DAB radio, an 8” infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a near-side sliding door. The Primo adds the load through bulkhead, rear parking sensors, a rear camera in the mirror, a Visibility Pack, an Icon Pack and a useful passenger bench seat with armrest, storage and a writing table.

Performance and charging

The 50kWh battery uses a 100kW electric motor, putting out the equivalent of 136bhp. This is good enough for a top speed of 80 mph, but it’s the instant torque that’s most impressive, making forward progress smooth and silent.

Fast charging is included as standard. This means that the e-Doblo can top up its battery from 0-80% via a 100kW rapid charger in just 30 minutes. This is quite expensive though, so if you are looking to recharge at home, a 7/2kW Rolec Smart Charger will charge the 50kWh battery from 0-100% in 7.5 hours.

If your home or business is fitted with the appropriate electricity supply, you can option a more powerful 11kW charger, which brings the

time taken down to five hours.

Exterior and interior

We were testing the e-Doblo 50kWh in basic Standard spec and the good news from the off, is that the electric Doblo looks just like the ICE model, with just a slight nod to its electric roots, namely a blue ‘E’ on the rear door in front of DOBLO.

The interior has a car-like feel to it, with the dashboard dominated by the 8” Colour touchscreen. It’s also finished in nicely textured plastics, with the grey seat fabric looking and feeling hard wearing. Our test van featured two front seats, but you can get a bench in the Primo versions. There’s plenty of room up front and for cabin storage, you get two decent sized door pockets, storage between the front seats, twin drinks holder’s on the dash top, one cubby in the centre console, a single USB, a cabin width shelf above your head and a 12v socket. The load area features six tie down hooks and the wheel arches are impressively hidden to make loading or unloading easier.

On the road

A sojourn through Warwickshire gave me plenty of scope to test the e-Doblo on a mixture of dual carriageway and urban roads as we headed to the centre of Warwick. At no point was the e-Doblo driven laden, with just myself and a passenger, so how the van performed is based on this.

What’s really appealing about e-Doblo is that it drives like a small electric family car. Steering is light and the auto gear box located just to the

left of the driver is easy to operate. Here you can select from Park, Reverse, Neutral or Drive with another setting ‘B’ that adds two levels of regenerative braking to the equation. There also three drive modes: Eco, which slows everything down and turns of the heating; Normal, for everyday driving and heating; and Power, useful if your van is heavily laden or you hit a steep incline.

On the Warwick by-pass I selected cruise control, adjusted this to 60mph and off I went. It’s quiet in the cab, the seats are comfortable, the full steel bulkhead keeps the heat in and the load space noise at bay and when utilising Apple CarPlay and the DAB radio, outside wind and road noise are not an issue.

The cabin itself is well designed and its easy to reach all of the switches and buttons while driving, an important consideration for most van users. The view from the front is also excellent. The location of the battery, spread evenly underneath the load space floor, means that the suspension doesn’t showcase the battery weight like some other electric vehicles.

Vehicle range

Electric van range is subjective. You have to factor in outside temperatures, load weight, speed and brake regeneration. The e-Doblo’s claimed maximum range is 171 miles. The e-Doblo features a battery charge indicator on the touchscreen menu – think your new fuel gauge. You will discover that in summer or when temperatures are higher, your van will go further. In winter, with lower temperatures, range will fall. What we can say is that shorter,

The electric urban delivery market is getting crowded with competitors but there’s room for the latest from FIAT Professional, the e-Doblo, says Andrew Walker

local trips driven at lower speeds will prove more fruitful. If you’re driving any electric van on the motorway it’s far better to drive under the speed limit at about 62mph. Also, remember that by selecting Eco drive, you will increase range but this automatically turns off the heating, which isn’t really an option in colder weather.

Pros

Excellent payload, great to drive, top-notch cabin, on trend tech and if driven carefully expect a year long range of 130 miles. Plenty of model choices in panel van and crew cab.

Cons

Expensive to buy outright, so better to lease. Very cold weather will affect range, so adjust your motorway speed down accordingly. Charging your van from empty to full, using a 7.2 kW home charger, is slow, so top up your van regularly. The Fiat warranty at three years or 60,000 miles isn’t as good as the one offered with Toyota’s Proace City Electric.

Conclusion

Stating the blindingly obvious, if you drive the length and breadth of the UK, any electric van is not going to be for you. The range is too small and at motorway speeds, the battery drains far faster.

However, if your van use is local, even regional, then a van such as the e-Doblo really could be a solution. Furthermore, an electric van is plainly cleaner, you don’t need to pay vehicle excise duty and EVs are currently congestion charge exempt. And we haven’t even mentioned the fuel savings you’ll achieve in an electric van, which will typically cut your monthly expenditure over diesel, even as electricity costs soar.

CC&V VERDICT

The e-Doblo is a comfortable, practical companion and currently one of the better electric vans on the market.

CC&V RATING: N N N N

Maxus is backing the pick-up sector

– and its T90 will get the job done

that the motor and battery may affect its off-road capabilities.

Exterior

The front features a massive chrome grille with the Maxus logo at the top. The side LED daytime running light intakes bear a passing resemblance to a Mitsubishi L200, while the rear load bed area is very similar to that found on an Isuzu D-Max. The tailgate is heavy and closes with a nice clunk.

interiors found on a Ford Ranger Wildtrak or Volkswagen Amarok, you’ll be disappointed. It’s built to do a job, not for lifestyle.

There’s no gear lever. Instead, you’re presented with a cylindrical dial with a simple Reverse, Neutral or Drive option. Alongside this sit Power, Eco, Downhill and ASR buttons.

The four door pockets are sizeable with twin drinks holders located between the front seats, a centre armrest with storage underneath, although the glove box is small.

We’re lucky enough to be based just 17 miles from the Maxus UK office in Birchwood, which means that when given a chance to pop over and take a look around the all-new Maxus T90 electric pick-up, it was too good a chance to miss.

The T90 was first seen at the 2022 CV Show, where the promise was of a right-hand drive version in late 2022.

It may be an electric pick up, meaning there’s a heavy battery fitted underneath the cab and load floor, but this doesn’t prevent it from being a highly practical vehicle. It offers a one-tonne payload and can tow up to 1,500 kg. See the panel right for dimensions.

Electric range and battery

Maxus claims that the T90 offers a 220-mile range, courtesy of its 88.5kWh battery which produces 201bhp.

It has a rear-wheel drive set up, which means

There’s a large Maxus logo across the rear, a high mounted stop light and a step in the bumper to allow for easier access. The sides feature black steps and a chrome low door protector.

Front and rear bumpers are body coloured.

Inside

Quality wise, it’s pretty good, with the fixtures and fittings in keeping with those on the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200. However, if you’re expecting the more upmarket

You get a neat 10.5” infotainment touch screen, an AM/FM radio and you can connect your Smartphone via Apple CarPlay, using one of the two front USBs that sit underneath. Separate climate controls are located underneath this with manual air-con fitted. You get a 12v socket up front, plus one in the rear as well as a 220v power outlet.

The front seats are electrically adjustable, while the seats are finished in artificial leather.

Rear space is really good and three adults should fit comfortably.

Equipment and safety

There’s plenty of safety kit in the form of ESP and EBA, driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags, with front to rear curtain airbags standard as well. You also get a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and rain sensing wipers.

Extras

Your T90 can be spruced up and personalised by adding one or more of a number of additional items of equipment and style touches: stainless steel sports bar, a roll lock cover, all terrain tyres, a mountain top/ roller top, a tow bar with electrics, a front bumper winch pack or a hard top box with rear tailgate wash wipe.

Charging

The key feature of any electric vehicle is range, and here the T90 scores highly, thanks

to its large battery. The caveat is that it will take longer to charge: approximately 12 hours from 0-100% on a 7kWh home charger. That will take a little bit of logistics and planning.

Better news is that if you utilise its DC capabilities, a 20-80% charge will take only 45 minutes.

The T90 is supplied with a five-metre Type 2 charging cable with the external charging cap located on the rear left of the cab. As usual, our advice is to get a home charger, plug-in overnight when electricity is cheaper and get some chargers at your workplace, too. It’s a sound investment.

Driving

We only spent 30 minutes driving the T90 on urban roads but what we were able to ascertain from this was the following.

Apart from the electric whine when you first accelerate, the T90 is quiet, eerily so when compared to a standard diesel pick-up. Up front, the ride is quite firm. In the rear we’d guess that, unlike a diesel pick-up, where the weight is all located at the front, the T90, with a heavy battery underneath the cabin floor, won’t be as bouncy for rear passengers when unladen. It will be interesting to see how it performs off-road.

There’s plenty of safety kit, plus a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers... plus it’s a highly practical vehicle ‘‘

All of the dials and switches are easy to reach and to understand. The touchscreen is quite basic but the functions work well, and Apple CarPlay connected seamlessly. AM and FM radio are standard, but if you want DAB you’ll need to connect to your favourite station via your Smartphone Apps. There’s a SatNav, too.

Pros

It has the virtue of being the first electric pick-up you can buy in the UK. Even better, it comes with a decent payload and load bed area. Electric range is impressive and it is well equipped.

Cons

This was a fleeting glimpse of the T90’s capabilities and we’ve yet to take it off-road where there is a chance that the low hanging motor-battery combo may affect ground clearance.

One other point: at £49,950 + VAT, it’s not cheap.

Conclusion

In the UK, Maxus has won the race to get an electric pick-up to market. Utilising parent company SAIC’s battery know-how, Maxus has gone from selling 100 vans in 2017 to over 12,000 in 2021, with the electric eDeliver 3 and eDeliver 9 leading the charge. As I write this,

Ford has an E-Transit out, but there are no signs of an electric pick-up from them, or from Toyota, Isuzu or Volkswagen. This gives Maxus a massive opportunity, with plenty of forward orders already confirmed.

Our only reservation is that it remains to be seen how the T90 performs off-road and price-wise, it’s expensive to buy outright, so leasing will be the best way to get into one. That being said, it’s definitely one for the future.

CC&V VERDICT

Being the first to achieve anything is always something to boast about, and Maxus should be congratulated on that feat. If pick-ups are your go-to vehicle for the workplace, the T90 gives you an electric option you can work with

CC&V RATING: N N N N N

Introducing

range-finder: general from LEVC:

Andrew Walker

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 MercedesBenz 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 Ultima, offers the 11kWOBC, a rear view camera, SatNav, silver steel wheels and eight tie loops.

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.

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 Coventry, where both the TX and VN5 are

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

Marketed as the perfect ‘delivery to door’ solution, the VN5 may well be the van you need to ease your transition into the electric marketplace ‘‘

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the:

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: N N N N

Ah Mr Ford,

been

you...

While Ford has been late to the electric van party with a version of its best-selling Transit, the first E-Transit is finally with us and it promises to be a game changer.

With prices starting at £48,045 plus VAT, it’s off to a good start, undercutting a number of competitors’ electric vans from the get-go.

It’s based on the Transit diesel so instead of an engine, gearbox and transmission you get electric running gear sourced from the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This is connected to a 68kWh battery and comes with two power outputs, 181bhp or 265bhp.

It still looks like a standard Ford Transit however, with the bonnet now home to various electrics.

Versions

One of the reasons Ford is so popular is because it has always offered a wide range of model options, and the same is true for E-Transit.

There are 25 versions to choose from, in three lengths, two heights and three weights, and you can also have it as a panel van, a chassis cab and a double-cab.

There are actually five sizes of E-Transit panel van: L2 length in H2 or H3 heights; an L3 length in H2 or H3; and an L4, which is only available with the H3 height.

For spec your choice is Leader or Trend, both offering slightly better spec than the equivalent diesel Transit.

Outside

As we said, it looks like a standard Transit. However, move closer and you’ll notice the blue striped front grille behind which sits the charging socket, conveniently located dead centre. There’s also an E-Transit logo on the rear doors, but that’s about it.

Or is it? What you can’t see is what’s going on underneath the van. The electric motor is mounted under the rear of the van, so the rear suspension is independent, the result being an impeccable ride.

Inside

What really lifts the new Ford above other large electric vans is the cabin. It’s beautifully put together and features good quality plastics on all surfaces. It’s finished in a colour combo of grey and black that looks and feels durable.

Our test van featured Ford’s excellent 12” touchscreen which uses the latest SYNC4 system. There’s no gear lever, of course, rather a circular gear changer with, from left to right, P, R, N and D, with the addition of L in the centre which enables regeneration of the battery.

Charging and range

Here’s the key bit: charging and range. The E-Transit has a claimed maximum range of 196 miles. As a caveat, Ford realises that in winter and when fully loaded, the electric range will be lower, and so has spent lots of time and money

ensuring that even if driven in the coldest, harshest weather, your E-Transit is good for a minimum of 100 miles. This may not sound great, but that 100 miles is still more than the eSprinter offers when fully charged.

Charging at home on an 11kWh charger means a 0-100% full time of 11.5 hours. Because the E-Transit has an option for 115kW fast charging, the 68kWh battery pack can be charged to 80% in just 35 minutes.

Remember: Get a home smart charger and an electric vehicle electricity deal. You can then plug-in at night from as little as 7.5p a kWh.

Standard equipment

The E-Transit comes in two trim levels: Leader and Trend. Both have slightly more standard equipment than the equivalent diesel models. So, Leader gets semi-automatic air conditioning, a heated windscreen, an electric parking brake, keyless start, a metal bulkhead, 12” infotainment display with Ford Sync 4, DAB radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety come in the form of ESC and side-wind assist.

Move up to Trend and you’ll add SatNav, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and a moulded floor liner. Extra safety features included on Trend, are Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation and a Lane Keeping aid. Our test van also featured a permanent rear view camera, an optional extra. It’s a brilliant addition and super clear.

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Practicality

Maximum capacity is 15.1 cubic metres, while maximum payload is 1748kg. The rear load space is easily accessed via twin rear doors and a near side sliding door. The interior is plywood panelled with four internal roof lights and a number of load hooks.

The cabin offers plenty of storage solutions. The highlight is a pop-out drinks holder while you also get two dash-top spaces, a closed glove box, a dash front open storage area, two large door pockets and an overhead storage shelf. There is a 12V cabin socket and a USB connection.

Drivers get a multi-adjustable seat and a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, so tailoring a comfortable driving position is easy.

Ford E-Transit warranty

E-Transits are covered by the same three-year warranty as any other Transit. The electric drive components get a longer eight-year / 100,000 mile warranty.

Driving

A short hop around the M60 and some real world driving in south Manchester gave us a really good idea of how the E-Transit feels. Quiet, smooth, comfortable all spring to mind, but our overwhelming feeling was of calm. It’s a large van but in electric format it’s so easy to drive. The seats are comfortable and just the right height. The interior is really user-friendly.

For example, I connected my iPhone wirelessly to Apple CarPlay in seconds. Even the climate controls, which are worked via the touchscreen, are really simple to use and more importantly, easy to reach from the driver’s seat.

Performance is there if required, but the E-Transit doesn’t shoot away when you accelerate. Rather, the power is delivered smoothly. The cabin is super-quiet with just

some tyre noise disturbing your peace and quiet.

We drove the likely best-selling 184bhp version of the E-Transit. Being automatic, it takes the stress out of stop-start traffic and once experienced, you’ll not want to go back to a manual. Furthermore, the re-engineered rear axle set-up featuring coil springs when combined with the centrally located battery, offers a less bumpy ride when your Transit is unladen than you get in a diesel van.

The other benefit the battery gives is the E-Transit feels better planted on the road than a

ABOUT... FORD PRO

Ford devoted a large chunk of its CV Show stand in 2022 to Ford Pro. This offers a full range of support for its vans, including servicing, finance, telematics and charging infrastructure, adding peace of mind to businesses taking their first plunge into electric vans.

diesel van, whether you’re driving in straight line or entering or exiting corners.

Instrumentation

The E-Transit’s instrument cluster is markedly different to that of a standard Transit. It includes a power-use indicator, which also lets you know when battery recuperation is taking place, and the fuel gauge, which shows your battery range. After a half hour or so behind the wheel you soon get used to the different functions compared to those in a standard diesel van.

Energy recuperation

Regarding energy recuperation, the E-Transit offers two ways to re-charge the batteries. Tap the brake pedal and you’ll activate the first regen mode. Tap it twice and you default to the more pronounced L setting. If you then accelerate, the van returns to the standard Drive setting. You can also select L which is

located in the middle of the gear buttons.

The regeneration in the E-Transit is quite light underfoot and not really that noticeable.

Pros

Competitively priced, with a myriad of sizes and versions offered. E-Transit also comes with excellent storage and payload capacity. You also get a car-like user-friendly cabin which also features lots of storage solutions. Easy and relaxing to drive, with a class-leading range.

Cons

It may be attractively priced versus other large electric vans, but at the best part of £50,000 it’s expensive when compared to a diesel Transit. Not really a van for towing.

The mileage range is impressive, but it’s still less than half of what a diesel Transit offers.

Conclusion

Whoever laughs last, laughs longest and Ford has certainly laughed last here. While a long time in the making, the E-Transit bursts on to the scene and puts itself right at the top of the best electric vans money can buy.

Of its competitors, only the Maxus eDeliver 9 can match its range, while the Fiat Professional eDucato has it beaten for maximum payload.

In addition, the launch of Ford Pro will allow new electric customers to transition to an EV with much less fuss than they’d be expecting, which is another big tick.

• Our thanks to Evans Halshaw Transit Centre Manchester for the loan of the E-Transit

CC&V VERDICT

Currently the best all-around large electric van on the market

CC&V RATING:

N N N N N

The 184bhp E-Transit’s automatic box takes the stress out of stop-start traffic... you’ll not want to go back to a manual ‘‘

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