If you’ve read our cover headlines, you’ll know that this issue features a lot of electric vehicles, so the announcement that the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales has been moved to 2035 will be a blow to many. However, in the fleet sector, tax incentives on electric and plug-in vehicles remain, and with many UK cities committed to low emission zones, company car drivers and commercial operators will continue on an electric journey. In reality, 2030 was always going to be a challenge, so an extra five years may actually turn out to be the right move, as charging infrastructure now has more time to match EV supply.
We start with an update from the BVRLA on its Road to Zero report card, followed by contributions from other sector specialists, inculding regulars Rolec, Sevadis, Europcar, Corparison, CPL, My Car Direct and Vanaways, whose advice on a myriad of issues will help you on your own road to zero.
As to this month’s features, our cover star is the new Nissan Townstar EV. Launched at this year’s CV Show, it’s a sibling to the Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Mercedes-Benz eCitan, which we also review. All are ever so slightly different to each other, with Nissan taking the step to only sell their van as an EV or petrol versions. Read how we got on.
After attending Fully Charged North in May we were eager to get our hands on the latest Smart car the #1. Thanks to local dealer LSH Stockport, we did, and found a
worthy new entrant into the small electric car sector.
This issue’s spotlight feature on our Cars of the Year lights on the Citroen C5 X, with a special edition arriving in Q4.
Elsewhere, we have reports on Jaguar’s updated I PACE, BMW’s large electric car, the iX, and Lexus has launched its first electric car, the RZ.
On the commercial front, many of our readers run fleets of heavier commercial vehicles, and with the arrival of the much improved Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter and IVECO eDaily they now have two new electric options with decent ranges to consider. Feature and road test inside.
Pick-ups are flavour of the month again. With the arrival of the new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, how will our Pick Up of the Year, the Isuzu D-Max, cope? It’s been revised to handle the challenge, as we found out. We look at those two new rivals, too.
Elsewhere, it’s not all electric or diesel in the CV world, as we discovered in the revamped hybrid Toyota Corolla Commercial. There’s also a new player in the electric urban delivery sector: IA Electric Vehicles. We talked to UK manager Bill Laidlaw to find out about its new electric vans and chassis cabs.
Andrew Walker Editor & Publisher
The Citroen C5 X was perhaps one of the unsung new car launches of 2022 – though it made a big enough impression on us for it to be named the Company Car and Van Large Car of the Year.
It got the gong because of its package of price, looks, comfort, equipment levels and ride, which is exemplary. Furthermore, for company car drivers the option of a plug-in makes it doubly attractive and for those of you looking for something different to a wannabe SUV or Crossover, it might just scratch that itch, too.
There are three engines – two petrol and one plug-in hybrid. Pure Tech 130 or Pure Tech 180 are the petrol, with the Pure Tech 180 paired to an 80Kw electric motor on the PHEV.
It’s a three model spec: Sense Plus, which costs in Pure Tech 130 guise £28,670, up to £36,720 for the PHEV. Then it’s Shine, at £30,170 for the costing in 130 Pure Tech, rising to £38,220 for the PHEV; and finally the Shine Plus, with the PureTech 130 priced at £32,160, all the way up to the range-topping PHEV which will set you back £40,210
Although ostensibly an estate, the swooping back quarter gives the C5 X a unique ‘Sport-Brake‘ look. Bold V-shaped LED light signatures adorn the front and the rear. The shape also encompasses curved side sections, with sharp lines, reinforcing its width. Its long roof line ends with a floating, aerodynamic upper spoiler. A second spoiler, in gloss black, offers support and braking stability. Overall length is 4805mm, width 1859mm and height is 1485mm.
Even the entry level Sense Plus looks like a premium model. It’s fitted with 19” Aero-X Alloys, rain-sensitive wipers, LED fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, and safety kit including radar controlled Active Safety Brake, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert. There’s also a 10” touchscreen, auto dual zone air-con, Advanced Comfort and Comfort Active suspension, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Shine Plus improves the parking sensors, has a 360o camera and My Citroën Drive Plus.
Tech
We were testing the Shine Plus C5 X PHEV with the 12” touchscreen. The screen is clear and the menu concise. Apple CarPlay connected wirelessly and we utilised Apple Maps on our test drive rather than Citroen’s
own SatNav. The 7” digital instrument cluster is interesting, featuring as it does some distinctly 1990s graphics. At first it seems strange but in hindsight works well, giving the C5 X a real retro feel.
The C5 X is Citroen’s flagship, and looks like one with top quality finishes throughout. The seating is comfortable and the Hype Adamantium Ambience interior on our test car, a combination of two-tone black Adamantium leather with perforated chevron design, was lovely. Only the glove box front and some of the very low down plastics let it down.
On the road
Citroens are famous for their ride quality, just ask Jeremy Clarkson, and the C5 X is no different. It rode splendidly and coupled with the quiet cabin enhanced by the acoustic, insulated windscreen, it’s an enjoyable ride.
Our test car was the Shine Plus C5 X PHEV 225 EAT8 automatic. It comes with 225bhp, 250Nm, a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. WLTP CO2 emissions are 30g/km while claimed combined fuel economy is 186 mpg.
It arrived fully charged, and in cold weather gave us 23 miles of electric motoring, somewhat down on the WLTP figure of 34.2. However, with just a few local journeys undertaken of about five miles per trip, we were electric-only for three days before heading out to explore further.
A couple of motorway journeys and 200 miles of driving showed us why Citroen’s ADAS system, ‘Highway Driver Assist’, is one of the best out there. It’s great and allows the driver to feel in control of the system, which we really like to be.
Adjusting distance to the vehicle in front is easy and there’s no complicated speed adjustment and that dreaded slowing down half a mile from the vehicle ahead. Just point and go. A winner that makes driving more relaxing.
For a long, large car with battery, the C5 X plug-in handles extremely well. Put your foot down to overtake and the 8-speed auto box responds, the revs shoot up and the 225bhp provides more oomph than you expect. Furthermore, it’s cornering belies it’s size and it hugs the road well. On the motorway it cruises quietly and the suspension irons out any road surface issues you may encounter.
The 7.4kW on-board charger will fully charge the battery in under two hours, giving you those precious 37 electric miles. There’s also an electric range hold and charge option that you can access through the touchscreen menu. Useful for local driving but best turned off for the motorway.
Beautifully proportioned, with a cavernous interior, bang on trend for tech and fitted with the latest safety features. Impeccable road manners and surprisingly agile handling. With BIK from 8% the inclusion of a plug-in variant increases it’s company car appeal.
Compared to the petrol version, the plug-in is expensive, £8,000 per model. Some of the lower down interior finishes look and feel cheaper than they should.
Plug-in version will boost fleet sales. Great looks and the way it handles harks back to Citroens of old. More than viable alternative to a large SUV, offering bags of space, saloon handling and a beautiful exterior.
CC&V: The Mazda corporate dealer network is quite small. Do you believe that along with all Mazda dealers, from an aftersales perspective, they can service your fleet customers as they transition towards an electric future?
CC&V: Since we last spoke in December, the Mazda CX-60 PHEV has reduced its BIK from 12% to 8%. Will this make a significant difference to how this model is received in the fleet and leasing sector?
Steve Tomlinson: Since receiving confirmation that the car qualifies for 8% BIK as a result of CO2 emission of 33g/km and an EV range of 39.15 miles, we have seen order take, particularly among company car drivers, escalate. I guess this isn’t surprising as it makes the CX-60 PHEV among the most tax-efficient large SUVs in the market, and when you do a simple specification comparison to the competition in this segment, it’s easy to understand why it is proving so popular among company car drivers.
In addition, stock levels are healthy so if anyone needs a car quickly, then we should be able to supply them with one in a matter of weeks.
CC&V: Your small electric car, the Mazda MX-30, is shortly to be joined by the plug-in hybrid MX-30 R-EV. Can you tell us a bit more about this model and also, will Mazda
be developing any other plug-in models to join this and the CX-60?
Steve Tomlinson: Essentially, the MX-30 R-EV looks and drives the same as the MX-30 BEV, which is not a bad place to start.
However, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) unlike any other. Like a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the wheels are driven exclusively by electric motors. However, unlike other PHEVs, the petrol engine doesn’t power the wheels directly, but acts as a generator to charge the battery.
That means you can enjoy uninterrupted electric propulsion wherever you go, and with CO2 emissions of 21g/km and an EV range of 53 miles, the car also qualifies for 8% BIK and is a nice segway into a full BEV for a lot of customers.
In terms of future products, without giving anything away, it’s fair to say that Mazda will continue to progress along the journey towards electrification in the coming years.
Steve Tomlinson: Clearly, dealers will need to adapt to the changing face of the motor industry and future product changes, but this isn’t really any different to how it has always been. Of course, there will be additional challenges, mostly structural, technical and financial, that will need to be overcome, but I am more than confident that our dealer partners are up to the challenge.
CC&V: Finally, where would you like to see Mazda fleet in the marketplace, 18 months from now?
Steve Tomlinson: With a market share of between 1% and 2%, Mazda has always been a niche player in the UK in terms of total volumes; however, we have always delivered great cars, great experiences and great customer service.
What often determines a company’s fleet success, apart from the aforementioned attributes, is a line-up of cars that is attractive to fleets and company cars drivers.
With that in mind, in the Mazda CX-60, MX-30 BEV and MX-30 R-EV, we have three models that, for different reasons, are compelling and as such I fully expect more and more fleets and drivers to get switched on to Mazda and what we have to offer. This will, in turn, drive our sales in the user chooser and salary sacrifice sectors.
The long-running vehicle supply challenges that have been suffocating the company car sector are beginning to subside.
This is good news for a sector that has been operating with one hand tied behind its back as demand outstripped supply, leaving order books full but handover days few and far between.
Lead times of over 10 months are no longer the norm for cars, and improvements are being seen across electric, hybrid and ICE models, reducing the need for customers to compromise on their vehicles to avoid a lengthy wait.
BVRLA member data shows that vehicle unavailability peaked last summer. At that point, more than half of BVRLA members reported that car and van supply was presenting an extreme barrier to meeting customer needs.
The steady improvement to vehicle supply levels is seeing more orders being fulfilled, helping to meet the growing demand being reported by many BVRLA members. In the association’s half-year Industry Outlook Survey, 59% of respondents saw better sales transactions in Q1 2023 vs Q1 2022, providing a feeling of cautious optimism in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
But as is so often the case, there is a sting in the tail.
A widespread decline in parts availability is leading to prices and vehicle off-road times increasing. BVRLA members are seeing more
vehicles requiring multiple service visits for the same repair. The ageing fleet is experiencing more complex issues and requiring more regular checks.
Beyond that, new issues have emerged and make the SMR picture even more murky. A skills shortage, the ongoing war in Ukraine, labour inflation and parts price increases are combining to restrict the supply of parts coming into the market and limiting the number of people equipped to handle them when they finally get there.
Our Industry Outlook data also shows that overall vehicle downtime is increasing across the board, leading to courtesy cars being with customers for longer and putting further pressure on prices.
The challenges are far reaching and having a significant impact on fleet management costs.
Aftermarket service providers can’t create
a better supply of parts, or pull skilled technicians out of thin air. But what they are able to do is innovate with how and where they deliver their services.
Pre-dating the parts shortage, many providers have been evolving their offerings to better meet the needs of mixed fleets. This is bringing some benefits in the face of the current stresses. Workshop space has always been limited, an issue now under more pressure. SMR providers are finding a way around this by increasing the number of mobile visits being carried out.
Simple jobs – such as a standard first-year EV service – can broadly be carried out without the full suite of tools found in a workshop. This brings convenience to the driver and frees up workshop space for more complex jobs. This dual benefit is being adopted more widely and going some way to reducing vehicle downtime. The data exchange between vehicle and fleet operator, plus the increasing ability for over-the-air updates, are also helping to streamline vehicle management and iron out potential wrinkles in parts supply.
Both of these examples are small steps towards navigating the challenges of the current landscape. SMR packages have always progressed in line with vehicle and fleet management software improvements, and will continue to do so.
Collectively we need to utilise this innovative approach and creative thinking more as the automotive supply chain continues to see further turbulence.
supply issues are waning, says Toby Poston, director of corporate affairs, BVRLA, only for servicing problems to
“Aftermarket service providers can’t create a better supply of parts, or pull skilled technicians out of thin air. But what they are able to do is innovate with how and where they deliver their services...”
Over three years from the first lockdown, the misery of the pandemic is mercifully in the rear-view mirror, but it’s effects on modern working practices remain with us.
Hybrid working, digital nomading and the increased primacy of e-commerce are here to stay. Fortunately, the fleet industry is moving with the times.
Car subscription has been designed from the ground up to offer a fleet solution for businesses operating in the increasingly flexible and automated post-Covid world. With the option to cancel, extend or swap into a different vehicle at any point during the contract, car subscription allows your fleet to be as agile as your business, while the all-inclusive nature of the subscription eliminates tedious procedures and unexpected running costs.
Subscriptions can run from anywhere between 1 and 48 months, which positions them as not just a long-term solution but also the perfect answer to fleet shortfall. An unfortunate enduring symptom of Covid-19 has been the disruption to global supply chains, particularly cars. Six or even nine-month waiting times for popular makes and models are not uncommon, with just
getting your hands on a car posing a challenge. Car subscription offers a solution; if one of your employees is faced with a long wait for their company car, you can subscribe to an equitable vehicle on a flexible shortterm contract while you await delivery.
The beauty of subscription lies in its flexibility. Traditionally, acquiring a new company car means either buying a new car outright or leasing it on a long-term contract. Buying a new car incurs a large upfront cost, and labours your business with an expensive, rapidly depreciating asset.
Leasing a vehicle avoids the upfront cost, but leaves you locked into a contract for years at a time.
Subscription, by contrast, alleviates both the burden of a large upfront payment and the risk of a long-term contract which cannot adapt to your business needs. So if your business is disrupted by external forces, you aren’t stuck with a fleet of company cars gathering dust, unwanted, unused and costing you money.
This flexibility can also add value to your business. If you need short-term contractors or specialists to complete a project, or you’re bringing in new hires on probation,
subscription is the perfect way to provide them with a company car. With subscription cars on fleet, you won’t be caught out if a new hire doesn’t work out, and can offer a company car to contractors, adding value to your contract offers, so you can bring onboard the best people.
Subscription can also ease the transition from internal combustion to electric. Contrast Europe’s best-selling EV in 2018, the Nissan Leaf, to the Tesla Model Y in 2022, and over the lifetime of a four-year lease the EV market has undergone a paradigm shift. The rate of technological development is so great that it no longer makes sense to lock yourself into a long-term commitment to an electric vehicle, as its battery degrades, and the vehicle is rapidly superseded by the latest models.
If you think car subscription could be right for your business, then look no further than mycardirect. Our flexible subscription service can provide the company cars you need in the short term, and benefit your business in the long term. Visit www.mycardirect.com or call 0333 0155 055.
The introduction of low and zero emissions vehicles is on the minds of over half of the businesses recently surveyed by Europcar. However, very few enterprises can afford to make a wholesale switch right now. Instead, many are employing a transitional strategy, reducing emissions through cutting journeys and utilising alternative transport methods alongside testing new powertrains.
However, as well as the initial cost to purchase new hybrid or electric vehicles, the Europcar study found multiple roadblocks holding organisations back from making the switch. Challenges include a lack of understanding around the maintenance and running costs and concerns about charging infrastructure. The current economic pressures also mean there’s a lack of finance to purchase or lease zero or low emissions vehicles.
But probably the most crucial issue is a resistance from employees – often fed by uncertainty. Aside from range anxiety, there’s the unknown of how driving electric will impact productivity.
Now’s the time, therefore, to give colleagues a real-world EV driving
experience without the business having to make a long-term financial commitment. And electric vehicle rental from Europcar offers a great solution.
Providing access to the newest, most environmentally friendly vehicles as and when required, Europcar EV rental allows SMEs to try-before-they-buy. Plus, supporting motorists on the journey, Europcar has launched a new digital guide to electric motoring.
The free Europcar EV Guide comprises a digital showroom outlining the features and benefits of each electric vehicle on the Europcar fleet. It also includes access to Zapmap for an EV charging and journey cost calculator enabling motorists to find over 40,000 charge points across the UK & Ireland to suit their charging needs. From rapid and
destination charging to overnight charging, this will deliver valuable support to reduce range and charger anxiety for new as well as experienced EV drivers.
Find out more at electric.europcar.co.uk
Open a Europcar online business account and save 20% off electric vehicle rental this Autumn*. Applicable to bookings of 3 to 27 days, made between 18th September and 31st October for vehicle check outs up to 7th November. It’s a great way to discover just how easy electric motoring can be with the full range of electric vehicles on the Europcar fleet available to try, including the ORA Funky Cat, MG4, Mercedes-Benz EQ range and Tesla Model 3.
Sign up today at europcar.co.uk/business
*Europcar Business Offer available to self service online accounts only. Conditions apply, see website for full details
The first temperature-controlled van to be supplied under a new partnership between independent vehicle supply specialist Vanaways and leading convertor CoolKit has gone to En Route International – a global food service and supply chain partner to many of the world’s leading airlines and airline catering organisations.
The Windsor-based operator’s new Peugeot Boxer is now hard at work visiting customers and suppliers nationwide, supporting the company’s sales, technical, design and new product teams.
Myles Brown, Head of Contracts Management at En Route, commented: “When the time came for our business to start looking for a new van, to replace our previous vehicle, the team at Vanaways were instrumental in their expertise and guidance.
“We were very impressed with the impartial advice and input from Business Development Director Liam Nicholas. His help was invaluable.”
The Boxer, with the longest-available L4 body and highest H3 roof, was sourced by Vanaways from its extensive supply network before being sent to CoolKit’s workshop in Burnley for conversion. Fitted with Coolkit’s own proprietary insulation, including a ‘slab’
side door, and a GAH Super Rapier refrigeration unit, the cargo area is capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -20oC. It also has a sliding bulkhead, which allows the interior to be split into two compartments as required, with one for frozen items and the other carrying chilled goods.
“Once we’d decided on a vehicle the whole process was very quick and simple,” said Mr Brown. “The partnership between Vanaways and Coolkit meant we didn’t have to deal with two separate suppliers, we were kept fully informed throughout and the van arrived in perfect condition well inside the agreed timescale.
“The conversion work is top-quality too. The adjustable bulkhead makes the van extremely adaptable to a range of uses, and the in-built temperature monitoring system allows us to offer customers a printed guarantee that cold chain integrity has been maintained throughout any journey.”
The agreement between Vanaways and CoolKit means customers can now take advantage of the former’s speedy, simple ordering system – in conjunction, if required, with the bodybuilder’s online configurator – to create their perfect refrigerated van.
“The partnership is yet another extension
of our service to busy van operators,” said Liam Nicholas. “By working with CoolKit we aim to make the acquisition process for these specialist vehicles as quick and easy as possible, while ensuring that conversion work is to a guaranteed high standard.
“Our two companies share a very strong customer service ethos and we’re determined to show our customers that the best way to get a first-class chilled van on the road fast, is to order through Vanaways and CoolKit.”
CoolKit Chief Executive Rupert Gatty added: “Like Vanaways we pride ourselves on being an innovative, dynamic business. We’re both fully focused on quality, customer care and making the purchasing process as easy it can be. Our recently launched online configurator, accessible through our website, is a perfect example of this ground-breaking approach.”
• More at www.vanaways.co.uk and www.CoolKit.co.uk
You’ve decided on your EV charge point provider, as well as your installer, but have you considered an aftercare provider? Or, whether aftercare forms part of the EV charge point installation package?
While most EV charge points on the market are reliable, like with any electrical equipment, they can be subject to faults, or issues that prevent them from working efficiently and effectively. For this reason, aftercare and maintenance should not be considered as an afterthought or a ‘bolt-on,’ but regarded as an integral element to your EV charge point deployment plan.
When looking for aftercare providers, you should consider whether the provider offers a complete hardware and software aftercare package and what this package may entail. For example, does your provider offer cosmetic analysis? Does your provider ensure that the EV charge point is running on up-to-date software for maximum efficiency? Does the service include consultation on how to maximise EV charge point usage? What are the cost implications and how will you be billed?
After experiencing demand for aftercare and maintenance of EV charge point installations, particularly for workplaces that have deployed EV chargers for their fleets, Sevadis has partnered with Devitech, specialists in EV charge point installation and maintenance. The partnership sees two expert companies working together to ensure fleet operators are charging their electric vehicles safely and efficiently.
Providing a maintenance package as part of the EV charge point installation provides businesses with an extra layer of security and confidence when making the investment into EV charging infrastructure.
By partnering with Devitech, Sevadis’ workplace and fleet clients benefit. From the commissioning of EV chargers to troubleshooting, from swift repairs to full replacements, this partnership will play a crucial role in generating confidence in charging among both fleet operators and fleet drivers.
Making sure your fleet is charged efficiently is integral to doing business so, while the decision-making process of choosing your preferred EV charging hardware and software is critical, your approach to aftercare and maintenance needs to be critical too. Investing in aftercare and maintenance ensures effective use of your charging network, while saving costs on repairs and replacements in the future.
For more on Sevadis and its EV charging solutions, see: https:// sevadis.com/
In the realm of urban access equipment, the fully electric KL26 van-mounted cherry picker offers a ground-breaking solution.
Mounted on a 3.5t cutaway Renault Master ZE, this cherry picker is specifically designed for companies operating within towns and cities, with a focus on eco-responsibility. With its compact design, quick set up, and impressive specifications, the 11.8m unit provides efficient and environmentally friendly access to elevated areas.
The electric KL26 ZE has become a firm favourite for the rental sector. Its diversity and cost savings make it the perfect solution for the hire business as there is less maintenance, and the end user who will save on the fuel costs.
Martin Whitehead, sales director of Access Hire Nationwide said: “The interest we have received on the UK’s first all-electric MEWP has been phenomenal! As with any pioneering product, there is always some hesitation to jump straight in, which is why leasing is such a great option for our customers. We have helped customers that are working in cities within the security and CCTV sectors, as well as other industries such as Telecoms and Street Lighting. Local authorities also love them due to the savings
they can make towards their environmental targets.”
It is also well-suited for facility management companies responsible for maintaining and servicing buildings, including window cleaning, performing repairs, and inspecting infrastructure, as well as construction and maintenance companies. Its impressive working height and outreach make it an ideal choice for tasks such as installing facades, conducting inspections, or performing maintenance work.
In utilities and telecommunications sectors, the KL26 facilitates the installation and maintenance of electrical lines, cables, and communication equipment. Its compact size
enables access to urban areas where infrastructure is often located, and its eco-responsible design aligns with the sustainable practices these sectors increasingly prioritise.
The KL26 takes pride in its eco-responsible design. The cherry picker is mounted on a battery-powered van, cutting out harmful emissions and promoting a cleaner working environment.
The fuel savings are one of the greatest benefits. Our calculations show that over one year, you will save up to £1,600 in fuel costs. This is based on the greenpack option which charges the boom while being driven. Only the base vehicle needs to be charged using an external source. The inclusion of a juice booster cable allows for convenient charging of the vehicle. This optional extra ensures that the equipment is always ready for use, enabling uninterrupted workflow and reducing downtime.
There are also a number of optional extras for enhanced functionality, such as beacons to increase the visibility of the cherry picker, poly lining for the interior and a reversing camera to minimise blind spots.
It’s time for fleet managers to sit up and take notice. There’s a new era of electric vehicles hitting the UK, and BYD is leading the charge.
The Chinese manufacturer has been a pioneer in battery technology for nearly 30 years and, now established as a global powerhouse, it’s now moved into the UK market.
In 2022, BYD sold 1.8 million of its ‘New Energy Vehicles’ globally, making it the world’s best-selling EV manufacturer, comfortably ahead of household names like Tesla and VW.
In recent months and years, we’ve seen the likes of NIO, GWM Ora and XPENG all make similar moves, while MG – now owned by SAIC Motor - is emerging as a leading manufacturer with the much-loved MG4.
Utilising its market-leading infrastructure and technology, Chinese brands like BYD are stealing a march on European manufacturers and emerging as hugely cost-effective choices in the rapidly expanding EV market.
BYD has a USP its European counterparts are unable to match; the ability to produce high-quality, premium EVs at a lower production cost.
With a Chinese market that is ahead of the curve, one report has suggested their EV production costs can be as much as €10,000 less than their European rivals. That’s a big gap when producing vehicles in large volumes and its businesses and fleet managers who are poised to reap the benefits. The lower
production costs result in hugely tempting and affordable monthly rentals on business contract hire terms.
At a time where businesses are looking to make the switch to electrified fleets at an affordable rate, the impressive levels of stock and steady production is putting brands like BYD front of mind with unrivalled price and availability. Coupled with the impressive technology available as standard throughout the BYD range – and others – these new electric vehicles are batting away any historic stereotypes that may have been previously associated with Chinese vehicles.
With price often cited as one of the major barriers to entry, BYD and many fellow Chinese manufacturers are now offering affordable routes into the electric market without sacrificing on performance.
If widespread adoption of electric vehicles continues to be the ultimate ambition, it’s
time for fleet managers and businesses alike to embrace this new era of electrification.
Transitioning to an electric fleet is not something you can do overnight. It’s an extensive task that requires logistical and financial considerations before your business can successfully make the switch – but that’s where Corparison come in.
As procurement specialists, we understand that supplying the electric car can only be half the battle. With the help of our industryleading partners, we put sustainable solutions in place for your business to ensure your transition is nothing short of seamless.
From insurance to charging and energy infrastructure, our comprehensive consultancy process leaves no stone unturned. We’ll streamline your fleet’s operational costs, maximise efficiency and solidify your business’s long-term approach to sustainability.
Experts in fleet management, electrification and salary sacrifice, the Corparison team are on hand to help your company effectively enter a new era of eco-friendly and costeffective motoring. Trusted by a leading panel of funders, Corparison can access every make and model of car at the most costeffective price for your employees.
For more information on how Corparison can help your business, contact sales@corparison.co.uk, call 03308182668 or visit www.corparison.co.uk.
The longer that Northgate offers its Drive to Zero proposition to companies as they transition their LCV fleets from diesel to electric, the more we are aware that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.
For instance, the new extension to the London Ultra Low Emission Zone has changed the speed of electrification for some companies overnight as they look to avoid daily costs of £12.50.
Northgate starts by assessing a company fleet and its suitability for electrification, which includes everything from EV running costs versus ICE, driver access to charging at home and on the move, to matching up the right vehicle to the right driver and journeys.
With the help of telematics data, we can build a complete understanding of vehicles, their movements, distances travelled and journey times, which allows it to identify which vehicles can be immediately switched to electric power. And more importantly which vehicles should be delayed until higher range electric LCVs are more readily available. Currently our rule of thumb is not to encourage vehicles that cover more than 160 miles a day to go electric, but that doesn’t stop companies from reducing its LCV emissions even if they continue to run diesel LCVs.
Greater vehicle utilisation and improved driver behaviour behind the wheel will not only reduce carbon emissions but also fuel costs.
“By measuring and then improving the utilisation of vehicles and drivers, companies will immediately reduce their carbon footprint even before they move to electric vehicles,” explained Neil McCrossan, Northgate’s Sales and Marketing Director. “When a company is ready to switch to EVs these insights and data will be vital when helping decide which drivers and electric LCVs to put on individual delivery routes.”
Installing telematics is the number one way to help fleets track their vehicle journeys and utilisation plus record individual driving styles to enable them to influence and improve driver behaviour. For instance, Crosstown
Dough saved £53,000 in the first year of installing Northgate’s telematics to its vehicles from avoiding congestion and ULEZ charges.
Better route management also immediately reduces mileage, fuel costs and therefore emissions. Right-sizing vehicles is another conversation our team has with operators particularly around downsizing based on the capacity and weight of loads being carried which can have an immediate impact on carbon emissions.
All vehicle and driver data will help influence the electric LCVs that best match individual operator journeys when they start their EV onboarding process. “None of this initial work to reduce carbon levels will go to waste prior to EVs being added to a fleet,” said McCrossan.
The provision of suitable charging infrastructure is a crucial step to ensuring a smooth transition for any business, which Northgate manages in association with sister company ChargedEV.
ChargedEV can help companies understand their workplace charging, home charging or even public charging requirements to ensure the best possible solution can be found. It can also help and support with major infrastructure planning which involves working with local energy suppliers to install and futureproof a company’s charging needs.
EV rental and charger in a single bundle
Northgate is the only vehicle rental provider
which combines van rental and charger provision as a single bundle, offering EV hire, and home charger installation and rental in a single monthly fee.
As part of our Drive to Zero programme we are hosting a number of EV roadshows which give companies a chance to drive a range of electric vehicles and talk to experts on all the different aspects of electrification.
At the recent Reading EV roadshow, fleets admitted that carbon reduction was their main motivation for reducing emissions, with 22% saying they were motivated by the potential cost savings of moving from diesel to electric. A further 22% said their electrification journey was all about fulfilling customer requirements.
Despite this positive approach to carbon reduction, fleets remain concerned at the cost and implementation of the transition process. Just over one third (36.3%) said cost was a major concern while a further third (33.3%) said implementing the change was set to be their biggest challenge.
Meanwhile, 15.1% of fleets said they were concerned at both charging and vehicle choice in equal measure when looking to replace diesel LCVs directly with equivalent EVs.
All these comments confirm that every company’s needs are different and their journey from diesel to electric will navigate a different route. Northgate Drive to Zero has been set up to help that process, using its vast expertise of working with thousands of companies and running a fleet of 50,000 LCVs.
JAGUAR’S I-PACE has been subtly enhanced, with a more distinctive design, richer specifications, the addition of R-Dynamic models and – for the first time – striking satin paints in a choice of two metallic colours.
It delivers an unrivalled balance of performance, refinement, agility and technology with impressive real-world range and day-to-day usability – up to 292miles (WLTP) from a full charge and up to 33miles of range/ hour (WLTP) from an 11kW AC wall box and three-phase electricity supply
A new flagship 400 SPORT variant is introduced, enhancing I-PACE’s sleek visual appeal and fitted as standard with a range of advanced features, including slimline 14-way heated and cooled Ebony Windsor leather seats.
The I-PACE’s cab-forward profile, short overhangs and taut, muscular haunches are instantly recognisable and set it apart from other all-electric SUVs. This awardwinning design has now evolved, with subtle, carefully considered enhancements which deliver even greater presence.
The front ‘shield’ grille now has a smooth form, in striking Atlas Grey. Replacing the previous gloss black lozenge pattern, this gives a simpler, cleaner finish to the front of the vehicle while strengthening its inherently electric DNA. Atlas Grey is also applied to the vertical blades at the outside of the front apertures. A further detail change is the new black and silver Jaguar badge in the grille.
The front bumper finishers, lower door finishers and rear diffuser are now body-colour instead of Gloss Black. This treatment serves to simplify and refine the design while taking away visual mass.
Models including the 400 SPORT feature a discreet tailgate spoiler, subtly reflecting I-PACE’s performance potential and dynamic character (also standard on all other models with 22-inch wheels).
All wheels offered on I-PACE R-Dynamic models as standard equipment are now diamond-turned, while a newly introduced striking 22-inch Style 5069 wheel now has a Satin Grey finish to complement its carbon fibre inserts. All 22-inch wheels may be specified with self-sealing All-Season tyres.
Perfectly complementing these updates is the exterior Black Pack. Now standard on all models from the R-Dynamic SE Black and above, the Gloss Black finish is
applied to the grille surround, window surrounds, door mirror caps and rear badges.
There’s also the option of a contrast panoramic roof, which for the first time enables customers to specify a black finish for the rear section of the roof – until now body-coloured – to complement the sweeping glass panel.
Customers can also specify satin paints for the first time. Offered in a choice of Eiger Grey or new Carpathian Grey, these finishes give I-PACE a sophisticated, contemporary look.
The UK-only 400 SPORT now sits at the top of the I-PACE range, adding additional styling and convenience features
above and beyond the R-Dynamic HSE Black, including a bootlid spoiler and adaptive air suspension as well as 22-inch Style 5056 Gloss Black alloy wheels. The 400 SPORT also features I-PACE’s most advanced slimline performance seats, with fine Windsor leather and 14-way adjustable heated and cooled driver memory seats.
I-PACE delivers a true Jaguar
driving experience. With light, compact and efficient electric motors integrated into the front and rear axles, I-PACE can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds and up to maximum speed of 124mph.
Delivering comfort and agility without compromise is what has always made Jaguar unique. I-PACE’s advanced double wishbone front- and Integral Link rear suspension are fundamental to this dynamic capability, together with the low centre of gravity and light, stiff aluminium body structure. Air suspension with Adaptive Dynamics electronically-controlled damping enhances ride and handling still further. This Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics is fitted as standard to the 400 SPORT, along with Adaptive Surface Response for the ultimate dynamic driving experience.
Range and charging I-PACE’s 90kWh Lithium-ion battery delivers a range of up to 292mile range (WLTP)3. When charging using the fastgrowing network of public chargers, a 100kW DC charger can add up to 78 miles of range (WLTP) in just 15 minutes. Customers with three-phase electricity and an 11kW home wall box can add up to 33 miles of range (WLTP) per hour; a full charge takes only 8.6 hours. Customers in single-phase markets using 7kW wall boxes can achieve up to 22 miles of charge per hour and a full charge in 12.75 hours. To maximise the benefits of off-peak energy there’s the Low Cost Hours Only feature: just set start and stop times that match your tariff – typically overnight – and charging will only take place during that period.
Customers can also set charging to stop when the battery reaches a specific level – 80 per cent for example. This is especially useful when using public chargers because you can add only the range you need to reach your destination.
Preconditioning is another easy-to-use technology that enhances the driving experience.
While the vehicle is plugged in it automatically heats or cools the battery to its ideal temperature and does the same for the interior, ready for the start of your journey. Using power from the mains instead of from the battery is more energy efficient and maximises range. Together with the timed charging functions, preconditioning can be set either using the vehicle touchscreen or the Jaguar Remote App – this has now been updated, making it even simpler to use.
I-PACE drivers have also access to Jaguar Charging a growing Pan-European public charging network that brings them easy access to a network of over 400,000 charging points stretching across 27 countries and over 700 separate charging point providers including the newly added Ubitricity as part of a growing network –which will see even more network operators being added in 2023.
Inside I-PACE’s spacious interior there’s all the technology you need to make every journey more enjoyable. Every model in the range has the fast, intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering seamless connectively through wireless Apple CarPlay®, Wireless Android Auto™, integrated Alexa voice control, Spotify, and what3words navigation. Pivi Pro – together with other systems throughout the vehicle – is always up to date thanks to softwareover-the-air updates.
The 2024 Model Year I-PACE range comprises: R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE Black, R-Dynamic HSE Black, and 400 SPORT.
Lexus has joined the ranks of the luxury electric SUV brands with the launch of the highly anticipated RZ 450e. It shares the e-TNGA platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, and as ever, what Lexus does so well is to make its cars ‘premium’ –and the electric RZ does this in spades. Andrew Walker checks it out.
The RZ EV spec is pretty straight-forward. You add more goodies as you climb up through the ‘Packs’: Premium Pack, Premium Pack with 20” Wheels, Premium Plus Pack, Premium Plus Pack with Bi-Tone Finish and finally, the model we were driving, the range topping Takumi. Prices range from £64,500 to £74,000.
The RZ adopts an AWD drivetrain with a total power output of 230kW; 150Kw from the front motor and 80kW from the rear motor. With 309bhp and 435Nm of torque, performance is available with a 0-62mph time of just 5.3-seconds. The 71.4kW battery, 64kWh is usable, is located beneath the cabin and comes with a range of 245 miles.
Charging
RZ 450e can be DC charged using a CCS
charger at 150kW and comes with an 11kW AC On Board Charger allowing faster AC charging where available. This means that the RZ will charge from 0-80% in 25 minutes, giving you about a 195 miles range. Charge at home on a 7.5kW home charger and you’re looking at 11 hours to 100%. We also strongly suggest that you fit a home charger and plug in overnight for cheap electricity. We recommend Rolec: http://www.rolecserv. com/home-charging
It goes without saying that all Lexuses come very well equipped and you may not need to look past entry Premium Pack to get what you want. It comes with a 14” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated electric leather seats, wireless phone charging, keyless go, a panoramic sun roof, all around parking sensors, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker sound system.
The RZ includes the third generation Lexus Safety System +, so features include an advanced pre-collision system including intersection assistance and Emergency Steering Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with four distance settings, curve speed
assistance function and enhanced cooperation with the Road Sign Assist functionality, Lane Trace Assist and a Driver Monitor to check driver behaviours for signs of fatigue or distraction.
You can see the bare bones of Toyota’s BZ4X in the shape of the RZ e but that’s all. Lexus has rounded off each side and corner and has finished the electric car with the shape of a normal RX, with slim LED headlights and the familiar Lexus spindle grille. At the rear, there’s now a full-width tail-light and overall the cars shape and lines are pleasing to the eye.
Like all Lexus models, the inside has been put together brilliantly. Top quality finishes adorn every surface and arguably Lexus builds the best quality interiors of any premium brand. The dash and cabin feel less cluttered than some rivals and the overall ambience is of calm and relaxation.
Lexus’s newish operating system will be familiar to some, the highlight being the 14” touchscreen. While getting to know the minute intricacies of car menus always takes time, the simple things such as connecting an iPhone wirelessly were simple and easy to perform. Plus there’s 3x C USBs at the front.
Front and rear seat passengers have decent head and leg room. You also get a large glovebox, five USBs, large door front bins, twin cup holders, a massive cubby under the armrest and space for your phone with wireless charging. Rear passengers also have a quality fold down armrest with storage space within and two cup holders.
There is seat back storage and on Takumi, rear passengers also get their own climate and heated seat controls. Three adults will sit side by side in the back in plenty of comfort as well, thanks to the flat rear floor.
Boot space comes in at 522 litres, with the flat floor making loading or unloading nice and easy. The floor also lifts at the front to allow storage of up to two charging cables.
We popped along to our local dealer Lexus Stockport to borrow the RZ for a couple of hours.
First off, an urban drive showed us just how quiet the RZ is and also how you can utilise the on-board brake regeneration via the
steering wheel paddles. There are four settings, with each adding just a little more force it the cars regen-system. It’s really very good and in the highest setting allows for almost one-pedal driving.
Trundling around town, the RZ takes everything in its stride. Despite the heavy 71kWh battery it handles road imperfections and speed bumps with aplomb. It’s also nice to drive, with light steering, especially useful when reversing or doing a three-point turn. Add in the excellent dashboard reversing camera and for a large car it’s very easy to manoeuvre and to park.
We wirelessly connected our iPhone to Apple CarPlay before we departed and were able to use Apple Maps and listen to a podcast via the phone. Lexus’s own SatNav is one of the better ones out there but familiarity with the Apple system means we prefer to switch where we can.
Takumi features Mark Levinson Audio which was splendid. And when we stopped to take pics, we opened the boot by using the kick sensor.
The suede/leather upholstery was lovely and stayed cool in the heat.
Take the RX onto the motorway and you’ll find little to complain about. The built-in radar controlled cruise control is simple to work and the plethora of third-generation Lexus Safety Systems make it one of the safest cars you can own. Push your foot down and the RZ will take off as required and comfortably get up to motorway speed and overtake slower moving vehicles. Even at high speed, cabin noise is almost non existent and it’s an incredibly calming car to be a passenger in.
Pros
All Lexus models are incredibly well built and the RZ is no exception. It’s hard to think of anything else that’s as well made in its sector. With just 2% BIK, those company car drivers lucky enough to be able to afford one will do so with a massive smile.
The official consumption figure of 3.4-3.7 miles per kWh is competitive so another plus. The spec and safety features are so good even on entry level Premium, that you won’t want for anything.
Cons
Simply put, it’s battery range. While 245 miles may seem generous, some of its many competitors are claiming up to 350 miles before the need to plug-in. And the car’s rapid-charging rates of 150kW is also beaten by others.
Conclusion
The RZ is beautifully built and as well equipped as we’ve come to expect of a Lexus. Passengers will want for nothing and
the car itself looks good from every angle. The cabin is amazingly quiet and it’s practical, too.
For drivers you get plenty of power and its all delivered in a smooth electric manner. Compared to many electric cars it also does a very good job of hiding its weight taking on poorly maintained roads and coming up a winner. For company car drives 2% BIK is a big tick as well.
Only the battery range may put some off, which is a real shame as it’s one of the most impressive all-around EV packages we’ve tried yet.
As premium as you can get, and luxury all the way. Comfortable and a great ride. Only that range goes against it – and for all that, it’s still 245 miles.
CC&V RATING:
Andrew
The iX is a five-door hatch that’s a similar size to the X5, with the internal space of the larger BMW X7. It features BMW’s fifth generation eDrive electric motors and the brand’s EV architecture.
The model choice is either the xDrive40 Sport or M Sport, which come with AWD and 326hp, or the more powerful xDrive50 Sport, also with AWD but with an eye watering 523hp. We were testing the xDrive40 which will go from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and comes with a range of 246-257 miles on the WLTP combined electric range. Opt for the iDrive 50 and the range extends to 365-380 miles and a faster 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Both models use an electric motor on the front and rear axles.
With any EV the second question you ask, after what’s the range, is how long does it take to charge? For that info, see the chart below (see table). You’ll notice home charging is very slow indeed. That’s why the car’s fast charging capability is so important.
Looks
With BMW’s large kidney grilles at the front, the iX is always going to stand out. Add in a lowish roofline, smooth surfaces and elongated sides and it’s clearly out to hit the Tesla Model X where it hurts.
The interior of the iX, from the quilted leather seats to the curved dual-screen dash, is all beautifully engineered and finished in top-quality plastics and leather.
The controls are located on a floating centre console, producing a clutter-free dash. The hexagonal steering wheel is different and contains short cuts to the infotainment and cruise control.
The dashboard’s curved display features a 14.9” infotainment screen alongside a 12.3” customisable digital instrument panel. The graphics are sharp, response is quick and the fact you can scroll left and right on the screen itself, as well as via the rotary controller,
makes it easy to use. It’s all powered by the latest BMW Operating System 8, which comes with 20x more computing power than any previous BMW. Rear passengers get their own climate controls with two USBs located in the front seat head rests. You open the doors internally by pressing a button.
xDrive40 Sport features
Standard equipment includes Shadow Line exterior trim, climate comfort windscreen, heated front seats, four zone auto air con, high beam assist, DAB, Harman/Kardon audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Lice Cockpit Professional.
Interior and boot space
Cabin room is hugely impressive. Five six footers will sit comfortably inside, with plenty of head and legroom as there’s no transmission tunnel. Internal storage’s good, too. You get a large glovebox, partitioned door bins, a wireless phone-charging pad, two USB-C sockets, a 12V socket, two cupholders, under armrest storage, plus a large and small cubby in front of the centre console.
The boot offers 500 litres of space, which increases to a whopping 1,750 litres with the rear seats down.
Driving modes are Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport, so you can tailor your drive to your needs.The iX comes with three levels of regeneration, especially useful in the 40 version with its lower range. Choose from High, Medium or Low and push the gear lever to the left from D to utilise these in B mode. One pedal driving mode allows for almost brake-free driving and it’s not heavy on your right foot either.
We were testing the iDrive 40 fitted with
the 76.6kWh battery. Like all large EVs, the battery is the key to how this car drives. BMW takes pride in producing cars that are enjoyable to drive, which is quite a challenge with a 2.5 tonne vehicle. However, for such a heavy, boxy car, the iX does a remarkable job of hiding the fact it’s so heavy. This is aided by the rear-wheel steering, which shortens the wheelbase improving agility.
As with the i4, the heavy battery is located low down and centre and this gives the iX good road holding and cornering by limiting body roll.
Drive along a motorway and the iX offers limousine luxury, although the acceleration is such that you really do need to watch your speed. Outside road noise is kept to a minimum, but the upright stance means wind noise is prevalent. Uneven surfaces are dealt with by the impressive suspension and it feels more comfortable than the similarly sized Audi Q8 e tron.
Pros
Fabulous interior, loads of space, the new BMW operating system is excellent and company car drivers pay just 2% BIK. Best of all, it’s actually good to drive.
Cons
It is expensive, and it’s boxy shape won’t appeal to everyone.
Great battery range, great comfort and great to drive. Alongside the sportier i4, pretty much class leading. Yes, it is expensive at £69,905 but with BIK at 2%, there is tax cash to be saved CC&V
The arrival of the ID.3 in the UK in 2020 was the beginning of a seismic shift in Volkswagen’s extensive portfolio of passenger cars – the first model to be based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform, designed from the wheels up to run purely on electricity.
And now what quickly became a multiaward winning, all-electric bestseller is now offered with a comprehensive and compelling range of upgrades. Alongside the roll-out of the latest software for the secondgeneration car’s many and varied convenience and assist systems, the new ID.3 impresses with its newly sharpened exterior styling and carefully refined interior design. New colours, such as Dark Olivine Green, create a fresh look while the use of high-quality, animal-free and sustainable materials rounds off the overall appearance and high-quality ambience.
Style changes
The new ID.3 delivers higher levels of quality, sustainability and assistance technology than ever before.
Carefully judged exterior styling changes, which include a new front-end treatment, evolve the now familiar design language of the extensive ID. family, while the higherquality interior creates an enhanced ambience thanks to improved materials allied to enhanced functionality.
Latest-generation assist systems such as the optional Travel Assist with swarm data see the new ID.3 offer premium technologies and innovations in the compact class. Optimised air-cooling and large painted surfaces make the ‘face’ of the new ID.3
appear more friendly than ever. When sculpting the new bonnet, the design team set itself the goal of using more of the exterior colour. The bonnet now appears longer because the black strip under the windscreen has been removed, and recessed sections at the sides create an additional impression of visual lengthening. The new front bumper completes the design revisions up front.
Aside from their styling impact, the optimised and enlarged air intakes at the front give this ID.3 a more muscular, sporty appearance. The aerodynamics are improved by better air flow around the front wheels, the ‘air curtain’ effect created via enlarged air intakes in the front bumper. Naturally, this is also important when it comes to the car’s range. The ID.3 achieves an excellent drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd with its svelte shape comprising steeply sloping A-pillars, flowing roof line and drawn-in C-pillars.
The intelligent treatment of individual details also improves aerodynamics. The electrically actuated radiator blind in the car’s nose, for instance, opens only when the power units need cooling. The blind otherwise remains closed so air flows as easily as possible over the bonnet. The flat designs of the wheel rims mean they are also optimised for efficient air flow, with minimum drag losses.
The new ID.3 is 4.26 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.56 metres tall. Like its
predecessor, the second-generation ID.3 impresses with a long wheelbase and short overhangs – made possible by the efficient design of the MEB platform.
Custom-designed and -built lithium-ion batteries, with a net energy content of 58 kWh or 77 kWh and a range of up to 347 miles (WLTP), are available in the new ID.3.
The tried-and-tested rear-mounted ID.3 electric motor generates 150 kW (204 PS) of power and 310 Nm of torque
A charging performance of up to 170 kW means the battery in the ID.3 Pro S can be charged from five to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
The electric drive motor in the new ID.3 remains located at the rear of the car and delivers an output of 150 kW (204 PS) with up to 310 Nm of torque. Driving the rear wheels, as before, it enables the Volkswagen to offer agile handling and good traction, while also allowing for a usefully small turning circle of just 10.3 metres. The vehicle is powered by a synchronous motor (PSM) positioned above the rear axle and sends its torque to a two-stage, one-speed gearbox, including differential. Including the power and control electronics, which process the control signals and switch the currents, this impressive drive unit weighs only about 90 kg. After eight years of operation or about 100,000 miles, the battery still has at least 70 per cent of its original net capacity –protected by a Volkswagen warranty.
Company Car & Van attended Fully Charged North back in May, to look at a number of the new electric cars coming to market in 2023 and 2024. One of those was the smart #1, a new electric car sold at selected Mercedes-Benz car dealerships. We popped along to our local smart dealership LSH in Stockport to drive one.
The #1 is the first of several smart models due in the next few years, all electrics. The new venture is a 50:50 split between MercedesBenz and Geely, with the #1 built in China, where battery technology and manufacture is currently ahead of Europe. The #1 is the same size as the Mini Countryman and shares its scalable electric architecture with the likes of the new Volvo EX30. Battery size across the range is 66kWh.
There are four models: the RWD Pro + with a 260-mile range, Premium and Launch Edition with 273-mile ranges and 272hp; and the range topping AWD Brabus, with a massive 428hp and a range of 248 miles.
While the #1 tips it’s hat to smart cars of old with cute looks and a curved shape, both the front and rear ends feature similar designs to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, B and C models. The
overall shape is reminiscent of the current Mini Countryman.
This is where the #1 makes the boldest statement. Up front the driver and passenger sit cocooned between a floating centre console with storage space underneath. The dash is dominated by the 12.8” central touchscreen, dead centre above two slim air vents. Short-cut buttons for driving modes, the window heaters and fans are underneath, otherwise the touchscreen controls the majority of the functions.
In common with many Mercedes-Benz models, you change gear using the right hand steering wheel stalk, and you’ll find controls for features such as cruise control and automatic self parking in the same spot.
In front of the driver sits a narrow 9.2” full LCD HD instrument cluster. Our Premium model had a Heads Up display too, as well as an array of ambient lighting choices to customise the cabin.
The quality is pretty good, in a mix of black, white and chrome plastics with just a hint of some cheaper stuff adorning the door pockets and lower down surfaces. Up front, all versions feature a 12v socket with twin USBs, and two more USBs are in the rear. All models also connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and come with Bluetooth and DAB radio. Premium
and above all come with a wireless phone charger, and a 13-speaker Beats sound system. All versions bar Pro+ also get a heat pump.
The #1 will accept up to 150kW from a CCS-plugged rapid charger to give a sub-30 minute 10%-80% charging time. On our Rolec home 7.4kWh charger, this will take about 7.5 hours. Premium, Launch and Brabus benefit from three-phase 22kW AC charging using a Type 2 plug, dropping the time to charge to less than three hours.
The Brabus will hit 62mph from standing start in just 3.9 seconds, while the RWD models take 6.9 seconds, which is still fast! Choose from Eco, Comfort or Sport driving mods with the addition of Brabus on the Brabus for some serious fun.
All models come with EBD, hill assist, HDC, ESC, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Electronic Traction Control, an E-Pedal and a tyre pressure monitoring system. There’s also a raft of safety features including Front and Rear Collision Mitigation, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, front and rear parking sensors, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, Cruise Control and Intelligent Speed Assist.
Smart’s David Browne told CC&V that the #1 is comparable for inside space to an E-Class. In the front we’d agree but the rear is only for two adults. On the plus side, the #1 is quite wide and you can increase rear space by utilising the sliding and reclining rear bench which also features a ski flap.
There is plenty of interior storage: large front and rear door pockets, two central drinks holders, a large area under the floating centre binnacle, a decent sized glove box and a fold down rear armrest with twin cup holders within.
The boot isn’t massive at just 323 litres on the Pro+ model, 10 litres less on all other models thanks to the Beats sound systems subwoofer. The floor is adjustable with removable shelf, so you can hide your charging cables underneath. And upfront you get a ‘frunk’ with another 15 litres offered.
On the motorway the Premium feels quick and quiet, with little wind or road noise. A long journey would be aided by the suite of safety functions fitted to all versions, although we chose to turn off lane centring and lane change assist.
You can select energy recuperation at either Standard or Strong; the latter means little or no braking is required around town. The steering is light and precise, and the suspension is set up for comfort – and that’s exactly what you get.
If you want a bit of power, press down on the accelerator pedal and it arrives instantly, perfect as you battle through early morning traffic.
Over some poor road surfaces – it does weigh 1800kgs after all – you do notice a bit of vibration and shake, a common fault with EVs thanks to the battery weight. In truth, we’re being fussy as this is not significant in the smart.
We tried the driving modes and as per usual, opted for the one that saves your battery range the longest, Eco. To be fair, Comfort and Sport don’t offer anything that feels significantly different to Eco, save a little more power in Sport.
While the touchscreen looks brilliant and the graphics are super clear, the fact that you need to enter the menus to adjust the climate, for example, is a little frustrating. Over time this will get easier, but there’s so much info on the touchscreen menu that you find your eyes leaving the road to check exactly what you want.
That aside, the Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly, the Smart SatNav’s quite good and once you’ve acclimatised to the system, it gets easier to use. The #1 uses an animated Fox avatar as your personal assistant which is a nice touch, reminding me of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Pros
Looks modern and funky. Excellent interior and on-trend infotainment will excite the kid in you. All versions come incredibly well equipped
with a host of active safety as standard.
Entry level Pro+ is well priced at £36,950 although we would opt for the Premium version an extra £2,000 primarily to gain access to the 22kW on board charger.
Cons
Fiddly infotainment takes time to acclimatise too. On 19” wheels the ride is a little fidgety over poor road surfaces. The exterior design plays it ‘safer’ than the interior.
We really liked the #1. It’s a small electric car that offers customers an awful lot for their money, especially when you compare the price tag to a Mercedes-Benz EQ. For company car drivers a 200 mile driving range is good as is the 2% BIK.
Currently, 22 Mercedes-Benz sites are selling it and I’m sure they are hoping that smart is as successful as Mini has been in the past 20 years. With new models arriving next year, it could be and the #1 is a very good start.
Quite simply, the best smart car yet. Ideal company car for an urban dweller
The latest Isuzu D-Max has recently undergone some cosmetic changes, with a freshly styled front grille and new wheel designs for the vehicles. The All-Purpose and Adventure models have also received new wheels, and some body colours have changed, too. Dolomite White, exclusive to the V-Cross, replaces Pearl White, and Biarritz Blue replaces Sapphire Blue on V-Cross and DL40.
Inside, both the DL40 and V-Cross have been upgraded with newly designed leather upholstery, utilising horizontal layering for a more spacious feel.
We spent a week in the DL40 to see just how far the D-Max range has improved over the previous generation
The D-Max comes in three ranges –Business, All-Purpose and Adventure – with four trim levels: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross. On top of those there is the steroid injected Arctic Trucks AT35.
The 1.9-litre 162bhp diesel engine carries over from the previous model. The ladder
frame chassis now comes with larger rails, additional bracing plus newer steels, all of which contribute to make it stronger. There’s a longer wheelbase, re-designed rear suspension, a shorter body, with increased load space both inside and out and a newly designed front and rear end.
The latest D-Max features electric power assisted steering, which makes a big difference both on and off road. The seats are hard wearing as well as comfortable, and the dashboard is decidedly more upmarket with a touchscreen infotainment system. All models have height and reachable adjustable steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, DAB radio, Bluetooth, a front USB port and a 4.2” multi-information display.
DL40 manual offers 33.6 mpg/auto 30.7 mpg with emissions of 220g/km and 241g/ km respectively. And, thanks to Euro 6D emission standard, the D-Max is fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide levels.
Every version has a payload rating of at least 1,070kg, which is important for your tax. There’s also a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. Another interesting point is that, every variant of the All-New Isuzu D-Max weighs under 2,040kg, ensuring Extended and Double Cabs are subject to normal passenger car speed limits. Exceed this weight and you must comply with goods vehicle speed limits which are 10mph lower on single and dual
Isuzu D-Max is still an AWD specialist, but there’s more refinement to enjoy
carriageways. It’s something many pick-up customers are unaware of.
It’s perfect for off road use. The selectable shift-on-the-fly 4WD drive engages faster, rear axle articulation has increased and all models bar entry-level Utility models come with a mechanical rear diff lock in addition to electronic aids that include hill descent control and hill start assist.
All double-cabs have a radar system, with stereo-imaging via a pair of cameras at the top of the windscreen enabling the AEB, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter to work more accurately than offered elsewhere.
Plus, the new system enables cross traffic alert, blindspot monitoring and emergency lane keeping, all new to the pick-up sector. And if that’s not enough, Double Cabs get eight airbags, Single and Extended Cabs seven.
It’s very well kitted out, with a 7” multifunction colour touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Keyless entry, a push button start, dual-zone climate control, bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery, two-tone 18” alloys, silver side steps, front and rear USB ports and an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat also feature.
We weren’t disappointed by the DL40 in any way. Despite its size it is quite nimble and easy to manoeuvre. It handles the road more like a large SUV than the previous D-Max, showcasing how much more refined this latest version is over its predecessors. The improved body structure means there’s far less body roll. Rear passengers get more leg room and the rear seats are angled to make the back more comfortable as well.
We undertook a 100-mile round trip up and down the M6 and the DL-40 didn’t skip a beat. True, on tight roundabouts and in small parking spots you’ll need to flex your arm muscles a bit more to control the large wheels, but the reversing camera helps you fit into tight spots. Parking at my local supermarket meant a slight front overhang from the parking spot but otherwise it fits into most parking spaces.
We did a spot of off-roading. The D-Max has a wading depth of 800mm, so the 500mm flooded road we drove through was
no obstacle. A drive along a gravel track and across a grass field were also dealt with comfortably in 4WD. It will, of course, tackle a lot tougher terrain than that.
Isuzu is to be congratulated on offering such a varied choice, with single, extended and double cab models and conversions. It’s also incredibly good value for money. Furthermore, there’s a D-Max priced for everyone.
Any negatives?
The 1.9 diesel unit on the previous D-Max range is still here. It’s fine but lacks out and out pull, and this could be an issue if you’re towing a heavy load up a very steep hill. A bit of cheap plastic on the lower dash lets it down a bit, but in the main it is very well made.
A myriad of models to fit your budget, with class-leading safety, on trend tech and good pick-up habits. Range-topping V-Cross is great but the DL40 is not a bad compromise. Recent upgrade proves Isuzu isn’t resting on its laurels
In the ever-evolving world of cars, trucks, and vans, sticking around for over a hundred years isn’t just about business – it’s about supporting local families and businesses.
Let me introduce you, then, to Fordthorne, a family-run company that’s been a part of the Cardiff and South Wales landscape for more than a century.
We’re not just here to sell you a vehicle; we’re here to be relied upon to share our expertise, offer great service and to make sure you have the practical freedoms that the right vehicle choice provides.
Our story goes way back—a hundred years or so. We started smaller and have gone through many iterations, including having a small petrol station where many businesses on Penarth Road would come for fuel and snacks.
Now we’re established as the go-to place for Ford passenger and commercial vehicles in South Wales, and the only FordStore in Cardiff! We also offer trusted and five-starrated used vehicles through My Car Journey, which looks to provide a vehicle for any lifestyle through our large selection of varied makes and models.
We have many customers and different generations of the same families who’ve been returning to us for decades. When you need advice on the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle or work, we’re the ones you turn to. We understand that choosing the right vehicle is a large undertaking and a large expense for many, and we’re here to help you make the right, informed decision.
At Fordthorne Transit Centre, we’re not just selling you a van or truck; we’re enthusiasts ourselves.
We’ve got everything from the UK’s best-selling van, the Ford Transit Custom, the eye-catching and versatile All-New Ford Ranger (see below), the lightning-fast E-Transit, and our strong selection of used vans and trucks.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We’re here to listen, offer advice, and make sure you drive away with the perfect vehicle. In the age of the internet, what our customers say about us matters – and we’re happy to say that our customers have a lot of good things to say. They love our friendly staff, our straightforward approach, and the way we stand by our vehicles.
When you choose Fordthorne, you’re not just getting a vehicle; you’re getting a partner to keep you on the road. Our service department is ready to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Whether it’s a check-up, a repair, or an inspection, our skilled technicians have got it covered. And don’t forget about our parts departments; they’re here to help you make changes yourself.
In a nutshell, Fordthorne isn’t just a name; it’s a century-old commitment to our customers. We’re not here to throw jargon around; we’re here to be your partner on your automotive journey.
So if you’re looking for a place where history meets the future and where people who really love cars and vans can help you find your perfect match, you’re in the right place with Fordthorne.
• Find out more by calling 02920 223100
With outstanding load-carrying capacity, up to 3.5 tonne towing capability^ and impressive off-road agility, it’s clear why the All-New Ford Ranger continues to be Europe’s best-selling pick up†.
And now it’s even better...
Delivering a bold new look, increased capability, and a host of exciting new design and technology features, the All-New model is our most capable and impressive Ranger yet!
Tons of new technologies have been installed, such as Traffic Sign Recognition alongside Lane Keeping Aid and parking sensors, which further enhance your confidence on the road. The Ford Ranger interior is modern and comfortable, as it is
tough and hard-wearing.
The All-New Ranger is now available to test drive. So, come take a closer look and discover just what makes it different.
^ Carrying capacity, or payload is the weight that your vehicle can carry without towing. It is the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVM) less kerb weight. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Refer to the model Weights and Load information found in the vehicle brochure for more details.
† Based on latest available data as at end of October 2022 for the 20 European main markets where Ford is represented through National Sales Companies.
Ford’s all-new Ranger comes in a number of guises, from the entry XL and XLT – both aimed predominantly at the agricultural, utility and building construction sectors –through to the Tremor, Wildtrak and premium models, the Platinum, Wildtrak X and Raptor.
It’s a great-looking vehicle, with C-shaped daytime running lights, wheel arch cladding and an all-new step built into the bodywork behind the rear wheel. The load space is larger and the truck is also wider than before, so you can easily fit in a loaded pallet.
Our test was in a Wildtrak. It was well kitted out, with leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, keyless entry and start, and heated front seats and steering wheel. Safety features include ABS with Stability Control, ETC, ESC, Electronic Brake Booster, Roll Stability Control and Traction Control System.
It’s big, with a 1,575mm load length, width of 1,560mm and a 541mm depth. Payload is 1,041kg and you can tow a braked trailer of up to 3,500kg. Off road ground clearance is 219mm and you can wade at 800mm moving at 5mph. With an approach angle of 30
degrees and departure of 21, the Wildtrak will also get you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
We were testing the Wildtrak 237bhp
3.0-litre V6 diesel. It emits 178g/CO2 with economy of 27.2mpg. Top speed is 111 mph with a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. You also get a massive 600Nm’s of torque.
On the road it is impressively quiet at speeds of up to 30mph. The large tyres and wheelbase give you plenty of road traction and it handles like a large SUV around town. The impressive equipment levels and soft leather upholstery with plenty of front seat adjustment, make it very comfortable as well.
You’re miles away from pick-ups of old. Head out of town on to faster roads and the V6 engine doesn’t let you down. There’s plenty of grunt via the 10-speed auto gear box, and the engine revs smoothly as you increase your speed. Overall, it’s surprisingly light to steer with excellent road manners.
Pros
Great to drive. The level of quality inside the cab is highly impressive.
Cons
Gear lever takes a bit of getting used to. Wildtrak is not the cheapest way into a Ranger.
Verdict
A definite step-up from the previous model. With monthly BIK from £66 – £132, you’ll lease one and get a remarkably capable vehicle for your money.
Furthermore, factor in the massive amount of active safety and spec you get on your Wildtrak and it’s very hard to fault.
CC&V RATING: N N N N
We drove a 2.0-litre diesel Ranger Wildtrak earlier this year and concluded that it was the best Ranger yet. Ford also lent us a 3.0 V6 version and we got our hands on it in August. Here’s a brief look...
Renault’s original electric Kangoo has been around for 10 years and in that time, 75,000 have been sold. In 2022 Renault introduced a new electric model, the Kangoo E-TECH, complete with improved tech and safety, an improved interior, better storage solutions and most importantly, a bigger battery range.
What’s new?
The all-new Renault Kangoo van has been built on a new platform and features a fresh exterior design, advanced technology and a brand-new interior, with electric, diesel and petrol powertrains. There are two electric versions: Advance or Extra which are offered in both long and medium-wheelbase formats, with a Crew cab Advance too.
Battery, range and charging
Fitted with a 45kW battery, the new Kangoo E-TECH delivers up to 186 miles (WLTP). The battery can be recharged using a home 7.4kW charger in just over six hours, with rapid DC charging up to 75kWh gives users an 80% charge in 42 minutes. The battery size, 45kW, means that if you utilise a night time charging discount offered by the likes of Octopus Go between 00.30 – 04.30 am, if your Kangoo E-TECH battery is a third full, you’ll be able to fully charge it up overnight at a cheaper rate.
Safety
ADAS, which includes optional Advanced Lane Keep Assist, Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go are all standard.
Technology
There’s wireless smartphone charging, an 8” touchscreen, EASY-LINK display plus smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The E-TECH boasts the same cargo carrying ability as it’s ICE counterpart, which is great news for operators. This means a load volume
of up to 4.2m3, 615kg of payload and a 1,500kg towing capacity. It’s also offered with a choice of Easy Inside Rack retractable interior gallery and there’s a range of door and glazing options to suit trades and businesses of all types.
The Kangoo E-Tech comes with two driving modes, Eco or Normal, plus three levels of regeneration, which are accessed via the gear lever. The cabin is very nice and so you get a touchscreen infotainment screen lifted straight out of the Renault passenger car range. Clever touches include twin USB’s and 12v socket neatly hidden in a dash top lidded box and a sliding glove box.
The latest Renault operating system works with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Cruise control can be selected from the steering wheel, plus there’s air-con, with the climate controls adjusted via three cylindrical dials, an electric handbrake and a clear and concise twin speedo with power dials, which are located in front of the steering wheel.
The stubby gear lever is easy to reach and by pushing it to the right you engage the regenerative braking.
Thinking about their van’s electric range, Renault has included a heat pump to warm up the van without stealing power from the battery. UK models also come with a heated windscreen, seats and steering wheel.
The Kangoo E-TECH features a lovely sliding glove box, a dash top lidded box with the two USBs and a 12v socket inside. The two door pockets are large enough for two drinks each, with room for two more in the cup holders sat between the front seats. There’s also a central armrest with storage space inside.
On the road
Out and about the first thing you notice is just how quiet the electric Kangoo is. Some noise does enter the cabin but it’s from the tyres not the engine. UK models are fitted with
a full bulkhead or you can also specify a glazed bulkhead as well.
The ride is impressive, especially on the motorway and on decent tarmac. Poor road surfaces do show up the battery’s weight and there’s a little bit of fidgeting we when you’re driving along poorly maintained roads.
On the motorway, the E-TECH Kangoo offers plenty of torque, so overtaking slow moving traffic is easy. The brakes are good and if you select brake regeneration ‘B’, even the strongest level isn’t too intrusive. Furthermore, Apple Car Play connected seamlessly and the touchscreen menu and response speed are all pretty good too.
Pros
Car-like interior, excellent battery range. MWB or LWB versions and the heat pump is a revelation. The load space is clever, especially the under roof storage. Charging is quick thanks to the smallish 45kW battery and standard UK 22 AC + 80 DC charging. The same cargo space as the ICE Kangoo, means no compromise for operators choosing to go electric.
Cons
In common with all EVs, over poor road surfaces, the ride’s a bit fidgety. The A pillars do obscure the driver’s view a little.
We reckon a 140-150 mile range is achievable with two passengers and a load on board in most weather.
We also love the on-trend tech and safety features, as well as the user-friendly interior and clever storage solutions. Add in its excellent 186-mile battery range and Renault really is on to a winner. CC&V
Company Car & Van is always on the look-out for the new names and disruptors of the motoring world. Here we talk to Bill Laidlaw, General Manager, IA Electric Vehicles, about how this new name to the UK van market intends to grab a slice of market share from more established rivals
CC&V: Innovation Automotive is a new name here in the UK. Are you able to tell us more about the company and which sectors it’s targeting here in the UK?
Bill Laidlaw: IA Electric Vehicles is a newly established electric vehicle importer based in the Cotswolds region of the UK.
It’s the first multi-brand 100% EV automotive company in the country, boasting a team of automotive professionals with extensive industry experience who are focused on delivering outstanding customer service and assisting clients in embracing electric vehicles.
IA EV places a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Customers engaging with IA can expect comprehensive assistance in navigating the transition to electric mobility enjoying benefits such as congestion and ULEZ charge exemptions.
IA Electric Vehicles is committed to offering versatile and eco-friendly solutions to businesses across different sectors, empowering them with efficient, reliable, and environmentally-conscious transportation options.
With IA Electric Vehicles, businesses can embrace 100% electric mobility, enjoying benefits such as congestion and ULEZ charge exemptions while contributing to a greener future.
CC&V: Initially, IA will be selling two commercial vehicles in the UK, the EC31 & EC35. Can you tell us about both models?
BL: The EC35 Panel Van is a practical and versatile two-seat electric van with a 4.8m³ cargo area and a payload capacity of 1,015kg. It offers a highly competitive range of up to 166 miles.
The EC35 supports CCS Type 2 charging, enabling access to both fast and rapid charging stations. Recharging options include a six-hour full charge using a 7kW AC charge point or an 80% charge in just 60 minutes via a DC rapid charger.
Features include air con, reversing sensors and camera, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, with sliding
doors on both sides of the van and a rear tailgate
The EC31 Electric Chassis Cab also offers a 166-mile range, with a 100% recharge achievable in 90 minutes and an 80% charge in just 60 minutes.
Safety is a stand out with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and front airbags. The cargo area comes with a maximum loading volume capacity of 6.8 cubic metres and a payload capability of up to 1,280kg. Inside there’s a 6.8-inch screen, Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlay®, reversing camera & electric windows
CC&V: How will IA be selling its electric vans in the UK?
BL: IA Electric Vehicles will distribute its electric vans through a network of dealerships across the UK. These dealerships will serve as key points of access for customers interested in IA’s electric van models.
The convenience and accessibility of IA’s vehicles extend throughout the UK and Ireland, ensuring that interested parties can easily connect with their nearest dealer for personalised assistance and expert guidance.
This approach enables IA to effectively reach a wide range of potential customers and provide them with the necessary support and information to make informed decisions about their electric vehicle choices.
CC&V: Electric vehicles require a different maintenance, servicing, breakdown and warranty package to ICE vehicles. What does IA offer it’s customers in these areas?
BL: IA Electric Vehicles is committed to ensuring a seamless ownership experience for our customers. With every IA EV purchase, you’ll receive three years of complimentary roadside assistance from the AA, ensuring you’re covered wherever you go. Our vehicles are backed by a robust five-year/75,000-mile vehicle warranty, along with an eight-year/100,000-mile traction battery warranty, demonstrating our confidence in their quality and durability.
We’ve also established a network of Halfords Autocentres and IA Electric Vehicle Centres for your servicing needs, with recommended service intervals every 12 months or 15,000 miles.
CC&V: Will IA be bringing any new electric vehicle into the UK in 2024?
BL: Yes, we have plans to introduce new electric vehicles into the UK market in 2024, which will include consumer vehicles.
These additions to IA’s line-up demonstrate the company’s commitment to expanding its offerings and providing customers with a diverse selection of electric vehicles to choose from.
As IA continues to innovate and grow, customers can look forward to exciting new options in the electric vehicle market in the coming year.
Collaborating with Renault, Nissan has a new small electric van, the Townstar EV. First shown at the 2023 CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham, CC&V popped along to our local Nissan Business Centre, Westway Nissan in Manchester to take a closer look.
Powertrain, range and charging
Fitted with a 45kW battery and an electric motor fitted on the front axle, the new Townstar EV delivers up to 186 miles on the WLTP charts. The battery can be recharged using a home 7.4kW charger in just over six hours, while rapid DC charging up to 75kWh gives users an 80% charge in 42 minutes. The battery size, 45kW, means that if you utilise a night time charging discount offered by the likes of Octopus Go between 00.30 – 04.30 am, if your Townstar EV battery is a third full when you plug-in, you’ll be able to fully charge it up overnight at a cheaper rate.
Performance
The system produces 122hp with 245Nm of torque, leading to a 0–60mph time of 14 seconds and a top speed of 84mph.
Model range and payloads
Existing Nissan customers will be familiar
with the trims on offer. First up is Visia, followed by Acenta, Tekna and Tekna+. There are also two Townstar wheelbases to choose from, L1 SWB and L2 LWB. Payloads are up to 600kg (SWB) or 800kg (LWB), with the maximum braked towing capacity being 1,500kg. Load volume is 3.3 or 4.3 cubic metres and load lengths are 1,806mm for the L1 or 2,230mm for the L2. The electric van offers exactly the same payloads as the petrol version.
The L1 can take a pair of Euro pallets and comes with a single sliding side door as standard. On the L2 models, the twin sliding side doors are wider, increasing from 615mm to 831mm, wide enough load a Euro pallet through them.
Specs
All models get a full-width bulkhead, 60:40 split rear doors and a nearside sliding door to access the load area. L2 variants get an
off-side sliding door as well. All versions feature a plastic bulkhead separating the cabin from the load area, but there’s no load-through option.
Standard kit on Visia models includes air-con, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric heated mirrors, automatic headlights and automatic wipers.
Acenta improves on this with the addition of an 8” colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors and AEBS automatic braking.
Tekna adds SatNav, front parking sensors keyless entry and start and a useful rear camera.
Tekna+ models come with 16” alloy wheels and a suite of extra driver assistance tech, including 360-degree monitor, Park Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert. Continued on page 42
“The Townstar EV delivers up to 186 miles on the WTLP charts... a rapid charger will get you to 80 per cent full in just 42 minutes...”
Continued from page 40
Safety
Townstar brings a suite of 20+ technologies to the compact van segment and features a broad range of safety technologies and advanced driver assistance features such as Intelligent Emergency Braking, Hands-Free Parking, Intelligent Cruise Control and Around View Monitor (AVM), which is exclusive to Nissan.
Inside you won’t be disappointed. Quality is impressive, very car-like, with excellent plastics and finishes throughout.
Storage wise is good, too: a small glove box, a dash top lidded box with two USBs and a 12v socket inside. Door pockets are large and there are twin drinks holders in the centre binnacle, and the armrest has a hidden space underneath. Our test van also had a phone holder and an overhead cabin-wide shelf.
The rear load area features six load lashings and an LED light. Our L2 model had twin side sliding and twin 180O opening rear doors.
Cabin
The auto gear lever is nicely positioned in the centre of the dash. The dashboard and steering wheel controls – left for cruise control, right for infotainment – are easy to use with separate metallic-ringed climate dials sitting underneath the touchscreen.
Helping you keep your eyes on the road
ahead, Nissan has also included piano-key buttons under the central screen as short cuts to features such as central locking, ECO and in our range topper the all around camera and parking functions.
Infotainment
Townstar has a mid-tier infotainment system. Technology includes wireless smartphone charging, an 8” touchscreen, EASY-LINK display plus smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with three USB connections. The system works well although some of the icons feel a little dated, especially on the SatNav. In our short time in the Townstar EV
we connected wirelessly to Apple CarPlay. It all worked seamlessly so a big tick for us.
Buyers get a pan- European five-year or 100,000-mile warranty, in addition to the eight-year or 100,000 miles battery warranty for the EV version. This includes bumper-tobumper protection, genuine parts and accessories and roadside assistance.
Driving in town
Heading away from Westway Nissan in Manchester, which is located close to the Etihad Stadium, we headed out towards the M60 so that we could experience what most
“Inside you won’t be disappointed. Quality is impressive, very car-like, with excellent plastics and finishes throughout...”
city van drivers do, ie, slow traffic, followed by a junction or two on the Manchester orbital motorway.
The Tekna+ test van was very comfortable and much quieter than its petrol counterpart, with a nice bit of accelerating on tap. It’s more relaxing when driving in the city as a result.
We should also mention the EV’s zero emissions: as Greater Manchester, along with other authorities, is looking to set up its own low emission zone, so Townstar EV owners will benefit as they will be charge-free.
The battery is located underneath the van and this really helps set the Townstar EV up for a comfortable low-speed ride. It’s quite supple over potholed tarmac and it’s not
noticeably bouncy for an unladen van.
We should mention the regeneration modes that the electric Nissan comes with. The gear lever offers a simple choice of Park, Reverse, Neutral or Drive.
By pulling the stick back into D you can then shift it to the right to select the B regeneration mode and then pull to back to choose regen 1, 2 or 3. In town, we set this up in regen 3 in order to get the most from our stop-start drive.
Compared to many EVs, the regen is quite subtle and although you can use the levels to slow the van down, none are strong enough
to warrant one-pedal driving, so the brake does come into play when you approach a junction or roundabout.
In Eco mode the range is optimised by limiting engine performance and reducing power consuming systems on the vehicle, such as the air-con, heating and power assisted steering.
On the motorway we set the cruise control to 70mph and our unladen van finally let some tyre and wind noise into the well insulated cabin.
Continued from page 44
Continued from page 43
The golden rule with any electric van is never to drive too fast so you can conserve the battery range. If you’re only going to travel 50-100 miles in a day, then pushing the Townstar EV to 70mph is fine. However, with a maximum 186-mile range to play with, if you are driving a long way you’ll need to take into account payload, including two passengers, and cold weather, an EV’s worst enemy.
We reckon that if maximising range is your priority, 60mph is the optimum speed. Fast enough to get past trucks, slow enough to conserve some of your battery.
Car-like cabin and impressive handling. It’s also very practical and has good safety. It comes with zero emissions and class leading towing.
The electric Townstar is more expensive than the petrol versions. There’s only one battery option. The 600kg payload on the L1 is less than what you find on some rivals. In common with many smaller vans, the fitting of the bulkhead means that taller drivers
might find that they can’t push the drivers seat back quite as far as they’d like.
Compared to the departed eNV200, the Townstar EV is a massive improvement. Nissan has added some clever storage solutions in the cabin and the whole range comes well equipped with plenty of safety features.
Furthermore it offers a quiet, relaxed driving experience, coupled to swift
Huge step up from the old eNV200. That 186-mile range should be enough to keep urban deliverers happy, and the driver’s will love the kit and comfort. Just remember to conserve range by slowing down on the motorway, using the regen and keeping the air con off.
CC&V RATING:
acceleration, a real bonus when negotiating urban traffic.
If you can, choose the L2 in Acenta trim; it’s better payload will prove worthwhile, and it comes with plenty of kit. It would be our choice.
Alongside other small electric vans it’s 186-mile range is good – just remember to utilise the regeneration in the city, slow down on the motorway and as long as it’s not too hot or too cold, turn the air con off as it drains battery life.
“The golden rule with any electric van is never to drive too fast so you can conserve the battery range...”
Company Car & Van spent an informative day at Toyota’s Burnaston plant earlier this year, touring the manufacturing floor before testing out the updated Corolla Commercial. It’s a model that is developed and produced here in the UK, with Corolla’s home-grown links including its engines, which are supplied by the TMUK Deeside factory in North Wales. Andrew Walker takes up the story.
What’s new?
Fitted with a new fifth generation hybrid electric drive train, the 2023 Corolla Commercial features an all-new 1.8-litre self-charging powertrain, which delivers more power while preserving its high efficiency. The system’s principal components have been comprehensively redesigned to save weight, reduce losses and improve performance – changes that include the introduction of a more powerful lithiumion battery. The new battery is smaller and 14% lighter than before, while increasing power by the same percentage.
Inside and out
Corolla Commercial gains the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, with more functions and increased hazard detection
capabilities. The inside remains unchanged and includes a rubber load space lining, full bulkhead grille, interior light and 12v power outlets.
Load-carrying capacity is maintained at 1,326 litres with 425kg maximum payload and 750kg towing capability.
Squint hard and you may notice the subtle exterior changes, with a new bottom to the
front bumper, redesigned headlights and new combo rear lights.
Performance and economy
Total power from the 1.8-litre system is now 138bhp, bringing a 1.7-second reduction in the 0-62mph time to 9.4 seconds. CO2 emissions are from 100g/km, with fuel economy from 64.2mpg (all figures WLTP combined cycle).
Range and features
Available in a single grade with a standard equipment specification, key features include multimedia system with 8” display and voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Toyota Safety Sense, dual-zone automatic air con, heated front seats with power lumbar adjustment, a reversing camera and automatic headlights. Continued on page 46
Continued from page 45
Safety is to the fore in the updated and improved Corolla Commercial with a new front camera. Forward detection has been doubled compared with the previous model, as has the coverage of the front millimetre-wave radar.
The Pre-Collision System is more effective, with better ability to recognise potential head-to-head collisions, and the Intersection Collision Avoidance system can now identify approaching traffic across two lanes, as well as cyclists and vehicles from the side.
Emergency steering assist helps the driver keep the car within its traffic line and you also get a new Acceleration Suppression Function.
The Adaptive Cruise Control has been revised to give faster response and you also benefit from Overtake Prevention Support, which prevents unintentional overtaking on the wrong side of a vehicle. There’s also Preliminary Deceleration, Lane Trace Assist, Deceleration Assist, Proactive Driving Assist and Obstacle Anticipation Assist.
As part of the Toyota Professional range of LCVs, you get five years’ free roadside assistance, 10 years’ or 100,000 miles Toyota manufacturer’s warranty, followed by up to a further seven years’ of service-activated
warranty. For the first three years owners can have it serviced at a place of their choice. When the new car warranty period expires, they can then benefit from an additional 12 months (or 10,000 miles) warranty when their vehicle has a qualifying service at an authorised Toyota workshop. The warranty is provided at no extra cost, up to a limit of 10 years/100,000 miles.
Driving modes and regeneration
Choose from Eco, Normal or Sport driving modes, with the former increasing your range, the latter adding more sparkle to your ride. Using the gear lever, the usual suspects,
Drive, Reverse and Neutral are joined by B, for brake regeneration. Simply pull the centrally mounted gear lever all the way back past D and hey presto, you’re able to utilise the on-board regeneration. And it works, adding a heavier touch to the accelerator. Switch to Drive and the CC lightens up, for smoother progress.
We spent a couple of hours driving the improved Corolla Commercial over a mix of roads, and what’s abundantly clear from the start is that the more powerful engine and smaller lithium-ion battery have vastly improved the way the Commercial drives.
We drove the Corolla Commercial in 2022 and while we highly rated it, the CVT gearbox was always an issue. What Toyota has managed to achieve with the improved 1.8 engine is that the throttle and vehicle response are now far more consistent.
Gone is the whining elastic band feeling of old, replaced with a much smoother gear change and better acceleration.
This has been achieved by calibrating the throttle better to suit familiar driving scenarios, such as stop-start traffic and frequent changes in speed limits. The acceleration also adapts to up and downhill driving, synchronising the engine speed with the driver’s inputs to give a more natural feel
and easier drive.
Running at lower rpm also makes the system quieter when driving at highway speeds. With my iPhone linked wirelessly to Apple Car Play, this allowed me enjoy my podcasts and even make and take a couple of hands-free phone calls.
Our test vehicle, when full, indicated a range of 570 miles, a full 400 miles more than the best electric van can muster and the main reason for the CC’s existence. By regularly using the Corolla’s brake regeneration and the electric range in town, you’ll top 600 miles. From where we’re based in the north west, we could happily drive to London and back, 420 miles, and have fuel to spare. No stopping to charge and no range anxiety and a similar range to many small diesel vans. Toyota quotes a WLTP economy figure of 64.2mpg and that is another reason to like the CC.
Pros
Excellent 500-600 mile driving range. Comfortable car derived cabin and ride make journeys relaxing. Decent storage capacity. Cleaner than a diesel. Much less to lease than an EV with a much smaller deposit required than an electric van.
Cons
Cargo capacity can’t match that of the Fiesta van’s 0.96 cubic metres or the larger Toyota Proace City’s 3.3 cubic metres
Conclusion
The new engine has taken away the one thing we didn’t like about the Corolla
Commercial, the whining CVT gearbox, which is no more! You now have a much-improved and well-rounded vehicle to drive everyday. For those who need a load carrier that offers green hybrid motoring without the range anxiety, charging time and cost of an EV, it’s unbeatable!
The Corolla Commercial ticks an awful lot of boxes as far as the driver is concerned: safe, comfortable, good to drive and with no range anxiety. CC&V
The Amarok uses the same engines, suspension, transmissions and electronics as the Ford Ranger. However, it’s only offered as a double cab, and there’s no performance version either.
There are four specifications : Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura. The Life is the only model offered with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or 10-speed automatic transmission. Style offers a choice of both the 2.0-litre diesel or the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, with the 10-speed auto box.
The PanAmericana and Aventura versions only feature the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, again with the 10-speed auto.
Every model comes with VW’s 4MOTION 4WD as standard.
Specifications
Life cost from £34,000 + VAT and is fitted out more basically then the other models. So you get cloth upholstery with vinyl flooring, 17” alloys, a 10” portrait infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an 8” digital driver’s display. But there a decent number of safety and driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, lane assist and road sign recognition.
Style (£41,450 + VAT) has posher micro fleece upholstery, carpets, 18” alloys, matrix LED headlights, a 360 degree parking camera, park assist, wireless smartphone charging, a 12” instrument display touchscreen and a roll hoop in the load bed.
PanAmericana (£47,000 + VAT) is more aggressive looking with black alloy wheels and exterior trim, an X-themed grille, full leather, a Harman Kardon sound system, rear diff lock and an under body guard.
Range-topping Aventura will set you back a shade over £48,000 + VAT. This features larger 21” alloys, a heated steering wheel, plus more body chrome and silver trim.
While what’s under the skin is very much shared with the Ranger, the outside has been designed to look very different. The radiator grille is more conservative, with LED Matrix head and tail lights, and unlike the Ranger, there’s no side step in the rear bumper.
Again, while the dashboard set up and basic layout mirrors the Ranger, the Amarok looks and feels more car-like. Underneath the touchscreen sits a selection of pushdown shortcut buttons for the driving modes, hazards and parking. The gear lever is centrally located with the twin cup holders pushed further back than in the Ranger and the steering wheel spokes, indicator stalks, air vents and dashboard trim and finish feel more upmarket.
The large portrait touchscreen runs off VW’s own operating system. As a VW driver myself I found it easy to acclimatise to, although the climate controls are hidden within the screen menus so are a bit fiddly.
The graphics are excellent and responses are fast. The short cut buttons below get you into the driving modes.
A new feature is the roof load capacity of 350kg. Amarok is also longer than before at 5,350mm with a 173mm longer wheelbase of 3,270mm, which means passengers get more space in the cabin. A selection of off- road and driving modes means you can toggle been 2WD, RWD, selectable and permanent all-wheel-drive. Choose your drive preference: from rear-wheel drive to selectable and permanent all-wheel drive.
The load bed measures 1.62 metres long by 1.58 metres wide, with a maximum width of 1.22 metres between the rear wheel arches, so it can accommodate two Euro pallets. You can hold the pallets in place with the six lashing eyes, plus the bed area features a 12v socket and LED lighting. Add-ons include load bed covers or electric roll covers.
The longer wheelbase does add a little more room inside, noticeably in the rear.
When Volkswagen stopped building the Amarok, no one was quite sure if it would ever return. The good news is that it has. In conjunction with Ford and utilising Ford’s Ranger pick-up, the new Amarok is finally here. We took a good look at what was always a pick-up star.
Talking of the rear, there’s definitely room for three to sit side by side. Running boards and grab handles make getting in and out easier too. There are twin centre cupholders, a big glovebox and front and rear door pockets, dash top storage area, front and rear 12v socket and two USBs up front, through none in the back.
Select the 2.0-litre diesel manual and you’ll average 33.6mpg, with the 10-speed auto 32,8mpg, 32.1mpg in Style trim. Choose the 3.0 litre in any trim and it’s 28.3mpg. CO2 emissions range from 221-245g/km for the manual Amarok Life to 265-271g/km for the range-topping Amarok Aventura.
Our 200-mile week in the 2.0-litre Style auto saw us return 32.3mpg.
All versions have a one-tonne payload bar Aventura, meaning this model is charged the flat rate of Benefit-in-Kind tax for LCVs, so one to avoid. All others qualify for the same annual Benefit-in-Kind rates, regardless of the list price. As we write these stand at £792 per annum for a basic-rate taxpayer, or £1,584 for a 40% earner.
The cabin is lovely, so that’s a good start. The front seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment offered. Ford’s tabloid-shaped touchscreen looks good and works well in the Amarok. We would prefer separate climate control though.
The gear lever is a little awkward to use. It features ergonomic buttons which have to be pressed by your left hand fingers in order to engage the vehicle and change gear. We found it a bit fiddly, especially getting into reverse as you tend to go too far back into drive.
Driving locally the 2.0-litre Amarok makes steady progress, with the 10-speed auto box
hanging onto the gears a bit as the revs rise, before things settle down. Accelerate hard and the 2.0-litre diesel engine roars into life and becomes more audible in the cabin,
The changes between gear ratios are made fairly smoothly and despite its size and weight the Amarok handles undulating terrain with aplomb. The large tyres do account for a bit of vibration through the pick-up floor and there’s some road noise. Unladen it’s not too bouncy, with only the poorest road surfaces offering an unsettling ride.
If you do venture off road, ground clearance is 219mm and you can wade up to 800mm. With an approach angle of 30 degrees and departure of 21, the Wildtrak will also get you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
On the motorway it’s amazingly good. Quiet, comfortable and with adaptive cruise control on all versions, you just point and go. My familiarity with VW’s operating system meant connecting to the Apple Car Play was easy and making and receiving calls in CarPlay was simple.
Despite its weight and length, it’s actually a pleasure to drive and with parking sensors and a rear view camera, easy to park as well. It’s definitely an evolution from the previous model and feels both more grown-up and more modern.
The good
Really nice to drive on road and massively capable off it. Compared to the Ford Ranger,
We were testing the Amarok Style 205PS 2.0 litre TDI 10-speed auto 4MOTION. Power, with 500Nm and selectable 4WD.
Top speed is 112mph
0-62mph will take 10.2 seconds.
The fuel tank is 80 litres plus the AdBlue tank runs at 19.3 litres.
Warranty is 3 years / 100,000 miles; 3 years paint;12 years body protection. Breakdown assistance. 3 years Volkswagen Assistance (UK & Europe).
the more car-like dash and finishes feel more upmarket. A good long distance performer with plenty of room on board for five.
You’ll benefit from low BIK if you avoid the Aventura. Load bed size and towing capacity are first rate.
The bad
Touchscreen climate controls aren’t the easiest to use. The gear lever takes a bit of getting used. The 2.0-litre engine is not as refined as the 3.0 version. All versions are expensive and fuel economy of 30mpg isn’t wonderful.
Volkswagen has decided to forsake the working pick-up for a lifestyle one and done a very good job indeed. Bigger than before but on-board tech makes it much easier to drive, handle and park than its predecessor. Build quality shines through and despite being expensive, the monthly BIK of £66 – £132 to lease one is hard to complain about. We’d love to spend more time in one.
CC&V RATING:
CC&V was invited to Millbrook to take a look at the all-new Iveco eDaily, a model first seen back in April at the CV Show. A range of versions were driven and Iveco also spent some time telling us a little more about its aims for eDaily, and how it sees the electric CV market progressing as we head towards zero hour in 2035. Here’s our review...
Versions and model choice
eDaily is offered in van, cab, crew cab, chassis cowl and minibus body variants, from 3.5 to 7.2 GVW. There are also single- and twin-wheel versions, and a broad range of height and wheelbase options. All technology and comfort features of the standard Daily are available on the electric model, including the AIR-PRO intelligent pneumatic suspension.
Volume and payload
eDaily is the only electric LCV to offer up to 20m3 cargo volume, up to 4.6t payload, up to 3.5t towing ability and to offer alternative rear axle ratios on the 50C (3.6 or 4.44) and 72C versions (4.3 or 5.13) to emphasise either performance or efficiency.
Power
Performance is in line with the ICE version: 140kW (190CV) max power, 400Nm max torque and up to 120km/h maximum speed. All eDaily models are rear-wheel drive, with a chassis-
Offered with one, two or three 37kWh battery packs, eDailys can cover up to 248 miles on a single charge. On the two larger battery versions, DC rapid charging at 80kW will see this model gain 62 miles of range in just 30 minutes. The 37kWh eDaily cannot fast charge on DC.
It comes with an eight-year 100,000-mile warranty for vehicles with one battery, or 155,000-miles with two or three batteries. A three-year or 100,000-mile chassis warranty accompanies the 2XL Repair and Maintenance package included for all models. The batteries are protected by eight-year and up to a 250,000km battery warranty including replacement when capacity drops below 80%.
Plug-in at home on 7.4kWh charger and the single battery version will recharge to full overnight in just five hours. Your eDaily charging can be fully managed via the dedicated app, so make sure you charge when your provider offers a lower electricity rate usually during the night.
Time to charge increases per number of batteries fitted to your vehicle.
Pod point is IVECO’s preferred EV charge point supplier and is offering AC charging from
Now that electric vans have been around for a while, operators will know that it’s the data of their electric vehicles everyday driving that is key to running their fleet successfully. eDaily features a connectivity box enabling real-time data exchange that provides access to all IVECO Services. Customers can access the connectivity-enabled services through the IVECO ON portal with its data management and web-API functions, without needing to modify their mission profile, work cycle or operational patterns.
The on-board software is regularly updated over the air with real-time data generated by the vehicle monitored remotely by the IVECO Control Room. Proactive and predictive diagnostics prevent unplanned stops and allow for the scheduling of your eDaily’s maintenance. eDaily also features a routing app to predict the vehicle’s range, the required charges to reach the destination and the exact time of arrival. Range assurance alerts inform the Fleet Manager when the battery’s remaining range is critical.
On board, climate control and SatNav to the nearest e-charging station can also be activated via voice command.
Exterior
eDaily looks just like a normal Daily, bar a few coloured accents on the trim. So you get the
Much of the cabin design and controls have been carried over from the ICE Daily. We were particularly impressed with the latest Daily’s build quality when we drove it, and the eDaily carries that over with some very solid plastics used on all of the interior fixtures and fittings.
It’s all finished in black and chrome, with centre-dash touchscreen the highlight. Short cut buttons for City steering, among others, sit above the screen, with separate climate dials below.
The automatic gear lever is high to the right of the steering wheel with the steering wheel featuring controls for the infotainment and cruise control.
As with the latest Daily, eDaily comes with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, hill descent control and crosswind assist, while a Traction Plus grip-finding driving mode is available too. You also get a two-way adjustable steering wheel, TFT instrument cluster and the infotainment system works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
We drove a couple of eDaily 3.5t panel vans equipped with one and two batteries. Millbrook features a myriad of driving experiences and we took both vans around the bowl at 70mph, where it purrs along nicely. It’s also extremely quiet, even at high speeds.
Next up was the uphill road route, where again eDaily didn’t skip a beat. There’s plenty of power available to tackle a steep incline and on a steep descent we utilised the on-board hill descent to make life easier.
The narrow winding hilly course was up next, so we switched to City Steering which make the on-board power steering a touch lighter. At speeds of up to 30mph it handled the twists and turns with aplomb, showcasing the Daily’s famous small turning circle. Handling and steering are exemplary.
Conclusion, it drives and feels like a normal Daily but quieter, which has to be a good thing for operators.
Same interior, same drive, same dimensions, same payload simples!
What’s different from a normal Daily?
The main driving difference with eDaily over Daily is the braking system. In common with other EVs, eDaily offers three levels of regeneration. Sailing, which offers little regen and maximum power, is useful for heavy loads and steep climbs.
Standard regen sits in the middle for most driving situations, and finally, One-Pedal Drive, where regenerative braking is increased to the maximum. This allows you to take your foot off the accelerator and slow the van without the need to touch the brake pedal.
In addition to regeneration, it is possible to limit the van’s power output by changing driving mode, allowing you to go further.
All controls fall easily to hand and are cleverly integrated into the centre point of the van including the gear lever and electric handbrake.
IVECO is offering the eDaily from £620+ vat per month or with 3 year HP of 2.5%.
Pros
It’s very much like a normal Daily, so it’s qualities are proven. Plenty of body options, best-in-class towing with a 7.2t version taking it into eFuso Canter territory. Very easy to drive, great cabin and also comfortable to be in.
Cons
Expensive, so lease. If you do upgrade the battery it’s expensive, as would be removing one, too. 80kW maximum charging is a little slow. AirPro suspension is fab but it’s not cheap. Payload not as high as some competitors.
A great addition to the CV sector. Driving the electric Daily isn’t really that different from piloting a diesel one. Weight-carrying and towing options are impressive, with a vast range of conversions available as well. One-battery model doesn’t have a very good range or fast charging, while the three-battery version is heavy, reducing your payload. Perhaps the two-battery version is the one? Impressive handling and a comfortable ride. Regen tech works well and the choice of driving options has all bases covered.
More powerful, more efficient and with a longer range - plus a wide variety of applications and CO2-neutral in driving operation: this is the essence of the Next Generation eCanter from FUSO.
For Karl Deppen, CEO Daimler Truck Asia, the start of production of the FUSO eCanter marks a milestone: “We at Daimler Truck are fully committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and making sustainable transport a success, which is why we aim to offer only CO2-neutral vehicles in our core global markets by 2039.
“An important part of that is supporting our customers’ transition to eMobility with the easy, efficient and electric eCanter starting production here in Tramagal. With this, we are taking an important step closer to CO2-neutral transportation.”
In the run-up to the event, media representatives had the opportunity to experience the new vehicles at first hand during a factory tour and an exclusive driving event on the Autódromo do Estoril and the surrounding public roads, to experience the performance of the Next Generation eCanter for themselves. During the driving event, experts from FUSO Europe provided detailed insights into the application versatility of the new vehicle and informed about customised e-mobility solutions.
The Next Generation eCanter: Pioneer on the way to sustainable transport
Since the launch of the eCanter in 2017, FUSO, the Japanese subsidiary of Daimler Truck, has been considered a pioneer and frontrunner in electric trucks and has been working consistently to implement sustainable transport solutions. There are now over 550 FUSO eCanter in customer operation in Europe, Japan and the United States, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. The total distance covered by the global eCanter fleet in all-electric and thus locally emission-free mode is now around eight million kilometers - equivalent to about 200 circumnavigations of the globe. The Next Generation eCanter is now taking this success story to a new level.
In order to meet customer requirements even better, FUSO has made several adjustments to the Next Generation eCanter. While the previous electric truck was exclusively available as a 7.49-tonner with a wheelbase of 3,400 millimeters, customers now have the choice of six wheelbases between 2,500 and 4,750 millimeters and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 4.25 to
8.55 tons. The load capacity of the chassis is up to five tonnes. The Next Generation eCanter is powered either by a 110 kW (variants with a gross vehicle weight of 4.25 and 6 tons) or 129 kW (variants with a gross vehicle weight of 7.49 and 8.55 tons) electric motor with an optimized driveline and 430 Nm of torque; the maximum speed is 89 km/h (electronically limited).
Depending on the wheelbase, three different battery packs are available: S, M and L. The batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology. These are characterised above all by a long service life and more usable energy. The battery pack in the S variant has a nominal capacity of 41 kWh and enables a range of up to 70 kilometers. In the M variant, the nominal capacity is 83 kWh and the range is up to 140 kilometres.
The L variant, as the most powerful package, offers a nominal capacity of 124 kWh and a range of up to 200 kilometres. This is far more than the distance usually covered per day in light distribution traffic.
Recuperation can increase the range even further, which at the same time minimises charging breaks. By comparison, until now the eCanter has only had a battery option with a nominal capacity of 81kWh and a range of up to 100 kilometers.
As far as battery charging is concerned, the Next Generation eCanter is compatible with all main voltages in the major markets. The charging unit supports charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The Combined Charging System CCS is the charging standard, and charging is possible at up to 104 kW. DC fast charging from 20 to 80 per cent of capacity is possible in approximately 24 (S), 26 (M) and 39
minutes (L), depending on the battery pack; AC charging (11 and 22 kW) takes between around four and six hours, depending on the battery pack.
As part of its overall ecological strategy, the MFTE plant in Tramagal where the eCanter is being manufactured has already successfully reduced its CO2 emissions on a step-by-step basis over the past few years, and by the end of 2022, balance sheet CO2-neutrality in production has been implemented.
In order to reach this milestone, MFTE has among others continuously expanded the use of renewable energy sources and completed the conversion to green power sources.1,200 solar panels on the hall roofs produce up to 350 megawatts of electricity per year. Future targets are to produce up to 600 megawatts of electricity. In addition to expanding photovoltaic systems, the plant is also testing technologies for the local production of green hydrogen.
Reducing water consumption is another measure in the field of sustainability the site is focusing on: Its own new water treatment plant already treats over 60 percent of process water and returns it to the production cycle. At the same time, an optimized rainwater collection system is in the works for more sustainable irrigation of the green areas. Mitsubishi FUSO Europe employs around 500 people in Tramagal. The company is the largest employer in the region. From Portugal, the vehicles go to 32 European countries as well as Morocco. Mitsubishi FUSO Truck Europe is a major exporter and Portugal’s third-largest vehicle manufacturer.
Moving to an electric transportation solution is a topic challenging virtually every business currently, but one which somehow feels like it sits in the ‘slightly too difficult’ box.
But while it might feel daunting to transition away from diesel, Mercedes-Benz Vans’ research suggests that as much as 96% of all journeys are actually shorter than 62 miles*, so perhaps the focus should shift to all the journeys that an electric van can make, rather than the 4% of journeys that it might not.
That’s where the team at eStar Truck & Van comes in. Your job is to understand your customers, market, product or service. Our job is to enable you to keep focused on those things, by making sure you’re in the right vehicle for your needs.
We know there are a lot of myths surrounding electric, but when you look at the pros and cons, the pros really do outweigh.
In fact, there are more public charging points than petrol stations in the UK. At the end of July 2023, there were 45,737 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 26,805 charging locations. This represents a 40% increase in the total number of charging devices since July 20221.
The green credentials, and mileage (if you’ll pardon the pun) that comes from switching
to an EV provides a new focus for your business marketing. The vehicles themselves are also virtually silent, which opens up your hours of operation, or the locations you could potentially operate within. And, of course, it makes life more pleasant for the driver.
There are also financial incentives to switch to electric, thanks to Government incentives, and congestion and low emission zone charge exemptions, and we can also provide support with charging and infrastructure planning.
There are further benefits where a diesel van just can’t compare. For example, vehicle pre-conditioning, which is a feature on the free Mercedes PRO connect software,
enabling electric van operators to heat, or cool, their vehicle while it is charging, so that when setting off on their journey, no energy is wasted to get the cabin temperature comfortable.
We know that all the facts and stats around electric vans can be daunting, and it’s easy to leave it on the backburner for your business, but talking to eStar Truck & Van could make all the genuine difference.
As a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer, eStar can provide you and your business with everything from a small Citan van to a 44-tonne tractor unit, and we’re well placed to serve the business and lifestyle community, from adventuring families requiring eight-seater transport, to sole traders with a single vehicle, to major logistics fleet operators.
With extensive experience across electric and alternative fuels, the team at eStar, based at Deeside, Knowsley, Stoke-on-Trent, and Trafford Park, Manchester, is committed to supporting you every step of the way along your journey to delivering greener products, services, and people.
Get in touch by calling 0161 848 1413 and see how we can support you and your business on your electric journey today.
Mercedes-Benz latest small van, the Citan, has finally arrived and we had a week to enjoy one recently. As with the original Citan, it’s based on the Renault Kangoo, only this time, Mercedes has been more involved in the project, as we found out.
Unlike Renault and Nissan’s small vans, the Citan currently has only one powertrain, a 1.5 diesel with 95bhp and 260Nm. Emissions are 137g/km, combined economy 54.3mpg. An electric Citan will arrive shortly.
There are two sizes, L1 and L2, and two trim levels, Progressive and Premium. Upgrading to the higher of the two trims will add £1,995 to the price, while going for the longer version adds another £1,325. Prices start from £23,285.
The L1 measures 4,498 mm long and 2,159mm wide by 1,832mm high. Maximum load length is 1,806mm, load width 1,524mm and load height 1,256mm. Unladen weight is 1,564kg with a payload of 656kg. The short-wheelbase Citan’s maximum load volume is 2.9 cubic metres, so if you need more space the LWB version is a must.
While the rear is almost identical to the Renault and Nissan, the Citan has a large ‘MB’ sat on its own grille. It’s a little bland compared with the nose on a Kangoo but it does keep the Citan in line with the other Benz vans.
The cabin is where the Citan really shines. It features a better quality finish to either the
Kangoo or Townstar, and Mercedes’ own MBUX infotainment system with touchscreen is better than its siblings’ offerings.
This is decent as well, with door pockets large enough for 1.5 litre bottles, a sizeable glovebox, an overhead storage shelf, a small under armrest area and lidded storage on top of the dash.
You can add a meshed or a fixed bulkhead plus a fold-flat passenger seat if you want to carry longer loads.
The driver’s seat offers height and lumber adjustment and the steering wheel comes with both reach and rake. However, as we found out in the Kangoo and Townstar, with the fixed bulkhead there’s not much room to push the seat back, so taller drivers take note.
The front doors open a full 90 degrees for access and the side opening sliding door measures 615mm. You also get a 59cm low loading sill height for easier access with a 1059mm height.
Both models come well equipped. Progressive offers 16” steel wheels, air-con, heat insulating glass, LED interior lighting, cruise control, rear parking sensors and reversing camera, the MBUX infotainment system with smartphone integration, DAB, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth and a multi-function steering wheel.
The Premium version adds 10-spoke alloys, metallic paint, body coloured bumpers, high beam assist, LED headlights and fog lights.
Safety features include, ABS, ESP, six airbags, autonomous emergency braking and hill-start and attention assist.
Optional extras include active lane-keeping assist, blindspot monitors and speed limit assist.
We were testing the 110L1 Premium panel van. The six-speed manual gearbox works well, but the diesel engine is quite noisy. In town it’s short, squat dimensions make for nimble city driving and parking is a doddle thanks to the rear view camera.
Overall Citan handles the urban jungle very well. It’s good in corners and in our recent wet July, felt stable and hugged the road well.
On the motorway simply change up to sixth, select cruise control and away you go. There’s a bit of wind noise at high speed but tyre noise is reasonable.
Claimed fuel economy is 54.3 mpg; our test, over 250 miles of mixed motoring, returned 49.2.
Pros
Lovely cabin and dashboard; arguably the nicest small van to be in. Infotainment is best in class.
Cons
Conservative front end is rather bland. No petrol engines offered. Load volume and load capacity are far from class leading.
Mercedes has left its mark on the Citan, and it is the nicest of any small van we’ve driven. On the road, it’s like driving a small Mercedes-Benz car, very comfortable and well equipped. The Kangoo offers a wider choice of engines and a sexier front, but it can’t match the Citan’s cabin finish or tech. Only the load space and load volume might put some off. CC&V
Rygor Group Ltd, which includes multifranchised commercial vehicle dealer, Rygor Auto (formally known as Rygor Commercials), has marked a new era for the company with the unveiling of its new branding.
At a company managerial conference, followed by an all-staff virtual team town hall in August, the Group’s owners, John Keogh and Rish Channa, were joined by directors, Sean Joyce and Tim Smith, to unveil the new Rygor Group structure and branding.
The Board showcased the exciting changes the business is making to enhance the range of quality services it offers customers, and investment in its team members.
Commenting on Rygor Group’s rebrand and expansion, managing director John Keogh, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for the future of Rygor Group Ltd. We understand the needs of our customers are everchanging and evolving, so it’s important our business doesn’t just keep pace – but proactively enhances what it does, to provide even more customer choice.
“Our business is built on providing the highest customer service levels and offers a quality, industry-leading provision. This is the Rygor difference.”
Rygor Group comprises a diverse collection of UK automotive businesses, with a primary focus on trucks, vans, coaches, passenger cars, body repairs and coachbuilding.
Keogh added: “Through the hard work and dedication of our team members, we have secured our position as one of the UK’s top automotive groups, with a turnover of circa £250m a year.
“As part of our rebrand we are officially launching our four divisions: Rygor Auto, Rygor Plant, Rygor Apex and Rygor Service Solutions, which operate from a total of 17 sites across the UK.”
Rish Channa, commercial director said: “This rebrand is so much more than a change of logo but is a mark in the sand for how we move forward as a business, securing our company for years to come and enabling our business to be a Best Workplace.
“Rygor Group offers customers end to end solutions and this rebrand represents that. Our biggest change is no doubt the move from Rygor Commercials, an extremely
well-known and reputable name in the commercial vehicle industry, to Rygor Auto, our new trading name.
“It’s the same team and the same quality service that our customers can rely on, but a new name to reflect a new epoch, a new offering and representing who we are moving forward as we establish more franchises including Mercedes-Benz passenger car aftersales at selected sites.”
Channa added: “This rebrand is part of a much bigger, long-term plan for our Group which positions our team and quality service at the heart of our company. Rygor Auto is a UK Best Workplace, and we continue to focus
on recognising and developing our team, with initiatives such as introducing birthday leave, enhancing our maternity and paternity pay, offering paid miscarriage leave, celebrating staff at our internal company awards and our internal training and development opportunities.
“In fact, we are thrilled that we were able to recognise three of our team members who were nominated by their colleagues, by inviting them to attend the Community Shield match at Wembley on Sunday, 6 August, in the new Rygor Group box.
“The company box is an investment we have specifically made to give back to our team and show them how much we appreciate what they do.
“We’ll continue to stay true to our core values of being a Rewarding, Reliable, Respectful place to work for our team, and provide a quality service to customers.”
Since an MBO in November 2022, Rygor Group has seen carefully managed, sustained growth and expansion, and continues to invest to ensure its future plans are thoughtful, impactful and most importantly – successful for the business, its team and its customers.
