COMPANY
Car and Van The motoring magazine for SME fleets
The return of the saloon
Say hello to the new Peugeot 508
MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER The 21st Century van
VOLVO XC60 T8
The plug-in that’s in with the ‘In Crowd’
DS7 CROSSBaCk
First drive of DS’s new breed
August 2018
www.companycarandvan.co.uk
06 08
A chance for clarity on the fleet front
Contents 04 Peugeot 508 06 Suzuki S-Cross 08 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 12 Volvo XC60
24 32
16 Hyundai Ioniq 18 Nissan Navara 20 Lexus ES 22 DS7 25 Jaguar iPace 28 Mazda CX3 29 Kia Sorento 32 BMW X3 36 Jeep Renegade
53 58
37 Volkswagen Touareg 40 Renault CV news 42 Toyota Hilux 47 Motorline Toyota 48 Citroen Berlingo 52 Isuzu D-Max Utah 58 Volkswagen Transporter 60 Renault Trucks
48
62 LDV in the spotlight 64 Vauxhall Combo 66 Fiat Professional Fullback Cross
AUGUST 2018 • ISSUE 50
August gives us a chance for holidays and a spot of relaxing in the sun. In the current climate, as far as fleets and company cars are concerned, with managers and drivers alike more confused than ever by this government’s lack of clarity when it comes to taxing company vehicles, it’s a chance we should all take, if only to clear our heads! Unfortunately, Brexit seems to be the only thing on the politicians’ agenda and the car manufacturers and dealers are suffering, as they try to second-guess the policy makers. SMEs still need cars and CVs for business, so in this issue of Company Car & Van we drive a selection of vehicles that we believe you should consider. A trip to France gave us the first chance to drive the new Peugeot 508 and it’s very good indeed. So too is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; with technology to the fore, this new model is the future of vans. Talking of the future, we spent a week in the Volvo XC60 T8, which by utilising an EV home charger proved a surprisingly frugal companion. One brand which has benefitted greatly from a new attitude from fleets is Suzuki, who’s petrol range is doing well in the market. We test the Suzuki S-Cross this time. There’s a new player in the executive SUV sector and it hails from France – it’s the DS7 Crossback, which was both different and impressive. An SUV that drives like a saloon ... surely not? We find that the BMW X3 is as close to driving perfection in the sector as you can get. And the KIA Sorento proves that big is sometimes best. We also have features on the new Jaguar i-Pace, Lexus ES, Volkswagen Touareg and JEEP Renegade On the commercial front, we review three pick-ups: the Nissan Navara, Fiat Fullback Cross and Isuzu D-Max Utah. Renault Trucks offers the Master range and top-notch service, the Volkswagen Transporter solves our bathroom problem and the new Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo are revealed. Have a great Summer! Andrew Walker, Editor and publisher
12 20
COMPANY
Car and Van The motoring magazine for SME fleets
The return of the saloon
Say hello to the new Peugeot 508
Company Car & Van is wholly owned and published by: Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd, 12 Oakwood Lane, Bowdon, Cheshire WA14 3DL t: 0161 941 4296 / 07734 264735 e: andrewwalker@uwclub.net
MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER: The 21st Century van
VOLVO XC60 T8
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The plug-in that’s in with the In Crowd
DS7 CROSSBaCk
First drive of DS’s new breed
August 2018
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Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 03
By the power of Greyskull – it’s the return of the rep-mobile Ditch that bland and boxy SUV... the saloon is back, says Andrew Walker Peugeot can be justified in feeling really confident right now. Spurred on by the success of its 3008 and 5008 SUVs, the French brand has spent the past five years developing and now launching its all-new 508, a saloon car into a world that’s been taken over by SUVs of every conceivable size. This is without a doubt a brave move but at its recent launch in Monaco the Peugeot hierarchy were positively bullish about their new baby, pointing out that they were aiming it below the premium German brands, with the goal of being the best high-end brand of the rest. These are brave words indeed, but with year-on-year sales on the up in an everdeclining market, perhaps Peugeot is right to be positive about this new car. The UK is set to be the third largest European market for the 508, where Peugeot sees it very much as a B2B proposition. With retail sales dominated by crossovers of all shape and size, SME fleets here are very much on the agenda for the Coventry-based company. Both China and the US will be important markets for 508 as well. Available from launch with a range of petrol and diesel engines, both a hybrid PHEV and EV models will follow in due 04 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
course, with Peugeot realising that despite the logic of diesel for business, petrol and especially plug-in models are a necessity for them to compete in an ever-changing world. There are two new petrol options based on the 1.6L PureTech engine: the PureTech 180 SandS EAT8 and PureTech 225 SandS EAT8 (GT version only). Four diesel options are available in the range and based on the 1.5L and 2.0L BlueHDi engines: BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual, which is the entry-level engine and the only one offering a six-speed manual gearbox, BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 auto, a BlueHDi 160 S&S EAT8 auto and a BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT8 auto. Realising that customers now expect their car to be bang on trend with tech, practical as well as attractive both inside and out, Peugeot’s design team have created a clever hybrid of the best-looking German saloons – think BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5, with a touch of Gallic style, for this new 508 is definitely a cat-walk contender. The 508 is no longer on the outside looking in, it’s a fashionable ‘fastback’ which now offers a genuine alternative to the Teutonic trio. The new model’s front end features a finely fashioned radiator grille with chromeplated chequerboard, full LED headlights, with the famous lion centred on its radiator grill and the 508 logo upon the nose of the bonnet. The car appears more compact and it is: 4.75m long vs 4.83m of the outgoing car. The low glazed surfaces further sharpen the outline and reveal frameless doors.
Spanning the rear end and framed between the rear lights is the glossy black horizontal strip that now characterises Peugeot’s latest vehicles and three-dimensional full LED rear lights which are illuminated throughout the night and day with adaptive intensity, making Peugeots coloured claws constantly visible. The car’s designers have also massively improved the interior as well. The familiar i-Cockpit dashboard layout from the 3008 and 5008 has been adapted to the saloon, offering an almost wraparound driver’s seat between door and centre binnacle. The small steering wheel is also there, plus a large 10” wide HD capacitive touch-screen in 8:3 forma and a head-up display unit with a high-resolution 12.3” digital screen. We tested an automatic model, as only the entry-level diesel uses a manual gearbox. Basic Active cars get an 8” capacitive touchscreen, with Allure models and upwards benefitting from a 10” HD display. The temperature and fan controls are hidden within a sub-menu in the infotainment system. Luckily, for slow learners, everything can be accessed via the intuitive piano key shortcut buttons, an addition on 3008 and 5008 as well. To be fair, all 508s come fairly well equipped. Active features 3D connected SatNav, DAB radio, automatic lights and rain-sensing wipers. Allure adds ambient lighting, heated faux-leather seats and a reversing camera. Safety is on trend too, with all models www.companycarandvan.co.uk
offering autonomous emergency braking and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA). Choose Allure and you also get Active Blind Spot Detection road sign recognition and Driver Attention Alert. We drove the GT- Line version, which is only available with the most powerful engines. It comes with wireless phone charging, 18” wheels and LED lights. The interior features leather seats, with contrast stitching, aluminium pedals and top quality finish that will give the Germans a run for their money. The connected equipment in the new 508 includes Mirror Screen compatible with the Android Auto, Apple CarplayTM and MirrorLink®, with off-board voice-recognition via smartphone and induction-based smartphone recharging (for devices compatible with the Qi standard). The PEUGEOT Connect pack includes 3D connected navigation with TomTom® Traffic. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Being a fastback, internal space especially in the rear is slightly compromised, with rear head room taking a hit. The cabin does boast 32 litres of storage, spread out around the passenger cabin, as well as four USB sockets to charge portable devices, which are available from Allure trim and above, one jack plug in the armrest and two 12V sockets, including one in the boot. In the boot which at 487-litres, is actually 14 litres bigger than before, while the hatchback tailgate will make loading bigger items much easier. Peugeot also claims a total of 1,537 litres with the rear seats folded flat, with room for a spare wheel under the boot floor. We had the chance to drive the GT-Line specced model on the motorways around Nice and up and into the hills between Grasse and Monaco. When you walk up to the 508 it looks stunning, always an important consideration for UK fleet customers. The cabin feels top-notch and driver- friendly and I managed to get comfortable in the electrically adjustable drivers seat quickly. Before I set off, I connected my i-Phone seamlessly with Apple Carplay. Our route had been pre-set and the navigation proved capable. Having holidayed in the Cote D’Azur several times, I knew the roads and the routes well and put my foot down on the winding roads as we climbed towards Valbonne. The ride can best be described as supple, handling bumps with aplomb and taking in sweeping curves equally well. The eight-speed auto box made light work of the inclines we encountered and the 508’s low centre of gravity means that there’s little or no body roll. The small steering wheel adds to the dynamic feel and as I approached the motorway, I had enjoyed the trip. Riviera traffic is notoriously slow and on
our visit congestion on the motorway only gave me a few kilometres to put the car through its paces. The adaptive cruise control was easy to set up and the 508 purred happily along at 120kmh. Our car’s 225bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine offered plenty of torque and if you opt for this engine, you won’t be disappointed. I would expect the 508 to be as happy on a long motorway journey as it was in the hills. In conclusion, I have to give it to Peugeot. The company has taken a gamble by investing in a new saloon model, but by the power of Greyskull, they’ve produced a stand-out car that deserves to do well. Once upon a time, no self-respecting rep would be without their trusty saloon and perhaps, the new Peugeot 508 might make customers ditch that boxy, bland-to-drive SUV, for something a little more exciting. A He-Man and Masters of the Universe 4/5. • The Peugeot 508 went on sale in July 2018, with deliveries commencing in October. Prices range from £25,000 for the 1.5 diesel to £36,400 for the top-spec GT 2.0-litre.
CC&V VERDICT Nissan created the SUV sector with the Qashqai... could Peugeot have re-created the mid-sector saloon with the 508? A real surprise and proof of Peugeot’s return to form.
Rating: N N N N Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 05
On test: SUZUKI S-CROSS
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S-Cross has qualities to mark it out in the mid-SUV sector Andrew Walker
Nissan has a lot to answer for. When they launched the Qashqai in 2006, little did they know how successful it would be, nor how many other car manufacturers would launch similar vehicles in its wake. As the old saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ and it’s clearly a mantra that Suzuki’s designers stuck to when they launched the Suzuki S-Cross in 2013. Despite being a mid-range SUV, the first incarnation of the S-Cross didn’t look particularly SUV-like, so in late 2016, Suzuki gave its largest model a mid-life facelift. In the flesh, the latest S-Cross is actually prettier than the original. The facelifted model gets a bolder front end with a big chrome grille, a raised clamshell bonnet and a more upright nose. While the grille makes it look somewhat like a small JEEP, it is most definitely a modern and attractive car to the eye. The rest of the bodywork follows the atypical SUV lines, with plastic body cladding and chrome along each flank.
Suzuki sent me the DDiS SZ-T model in mineral grey metallic, this diesel being the most likely fleet purchase. All versions are well equipped and come with alloy wheels, as well as body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, keyless entry and start and rear privacy glass. The SZ-T adds SatNav a rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors and LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights. With an easy to use touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel mounted audio controls, the S-Cross is very driver friendly and with my iPhone connected I was able to make hands-free calls and listen to music in my iTunes library. The SatNav system fitted to the S-Cross was a really good one as well, superior to many in far more expensive cars and a credit to Suzuki. The cabin is nicely styled, if somewhat familiar. The standard black plastics on the dashboard are of good quality and are lifted by the silver trimmed air-vents and blue rings
around the dials. Both front seat passengers enjoy good leg and head room and I found the seat and steering column adjusted nicely to suit my favoured driving position. As I mentioned earlier, the S-Cross is shorter and narrower than the Qashqai and the Kia Sportage, too. While this makes for sharper handling it does reduce the rear passenger space, making it harder to fit three adults in the back comfortably. The boot, though, is impressive, offering 430 litres of space, some useful shopping hooks, a 12v connection and a clever false floor that lifts to reveal extra storage. I’m reliably informed that you can order a full sized spare which will fit in here as well. Safety features are to the fore: ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, ESP, Hill hold control, driver and front seat passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and there’s even a driver’s knee airbag. Having run a Qashqai as a company car for two years, albeit an underpowered petrol version, the 1.6 DDiS diesel engine fitted to my test car was surprisingly engaging. Out
and about the S-Cross handles well on B roads with its shorter dimensions increasing the fun factor. There’s some typical small SUV roll but it’s far more enjoyable to drive than its rivals, with the six-speed gear box working nicely. The suspension soaked up my local pot holes better than most. Take it on to the motorway and it performs nicely, too. I selected cruise control and enjoyed a couple of hundred miles of quiet, comfortable driving. Suzuki has raised the ride height by 15mm on the new model and this plus the revised suspension settings have improved stability and comfort, and the new version is noticeably less bumpy as a result. The 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel isn’t just good to drive, but offers great fuel economy. According to the book, expect around 68.8 mpg on the combined with emissions of just 106g/CO2 km. In the real world of CC&V, we managed to average just under 50 mpg. This was much better than some of the similar but larger SUVs we have driven recently, namely the Qashqai, CRV, CX5, RAV4, Sportage and new Tiguan, which were all closer to the 35-40mpg mark on the combined cycle. Another great thing about the S-Cross is that it is attractively priced as well, with my SZ-T costing £20,999. With the appointment of a new Corporate Sales Manger in Graeme Jenkins, Suzuki’s
Milton Keynes HQ is now geared up to do some serious fleet business and there are a host of incredibly good contract hire deals currently available on the S-Cross. The Suzuki dealer network contains mainly smaller privately owned sites, rather than being populated by large PLCs, therefore customers are more likely to be looked after as well. All in all, things look bright for Suzuki and if you include the hugely enjoyable Vitara and supermini Ignis, it is a brand that is really going in the right direction with its latest models. If you must have a small SUV as your next company car then you could do a
lot worse than taking a ride in the S-Cross, which is both cheaper to buy and is more fuel efficient than most of its competition. The revision does make the S-Cross more visible, but it’s still not common, which the Qashqai most certainly is. A real value for money contender 3.5/5
CC&V VERDICT
A real value-for-money contender that will have far more expensive rivals looking anxiously over their shoulders
Rating: N N N N
On test: MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER
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The van for the 21st Century Andrew Walker revels behind the wheel of the all-new hi-tech Mercedes-Benz Sprinter As Mercedes-Benz’s Head of Van Sales, Steve Bridge, told the assembled motoring writers at the recent UK launch of the third generation Sprinter, “Mercedes-Benz Vans is undergoing a transformation, from a vehicle manufacturer into a provider of transport and mobility solutions.” “As the way we purchase and use our vans changes, Daimler has invested an awful lot of time and money making the latest Sprinter the first Mercedes CV to embody its adVANce philosophy. “adVANce is designed to take a more holistic look at transport and mobility in the commercial vehicle sector, with vehicle ‘connectivity’ the key to how business will use their vans in the future. This investment will put the MBCV brand at the forefront in future proofing its commercial range, for the inevitable technological changes ahead.” In the meantime, for those who want to know more about the latest Sprinter and how it differs from what went before, read on… The new third generation Sprinter is an evolution of the van that came before it. It now contains the brand’s Pro Connect advanced technology, accessed from a new centrally located 10.25” touchscreen. The interior features a new touch-capable multi-function steering wheel, natural voice control, a clearly laid-out uncluttered instrument panel, wireless charging for smartphones and some features from the Mercedes-Benz car range, such as the air-vents. It all gives this new Sprinter the most car-like interior of any van to date. The top of the dash features three closing storage cubbies, the larger central one hiding the USB connection. Further storage comes in the firm of door pockets that are large enough to hold drinks, two storage spaces underneath the dashboard controls, shelving above both driver and passenger and two smaller spaces under the central air-vents. There’s a quality finish to the dash and neat and tidy matt black interior. The lack of switches on the dash is a little disconcerting. The touchscreen and functions therein, do take a little while to get used to, but it’s not as complicated as most modern cars. Once you’ve spent some time behind the wheel everything clicks into place, with the toggle heating controls, for example, becoming second nature to adjust. Everything you need, is within easy reach from the driver’s seat as well. 08 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
From the outside, it is still unmistakably a Sprinter. Subtle updates include slender headlights, with LED bulbs on higher spec vans, a more upright windscreen, blistered wheel arches and a softer profile. Both the inside and outside may be new but the engine range is the same as the previous model. For the first time the Sprinter is offered with Front Wheel Drive, powered by a 2.1-litre four-cylinder unit offered in three power outputs; 114hp, 143hp and 177hp, with the most powerful version exclusively reserved for the camper van. Rear-Wheel-Drive versions also feature the 2.1-litre unit and offer power outputs of 114hp, 143hp or 163hp. And, if you need one, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel FWD version is now offered for the first time. As before, the Sprinter AWD is also available with fourwheel drive and a raised ride height to give it some extra off-road ability. As standard, the Sprinter gets a six-speed manual gearbox, while the rear-drive model has the option of a 7Gtronic auto. The FWD mode also features a new nine-speed torque converter auto for improved efficiency and performance. If you’re a buyer looking to reduce emissions, especially for last-mile deliveries in urban areas, the all-electric Mercedes eSprinter will join the range in 2019. Customers are spoilt for choice, with the latest Sprinter offering 1,700 variants. You
can perm anything from panel van, tourer, dropside, chassis, bus or tractor head. Maximum load capacity is 17 m3 and up to 5.5 tonnes, with the wheel arches able to take load, thanks to robust cladding. The addition of FWD increases payload by 50 kg and this model is also available with a nine-speed auto transmission. FWD also offers 80 mm lower loading sill to make loading/unloading and access/exit more convenient. The panel van comes in a variety of sizes, with four wheelbases and six body styles. The FWD version comes in two wheelbases (3,259mm or 3,924mm) and is offered in panel van, chassis cab or tractor head guises, the latter being designed for camper van conversion. Go for the Sprinter RWD, and you have a choice of three wheelbases, panel van, chassis cab, crew cab and passenger carrying Tourer bodies, while the RWD version also offers a double-wheel option for loads up to 5.5 tonnes. The panel van has a load area that features a large, flat, plastic-trimmed floor, plus a plywood lining, which is now standard across the range. The box wheelarches have been strengthened and are able to carry as much weight as the load floor itself, while standard and high-roof variants are also offered. Continued on page 10 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On test: MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER
Continued from page 8 In terms of electronics, the Sprinter now comes with electric power steering, so it’s able to make use of Mercedes’ latest safety systems from its car range. Distronic adaptive cruise control is available which is now capable of bringing the Sprinter to a complete stop before driving off again, and it can cope with congested driving. Lane keep assist is available too, while the active system can automatically brake the vehicle if it senses the Sprinter is drifting across lines. Depending on body type, wheelbase, roof height, drive configuration and engine variant, the fuel consumption figures vary between 41.5 and 29.1 mpg, with CO2’s of between 178 and 253 g/km. Nitrogen oxides after combustion falls by over 80% and the AdBlue tank capacity has increased to 22 litres. We were able to drive a FWD manual MWB version first. Leaving our Birmingham City Centre location, the first thing that strikes you about the latest Sprinter is just how easy it is to drive. Much like the latest Crafter and MAN TGE, it’s incredibly car-like in movement and feel. The speed sensitive electric power steering is light and well balanced and although our 114hp test model lacked a bit of poke, it did enough with two on board and a load of bagged concrete on a small pallet in the back to keep up with traffic on the M6 heading south. In and around the city it coped well with rush-hour
10 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
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traffic and the light clutch was a real bonus. From a connectivity point of view, Mercedes Pro Connect from launch will allow you to utilise eight services out of the projected 18 that will be available over time, a very useful tool for fleet managers and delivery drivers alike. These include Vehicle Supervision, Vehicle Operations, Fleet Communication, Maintenance Management and Accident Management and a Digital Driver’s Log. There’s also a high-speed internet connection in the new Sprinter, which is available for the connectivity services of Mercedes PRO but can also act as a hotspot for separate mobile devices. For the first
three years, the Mercedes PRO service ‘Live Traffic’ is available for free with the navigation system The infotainment system offered included an AM/FM radio, with my own favourite 6Music DAB station found using the built-in TuneIn internet radio App. The built in SatNav was straightforward to set up and generally worked well, although as with many counterparts, if you rely solely on it you will need to keep your wits about you as it has a tendency, visually anyway, to be a little slow to point out the next turn, leaving you unsure as to which right hander you really should be going down.
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The driver seat and seat adjustment mechanism were exemplary. Fore and aft, up and down are all on offer and it was easy for me to get comfortable behind the wheel. There’s space for the passengers up front and the steel bulkhead keeps the cab quiet if utilising hands-free Bluetooth, or just chatting to a colleague The steering wheel also features buttons to access the infotainment system, handsfree Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control and vehicle information. Adjusting the air-con and fan to your liking is by toggling the relevant switches up and down. These are located to the left and right hand side of the central dash underneath the touchscreen. There’s also a push-button starter, standard across the range, with keyless entry and exit. An electronic handbrake is located just below the steering wheel. All in all, the interior is very clutter-free and Scandi-Like in its ergonomics and design. After lunch we drove back through heavy traffic in a RWD LWB auto version of the new Sprinter, which proved to be equally as impressive to pilot as the smaller manual. Stop-start traffic proved no problem with the auto box, in which the seven-gears were well spaced. At one point I did take a wrong turn and with the excellent reversing camera located in the dashboard and viewed in the touchscreen, the LWD Sprinter is a cinch to make a three-point turn in.
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CC&V VERDICT The latest Sprinter may not be cheap, but by our reckoning, it’s well worth the extra investment and takes it’s position as the new class-leader
Rating: N N N N N
Most of the return journey was spent negotiating the type of driving roads with associated traffic that delivery drivers encounter daily. In comparison with the previous model, this latest Sprinter does everything from the driver’s point of view, is better than its predecessor and better than the competition. The new van will start from £24,350
excluding VAT on the road, for a standard roof, FWD, SWB L1 panel van, with a 111bhp 211CDI diesel four-cylinder engine. Chassis cab Sprinter models will start slightly cheaper than van-bodied variants, kicking off at £23,370 before VAT, while crew cab models begin from £31,800. These prices make it competitive against the Volkswagen Crafter and the MAN TGE, its natural competitors. So in conclusion, what do we have with the new Sprinter? In essence, we have a large panel-van that does anything and everything you’d want a large panel-van to do. A myriad of sizes, options and a good choice of engines, in manual or auto, FWD, RWD or AWD, should keep customers happy. The ultra-modern, clutter-free interior, high-quality fixtures and fittings, hardwearing finish and standard safety features also help, but what really sets this new Sprinter apart, not just from its predecessor but from the class-leading VW and MAN large vans too, is the new Mercedes-Benz Pro Connect service system, a system designed to help business users utilise data, enabling them to simplify the use of vans within their day-to-day use. Daimler has created the first van that will be ready for the technological changes ahead, a van that will be able, like Apple’s OS operating system, to change with the times, while still offering customers more of what they want.
Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 11
On test: VOLVO XC60 T8
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Volvo has put all its eggs in the hybrid basket: Andrew Walker can see why it’s so confident in its policy If there’s one car franchise that, in 2018, can seem to do no wrong, it’s Volvo. New launches such as the XC40 and V60 have been very well received and as the UK government stumbles around in the dark, trying to work out if diesel engines are the new ‘Darth Vader’ they are claiming they are, Volvo, which is ostensibly a diesel brand, has a ready and waiting tax-friendly replacement to diesel for business users, in the form of its Twin-Engine T8 models, which come with a BIK of just 9%. We’ve driven the really rather excellent XC90 version and recently had the opportunity to spend some time with its little brother, the XC60. As with the other models in the range, the XC60 standard entry-level model is Momentum, but the T8 version is only offered in R-Design, R-Design Pro, Inscription and Inscription Pro specs. The entry level R-Design will set you back a healthy £53,800, so its not cheap when compared to the D5 PowerPulse XC60 diesel, which costs £44,250. We were testing the R-Design Pro, available from £56,850. Petrol or diesel, the XC60’s interior is lovely, featuring soft touch plastics and leather. All of the switchgear will be familiar to Volvo customers and it, along with everything inside the cabin, has been put together with the utmost Scandinavian care. It truly is a relaxing place to be. I preferred our test cars simple black and chrome interior to the ‘driftwood’ styling that can be found on higher spec models. Most of the crash functions are controlled by Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, which is standard across the XC60 range and is, now that I have used it several times, a real standout. This brings a 9” portrait-style touch screen, SatNav – including lifetime annual map updates and Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) – and an intuitive voice-activation system. It also provides access to the internet with a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp. Volvo’s City Safety system is fitted to every XC60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection and the world-first application of Steer Assist. This feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle. Pilot Assist, Volvo’s innovative semiautonomous drive feature, is an optional 12 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
Volvo XC60 T8 is definitely in with the in crowd extra on every XC60. It assists with the steering (up to 80 mph) and takes care of the acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed or distance from any vehicle in front. Pilot Assist is another step towards fully autonomous driving. As standard, entry-level Momentum variants come with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and 18” alloy wheels. The dynamic R-Design version adds 19” alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats
trimmed in leather and Nubuck, a high gloss black front grille, and silver matt and high gloss exterior detailing. The luxurious Inscription trim level gets Nappa soft leather upholstery and electrically adjustable ventilated front seats. It also has a different style of 19” wheels, chrome exterior details and rear footwell and side step illumination. Every version is also available, as our test version, in highly specified Pro form. R-Design Pro brings powered front seats, a heated steering wheel and windscreen, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology and Volvo On Call. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
There’s also 21” alloy wheels and electronic air suspension with adaptive dampers, while Inscription Pro has 20” wheels, the upgraded suspension and a massage function for the front seats. An optional Xenium package is available across the range adding a powered tilt and slide panoramic glass sunroof, a 360 degree surround view parking camera system Park Assist Pilot, which includes automatic parallel and 90 degree parking. Smartphone Integration is another option and includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. This provides access to certain functions of your Apple or Android device and optimised apps directly via the XC60’s touch screen, voice-activation system or the buttons on the steering wheel. The similarities between the XC60 T8 and larger XC90 T8 are there. Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights, although longer in the XC60, upright grille, a different one for each specced model in the range, traditional Volvo rear light clusters, which are extended horizontally on XC60, the new XC60 could only be a Volvo. In fact, when you compare the XC60 to the www.companycarandvan.co.uk
XC90, it’s only 261mm shorter, 118mm lower and 9 mm narrower than its larger sibling, the benefit of which can be seen inside the cabin, with good front and rear head and legroom. Four adults will travel in great comfort, but the centre rear seat will fall short for most adults on anything other than a medium journey. The similarity doesn’t end there though, because like the XC90 T8, the XC60 T8 is powered by the same 1969cc petrol engine, offering a 0-62mph time of just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. In the XC60, though, the motor gets its power from a 10.4kWh battery rather than the XC90’s 9.2kWh unit, and this car can travel up to 28 miles on pure electric alone. Emissions of just 49g/km are the icing on the cake. We now have an EC charger at the office and what a difference this made to my week in the T8. A full recharge took around two hours and gave me about 21 miles of pure electric use. This meant that I averaged almost 35 mpg in my week in the T8, an almost identical reading to the figure I recorded in the diesel XC60 and diesel XC40 earlier this year. The sheer weight and shape
of the XC60 – it’s an SUV after all – mean that it is never going to shine when compared to the lower and leaner V90 diesel I also drove recently, which returned 43mpg. It won’t have escaped many business users that from 2019, every new Volvo will come with an electric motor to power it in some way or another, so the Swedes are going all-in with their plug-in-hybrids. When your BIK is 21% lower in an XC60 T8 than in an entry level D4 diesel, it’s easy to see why Volvo is pushing this option. As usual, I spent my week attempting to conserve fuel and energy and with that home/office EV charger did just that. Yes, I had a bash in Power mode, put my foot down and the T8 is fast. But it’s so well controlled it doesn’t feel really exhilarating, which may disappoint some. It’s not as much fun as the BMW X3 or Jaguar F-Pace, for example. Furthermore, with just 86bhp on offer from the electric motor, trying to pull a car that weighs 2,115kg means that the petrol engine kicks in quickly. Fuel economy will therefore suffer, which is why it was stuck in Hybrid mode all week. You can ‘hold’ the battery’s charge for use later and you can also charge up the car on the move with the engine acting as a generator, but this is particularly inefficient. ‘Hybrid’ is the best mode to drive the T8 in and the switch between EV and petrol power is smoother when you select this option. When we tested the T8 XC90 in February we were disappointed with both the fuel economy and with how fast the petrol engine emptied, only achieving 200 miles from a full tank at an average of just 23mpg. However, adding a home/office charger to the equation, a cost of about £200 including vat and government grant, makes a massive difference. To give you an example, having travelled 350 miles, there was still a quarter tank left. By charging at home, at work or both every day for 2 – 2.5 hours I was able to utilise the full benefits of this excellent plug-in Volvo hybrid. Petrol or diesel? The T8 XC60 is the most expensive XC60 to buy but it’s the best to drive. It’s also as frugal as a diesel version of the XC60 if you can utilise an EV charger. With BIK of just 9% anyone lucky enough to have one as their company car will save a wedge. Would I like one? Too bloody right I would!
CC&V VERDICT Fast, luxurious and money saving. If you can charge it, the T8 is well with considering as your next company car. What more could you want?
Rating: N N N N Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 13
On test: HYUNDAI IONIQ
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With diesels currently lagging behind Darth Vader in popularity stakes, the Hyundai IONIQ couldn’t have landed at a better time, says Andrew Walker When the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said that drivers considering buying diesel cars should take a “long, hard think” before ordering their next vehicle, he really put the cat among pigeons. Rather like Edwina Currie’s infamous quote about eggs being riddled with salmonella back in the 1980s, in a single sentence the minister put an entire industry on edge, steeling itself for problems in the future. The Government’s bugbear is urban air pollution and in particular, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from diesel vehicles, which have been rising steadily in recent years. How things have changed. When I started writing car reviews 25 years ago, almost all company cars were petrol. Fast forward to the early 2000s and the pendulum had swung in favour of diesels – at the behest of government. Now things are moving back firmly back to petrol again, as the car manufacturers are producing smaller, more powerful and frugal petrol engines and some car brands, notably Toyota, have been moving their car ranges under the hybrid banner. The latest new hybrid-on-the-block to take
advantage of this shift in policy and public opinion is the Hyundai IONIQ, which Hyundai claims is a game-changer, as it is the first model to offer three electrified powertrains on one platform. Available in Hybrid, Electric and Plug-In Hybrid derivatives, the IONIQ gives customers unrivalled choice thanks to Hyundai’s completely electrified portfolio. The IONIQ Hybrid range is also attractively priced, with the SE 1.6 GD costing just £19,995, undercutting the equivalent Prius by almost £4,000. The low price belies its high equipment list, however, which includes standard features such as 15” alloys, DAB with Bluetooth, Cruise Control and Rear Parking Sensors with Rear View Camera. Safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) and individual Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The IONIQ Hybrid Premium 1.6 GDi, from £21,795, provides additional equipment over the SE, including keyless entry with push button start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED rear combination lamps and a driver’s supervision instrument cluster with 7” LCD display. Integrated satellite navigation with
TomTom Live services, an Infinity audio system with Android Auto / Apple CarPlay and Wireless Phone Charging (where supported) also feature as standard. From £23,595, IONIQ Hybrid Premium SE 1.6 GDi models benefit from enhanced comfort equipment such as leather seats with heated/ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats, heated leather steering wheel and a driver power seat with Integrated Memory System. Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Parking Assist and optional 17” alloy wheels round off this range topping trim. Highly aerodynamic, all IONIQ models feature an airflow-optimised fastback body that slips through the air thanks to a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.24. Inside, the IONIQ features the very latest connectivity systems – including Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging – while safety features include the very last active safety systems. Thanks to an aluminium bonnet and tailgate, the IONIQ Hybrid is 60kg lighter than the similarly sized i30 hatchback. Compactly packaging the car’s batteries under the rear seats means the IONIQ has a 443-litre boot, some 100 litres bigger than
IONIQ plays its part in offering drivers a new hope
16 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
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Toyota’s Prius. I tested the IONIQ Premium SE 1.6 GDI with the addition of 17” wheels. Looks-wise, the IONIQ bears some resemblance to Hyundai’s own i40, with a sloping roof line, high rear end and a low front end. The rear screen is split in two by a dividing bar, which does hinder rear visibility. Climb aboard and you’ll notice a far more conventional dashboard than in the space-age Prius. The IONIQ’s green credentials are enhanced with some of the plastic panels inside being made from environmentally friendly wood and rock powder. The quality of the fixtures and fittings, as in all of the latest Hyundais, is pretty good. The digital dials and instrumentation are nicely finished and easy to see. The centrally located 8” touchscreen on my Premium spec test car was very easy to use. I connected my iPhone to Apple Car Play, utilised the Bluetooth function for hands-free calls and listened to my favourite DAB station, all in the course of a 100-mile round motorway trip. The SatNav system is also excellent in the IONIQ. For those of you who like buttons more than a touchscreen, Hyundai has kept a row of shortcut buttons underneath the screen to help you access the main functions as well. On the road, the IONIQ uses a dual-clutch automatic gear box which means that you get less of the groan when accelerating than
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with the Toyota Prius CVT box. Handling is acceptable. I felt that the IONIQ, which shares many of the underpinnings of its sister brand from KIA, the Niro, drives better than the KIA. Acceleration is adequate though not startling, at 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds. The IONIQ switches between petrol and electric power in smooth fashion and it’s quiet in hybrid mode. Driving on wet roads, including the motorway, I found the cabin quite noisy though, with the hatchback design the culprit, as there’s no way of closing off noise from the boot, which is only protected by a thin sliding cover. Sit up front and there’s a real feeling of space. The electrically adjustable, heated, leather seats in my test model made it easy to get comfortable. The heated leather steering wheel was a bonus which I really enjoyed on a cold February morning. In the rear, the sloping roof-line, which give the exterior a touch of class, will hinder taller rear passengers but there is plenty of leg room, even for the centrally seated rear passenger. Because the car’s batteries are located under the rear seats, the 443-litre boot is quite shallow. The flat floor also hides a spare wheel, but there’s a lack of insulation in there to keep the outside road noise at bay. IONIQ Hybrid boasts an official combined fuel consumption of 83.1mpg and CO2 emissions of just 79g/km. In my real-world
test, in which I covered 300 miles or so, the IONIQ gave me an average economy of 53.2mpg, which is more than a match for most diesels I have driven recently. Should your fleet look at petrol hybrid? Well, with diesel cars now seemingly being compared to Darth Vader and petrol and petrol-hybrid cars to Luke Skywalker, the addition of the IONIQ to the Hyundai model range has come at just the right time for the Korean brand. The standard hybrid IONIQ that I drove makes a compelling case for those looking for both low running costs and competitive pricing, with the Prius, as an example, being considerably more expensive. Launched at a time when the UK Government is openly questioning diesel and the Mayor of London wants to ban older diesel vehicles from London’s streets, the IONIQ should appeal to fleet customers who are thinking about making the switch from diesel to hybrid motoring. Hyundai’s five-year manufacturer warranty makes the IONIQ’s case even stronger.
CC&V VERDICT A force awakens. Should keep your fleet’s costs out of harm’s way if the Government strikes back against diesel CC&V RATING:
NNNN
Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 17
On test: NISSAN NAVARA
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Navara is tough to beat by Andrew Walker If you were born in the 1960s and grew up in the 1970s you probably watched an awful lot of WW2 films – where every brave soldier roared around in a Jeep or one of its many derivatives. Is it any wonder, therefore, that men aged between 40 and 60 are drawn to off-roaders and pick-ups? Despite the fact that the rugged terrain associated with such 4x4s isn’t something you immediately link with down-town Surbiton, the increasing popularity of the pick-up here in the UK shows no sign of abating. When I’m testing them I get more questions from friends and family than with any other type of vehicle – everyone wants to know a little bit more about them, particularly ‘Can it be used as a family car?’ Of course, there is no concrete answer to this, because every driver is different. But to try and make up your mind for you, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, in reality a posher Navara, plus a new top-of-the-range VW Amarok, are making this decision harder still, by producing new models which get close to the comfort of some SUVs. The Nissan NP300 Navara uses the 2.3-litre diesel engine that powers the NV400 van and is available with outputs of 160PS and 190PS. It’s available in five trim levels: Visia, Acenta, Acenta+, N-Connecta and
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Tekna. Prices start from £19,998 for the Visia, rising to £26,863 for the Tekna. Many of the latest Navara’s advanced safety features are incorporated across the range as standard. This includes Forward Emergency Braking on all double cab models; driver, passenger, side, knee and curtain airbags; electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD); Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control (on 4WD models). Nissan also offer generous specification levels from the entry level upwards. The Visia
CC&V factfile Price: £25,694 ex VAT CO2: 167g/km Combined fuel economy: 44.8mpg Max speed: 114mph Fuel tank: 80 litres Load length: 1578 Load width: 1560 Payload (from): 1047kg Based on Navara Tekna Double Cab 2.3 dCi 190PS 4WD
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gets manual air-conditioning in 4WD format, plus Bluetooth, cruise control with speed limiter, steering wheel audio controls, an AUX socket, a USB port and three 12v sockets. Acenta adds 16” alloys, Nissan’s Intelligent Key System, which incorporates an engine start/stop button and a five-inch highdefinition TFT flat screen on the dash. Acenta+ is plusher again with 18” alloys automatic air con with dual zone climate, a rear reversing camera (shown in the rear view mirror), side steps, electric folding heated door mirrors and rear privacy glass. Opt for the N-Connecta and you’ll be rewarded with Nissan Connect’s 2.0 7” touchscreen satellite navigation and entertainment system including DAB, a rear colour reversing camera, Bluetooth audio streaming, app integration and even live traffic updates. The flagship Tekna adds the brand’s Around View Monitor, which uses cameras to give the driver a bird’s eye view of the car, as well as rear parking sensors, leather seats with heated front seats, roof rails and LED headlights. For those of you reading this who actually want to use your Navara as a pick-up, all payload capacities on the range remain above the critical 1.0t mark which releases the trucks from VAT liability. The highest payload of the Navara line-up is 1,203kg for the Visia king cab/chassis-cab variant, the
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Visia king cab 2WD is 1,136kg, the Visia/ Acenta double cabs, 1,062kg and the Acenta+, N-Connecta and Tekna is 1,047kg for manual and 1,052kg with automatic transmission.Towing capacity is 3.5t, matching both the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. A trip to the North East to a specialist off-road location gave me the chance to sample the Navara on road. On the winding North Yorkshire roads the Navara did feel almost SUV-like, with a well thought-out and comfortable cabin echoing other Nissan models such as the X-Trail in its car-like appearance. Off-road it didn’t disappoint. On some challenging terrain, travelling just 3.5 miles in 90 minutes across deeply rutted fields, two rivers, ascending and descending some incredibly tight, boulder-covered roads, showed us the Navara’s true off-road capabilities, which were excellent. The Navara is also surprisingly agile, enabling a turning circle of 12.4m. A central dial lets you select 4LO mode to tackle the toughest conditions – we used this and it is tremendous. Hill descent control can be activated by pressing a button on the central console to help control descents while Hill Start Assist stops the vehicle rolling backwards when starting on a slope. The return journey I made later that day, was on B roads through and around several
markets towns in Wensleydale, which further enhanced my feeling that currently, the Navara is one the best all round pick-ups out there. Its fuel economy – 40.3 mpg on the combined – and CO2 emissions of 183g/km, are also attractive for buyers. For urban warriors, features such as the Around View Monitor display, first in this category, help you park better and for those serious off-roaders like Simon Bush and Lyndsay Mottram from The Fast Show, this also helps you know where obstacles are when you’re driving through the toughest terrain. A tick in both boxes. So is the Navara a match for the urban SUV? Unquestionably, no. However, if you are looking for a practical family vehicle that will double as a work horse and go off-road over the toughest terrain, then the Navara is right up there. I can’t say fairer than that ! If Bob Fleming could spit it out… a brilliant 4/5.
CC&V VERDICT The latest Navara is more SUV-like than before, with a better all-round ride, especially in the rear. Better fuel economy; excellent package.
Rating: N N N N
Company Car & Van | August 2018 |19
LEXUS NEWS
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Diana Mackinnon
Diana’s leading the way Autocar has named Diana Mackinnon, General Manager of Lexus Edgware, as one of the most influential British woman working in the motor industry at its annual Great British Women in the Car Industry event, held in association with the SMMT. Mackinnon received the Retail Sales category award at a star-studded event at the Barbican Centre in London. She commented: “I was touched when my senior managers said they wanted to put me forward for the award and I am honoured to be recognised in this way. “However, I wouldn’t be here without the support and hard work of my dedicated team, so this is just as much about them as it is me. Only in recent years has the feeling of being a female in a male-dominated industry become apparent to me, and I appreciate that my employers, Jemca Car Group, encourage all employees, including women, to reach their full potential. “Women drive and own cars and are also massively influential when it comes to helping partners choose their car, so we do need more of us at the coalface and in boardrooms. I would love to see even more women in sales, service reception and the workshop.” In addition to Diana’s win, another Lexus Centre Principal had the honour of being selected in the Top 100 most influential women in the British motoring industry: Nahide Crisp, Centre Principal at Hills Motor Group Lexus, Woodford Green, Essex. Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw added: “While there are certainly challenges in the car industry, it’s heartening to see such a wealth of outstanding British women thriving in an array of roles and in the most senior positions. “There is plenty of work to be done but, by highlighting the considerable impact of these women, we hope we can inspire more women into our amazing automotive world.” 20 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
Seventh Heaven for luscious Lexus ES After six generations of success in the mid-size saloon category, the new, seventh generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long renowned for its comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the new ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and even better driving performance. It is a further expression of Lexus’ design direction and commitment to crafting vehicles that provide more excitement, emotional connection and passion, helping bring the brand’s vision for its future to a wider audience. Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before, while a new generation of customers will be introduced to a saloon with sharpened performance, class-leading safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this market segment. The seventh generation ES’s eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the UK, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. Available from January 2019, the UK range will feature the ES 300h, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system. ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350 petrol engine models will be available in certain other European markets from September 2018. The new ES saloon will be a core model in Lexus’s line-up, contributing to the brand’s ambition to reach 100,000 annual new car sales in Europe by 2020. The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore the limits of mid-size luxury saloon design. The car is longer (+65 mm), lower (-5 mm) and wider (+45 mm) than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase (+50 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car’s corners, with wider front and rear tracks (+10 and
+37 mm). Its stance and proportions reflect its new-found performance capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appeal that will make owners and admirers take a second look. Yasuo Kajino, ES Chief Designer, describes the car’s new look as “provocative elegance”. “The ES has always been an elegant luxury saloon. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge buyers’ traditional expectations,” he said. The new GA-K platform allows for a lower bonnet line, which gave Kajino’s team the freedom to produce a distinctive silhouette with a strong downward slant, creating a dynamic yet fluid shape. Up front, the ES’s face is dramatically different according to model. The standard versions display elegant, vertical bars that radiate out from the centre of the signature Lexus spindle grille, while the F Sport models – featured for the first time in the ES range – adopt a black cross-hatch pattern that corresponds with cut-out sections at the car’s front corners. In a break with past generations, the design features a fast roofline that emphasises the vehicle’s lower stance and slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiselled. The ES 300h is equipped with a new, fourth generation self-charging hybrid drive system that can deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions for a mid-size luxury saloon. Total system power is 215bhp/160kW and combined cycle fuel economy is from 60.1mpg. The 2.5-litre engine is all-new and incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines to feature in a production vehicle. The result is more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption. Features that help achieve such impressive results include straight intake ports, increased valve angles and laser-clad valve seats. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On test: DS7
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Suits you, Monsieur Macron Andrew Walker has fond memories of the classic Citroen DS – so how will he find the DS 7 Crossback? On 22 August 1962, an assassination attempt is made on the President General Charles de Gaulle by the militant French underground organisation OAS, in anger over the French government granting independence to Algeria. As the president’s motorcade passes the gunmen, de Gaulle’s unarmoured Citroën DS car is raked with machine-gun fire, but the entire entourage escaped without injury. And so begins one of my favourite films, The Day of the Jackal, which when I first watched it as a child on TV may well have been the first time I caught site of a black Citroen DS, which 40 years later, I unashamedly consider to be the greatest car of all time. Although DS became a stand alone franchise in 2014, all of the models in the range are based on existing Citroen models. What the marque lacked was a DS model of its own. And that is exactly what DS has done, with the launch in 2018 of the DS7 Crossback, which was launched as a brand new original DS model. But the DS7 is a Crossback, not a saloon like the original DS, and has been built to target customers in the highly lucrative crossover market. In what is an increasingly competitive sector, with the addition of new models from Jaguar, the E-Pace and Volvo, the XC40, joining sector heavyweights the 22 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the DS will be up against it. However, rather than shirk away from the competition, DS has hit the ground running, with 60 DS sites due to open over the next 12 months and DS Automobiles launching in the UK its ‘Only YOU’ collection of privileges, which includes DS at your Service anytime support, DS Assistance, DS Delivery and Service Valet, DS Club Privilege and DS Rent, offering something a little bit different and upmarket to further entice customers to the marque. CC&V was given the opportunity to test drive this new premium crossover and we were excited to see if it would be in any way as different from the original DS, and whether it would be up to carrying France’s current President, Emmanuel Macron, in comfort and safety like the DS’s of old. Trying to design a mid-size Crossover that looks different to its competitors must be a thankless task, but the designers behind the DS7 have at least tried to think outside the box. Launched with four trim levels – Elegance, Performance Line, Prestige and Ultra Prestige – the Performance Line model we tested looked fantastic in black and in this trim will definitely appeal to business customers. These cars get 19” ‘BEIJING’ diamond cut alloys, Art Black Basalt Nappa leather dashboard and door panels, a 12.3” HD touchscreen, Inox Roof Rails, LED Front fogs with cornering function, Manual ‘Follow me home’ lighting, LED Daytime Running Lights, DS Active LED Vision, DS 3D LED rear lights, high beam assist and full LED
interior lighting. Climb aboard and you’ll notice that DS has added some nice touches inside as well and most are not at all boring. Triangleshaped air vents at each end of the dashboard are noticeably different, as is the location of the starter button, smack bang in the top centre of the dash, flanked by the two central air vents. The landscape touchscreen is also a highlight and the angular electric window switches set in the centre binnacle also add to ‘le difference’. Even the graphics on the PSA Group’s 12.3” digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, can be configured with rhombus-shaped graphics, something I have not come across before. Elsewhere, the dashboard switches, door fittings, seats and steering wheel are satisfyingly all top notch, with only the lightweight plastic used on the glove box, letting things down a touch. Overall, the ambience within the cabin is just right and the driver’s seat in this new DS is great place to be. Customers usually buy an SUV or Crossover for practical reasons and the designers at DS have included some useful storage in the cabin. There is a flip cover space in front of the gear stick, good for keys and your mobile phone, with the USB socket also accessible here. The centre binnacle features a pop-up open and close arm rest with storage space within. There are two cupholders in front of this plus decent sized door pockets as well. Continued on page 24 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On test: DS 7
Continued from page 22 Front passenger head and legroom is excellent and in the rear there’s a flat floor, which coupled to the generous space on offer, means that you could fit five adults in the DS7 if required. There’s also a rear armrest hidden in the centre rear seat, which also features two cup holders. When open this also reveals a ski flap, which I utilised with the purchase of a 1.8m piece of treated wood. With all five seats in place, 555 litres of boot space is on offer and when you fold the rear seats down this goes up to a quite considerable and class-leading 1,752 litres, plenty of space as I discovered, to fit my MTB bike into. The automatic tailgate is a useful addition as well. The 2.0 litre Blue HDI 180 8-Speed auto comes with 400Nms of torque, which means that even when four adults are on board, the DS7 performs well, especially when accelerating on the motorway. Around town the engine isn’t noisy and feels quite smooth when compared to some other diesels out there. Top speed is 134mph and acceleration feels quicker when you’re in the DS7, than the claimed 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds. The steering is light and precise and as a motorway cruiser it’s very impressive. The DS’s suspension, like the original, makes for a comfortable ride and there is little or no body roll, even around sharp bends. We utilised two of the four driving modes Eco
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and Comfort, with Eco our preferred choice. Sport mode is on offer if you’re feeling rakish. We tested the on-board tech and are pleased to report that connection your mobile phone to the car’s Bluetooth Hands-Free telephone is straightforward, as is linking to Apple Car Play. The SatNav works well, but I found the graphics a might confusing compared to other systems I’ve experienced. Like many other models, the DS7 features climate controls located in the touchscreen. While you can adjust the temperature without having to leave the radio or SatNav screen, to adjust the fan speed you need to enter the climate screen which means selecting the climate toggle underneath the screen, then touching the screen itself which, while on the move and not unlike this sentence, can be a little fiddly! We were lucky enough to have the DS7 over the May Bank Holiday weekend when the sun shone. This meant a couple of
longish motorway journeys with all of the family plus the dog and it didn’t skip a beat. Despite the usual Bank Holiday traffic chaos, the DS7 kept its cool and so did I. The eight-speed auto box was a joy, especially in heavy traffic, and the excellent rear passenger space meant that my adult children had room to stretch out. In a sector stuffed with contenders, the DS7 does a really good job of being just different enough to warrant your consideration. It’s more spacious than the Volvo, especially in the rear, looks far nicer and rides better than the BMW X3, is more interesting than the Audi Q5 both inside and out and feels far more substantial than the Range Rover Evoque, which is closer to a BMW X1 or Audi Q3 in size. Add in the brand’s desire to look after new customers and some unique design detail and the DS7 is a serious player. It may not quite have the uniqueness of my favourite DS of old, but at least DS has tried. In a sea of tranquility, the DS7 offers more than few ripples and is definitely worth a look. A Macronesque 4/5
CC&V VERDICT Fit for a president. Expect to see Mr Macron – and plenty of others – in a DS7 soon
Rating: N N N N
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I-PACE testing proves electric is ready for colder months The summer’s been great – but Jaguar is making sure its all-electric I-PACE is ready for winter. Issues around the performance of all-electric cars in colder months, when battery charge lasts for less time as heating systems are used by the driver, have dogged development of e-vehicles, but Jaguar’s testing has shown that this challenge has been effectively cleared. Jaguar’s all-electric I-PACE will deliver both rapid charging and rapid performance. Capable of charging in 45 minutes* and with sports car performance and SUV practicality, the I-PACE will be the perfect every day car – whether on the school run, daily commute or even coping with sub-zero temperatures. Rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperature, the I-PACE has tamed the Arctic at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, at temperatures as low as -40°C. Tony Westerlund, a potential customer from Sweden, had some interesting questions on living with I-PACE in Arctic conditions, particularly regarding stability and traction on the ice and snow. To answer his questions, Jaguar engineers invited him to Arjeplog to drive the car for the first time and see how it’s been tested to ensure performance in extreme conditions: https://youtu.be/VOnPjpFa3DU “Not only will the I-PACE charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday lives, it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climactic extremes. Allied with the www.companycarandvan.co.uk
versatile credentials of our celebrated PACE family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other,” said Ian Hoban, Jaguar Vehicle Line Director. Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a journey. Preconditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot. Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from
“Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice ...” either the on-board InControl system, or the Remote smartphone APP, and is as easy as setting an alarm. The Jaguar I-PACE was recently voted by readers of What Car? magazine as the most anticipated new car of 2018, securing six times the votes of any other model on the shortlist, which includes the likes MercedesBenz, Tesla and Audi. The I-PACE isn’t the only Jaguar with an electric future after the iconic UK manufacturer announced that from 2020, all new Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will be electrified.
Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, said: “Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice. We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles. “With I-PACE we started with a clean sheet and engineered a bespoke, tailored, pure electric SUV from the ground up, creating a beautiful design with everyday practicality. It’s a performance SUV, it looks stunning, is great to drive and will be on sale next year.” The I-PACE is the first example of this – and the classic Jaguar E-type will be next, with the ‘Zero’ model. Acclaimed by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car in the world”, the new E-type now combines breathtaking design with electric power for the first time. E-type Zero is based on a 1968 Series 1.5 Roadster and features a cutting-edge electric powertrain for 0-60mph in just 5.5sec. It was engineered by Jaguar Classic at the company’s new Classic Works in Warwickshire, UK. Another electric option comes in the form of the Jaguar E-PACE – a seriously smart compact performance SUV. Designed and engineered to be beautiful, fun and clever, it is instantly recognisable as a Jaguar. It’s a perfectly 21st century car: connected, modern, practical and utterly engaging to drive. It’s beautiful to look at, fun to get to know and possessing a soul and integrity that can only come from Jaguar. Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 25
On test: MAZDA CX-3
Andrew Walker finds lots to like in the Mazda CX-3 In recent years we have seen a glut of medium-sized SUVs enter the market. In addition, the success of the Nissan Juke has brought a host of mini-SUVs to the market, too: the Renault Captur, Fiat 500X and Honda HR-V are three examples. To this list add the Mazda CX-3, which is heavily based on the more practical but less attractive Mazda2. It shares similar front-end styling including a deep, shield-shaped grille that follows the current Mazda Kodo design treatment. With narrow headlamps that wrap around to the front wings and sleek rear windows, the CX-3 really looks the part and it is undoubtedly a more attractive car than the bulldog-looking Juke, with angled fog lights giving the compact crossover a sporty look. At the back, the tail-lights have the same effect. They’re shallow and wide, sitting across the rear wings and hatchback. Above them is the black C-pillar, which helps make the Mazda look lower to the ground than some of its competitors. The cabin gets the same dashboard as in the Mazda2. There’s one small rectangular air vent and three circular ones, plus the climate control dials and a 7” touchscreen in front of you, which can also be controlled with a rotary dial, similar to those found in BMW and Lexus models.
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SKYACTIV adds lustre to Mazda CX-3
In the front, the cabin feels spacious, but it is a little claustrophobic in the back, and taller passengers will have height issues. I sat in the back and at 5ft 8” my head was almost brushing the roof. Having said that, the CX-3’s external dimensions are slightly larger than those of the Nissan Juke, so there’s actually more room inside. Mazda loaned Company Car the CX-3 1.5 105ps 2WD Sport Nav Diesel manual version of the CX-3. With a top speed of 110 mph
CC&V factfile Price: £18,495 CO2: 136g/km BIK: 28% Comb mpg: 47.9 Based on CX-3 SUV 2.0 SKY ACTIV-G 120PS
VERDICT If it was me I would seriously consider the CX-3 diesel. It’s a really fun-todrive little car.
NNNN
28 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
and a 0-62mph time of 10.1 seconds, the 105ps unit was actually good fun to drive and surprisingly quiet from start up compared to the usual diesel noise I was expecting. Combined fuel consumption was a claimed 70.6mpg, while I actually averaged 51.7 mpg, so as in most cases the claimed economy is around 20 mpg higher than I ever manage to achieve in a real world test. None the less, achieving over 50mpg is to be applauded and with CO2 emissions of 105g/ km, the CX-3 makes an attractive proposition for company car drivers. Like all Mazdas, SKYACTIV technology is at work here, which helps to improve both fuel economy while not reducing performance. That’s really true here: the CX-3 is a driver’s car. Light, precise steering coupled with a smooth 6-speed gearbox make for fun motoring in town, while on the motorway the addition of cruise control enabled me to relax on a longish journey to Birmingham and back through miles of 50 mph speed limits. My fuel economy was good and the needle on the fuel gauge did seem to take forever to go down, which is another feather in the diesel’s cap. What about the petrol CX3? As luck would have it I got to try the petrol CX3 at a Mazda driving day in Yorkshire and I have to say that it felt gutless compared to the diesel. It’s quicker and reaches a higher top sped but the lack of pull at low revs is very noticeable. I averaged 41.2mpg on my one hour test route along mainly B roads, so from CC&V’s point of view, the diesel is definitely the one to go for every time. Any negatives? Although it’s well equipped, well made and good looking, the entry-level model costs around £17,500 which is more than the cheapest Juke and although the CX-3 is a better car than the Juke, this could be a stumbling block for some. The standard price of my test car was £21,895, but you get a lot of goodies for that. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Sorento is happy to muscle in on the premium brands Andrew Walker
KIA has made a pretty good fist of becoming a bona fide player in the UK car market. Gone are the cheap and cheerful but well built and reliable models of yesteryear, replaced by a more expensive, well equipped and attractive range – though they are still well built and reliable, with the Sportage the stand-out seller. In 2016, one-in-four KIAs sold in the UK was a Sportage, but since the middle of 2017 things have begun to change, with its vast array of models, including Stonic, cee’d, Niro, Optima and Sorento, all contributing to the brand’s success, which sees the UK as its best selling European marketplace. The original Sorento did what it said on the tin and when the current version came out in 2015, KIA produced a more refined sevenseat SUV capable of taking on the opposition in a highly competitive market sector, where customers are really spoilt for choice. This is a sector where customers expect more than sheer size from their vehicles; after all, you’ve got all the upmarket brands – from Bentley, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Maserati and Lamborghini through to the likes of Audi,
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BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover – all fighting for sales. KIA has updated the Sorento range for 2018, adding some new trim levels, ditching the manual version and offering it with only an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Sorento is still offered in KX-1, KX-2 and KX-3 versions, with the addition now of GT-Line and GT-Line S trim, which offer customers an awful lot of goodies for their money. Customers who want a large SUV want practicality and the Sorento doesn’t disappoint The Sorento’s seven seats, arranged in a 2+3+2 configuration, can be configured in a variety of ways. With the third row in place there’s 142 litres of boot space,
but when not needed they fold flush into the boot floor at the tug of a cord, which frees up 605 litres of space behind the second row. This can also be slid back and forth and split 60:40. Fold the second row down via two levers in the side of the boot and that opens up a massive 1,662 litres of space, easily enough for a mountain bike or two. The Sorento’s a good looker, too. The exterior of the tweaked third generation is reminiscent of the big Audi Q7 Mk1, but prettier. We were testing the 2.2 CRDI GT Line S Auto AWD, which looks great. This comes with a dark metallic mesh radiator grille, chrome door handles, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights, red brake callipers, LED-headlights, stainless steel side steps, 19” alloys and twin exhaust pipes. Inside, the new Sorento is plusher and better equipped. There’s a StopStart button, eight-way adjustable electric seats and a 7” LCD touchscreen. Ventilated and heated black leather front seats, outer heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, air-con, even in the two rear most seats and a 10-way power adjusted driver’s seat are comfort highlights. Continued on page 30
Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 29
On test: KIA SORENTO
Continued from page 29 Safety is covered, too. AWD is standard and there’s also Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA),Lane Keep Assistant (LKAS), Drive Warning System (DWS) and Lane Departure Warning, all fitted to the GT-Line S, the kind of features that a German marque will ask extra for. On top of these, the GT-Line S gets park assist, a 360 degree all round monitor, adaptive cruise control and a Harman and Kardon sound system. As luck would have it, the Sorento arrived in time for an annual trip to North Wales for me plus a group of tall late teens and our weekend gear. Once on the M56 I engaged cruise control and sat back for our two-hour journey to Nefyn. With 197bhp under the bonnet the Sorento is a fine motorway cruiser and will reach 60 mph from a standing start in an impressive 9.1 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 127 mph. Thanks to extra insulation in the engine bay and wheel arches, plus larger doors that now stretch over the sills, engine and road noise is much better inside the cabin than it was in the Mk2 Sorento. The auto box is splendid, taking the hard work out of the trip. Once into the area around Snowdonia, the Sorento proved that it’s not just good in a straight line. It’s remarkably poised around corners and up and down hills for a car of its size. The auto box copes well with the terrain and although I didn’t venture off road, I’m sure it would be a capable vehicle in that area if it was required. On arrival in Nefyn, I had found the Sorento to be a really comfortable drive, both on the motorway and along the narrow North Welsh roads, with my passengers, including 30 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
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CC&V factfile Price: £42,925 CO2: 170 BIK: 37% Comb mpg: 43.5 Key details: Automatic transmission; seven year warranty; 71-litre fuel tank Based on 2.2 CRDi GT-Line S
one of 6ft 5” who sat in the rear, declaring that there was plenty of room in the back. On our return on the Sunday afternoon, KIA’s excellent Sat Nav even took me on a detour around the congestion hot-spot of Caernarfon, enabling our party to get home 30 minutes faster than everyone else. For business users, running costs are a major consideration. KIA claims a combined fuel economy on my test model of 43.4 mpg – driving 500 miles, I achieved 36.2 mpg – with emissions of 170g/km, which for a large 4WD seven-seater is pretty impressive. With KIA’s 7 year/100,000 mile warranty, 12-year unlimited anti-perforation warranty and
5-year/100,000 mile paint warranty to reassure you, the Sorento is also a sensible choice if you need seven seats, 4WD or need to tow a horse box or caravan. What does all this good stuff cost? My test model retailed at £43,325 on the road which raised a few eyebrows among my fellow parents. However, buy a German car of the same size that is similarly equipped and you would be looking at £50,000+ ... and the rest for a similarly specked Land Rover! ... so in that respect the Sorento is great value for money, with its nearest competitors being the Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan X-Trail. In conclusion, updating and improving the Sorento has only strengthened its hand. Up against the rest of the competition it shines as great value for money, with a tremendous warranty and proven reliability. As a family man with two grown-up children and a dog, it would be a great car to drive regularly. Indeed, one of the dads on our trip had just bought a Land Rover so that he could get his new jet ski in and out of the sea in Wales. I don’t think he was smiling when I told him the Sorento’s price, because his second hand 4WD had cost him 10k more!
CC&V VERDICT KIA might not be the obvious choice for up-market SUV buyer, but it should be now. Great to drive, well-equipped and very practical. Makes for an easy four out of five from Company Car & Van
Rating: N N N N
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On test: BMW X3
BMW delivers an SUV worthy of your consideration Andrew Walker For a number of years now, ‘the ultimate driving machine’ has been available as an SUV, a shape and size of car that one would not necessarily associate with exciting driving. BMW being BMW, though, has tried to stay faithful to this company statement and despite the original X3 not actually being that wonderful, I had high hopes for the second generation model which arrived at CC&V Towers recently. In a glut of mid-range cross-overs, the X3 offers all that you could want of a five-seat family car. From the outside its unmistakably a BMW, with the kidney front grille, sweeping side lines and high rear end. Inside, the cabin is beautifully apportioned, with high quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The familiar BMW dashboard and infotainment system is in place as is the option of altering the vehicles drive ability, something that BMW knows a thing or two about. Our test model was the BMW X3 xDrive 2.0d M Sport. Powered by a 2.0litre 190hp diesel engine, this version has some guts, with the eight-speed automatic gearbox happy to oblige when required. Comfortable on the motorway, refined at low speeds and capable of overtaking slow moving traffic at a canter, the X3 should make anyone who has one a very happy driver indeed. But if you want a family car capable of carting you and yours around the local neighbourhood, the X3 will perform this task admirably. Both front seat passengers get acres of head and leg room and even in the rear, taller passengers will be comfortable, even in the usually pokey centre rear seat. The cabin has been designed with plenty of storage options too. Decent sized drinks holders in each door, a centre binnacle lift-up arm rest with a USB connection inside, a useful glove box and space in front of the gear lever offer more space for your keys, iPhone or wallet. The boot is generous, coming as it does with 550 litres of space with all five seats in place, which increases to 1,600 litres if the rear bench is folded down, a task easily accomplished if required. While we have driven many of the X3’s 32 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
competitors recently, a week in the X3 proves that this BMW still shines in the sector thanks to its excellent drivability and handling. It may look like an SUV but underneath, the X3 is built on a platform shared with the 5 Series saloon, so can be bought or leased in the knowledge that it will be fun to drive. Features include xDrive 4WD as standard and in line with the BMW range, there’s both petrol and diesel engines that should keep all company car confuseniks happy. The range is also fitted with the latest ‘autonomous’ safety aids and up-to-date tech but, as our test car showed, not all of these come as standard and will cost you a little bit extra. For example, ‘Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go’ adds £620 to your purchase. The Technology Pack fitted to my
test car includes a Display Key, Head up Display, Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging, BMW Gesture Control – a source of endless fun to my 17-year-old son – a Digital Cockpit and WiFi Hotspot preparation which costs an additional £1,545, which is not small change. So, we have a refined, comfortable people carrier, that features up to date safety and tech. But, the $64,000 dollar question is, what is it really like to drive? I’m pleased to report that the answer is well, very well in fact. The latest BMW X3 offers both comfort and finesse and the driving experience that BMW claims is definitely there too. Our 2.0-litre diesel was excellent, quiet and refined even under duress. The chassis feels light and makes the car nimble, especially
when driven hard around corners, and there’s the added plus of little or no body roll. Where most of its competitors fail when pushed under similar circumstance, the X3 pulls its sleeves up and gets stuck in. It really does feel like a higher driving 5 Series, offering up a really comfortable ride on its 19” alloys. What will company car drivers get in the way of penalties by running an X3? The smallest 2.0-litre diesel returns a combined test result of 53.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 140g/km. The 3.0-litre diesel manages a test figure of 48.7mpg with 154g/km. The 2.0-litre petrol offers 38.7mpg with 163g/km, while the racy X3 M40i will theoretically, but not with me driving it, do 34.4mpg, producing 188g/km of CO2. As a rough guide, I averaged 36.2mpg in my week and almost 500 miles in the X3. I mostly used the Eco www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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CC&V factfile Price: £41,070 CO2: 166g/km BIK: 34% Comb mpg: 54.3 Key details: Watch your extras; price can rise to nearly £50,000 if you take a number of topnotch tech goodies Based on xDrive 2.0d M Sport
give you an idea if the X3 fits into your monthly outlay. One thing is for sure, given the competition, for me the X3 is still the best car in its sector to drive and can be described as ‘the ultimate driving SUV’.
Pro drive function which was fine for the motorway, selecting Comfort and Sport in town and when driving on winding B roads. Many of these cars will be bought by companies for their employees, and the Benefit-in-Kind tax brackets are 33 per cent for the 2.0-litre diesel, and 35 or 36 per cent for 3.0-litre diesel depending on model. The 2.0-litre petrol X3 gets a 33 or 34 per cent rating – again dependent on model – while the M40i will be taxed at top-rate 37%. While the X3 officially starts at around www.companycarandvan.co.uk
£39,000, most buyers will choose a model costing £40,000 or more. Our test model cost was £41,070 but add the extras as our test car did and the final cost is £49,205. When you go over 40K VED (road tax) will shoot up from £140 annually to £450 from years two to six of the X3’s life – an additional total cost of £1,550. So think long and hard before you lease. As of June, you can lease the BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport from £429 per monthly rental, (plus £2,574 initial rental), so this will
CC&V VERDICT Finally, an ‘ultimate’ SUV worthy of its name. The X3 isn’t a compromise between versatility and driveability: rather, the best in its sector and well worth considering if your pockets stretch to £429 a month
Rating: N N N N
Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 33
NEWS: JEEP RENEGADE
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Efficient engines at the heart of the new-look Jeep Renegade Comfort, power and entertainment: the 2019 Model Year Jeep Renegade Sport has everything you desire, from the personalised instrument cluster, to the premium seating all the way to the Uconnect™ 5.0” DAB radio with touchscreen, Bluetooth and steeringwheel controls. The facelifted Jeep Renegade was first shown off at the Turin Motor Show in June, and immediately wowed motoring journalists and prospective buyers alike with its retro rugged styling. Changes on the new-look Renegade exterior are subtle, with the main focus on a much-improved tech offer and a new suite of engines. At the forefront of the new engines is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, 48V mild hybrid version, which will be available on every car in the line-up when it goes on sale in the UK in 2019. There will also be a plug-in hybrid variant by 2020, as well as a smaller, sub-Renegade SUV. Perhaps the most striking new engine, however, is a 1.0-litre, 120bhp petrol: a stunningly powerful but efficient unit for a small SUV. It addition there is a 150bhp version, and a 180bhp 1.3-litre petrol. All three deliver excellent performance allied to
36 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
huge gains in efficiency and lower CO2 emissions – so crucial for the modern fleet – that are huge improvements to the current iteration’s 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols. Exterior revisions include revised LED daytime running lights – the popular X motif from the rear lights is continued into the headlights – while the car’s rugged, retro-Jeep styling remains.
Inside, a larger infotainment screen takes the place of the current 6.5” unit, and as with the current vogue it contains the buttons and controls that previously surrounded it. It houses Sat Nav as well as other controls and helps make the dash look far less cluttered than before. Jeep says new Renegade pricing will start from £18,500 otr.
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Touareg ready to make a big impact
Volkswagen has unveiled its new flagship SUV, the third generation Touareg, which heads the brand’s youthful product line-up as a paragon of technology, fine design, comfort and driving excellence. Boasting the latest assistance systems, some of them appearing for the first time in a Volkswagen, the Touareg also offers the option of the new Innovision Cockpit which comprises an intuitive digital information, communication and entertainment unit. The 2018 Touareg is the latest milestone in the largest product offensive in Volkswagen’s brand history. Debuting with efficient and potent V6 turbocharged engines the Touareg comes with an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. In the UK, the car will initially be offered with a 286 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel unit or, from the autumn, a 231 PS version of the same engine. A 340 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine will be available to order in the UK in late 2018, with deliveries of that powertrain beginning in 2019. In addition a plug-in hybrid drive with a system power of 367 PS is first planned for introduction in China. The exact launch date of the Touareg with plug-in hybrid drive in Europe has yet to be set. With a torque peak of up to 600 Nm, the 286 PS 3.0 V6 TDI also showcases the new Touareg’s extensive towing capacity. Capable of hauling braked trailer weights of up to 3.5 tonnes, the new car also boasts the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s handy Trailer Assist technology to facilitate simple slow-speed manoeuvring. The 3.0 V6 TDI with 286 PS (2,967 cc) generates its punchy torque peak of 600 Nm from only 2,250 rpm, and offers 42.8 mpg* on the combined cycle. 0-62 mph takes 6.1 seconds, and the Touareg’s top speed is 146 mph. The new third generation Touareg is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) mated to an eight-gear automatic Tiptronic gearbox with ‘shift by wire’ functionality. A centre differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution acts as a transfer www.companycarandvan.co.uk
box for the flow of forces between the front and rear axle. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive force reaches the front axle and up to 80 per cent can be sent to the rear axle. Offered here in three comprehensively specified trims: SEL, R-Line and new R-Line Tech, the five-seat Touareg sits on the Volkswagen Group’s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB). Wider and longer than before, the luxurious new SUV’s dimensions are 4,878 mm long (+77 mm); 2,193 mm wide (including wing mirrors, +44 mm) and 1,702 mm high (-7 mm). Together these create significantly more dynamic proportions and, allied to all-new styling, endow the Touareg with an imposing yet lithe style. The five-door, five-seat Touareg offers a 1,051 mm load length and maximum load capacity of 810 litres (seats up) or 1,800 litres (seats down). Kerb weight is 2,070 kg for the launch car. Technology made simple One of the many technical innovations in the new Touareg is the option of the Innovision Cockpit. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster – Active Info Display – merges with the 15-inch TFT touchscreen of the new Discover Premium infotainment system to form a new digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit. The Innovision Cockpit is the control centre of a new era – an interactive interface in which the information and settings of all essential comfort, assist and infotainment systems converge in one simple-to-use matrix. Thanks to a separate eSIM mobile data connection, the new SUV is also “always on”. Indeed, never before has a Volkswagen interior of this type been digitalised and extensively linked to the vehicle functions and outside world to such an extent. More broadly, today’s Touareg features a new generation of assistance, driving dynamics and comfort systems includes technologies such as Night Vision (thermal imaging camera); Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist (partly automated steering and
lane departure warning up to 37 mph, acceleration and braking); Front Cross Traffic Assist (responds to traffic crossing in front of the Touareg); active all-wheel steering; and a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars. Comfort, space and grace New technology aligns with conventional premium car values of space and cosseting comfort inside the new Touareg, too. The car’s optional electrically adjustable front seats, for instance, offer a new, pneumatic massage function with no fewer than eight programs available. The intensity of the massage functions can be continuously adjusted via individual air cushions. The car’s flexibility is demonstrated by the flexible rear seat system. The position of the rear seats can be shifted by 160 mm fore/aft to create more space in the rear if required. Meanwhile the angle adjustment of the rear seat backrests is also variable in three stages, and by up to 21 degrees. Natural light comes in through the optionally available panoramic sliding roof – the largest yet offered by Volkswagen. The transparent roof section is 1,270 mm long and 825 mm wide (inner dimensions), and the front half can be continuously opened and electrically moved back by almost half a metre (495 mm) and raised. Meanwhile night driving is now more pleasant than ever thanks to a newly developed optional LED ambient light system. Using the ambient light, the atmosphere on board the Touareg can be personalised via 30 different light colours whose brightness can be adjusted. Welcoming the arrival of the new Touareg to Volkswagen Retailers nationwide Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The new Touareg signals yet another important development in Volkswagen’s growing SUV line-up. “Our suite of new models, headed by Touareg, arrives on the market as SUV sales continue to accelerate in the UK and I’m confident our new flagship model will make a big impact here.” Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 37
RENAULT NEWS
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What’s in a name? Renault has changes for an EasyLife Renault has announced a new line-up for its Clio, Captur and Mégane ranges, with the option of three easy-to-understand trim levels – Play, Iconic and GT Line – available on each model. The new line-up symbolises Renault’s EasyLife philosophy – simplifying choice and offering improved specification while offering an extremely visually appealing vehicle at every price point and reducing prices to offer even better value. The new line-ups provide desirable comfort, convenience and styling features, whilst reducing prices and simplifying price walks. With each model now having three trim levels, Clio and Captur have both reduced from five and Mégane and Mégane Sport Tourer from six. Renault Clio The ever-popular Renault Clio supermini will now be available with three engine and transmission options as part of the new Renault EasyLife line-up. The Clio provides the options of the TCe 75 engine with five-speed manual transmission or the dCi 90 engine with either five-speed manual transmission or six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic. The Clio is now priced from £13,500 OTR, a reduction of £445 compared to the previous entry version even with additional specification. Clio Play receives 16-inch black alloy wheels, DAB radio with Bluetooth and Hands Free connectivity, USB and AUX ports, R&GO smartphone application allowing access to sat-nav, cruise control, air conditioning, electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, Hands Free keycard, front and rear fog lights front daytime running lights. Further specification includes Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, 60:40 split folding rear seats, front electric windows, height adjustable driver’s seat and height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel. The Clio Play is available from £13,500 OTR or £179 a month with £179 deposit over 48 months on a Renault Selections PCP1. Clio Iconic is available from £14,700 OTR, a £254 saving when compared to the previous Dynamique Nav, despite the additional equipment of 17-inch black alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, extra tinted rear and tailgate windows and chrome window surrounds. MediaNav multimedia system with seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation is also included. Top-of-the-range Clio GT Line receives a sportier look, including 17-inch GT alloy wheels, chrome rear diffuser and exhaust and dark metal door mirrors. 40 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
The Clio GT Line is available from £16,250 OTR. New Renault Captur line-up Renault’s best-selling car in the UK and the best-selling B-SUV in Europe, Captur, is now available with a choice of either the TCe 90 petrol engine with a five-speed manual transmission or the dCi 90 diesel engine with a five-speed manual or six-speed EDC automatic transmission. The Captur is now priced from £15,300 OTR. The Captur Play still provides a wealth of features, including the addition as standard of the popular two-tone exterior paintwork when compared to the previous Expression+ trim. Other specification includes 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio with Bluetooth and Hands Free calls, USB and AUX ports, R&GO smartphone application allowing access to satnav, cruise control, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, air conditioning, electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, front and rear daytime running lights, 60:40 split folding rear seats, front and rear electric windows, height adjustable driver’s seat and height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel. The Captur Play is available from £15,300 OTR. On Renault Selections PCP finance the Captur Play is £199 a month with £199 deposit over 48 months2. Captur Iconic, which is £405 less than the previous equivalent Dynamique Nav version, provides owners with automatic climate control with quick demist function, seveninch touchscreen multimedia navigation system, Bluetooth with Hands Free calls,
USB and AUX ports, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and chrome interior touches on gear lever. The Captur Iconic is available from £16,500 OTR. The top-of-the-range Captur GT Line, £1,755 less than the previous Signature X Nav it replaces, has a more rugged look compared with the rest of the range and receives, among others, reverse parking camera, seven-inch touchscreen R-Link multimedia system, TomTom Live satnav with European mapping and Android Auto capability. The Captur GT Line is available from £18,300 OTR3. Mégane and Mégane Sport Tourer The Mégane and Mégane Sport Tourer range are available with a choice of either TCe 130 with six-speed manual or sevenspeed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic or dCi 110 with six-speed manual or six-speed EDC automatic. The Mégane is now priced from £17,315 OTR and Mégane Sport Tourer is now priced from £18,515 OTR. The Mégane Play versions receive seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and USB and AUX ports, 16-inch ‘Dakota’ alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, Hands Free keycard, height and lumbar adjustable driver and passenger seats, Bluetooth audio streaming and Hands Free calls, Autoadaptive airbags for driver and front passenger, cruise control, ESP, front fog lights, heated rear screen and Hill Start Assist, LED daytime running lights and central rear armrest with cupholder. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On test: TOYOTA HILUX
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Invincible Hilux will get you to the North Pole and back The world first discovered the Toyota Hilux in 1968. I was three, Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King jr were assassinated, The Beatles released the White Album and West Brom won the FA Cup at Wembley, in the first final to be televised live in colour. In the intervening years the Toyota Hilux has become renowned for its dependability, reliability and durability. TV favourites Top Gear – under Mr Clarkson et al – drove one to the North Pole to thoroughly test it under Arctic conditions, and completely failed to destroy one. Indeed, so impressed were the trio of over-excited schoolboys that they strung it up at the Top Gear studio in Dunsfold, where I have every confidence it started first time once they’d cut it down again. Where Toyota succeeded others have followed and in recent months Ford has launched a new, more road-friendly Ranger, Mercedes-Benz its X-Class and that’s not forgetting Japan’s finest, the Nissan Navara, the Mitsubishi L200 and Isuzu D-Max. Add to that lot the Fiat Fullback and it all makes for a very competitive pick-up sector. To my mind, however, there’s no doubting that the Hilux remains the ‘daddy’ of all pick ups. After all, it is Europe’s top seller for a start and the seventh generation rangetopping Invincible, which I tested recently, is 42 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
the cream of these. Delivered to CC&V HQ in a fetching Avantgarde bronze the latest Invincible gets distinctive styling, chrome side bar with steps, 18” alloys, scuff plates, rear privacy glass and full colour Sat Nav. Throw in a reversing camera, electric door mirrors, front fogs, vehicle stability control, trailer stability control, front side and curtain airbags and it’s as well equipped as many tarmac SUVs. The new model still looks like a Hilux. The addition of a chunky chrome grille with LED running lights at the front has perhaps softened the profile, but importantly, it’s bigger in every dimension than before. The load bay is a full 130mm wider than the old Hilux. It can also tow up to 3,200kg, an improvement too, but still a little behind the capacity of the latest Nissan Navara. On the inside Toyota has improved and updated the interior in line with its passenger car models. Although the dash is a little bland to look it looks and feels durable and has been put together really well. The top is finished in leather, making one feel that you aren’t in a vehicle that far away from an urban SUV. Technology wise, the Sat/Nav touch screen media system is intuitive. I connected my phone to it first time, for example. The remainder of the interior, including the
finishes on the seats, the carpets and the inside of the doors, are all first rate. There’s plenty of room for five as well. This seventh generation is markedly nicer than Hiluxes of old, reflecting perhaps Toyota’s realisation that to be competitive in the pick up sector today, your vehicle needs to appeal to a wider audience, especially when the tax benefits of running a commercial vehicle are considered. Under the bonnet are more fuel efficient Euro 5 powertrains, with the Invincible’s 2.4 litre D-4D diesel unit delivering 148 bhp, with an increased torque of 400Nm. It reaches 62 mph in 12.8 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 106 mph. Efficiency is such that you can expect to achieve 36.2 mpg on the combined cycle, which thankfully, unlike many cars I could mention, I found to be fairly accurate, as I managed 31.1 mpg in my week and 400 miles driving in it. CO2 emissions for the auto are 204g/km. Start the engine then pull away and the Hilux can’t hide it’s utilitarian routes. It’s quite noisy, the ride bouncy – Toyota is still using leaf springs – but the latest 2.4 engine does feels more refined than the old 3.0 litre unit and this is especially noticeable around town and when parking. Continued on page 44 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On test: TOYOTA HILUX
Continued from page 42 Drive out of town and off the B roads and onto the motorway and the Hilux cruises with the best of them, There’s a satisfyingly easy-to-use cruise control system and at a constant 75 mph the latest Invincible feels much more like a car than its predecessor, making for quieter, more relaxing driving. Although the old Hilux Invincible also came with a reversing camera, I still found it a little challenging to park, as the rear view via the window was such that you could not see the end of the load deck. Thankfully the new model’s rear window is deeper and I had no such problems this time. I don’t, as a rule, look at any test vehicles price until I’ve driven it for a week and I have to say that I thought the Hilux 6-speed manual double-cab would be more expensive than its OTR commercial price of £27,825. Not only is it much better than the previous model in every way, it’s also more car-like to drive, which has to be a good thing. Even with the current crop of pick-up
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competitors, the seventh generation Hilux is still one of the best. It doesn’t quite pull as great a load as the Navara, nor is it as flexible as the smaller L200, but it’s very well put together and will undoubtedly being a Toyota, last you a very long time. If you’re going Pole to Pole, fighting insurgents in a far away place or want to cross the Kalahari Desert, the Hilux is for you. However, don’t worry if that’s not you, though. If you’re just driving around our cities and Shires, it will do just as well navigating the more humble urban and rural locations of the UK. As a bonus if you need to drive up and
down the country on our motorways, the more refined 2.4 D4D engine performs admirably as a long distance cruiser. All in all, a versatile vehicle that is still sat on the highest pedestal.
CC&V VERDICT An Aztec Camera High Land, Hard Rain of a pick-up, one that‘s ready to work for you, whatever the task. Still the daddy
Rating: N N N N
CC&V factfile Price: £27,825 CO2: 204g/km Benefit in Kind: 10% Combined mpg: 36.2mpg Load length: 1525mm Based on Invincible 2.4d Data courtesy of JATO Dynamics
44 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
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TOYOTA NEWS
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Golden celebrations linked to tough Hilux A combination of two half-centuries provided the perfect excuse for a day of celebrations shared by SHB Hire and the Toyota Hilux. Both the Hampshire-based national vehicle hire and management specialist – a Toyota fleet customer of long standing – and the Hilux pick-up have their 50th anniversaries this year, occasions marked with a special customer driving day at the Heart of England Conference Centre, near Coventry. SHB Hire has one of Europe’s largest all-wheel drive fleets and has been a loyal supporter of Hilux, having purchased around 7,000 since 1979 when the all-wheel drive model first went on sale in UK. There is no let-up in its demand either, with 2018 in line to set a new record with potentially 800 more pick-ups being added to the total. SHB operates nationwide, providing short and long-term hire services to a wide range of industries that need a tough, reliable workhorse that can get the job done. The driving day gave SHB customers the chance to test the legendary off-road capabilities of Hilux and the recently revised Land Cruiser. A presentation was also made to explain the benefits of Toyota and Lexus hybrid electric technology, with a number of hybrid models available for guests to drive. Paul Street, Managing Director SHB Hire said: “We are very proud of our heritage,
46 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
something which the Toyota Hilux has played such a big part of. SHB purchased our first Hilux back in 1979 and our relationship with Toyota throughout all these years has remained extremely positive. Toyota remains a very reliable and robust proposition for our customers in a very competitive space.” Neil Broad, General Manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services, said: “It was great to share our successful anniversaries together. While our fleet managers may have changed over the years since SHB first became a Toyota customer, Hilux has remained consistent in is famous quality, durability and
reliability. SHB knows that when you are in the market for a pick-up that needs to earn its keep in tough situations, there really is only one choice.” The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles, Single, Extra Cab and Double Cab, all powered by an efficient 2.4-litre diesel engine with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. It is available under the Toyota Converters Programme as a Tipper model and in extreme terrain specification in the form of the Arctic Trucks Hilux AT35, newly available to UK customers. Prices start from £20,179.34.
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Toyota’s new centre gets into top gear The team at Motorline Toyota is celebrating after the successful launch of its Commercial Vehicle Centre in Bristol. The dealership held a Made For Trade event to mark the opening, giving the dealership the chance to show off the new centre and the impressive Toyota commercial vehicle range. Gareth Matthews, LCV manager, and Steve Coe, regional fleet development manager, from Toyota (GB) congratulated Motorline Toyota on “this fantastic new centre in Bristol, which now represents one of our largest commercial vehicle sites in the UK.” “Motorline is a family-owned and family-run business and it is with great pleasure that we attended the opening of their first Commercial and Business Centre. “This facility will benefit our customers in Bristol not only with access to the expanding Toyota commercial vehicle range and conversions programme, but also fully cater for both their sales and servicing requirements.” At the launch visitors were able to explore the new space and gets a hands-on experience with the practical and powerful Toyota commercial range, including the Hilux and the PROACE. One of the highlights of the event was a rare appearance from the famous Toyota
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Left, Dan Wegrzyn, Business Centre Manager, Jade Rimell, Business Centre Support, and Paul Wickenden, Commercial Vehicle Specialist, at the Toyota Bristol South Commercial Centre launch event
Arctic Trucks. These models are most well-known for their starring role in Top Gear as they were taken to face the harsh conditions of the North Pole. It’s no surprise that these Arctic Trucks are so famous, as it was proven on the show how they can handle even the most extreme conditions. The real stars of the launch, however, were the commercial vehicles that make up Toyota’s impressive range. The Hilux is a hard-working and hard-wearing pick-up that can do the heavy lifting for you, and its versatile trim levels were on display for all to admire. The Toyota PROACE was also featured, and visitors were able to explore this practical and smart-looking van.
The PROACE is an extremely versatile vehicle, so it was exciting to showcase how its different body styles, lengths and sizes can fit each person’s needs. The brand new Commercial Vehicle Centre can be found at 832 Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5LQ, so why not pay a visit and experience the unbeatable commercial range for yourself?
If you’d like to book an appointment to find out how Toyota commercial vehicles can help you and your business, call Motorline Toyota Bristol Commercial and Business Centre on 0117 992 6211 or visit us online at www.motorline.co.uk/toyota
Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 47
CV NEWS: CITROEN BERLINGO
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New Berlingo can give your business a helping hand Originally launched in 1996, with more than 1.5 million units already produced, the third-generation Citroën Berlingo light commercial vehicle has been unveiled. The practical, efficient and comfortable new model features large load volumes, easy access and numerous in-cabin options, including Extenso® Cab and Crew Van versions. With technologies new to the LCV segment, such as an Overload Indicator – the very first application of this technology in a vehicle of this type – the high-tech model is equipped with 20 driver assistance systems and four connectivity technologies. The range boasts the latest-generation BlueHDi 1.5 diesel and PureTech 1.2 petrol engines, and Citroën’s new EAT8 automatic gearbox. Available in two sizes M and XL, UK order books will open in the autumn of 2018. This is a new vehicle in every way. The New Berlingo Van possesses a unique body design and strong styling for all professions and trades. It has a robust and reinforced character and new body styling, with a more forward set windscreen, a higher and shorter front end and a shorter front overhang, achieved notably through the adoption of the EMP2 platform. The design at the front ensures extra protection and is consistent with the Citroën brand identity. The new van boasts flowing body styling with a tough and functional appearance at the rear. The interior, specifically designed for a range of professional users, adds practicality. 48 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
The modern dashboard layout is fully equipped with numerous useful in-vehicle technologies. ‘Inspired By Pro’, the brand signature dedicated to Citroën’s Light Commercial Vehicles, clearly indicates that New Citroën Berlingo Van is the ideal partner for all professional businesses and trades. In this regard New Berlingo Van offers a bespoke solution to a broad range of requirements with two sizes, M and XL, measuring 4.40m and 4.75m long respectively. Two dedicated versions – ‘Worker’ and ‘Driver’ – are available to suit different customer needs. The ‘Worker’ versions target businesses that transport equipment and people - in the construction industry for example. New Berlingo Van in ‘Worker’ trim has three front seats, raised ground clearance (+30mm), a protective plate under the engine and enhanced traction thanks to Grip Control® with Hill Descent Assist. The robust model stands apart with its large wheels (690mm) with Mud and Snow tyres, extra payload of up to 1,000kg and a Loading Pack with enhanced LED lighting in the load area, Overload Indicator, 12V and 220V power sockets and mid-height load securing rings. The ‘Driver’ versions are for companies, and their employees, who need to make longer trips or numerous deliveries in urban areas. For day-to-day efficiency, this version stands out through its ride comfort, meticulous acoustics and driver assistance systems. It is available with acoustic enhancements, dual zone air conditioning,
seats with lumbar adjustment, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Cruise Control/Speed Limiter, Automatic Electronic Parking Brake, 8-inch colour touchscreen with Citroën Connect Nav and DAB radio, and the Surround Rear Vision system. The Extenso® Cab offers class leading versatility and modularity, seating three people in row one. The Crew Van allows up to five people to travel in rows one and two. New Citroën Berlingo Van offers versatility and modularity with different load areas, cabin designs and configurations, alongside a multitude of storage spaces. It also boasts record load volumes with size M versions, and the best architectural efficiency (ratio of usable volume/exterior dimensions) in size XL. As with the passenger car version, New Citroën Berlingo Van is available in two sizes, the M version measuring 4.40m long with a 2.78m wheelbase, and an XL version at 4.75m long with a 2.97m wheelbase. The XL model is well proportioned in terms of wheelbase and rear overhang. Designed for professionals who travel together, the Extenso® Cab can transport three people in the front (row one), with the central seat able to transform into a mobile office with a pivoting writing table. The impressively modular Extenso® Cab adapts to all situations and features a folding side passenger seat providing optimal load length and increasing load volume from 3.3m3 to 3.8m3 in size M, and 3.9m3 to 4.4m3 in size XL. Continued on page 52 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
CV News: Citroen berlingo / isuzu
Continued from page 48 Both versions are equipped with a range of storage spaces around the cabin to keep documents and tools within handy reach. On the road, New Berlingo Van holds its own against many passenger cars with exceptional ride comfort and optimal safety, through: • Suspension settings that benefit from Citroën’s know-how for peerless comfort. • The use of the EMP2 platform at the front of the vehicle, for improved handling and the latest-generation technologies. • 20 driver assistance systems that make everyday life easier. Features include an Overload Indicator and a Surround Rear Vision system, both are firsts in the LCV segment. Colour Head-up Display, Automatic Electronic Parking Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function and Active Safety Brake are available, along with four connectivity technologies, including Citroën Connect Nav and Wireless Smartphone Charging. • Latest-generation engines that are strong on performance and efficiency: BlueHDi 1.5 diesel, PureTech 1.2 petrol, and the introduction of the EAT8 automatic gearbox. This third-generation Berlingo LCV is a dynamic on-road performer and brings businesses true cost efficiencies. Performance has been upgraded through the combination of the new lightweight EMP2 platform and latest-generation fuel-efficient engines with low CO2 emissions. New Berlingo Van is available with the award-winning PureTech 1.2 petrol and BlueHDi 1.5 diesel engines, which are adapted to use in the city and on the motorway. The engine range respects the 52 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
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CC&V factfile Length: 4.40m size M / 4.75m size XL Width: 2.10m (with door mirrors) Height: 1.80m to 1.90m (depending on the version) Load volume: 3.3m3 size M / 3.9m3 size XL. Load volume with Extenso® Cab: 3.8m3 size M / 4.4m3 size XL Payload: up to 1,000kg size M / up to 950kg size XL Usable length: 1.81m size M / 2.16m size XL Towable weight: up to 1,500kg environment, delivers exceptional performance and controlled real-life fuel consumption. New Berlingo Van is also equipped with the new-generation EAT8 automatic gearbox for enhanced ease of use over all distances. New Citroën Berlingo Van also ensures comfort and well-being through digital continuity on board, so that businesses can stay connected with their customers and colleagues at all times: Mirror Screen Function with Android Auto, Apple Car Play™ and MirrorLink®: For using smartphone apps on the 8-inch touchscreen in complete safety. Eight-inch touchscreen with Citroën Connect Nav: The latest-generation 3D ENGINE AND GEARBOX OPTIONS PureTech 1.2 petrol range: PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed manual PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 auto (available from second-half of 2019)
connected navigation system with a host of advantages. Combined with an eight-inch touchscreen requiring the lightest of touches, this system also boasts voice recognition for controlling navigation, phone and media functions without the driver having to take their eyes off the road. The system comes with connected services such as TomTom Traffic, for real-time traffic info, fuel station and car park localisation, weather information, and a local point-of-interest search function. Citroën Connect Box with Emergency & Assistance system: This is the brand’s emergency geolocation call and assistance service. In the event of an accident or any other situation that requires urgent assistance, the system calls out the appropriate assistance either automatically or when the user presses the ‘SOS’ button inside the van. Available 24/7, the service is free. For even greater peace-of-mind, customers can also contact the support switchboard by pressing and holding the ‘Double Chevron’ button. Wireless Smartphone Charging: This all-new system can be used to induction charge a wide range of smartphones or devices that are compatible with the Qi standard. This uses a charging mat built into a dedicated storage space in the central console. The system eliminates the need for physically and aesthetically troublesome cables. BlueHDi 1.5 diesel range: BlueHDi 130 S&S 6-speed manual BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 auto BlueHDi 1.6 diesel range: BlueHDi 75 manual BlueHDi 100 S&S manual www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Isuzu’s modern pick-up has an eye on brand’s illustrious heritage It’s a new pick-up in every way – but the Isuzu D-Max retains the qualities of old, says Andrew Walker Pick-ups were once just for work – capable load-luggers with off-road capability, able to get to places normal cars could not reach. In recent years, however, the pick-up manufacturers have discovered that their customer base now contains many ’lifestyle’ drivers who want a pick-up for urban use and whose main concern is what their pick-up looks like. All of the pick-up manufacturers now have a vehicle for this customer – even MercedesBenz has joined the party and launched its own pick-up. In the meantime Isuzu, who perhaps offers the most varied pick-up range, has two good-looking models to choose from. The top of the range is the Blade and underneath this, the Utah, which CC&V spent a working week in.
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Isuzu has fitted a new 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine to the range, which produces 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque. The engine retains the 3.5 tonne towing capacity and over one tonne payload of the previous version, while providing a quieter, more refined and economical driving experience. Another key benefit is that the new engine meets Euro 6
standards without the need for the addition of AdBlue. As per previous D-Max models, Shift-OnThe-Fly 4×4 is a key feature of the 17MY truck. The rotary dial allows the driver to select four-wheel drive on the move and is also equipped with low range gears. Continued on page 54
Company Car & Van | August 2018 | 53
On test: ISUZU D-MAX UTAH
Continued from page 53 The range-line up from the much-loved D-Max is retained; Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade with a range of single, extended and double cab variants available. Each model comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty – indeed, the range was the first pick-up in the UK to be offered with such a comprehensive peace-of-mind package. Running costs are kept down by 12,000-mile or 24-month service intervals, five years’ roadside rescue and recovery including European cover, a three-year paint warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. The key design changes from the previous model include a new front bumper, bonnet, grille and headlights with LED daytime running lights. The front of the pick-up has a wedge-shape which delivers a more aerodynamic silhouette and the roof has been designed to reduce drag by 0.4 per cent versus 15MY D-Max by directing airflow over the tailgate, thereby improving fuel economy, performance and the level of cabin noise. At the rear, the tailgate has been reshaped with a spoiler design moulded into the top section and features a newly designed handle. A full size spare wheel is now standard on all versions, previously optional on Double Cab models. Three body styles are offered: single, extended and double cab derivatives. The interior of the new-generation D-Max has also been updated. The instrument panel has been redesigned with an updated central display and clearer font. Manual transmission models also come equipped with a gear shift indicator to assist drivers with achieving optimal fuel economy. Additional USB ports have been added to the lower centre dash and rear of the centre console across the range (except Utility). Extended and Double Cab variants are equipped with flexible rear seats that have a folding base, fold flat and also split 60/40. Extended Cab versions also have under seat base storage. All of the cosmetic changes, especially those inside the cab, have most definitely improved the D-Max range and have aligned it more with the lifestyle pick-ups already launched. However, it is the engine and transmission options which are the key changes on the new generation D-Max. The engine has been downsized to a new 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine which produces 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque. A choice of new 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox options are available, specifically developed for the new D-Max. Our test model, the Utah (from £24,149 CVOTR) certainly looks the part. Standard issue include 18” alloys, silver side steps, LED rear lights rise control, keyless entry and push button start, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, SatNav, DAB digital radio, 54 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
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roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors and automatic air con. First and foremost, it looks great. I have to say that the D-Max Utah is definitely one of the best looking pick-ups of any I have driven recently. Big, bold wheel arches, wraparound headlights and black roof rails make it stand out on the road. The black cabin of the D-Max was well laid out and I found all of the controls easy and comfortable to use. The quality inside is good and the new infotainment system with larger touchscreen is definitely an improvement over the last model. There’s plenty of room in the front for both driver and passenger. Storage is good too, with two water storage pop-outs in the dashboard, decent sized door pockets and a useful glove-box. On top of the dash there’s also a pop-up storage area and above your head, drop-down storage to put your sunglasses in. You can get three adults in the rear, but whoever sits in the centre seat may not want to be there for long as, as with all pick-ups, especially when unladen, it’s bouncy in there. The 1.9 litre 164 ps turbo diesel engine offers maximum torque of 360 Nm @ 2,000 – 2,500 rpm and is Euro 6 compliant. Top speed is 112 mph. Fuel economy in the Utah I tested, which came with the six-speed automatic gearbox, is a claimed 36.2 mpg, which is up three mpg on the outgoing 2.5 unit. CO2 emissions
CC&V VERDICT Better value for money than its competitors. Your pick-up is your livelihood and Isuzu’s reliability is second to none. This new 1.9-litre version makes an even more compelling case than before.
Rating: N N N N
of 205g/km are also lower than the old model’s 220g/km. Some readers may not be as keen to know what goodies their pick-up comes with, but rather, what can it do for me. A pick-up should be used as a pick-up. Isuzu took us around a tough off-road obstacle course at Duncombe Park and I was able to utilise the D-Max’s new technology such as Hill Descent Control, including driving along and across a fast flowing river. The D-Max also shone while towing a trailer and with 1,000kg of hay in the back on-road, and I can genuinely confirm that the smaller 1.9-litre engine does the job at least as well as the previous 2.5-litre version and with improved gear ratios, for first and second gear even better ! Friends and neighbours always ask me about pick-ups and whether they would cut it as a family car. Because it looks great, the Blade would definitely attract the family man. While they are ‘so much better than they used to be,’ I tell them, ‘this is not an SUV but a pick-up.’ If you’re used to the soft-road ability of an SUV, then any pick-up will come as bit of a shock, especially to those travelling in the rear. There’s no getting away from the fact that the D-Max, as with all other pick-ups, is a first and foremost a commercial vehicle, and it shines as a CV. In what is becoming an increasingly crowded sector, the Blade has a CVOTR price of £25,149, which puts it up against the likes of the Ford Ranger Limited, Nissan Navara Acenta + and the Hilux Invincible. All are worthy especially off-road and for purpose. The question of which one looks the best is open to interpretation, but the Utah is most definitely competitive. As an added plus point, you get great service from the Isuzu dealer network, which tends not to be made up of the big car group locations, but smaller commercial experts where the customer is still king. In which case, let this be your chariot! www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On test: VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
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Volkswagen’s commercial range, just like its cars, is reassuringly familiar. Andrew Walker tested the latest T6 Transporter, driving the T28 Highline SWB EU5 2.0 TDI 150PS 6-speed Manual – and it’s a van to bring joy to a car driver’s heart...
As a car driver who drives vans on an occasional basis, I like a van that feels car-like and is equipped similarly, and in the Transporter I could well have found my perfect match. With the majority of changes to the T6 being under the bonnet, the outside design of the latest Transporter is a little unadventurous – indeed, at first glance it’s hard to tell what’s different from the previous model – but it serves a purpose and is still clearly a Volkswagen. The interior, although a little bland, is made of top notch plastics, with the dash and cloth finished in ‘Classic Grey.’ But all of the instrumentation is first class and the dashboard, doors, seats and roof are of incredibly good quality plastics and fabric. Don’t be fooled though. Very much like the Volkswagen Passat, the Transporter may not look fantastic but trust me, this is not an important factor when you drive it. Just like their cars, the build quality is excellent, with instantly recognisable Volkswagen switchgear and dashboard layout. Nice touches include the separate driver and passenger drinks holder on the dash and storage space under the front seats. Even my son knew it was a Volkswagen when he got in it, as the dash looks like our old Mk6 Golf. All the instrumentation is clear and the trip computer keeps the driver aware of fuel consumption, distance driven and how many miles are left in the tank. Start up the engine and pull away and the Transporter doesn’t disappoint. The steering is remarkably light and after a few minutes you realise that it’s very easy to drive and manoeuvre. In fact, it’s just like driving a large car and for any regular van driver that has to be good thing – and a real plus for me 58 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
It’s the van... that thinks it’s a car! as well is that, unlike other vans I’ve driven, it’s a van that drives just as well unladen as when fully loaded, which is not an easy trick to pull off. It is also better equipped than its predecessor, with ABS, EDL, EBD and ESP fired to my model. There’s also a driver alert system and traction control with hill hold offered as standard. Add in remote central locking with deadlocks, electronic immobiliser, driver and passenger airbags and daytime running lights and the car-like comparisons are well founded. Stop/Start is also fitted to the Transporter and is actually better than many available in
cars I have driven and testament to VW’s build quality. Other features include energy recuperation through braking, cruise control, driver’s seat height/lumbar/reach/rake adjustment, a dual passenger seat, electric heated mirrors, heat reflective glass, electric front windows, height and rake adjustable steering and on my test van AppConnect, Bluetooth, composition media including DAB radio and a USB input on the dashboard. I utilised the van to collect some new bathroom fittings. The load space has a useful rubber floor covering which stopped my bathroom goodies from sliding around. It also had a full bulkhead with sliding window, www.companycarandvan.co.uk
VW’s boost to CV network after major investment
half-height load side lining in hardboard, an interior entry step, interior roof trim in painted hardboard,six load-lashing rings, a rear door interior release lever, steel flooring and two door-activated interior lights. Loading and unloading the bath, shower tray etc, was a doddle. The rear load area is easily accessible and the rear doors open easily. None of my stuff moved at all on the return journey thanks, I think, to the rubber floor The load space is the same as on the previous Transporter. The loading height of the van is an accessible 571 mm, while the loading length is 2,970 mm. Between the wheel arches is 1,244 mm widening to 1,692 mm in the remainder of the van. Load height is 1,470 mm and there’s also a useful side door for easier access. The two-litre engine rewards the driver who is careful with the accelerator, with a combined fuel consumption of 45.6 mpg – in truth I averaged 31.8 mpg – with emissions of 162g/km. A torque of 340Nm and maximum power is 140PS at 3,500 rpm. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Are there any negatives? Well, it’s not fast, taking 12.2 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Other than that, no, there aren’t, although it’s not the cheapest van you can buy. My test van with standard equipment starts at £32,639 OTR, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for – and with the Transporter, you get a seriously good van.
CC&V VERDICT Not much to look at from the outside, and a little bland if well put together on the inner. But drive it and you’ll be hooked from the first corner. Yes, a little expensive but you get more than your money’s worth
Rating: N N N N
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ dedicated Van Centre network has been upgraded, with the latest technology and equipment added to dealers to improve the environment for both customers and staff. The substantial investments support the unique Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles market offering that aims to provide the best customer service in the market by understanding the needs of van and fleet operators compared to truck or passenger vehicle customers. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has a dedicated network of 71 Van Centres and 25 additional Authorised Repairers to deliver the Working with You promise to commercial vehicle professionals. Major changes include: Manchester Van Centre is now the biggest standalone Authorised Repairer of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the country. Among new centres opened recently is the Agnew Group’s purpose-built Van Centre at 2A Mullusk Way, Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland, next to Agnew Volkswagen Passenger Cars. The new 8,000ft2 facility has a display for New and Approved Used Commercial Vehicles, a standalone Parts and Service department and a fully equipped workshop housing highly skilled VW Commercial Vehicle Accredited Technicians using latest technology and equipment. Marshall Motor Group Holdings has invested in the redevelopment of the Marshall Van Centre on Bath Road (A4), Reading. The site has New and Approved Used Commercial Vehicles plus a servicing and MOT workshop. The Lancaster Volkswagen Loughton Van Centre on Langston Rd, Loughton has also undergone a sizeable redevelopment. Upgrades include an overhaul of commercial and passenger vehicle showrooms and workshops. Richard Blunden, National Network Development Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The recent improvements to our Van Centres show our commitment to delivering the highest level of service to our customers. We are the commercial vehicle professionals with facilities to match our expertise.” Company Car & Van | August 2018 |59
RENAULT TRUCKS
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Renault’s determined to be the master of the e-commercial Renault Trucks is taking a comprehensive approach to the growing public demand for electric vehicles with the announcement of its second generation range of fully electric trucks. With models at weights from 3.1 to 26 tonnes, Renault Trucks now offers a wide range of solutions for operators providing last mile, urban distribution and refuse collection services. Over the past 10 years Renault has been working with commercial operators in a number of countries to prove the operational capability and commercial viability of a range of hybrid and fully electric vehicle technologies. Renault Trucks’ President, Bruno Blin explains: “Ten years ago we were the pioneers, promoting electric trucks to improve city air quality. “Today we can offer a range of electric vehicles with proven performance and the experts in our network are ready to help our customers’ transition to electromobility.” Renault Trucks is the first to offer such a wide choice of electric vehicles to operators, with the Master ZE to be available in September 2018 and added to next year with 16t D ZE and 26t D Wide ZE models. All offer zero tailpipe emissions of CO2 and other local pollutants, leaving Bruno Blin to be confident in Renault Trucks’ place in the electromobility market: “Ten years ago we were pioneers, today we are experts.” Nigel Butler, Commercial Director for Renault Trucks in the UK and Ireland, has watched developments in electromobility with interest, “Our first hands-on experience with electric vehicles in the UK was during the London Olympics in 2012. We provided a hybrid electric 26t vehicle which delivered Coca-Cola to sites during the Games – it didn’t miss a beat then, or in the years operating in the capital since. I am delighted that we will be expanding our range of electric vehicles next year.” At a time when everyone in the transport sector needs to work to address air quality and noise challenges as well as reducing CO2, the new Renault Trucks ZE range is particularly timely and will enable operators, national and local authorities to create robust plans to improve the urban air quality environment. The latest technological advances have made electric trucks an economically viable alternative for hauliers, leading Renault Trucks to launch a complete ZE range. However strict the regulations may be in urban zones, the vehicles in the Renault Trucks ZE operate seamlessly in compliance. They are the perfect solution to safeguard air quality and reduce congestion as they allow 60 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
noise-free out-of-hours deliveries and emit neither local pollutants nor CO2. Some prominent names in freight haulage have already opted for electromobility, with two such companies being XPO Logistics and Suez. “At XPO, we have led by example as the transport industry becomes increasingly aware of the need for alternative power”, said Luis Gomez, managing director-transport, XPO Logistics Europe. “We commend
CC&V factfile RENAULT MASTER ZE • Total GVW 3.1t • 57 kW electric motor • Maximum torque: 225 Nm • Maximum speed: 100 km/h • Energy storage: 33 kWh lithiumion batteries • Operating range on NEDC cycle: 200 km • Real-world operating range: up to 120 km Renault Trucks for development electric vehicles that offer a practical way to achieve zero emissions. Renault Trucks is shaping the future of commercial transport in an evolving regulatory environment.” Edouard Hénaut of Suez explains. “We are delighted to see a competitive new industrial solution arrive on the market and to be able to partner with Renault Trucks. This new electric truck offering will allow Suez to help its customers reduce their carbon footprint thanks to a zero-emission environmentallyfriendly and silent refuse collection solution.” Renault Master ZE The Renault Master ZE, which will be
released in September 2018, is ideal for those last-mile deliveries and provides access to inner-city areas even those with strict traffic restrictions. The battery of this all-electric utility vehicle takes six hours to charge. Its loading volume is the same as a conventional diesel Renault Master as the batteries are mounted under the front seats. The Master ZE range comes in six variants (four panel vans and two platform cabs) designed to meet all the requirements of professionals working in urban environments. Finally, to protect the driver, the load and keep city-dwellers safe, the Master ZE is fitted with a reversing camera, reversing radar system and wide-view mirror as standard features. A medium-duty Renault Trucks ZE vehicle has an operating range of up to 300 km (190 mls) depending on usage and battery configuration. The battery pack is the most expensive item when buying an electric truck, but for Renault Trucks, there is no question of compromising on payload or cost-effectiveness, so different operating ranges will be available tailored to customers’ exact needs. Thanks to rapid DC charging, the Renault Trucks D ZE and Renault Trucks D Wide ZE lithium-ion batteries can be fully charged in as little as one to two hours via the 150 kW Combo CCS connector. For overnight AC charging, the time to fully charge a 300-kWh battery is 12 hours. In this case, a threephase 380V 32A industrial power socket is perfectly sufficient. For maximum flexibility in terms of usage and bodywork, the Renault Trucks D ZE and Renault Trucks D Wide ZE are equipped with a power take-off and a standard mechanical interface. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
CV NEWS: LDV
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LDV’s revival complete as new EVs lead the model line-up LDV’s comeback into the UK CV scene has been nothing short of remarkable. Andrew Walker caught up with Mark Barrett, General Manager, LDV UK & Ireland, to see how the company’s revival was faring.
You appointed Bill Laidlaw as UK Dealer Development manager for LDV last year. How is the UK network progressing? MB: We are really pleased with the way in which the network is progressing, which is in line with our plans. We have upwards of 44 dealers appointed across all our territories and that number is growing. What’s important is that we work with the right dealers for the LDV brand. Geographical spread is obviously key, but what’s even more important is that we appoint dealers with whom we can develop real partnerships that will benefit the customer, at every stage of a van’s life cycle Bill’s appointment has been a really positive step for the Harris Group, for the dealers and for the LDV brand. He has more than 30 years experience in the automotive industry, has a real in-depth understanding of how it works and spends a lot of time with our current dealers, while also being focused on growing our dealer network. The Harris Group has been appointed official distributor of the LDV light commercial vehicle range in Malta and Cyprus, which expands LDV’s presence across Europe. This is a great time and a great opportunity for new dealers to come onboard with LDV When we drove your EV80 last year we were very impressed. Has your electric van been well received in the UK ? MB: There has been huge interest in the EV80 and in fact, it probably generated more enquiries than any other vehicle at this year’s Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham LDV is committed to greener driving and we are offering business owners a fantastic, six-year finance offer that allows more fleet drivers to future proof their drive and trade-in their old vehicle The EV80 is OLEV Plug-in Van Grant approved, with the scheme offering a grant 62 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
towards the cost of a new EV80 from LDV. High-profile customers include retail giant Ikea, which recently took delivery of its first two EV80s for its Exeter store. Royal Mail has just taken delivery of its first demonstration EV80 and the client list is ever-growing. LDV was awarded LCV Manufacturer of the Year at the most recent GreenFleet Awards, which celebrate and reward the work undertaken by stakeholders in the fleet sector to reduce the environmental impacts of automotive vehicles, and promote zero and ultra-low-emission technology. The brand emerged as overall winner in a stiffly-contested category that recognised the efforts it has made to reduce CO2 and increase fuel economy in its LCVs. The company is firmly focused on the future of greener motoring with impending plans to launch a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell propelled CV. Your parent company, SAIC of China, has invested heavily in the LDV brand. Are there any plans to launch a smaller van in the LDV range? MB: Harris and SAIC Motors continuously look at ways in which to bring new products to the market. We will make more
announcements in relation to our growing product range during the year, but what I can tell you now is: we hope to start production on the first, all-purpose small panel EV van, the EV31, in 2019. By the end of this year, the new EV31 will be ready for trial. It will be available in two platforms, short wheel base and long wheel base Looking into a crystal ball, where does the LDV brand hope to be in two years time? MB: We will have an even greater product range that will cater to every driver’s need, with the launch of seven complete new models and 20 variants I believe that in the major UK cities, we will be selling more EVs than any other model and I am confident that we can lead the market in EV. Our network will have grown to circa 60 dealers, and our journey to re-establish the LDV brand will be complete and it will once again be a household name. Finally, we will continue to offer outstanding finance arrangements, warranty and after-sales service to all customers. I am also confident that LDV will remain the most competitively-priced range on the market, delivering on price, quality and spec.
“LDV is committed to greener driving ... the EV80 is OLEV Plug-In Van Grant approved... and LDV was awarded LCV Manufacturer of the Year at the GreenFleet Awards...” www.companycarandvan.co.uk
CV NEWS: vauxhall combo
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Tech advances make Combo the must-see vehicle this autumn Vauxhall is looking forward to a bumper last quarter of 2018 with the launch of the all-new Combo panel van expected to drive a huge amount of footfall to its commercial dealer network. Available to order in the Autumn and arriving in Vauxhall showrooms in December, the Combo is based on an all-new architecture and is available in a selection of variants, including short wheelbase, long wheelbase and crew van. It can carry a load volume of up to 4.4m3 and a payload of up to a tonne. Longer items up to 3,440mm, such as pipes and ladders, can be stored safely and securely, thanks to the rear swing doors and FlexCargo load through hatch. The crew van version can accommodate up to five occupants in comfort, while the load is safely stowed behind a partition wall. In addition, the rear bench can be folded down and the partition moved behind the front seats if required. It is packed with a host of interesting and innovative technological advances. For added peace of mind there is a sensorbased load indicator that warns you if the van is overloaded. Once the engine is switched on, a white LED lights up if the weight exceeds 80 per cent of the permitted payload keeping the van safe. If the weight is above the limit, an orange signal with an exclamation mark lights up. Other innovations available include a Rear View Camera that acts as a ‘digital’ rear view mirror, while a second camera in the passenger side door mirror ensures that the driver has an additional blind spot detection aid. The Flank Guard is sensor-based system that supports the driver while turning at low speeds, providing a warning when there is a risk that the vehicle side will collide with an obstacle. Intelligrip, an electronic traction control system, is also available. The Permanent Rear View Camera shows the area behind the van on the infotainment
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screen as soon as reverse is selected, showing guidelines to assist manoeuvring. It also displays an area (4m to 30m behind the vehicle) when driving, meaning it can be used as a ‘digital’ rear view mirror. A second camera fitted in the exterior door mirror on the passenger side further improves the overall view. As soon as the passenger side indicator is activated, the passenger side view is shown on the monitor, resulting in an increase in safety for all road users. A plethora of driver assistance technology is available including: • Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and Automatic Emergency Braking • Lane Keep Assist • Hill Descent Control • Intelligent Speed Adaptation • Automatic Cruise Control • Driver Drowsiness Alert • Speed Sign Recognition • Connectivity The new generation of infotainment systems ensures outstanding on-board connectivity. The Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto compatible Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro systems can easily be controlled via the eight-inch colour touchscreen. The integrated navigation system of the top-of-range-line unit with European maps and 3D navigation also shows Traffic Messaging Channel updates, ensuring that drivers can always select the best route and avoid traffic. Elsewhere, the heated front seats and steering wheel offer added comfort when the temperature drops. “Vauxhall’s all-new Combo raises the bar in the compact van segment,” said Derek Wilson, Vauxhall’s LCV Director. “Practical, comfortable and packed with all latest driver assistance and connectivity technology, the new Combo is the small van that meets all your business needs.” The Combo’s sister vehicle, the all-new Combo Life lifestyle vehicle, arrives in Vauxhall showrooms in September priced from £20,530 on-the-road. Versatile, practical and spacious, it is aimed at active families and empty nesters and is available to order as either a five- or seven-seater passenger car.
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On test: FIAT FULLBACK
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Fullback Cross brings a touch of glamour to the pick-up sector Andrew Walker The introduction of a 4×4 ‘Cross’ version of the Fiat Professional Fullback added a top-of-the-range version of the Mitsubishiinspired model. Priced from £26,495 (excl. VAT) for the 2.4 180 HP 6Spd Manual Cross, it is aimed at attracting leisure customers to Fiat’s pick-up range. It features exclusive styling, such as an aerodynamic textured black sport bar, front grille with black ingots, a satin silver skid plate, silver rear view mirrors, silver handles and 17” wheels with matte black finish. If you are looking to use it for commercial purposes, the load bed is 1,510mm long by 1,470mm wide but even this has been pimped, finished as it is in matt-black. It’s powered by the 181hp 2.4-litre turbodiesel from the Fullback LX. It produces 430Nm torque and as we discovered when we drove the Fullback, it’s surprisingly smooth and refined. Crucially, it also meets the stringent Euro 6 standards, without the need for an SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system and AdBlue tank. Fullback Cross buyers have the option of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, complete with the usual electronically switchable four-wheel drive. The traction system stands out in comparison to its competitors: there are no fewer than four driving modes, able to get drivers to any destination, making it the most comprehensive in the lifestyle category. It switches from 2WD to AWD at the touch of a button, ideal for fuel-saving at the same time as tough terrain driving. The official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 40.9.mpg (6.6L/100km) and its CO2 emission figure is 186g/km. While the Fullback Cross looks like ‘Mean 66 | August 2018 | Company Car & Van
CC&V factfile Length 5,285mm Width 1,815mm Height 1,780mm; Kerb weight 1,875kg Towing (unbraked) 3,100kg Payload 1,045kg CO2: 186g/km Combined mpg: 40.9mpg Rating: A Hollywood Botox
NNNN Joe Greene’ from the outside, from the inside it has a polished look. Standard equipment is comprehensive: bi-xenon headlights, dualzone climate control, 7” touchscreen infotainment with DAB, Bluetooth and USB, SatNav, reversing camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats, with six-way electric adjustment for the driver, seven airbags, lane departure warning and trailer stability assist. The Cross will be unique among Fullbacks for being made available to buy via Fiat’s car showrooms as well as the Fiat Professional van network. Although Fiat describes the Fullback as a ‘leisure vehicle’, the Fullback is very much a working pick-up, and as far as leisure time is concerned, it’s not necessarily a replacement for your SUV soft roader. Riding in the front of a pick-up is normally okay and that is the case with the Fullback. The two front seats offer a fairly comfortable ride, but if unladen the rear ride is bumpy. There is plenty of headroom in the rear, though, and even the leg room is acceptable unless you’re in the middle seat. The rear seats are set higher than the front, offering a great view of the road ahead. Whether in town or on the motorway, there
is very little in the way of diesel clatter in the cabin and once up and running the engine soon settles into a smooth idle. Put your foot down and the thrust of 317lb ft of torque increases the decibels pretty quickly and you get a feel for the power on tap. The real bonus of this is that on road you’ve got plenty of overtaking power. Add in a nicely balanced clutch and the gear-change feels smooth too, certainly compared to what pick-ups used to offer, and the Fullback scores highly as a driver’s car. If, like me, you are shallow and covet a car or van based mainly on looks, then the Fullback Cross scores highly. The L200 Barbarian is a stunner, but Fiat has managed to make the Fullback Cross the best-looking pick-up in the sector, bar none. From a purely practical point of view, the Fullback may not quite match the capabilities of the larger Nissan, Ford or VW pick-ups, but it is undoubtedly better-looking than all of them and it’s slightly more diminutive size means driving and parking in town is easier than with larger competitors. From a full economy perspective we averaged a respectable 32.9mpg in our time in the Cross, a better figure than we achieved in the larger VW and Ford as well. In conclusion, the Fullback may be a little bit fly, but even if it is, it’s a bloody good pick-up that looks great! We would happily drive one every day. If you need a pick-up for work then the Fullback is definitely in the mix, because it offers an awful lot of what both lifestyle and working customers want, at a price that will make both happy. And you get the back-up provided by Fiat Professional dealerships as well as at Fiat car showrooms, which is worth knowing. www.companycarandvan.co.uk