Norton Way Corporate Magazine - February 2020 by Norton Way

FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 65

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

HONDA

DOUBLE WIN FOR HONDA AT WHAT CAR? AWARDS

onda UK has taken a brace of honours at the 2020 What Car? Car of the Year Awards with the Civic Type R taking best hot hatch, for the third year in a row, and the CR-V hybrid taking the best hybrid over £30,000, for the second year in a row. “The fact that the Honda CR-V has now spent two years as our favourite hybrid car costing more than £30,000 is a huge achievement, given how fast things are moving in this class. It offers precise steering, and good grip and refinement. What’s more, its soft suspension makes for a compliant ride, and the CR-V is absolutely huge inside – a major selling point given that most large SUVs are used as family cars.” Held in association with Warranty Direct and widely acknowledged as the ‘Oscars’ of the car industry, the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards are only given to the cars that set the highest standards in their class each year. These awards are highly important for both car makers and customers because of the authority and integrity of the What Car? brand. Phil Webb, Head of Car at Honda UK, commented: “The Civic Type R continues to dominate the hot hatch market three years on from launch, which is outstanding, and this award is testament to the engineering and development teams who created the car. To then add a pricepoint win for the CR-V hybrid, for the second year in a row; we have a great start to 2020 for Honda.” Steve Huntingford, editor at What Car? commented: “Few cars can be described as ‘perennials’ in our awards, but the Honda Civic Type R is getting to that stage. Over the past three years, the Type R has simply demolished all comers. It has remarkable traction for a powerful front-wheel-drive model, huge grip in corners and handling that feels as well-honed as a racing car. Yet it's also one of the roomiest, most comfortable and best-equipped hot hatches you can buy, so it's as easy to live with as it is fun.

Few cars can be described as ‘peren but the Honda Civic Type R is getting the past three years, the Type R ha comers. It has remarkable traction front-wheel-drive model, huge grip handling that feels as well-honed Steve Huntingford What Car?

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

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READ MORE ABOUT CRV AND TYPE R AWARDS

The Civic Type R continues to dominate the hot hatch market three years on from launch, which is outstanding, and this award is testament to the engineering and development teams who created the car. To then add a price-point win for the CR-V hybrid, for the second year in a row; we have a great start to 2020 for Honda. Phil Webb Head of Car at Honda UK

nnials’ in our awards, g to that stage. Over as simply demolished all n for a powerful p in corners and as a racing car.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

It soon becomes obvious most onlookers are simply gawping. Honda is right: this really is a car from 2030 beamed onto today’s roads. And it’s a car people can’t help but love. The Honda e’s cheery face, clean-cut lines and charming profile win fans wherever it goes. Probably no other electric car creates such a buzz. Richard Aucock

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CLICK HERE TO EMAIL OUR TEAM TO RESERVE YOUR HONDA E TODAY.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

MAZDA

REVISED 2020 MAZDA MX-5 LAUNCHED The updated 2020 Mazda MX-5 is now available to order with both the Convertible and RF Retractable Fastback arriving at Norton Way Mazda in February. Featuring a 10-model line-up - four Convertibles and six RFs - the 132ps 1.5-litre Convertible is offered in SE-L and Sport trim, while the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is matched to Sport Tech and the new range-topping GT Sport Tech trim. As with the Convertible, SE-L and Sport trim RF’s are powered by the 1.5-litre engine, while Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech come with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine. In addition, 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option to choose an automatic gearbox. New for the 2020 Mazda MX-5, the GT Sport Tech flagship model is marked out by 17-inch BBS alloy wheels and Burgundy Nappa leather seats, while across the whole range the MX-5 is available with Polymetal Grey Metallic paint for the first time. The updated version of Mazda’s sports car also benefits from extra standard safety equipment: from Sport models and above, the MX-5 features Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert. As you’d expect for a car so famed for its dynamic abilities, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 retains the same award-winning mechanical set up as before. Introduced in September 2018, the updated 184ps version of the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine features lighter pistons and con-rod, plus upgraded camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake, all of which increase performance over the 160ps version that featured in the fourth-generation MX-5 at launch in 2015. As a result, the engine has a redline of 7,500rpm. In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion than the 160ps version, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm. Compared to the 160ps version, the Convertible’s 0-62mph performance improved by

0.8 of a second to 6.5seconds, while manual and automatic RF models are 0.6 and 0.5 seconds faster. In addition, the tuned main silencer delivers a more powerful engine note. Helped by the MX-5’s lightness, performance hasn’t come at the cost of efficiency, as fully homologated to the WLTP/ RDE test cycle, while the introduction of Mazda’s i-ELOOP and i-stop kinetic recovery and stop-start technology as standard across both engines ensures the MX-5 is more economical than ever. Masashi Nakayama, program manager and chief designer for the MX-5, said “the key phrase for our development of the fourth-generation MX-5 was ‘Innovate in order to preserve’, and I strongly believe that this model's ongoing appeal is the result of our unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 30-year history. We intend to keep refining the car, seeking out new ways to make it even more thrilling and satisfying to drive, so it can continue to offer customers unique excitement and cement its position as a cultural icon.” Commenting on the 2020 Mazda MX-5, Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson said, “when it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has already established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2020 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy.” Adding, “Our engineers have created a sports car that incorporates our ground-breaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety and superb efficiency with the driver focused enjoyment for which the MX-5 is loved. The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for 30 years and the 2020 model continues this unswerving dedication to delivering an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.” 6

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READ MORE ABOUT 2020 MAZDA MX-5 LAUNCH

when it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has already established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2020 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy. Jeremy Thomson Mazda UK Managing Director

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

PEUGEOT

Peugeot Take The Triple Crown At Company Car And Van

EUGEOT is marking the start of 2020 by taking home three awards from the independent SME fleet motoring news magazine Company Car and Van. The all-new PEUGEOT e-208, which is arriving in UK showrooms soon, has taken the award for ‘Small EV of the Year 2020’, with Company Car and Van Editor Andrew Walker stating, “The PEUGEOT e-208 is a far more attractive, exciting, classy and enjoyable car than all of the current electric car competition.” He also points out the car’s strong appeal to company car drivers, “For company car drivers, all the range comes with a 2019/20 BIK of just 16 per cent.” This will further drop in April 2020 to 0%. PEUGEOT’s second win goes to the head-turning 508, which swept the competition aside to be crowned Medium Car of the Year 2020 in the awards, with Andrew commenting, “The PEUGEOT 508 is a great all-rounder and for fleet customers, the diesel will achieve mid-fifties mpg. While many cars are bland to look at nowadays, the 508 bucks the trend, with movie-star looks that don’t take away any of the practicality customers expect from their car.” It wasn’t just PEUGEOT’s latest cars that were honoured in the 2020 Company Car and Van awards either. 2019 saw the UK launch of the multi-award winning PEUGEOT Partner van, which has proved popular with customers both in the retail and fleet sectors. “The Partner now sits right at the top of its sector and will give the Transit Connect and Caddy a few sleepless nights”, reckons Andrew, “PSA Groupe really are on a roll with their CVs and this latest Partner only adds to the brand’s appeal.” This is the second year running that Partner has won the award, which is shared with Groupe PSA stablemates the Citroën Berlingo Van and Vauxhall Cargo Combo 8

n Awards

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

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READ MORE ABOUT PEUGEOT'S TRIPLE CROWN AT COMPANY CAR AND VAN AWARDS

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

NISSAN

Nissan starts the decade with the N-TEC Edition

issan is starting the new decade in style with the launch of a tech and design edition on its core models MICRA, QASHQAI and X-TRAIL. Called N-TEC, this special version will upscale the range, with an exclusive, luxury look. All of the models feature unique, sleek, black external styling additions, so customers can begin the 2020s at the wheel of their sophisticated N-TEC MICRA, QASHQAI or X-TRAIL. The N-TEC special version will also upscale the drive by bringing Nissan Intelligent Mobility innovations to a wider audience than ever before. The QASHQAI N-TEC, priced from £26,475, has a striking new look with all-black 19-inch alloy wheels and details including darkened LED headlamps. The black-themed upgrade continues inside the QASHQAI N-TEC with Alcantara®-trimmed seats. Technology is also upgraded, adding the advanced ProPILOT system

and Intelligent Park Assist, which are standard on the range-topping Tekna grade. To further help drivers enjoy their drive, the QASHQAI N-TEC features the NissanConnect infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ to ensure effortless connection to digital life. For customers who need more space, X-TRAIL N-TEC will be available on the 1.7dCi engine as a five or seven-seater, with two or four wheel-drive, and featuring 18-inch black alloy wheels, dark chrome V-motion grille, and gloss black details such as roof rails and mirror caps. For an added touch of style and luxury this special X-TRAIL boasts door sill protectors with illuminated N-TEC lettering. It also features ProPILOT on models fitted with an automatic gearbox in addition to Nissan’s acclaimed Safety Shield package. Pricing for the X-Trail will be confirmed later this month. The final member of the N-TEC 10

family is the MICRA N-TEC. Priced from £16,995 and based on the Acenta grade, it continues the blac theme with sporty 17-inch black a wheels, gloss black details, privacy glass and front fog lights. To increa convenience, the NissanConnect infotainment system packages a navigation system, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity, as well as rear parking sensors and rear view camera to help protect the MICRA when reversing. Safety technology includes Intelligent Emergency Braking to assist the driver in potential emergency situations. The N-TEC edition is available order from this month at Norton Way Nissan.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

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READ MORE ABOUT THE NISSAN N-TEC EDITION

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

ŠKODA

Order books now open for the ŠKODA SUPERB iV ŠKODA’s first electrified car the Superb was recently facelifted, now offering advanced technology and a low emission hybrid engine. The model will be available in four trim levels with the plug-in hybrid powertrain: SE Technology for fleet customers, SE L, SportLine Plus, as well as the range topping L&K. The SUPERB iV combines a turbocharged 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and 85kW electric motor, delivering a total performance of 218PS (160kW) and CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km. The SUPERB iV also offers a zero-emission drive up to 35 miles (56km) and can travel up to 578 miles (930km) on a single full tank and a fully charged battery when in hybrid mode. The SUPERB iV is ŠKODA’s first electrified model and the brand’s flagship doesn’t disappoint with its enhanced driver connectivity and assistance features. The new-look SUPERB iV is noticeable by its remodelled bumpers, wider grille, new full-LED matrix headlights with anti-dazzle, full-LED taillights and dynamic indicators. The sophisticated look continues inside, with the fleetspecific SE technology trim offering customers a leather interior and an 8” infotainment system screen. The SUPERB iV follows the new Scala and KAMIQ by including the new

third-generation infotainment system (MIB3). Featuring an in-built SIM card for data and wireless connection for SmartLink and Apple CarPlay, it provides real-time traffic information and online support, allowing route suggestions to be calculated more quickly and accurately.

THREE DRIVING MODES

The SUPERB iV has three additional driving modes. E- mode operates the car completely electrically for up to 35 miles (average daily commute in the UK is 25 miles). Hybrid mode allows use for both the electric and petrol engines, either together or indepentially depending on driving conditions. SPOT-mode unleashes the power of the SUPERB iV’s 218PS hybrid drive.

By working together, the SUPERB iV’s 13 kWh battery and petrol engine offer a range of up to 578 miles. You can charge it with a Mode 2 cable in 5 hours using a domestic 3-pin plug. For a faster charge, the Mode 3 cable will provide 100% charge three and a half hours using 3.6 kW wallbox. Alternatively, when using the petrol engine the will re-charge the battery using energy created when breaking.

REFRESHING CHANGE 12

The new ŠKODA SUPERB Iv features some unique flourishes. T partly enclosed chrome-plate grille creates real presence and subtly incorporates the car’s charging socket. An e-noise generator make the sound of a conventional engine at speeds of up to 32mph to ensu pedestrians know you’re coming. A a final touch, an exclusive ‘iV’ badg sits on the tailgate

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

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OPEN FOR ORDERS ON THE ŠKODA SUPERB IV

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

GWR KIA

Kia Electrifies More Of Its Line-Up For 2020

Hot on the heels of the electrified versions of the Niro, Soul and Sportage, Kia is expanding the line-up even further with the launch of Plug-in Hybrid versions of the recently introduced all-new Kia XCeed and the stylish and practical Ceed Sportswagon. Each is powered by a 1.6-litre GDi engine combined with an electric motor and 8.9kWh battery pack to produce 139bhp and 265Nm of torque. The new Kia XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid offer a compelling alternative to conventional petrol and diesel models. The new powertrain combines a lithium-polymer battery pack, an electric motor, and an efficient 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) engine.

From the first sketches, Ceed was designed with electrification in mind

The Ceed model line-up was engineered from the start to accommodate new hybrid powertrains. This means that the adoption of a Plug-in Hybrid powertrain in the Kia XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon has had a minimal impact on packaging, with the structure adapted from the start to contain the powertrain’s battery pack. As a Plug-in Hybrid, the Ceed Sportswagon – the most practical iteration of the Ceed range – provides 437 litres of luggage space, and up to 1,506 litres with the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats folded down.

All-New Kia XCeed PHEV

No matter which version of the Kia XCeed Plug– ‘3’ or ‘First Edition’ – the equipment list is gen features 16-inch alloy wheels and black cloth se faux leather bolsters and powered lumbar supp front seats. Safety has been given a high priority with si side and curtain with front passenger cut-off sw Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver At (DAW), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Speed Li Function (SLIF) and Forward Collision-Avoidanc Pedestrian (FCA) all included as standard. In its EV mode, the Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybr travelling up to 36 miles and takes 2 hours and recharge the battery pack to 100 per cent using charger. The Kia XCeed ‘3’ and ‘First Edition’ Pl are available to order now from showrooms, wit set to arrive here in the UK during April 2020.

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rid is capable of 15 minutes to g a 3.3kW AC lug-in Hybrid models th the first examples

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

Ceed Sportswagon PHEV

The Plug-in Hybrid edition of the Ceed Sportswagon is designed to sit at the top of the estate car range, with a generous specification and long list of standard equipment The infotainment system allows smartphone users access to both Android AutoTM and Apple CarPlayTM, and it is Bluetooth® multi connection-enabled, allowing occupants to connect two mobile devices at once for hands-free phone calls and music streaming. In EV mode, the Ceed Sporstwagon Plug-in Hybrid has the ability to travel up to 37 miles using a 3.3kW AC charger, the battery pack can be replenished to 100 per cent in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. The new Ceed Sportswagon ‘3’ Plug-in Hybrid is available to order now, with the first vehicles arriving in the UK in April 2020.

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READ MORE ON KIA'S PHEV LINE-UP FOR 2020

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

GWR KIA

More Awards Success For Kia In Cct100 Awards Kia Motors (UK) Limited has seen further awards success following the Company Car Today 100 awards 2020, in which both the Kia Sorento and Kia e-Niro won their respective categories. Furthermore, the Kia Niro was a close contender for Crossover of the Year. The CCT100 is Company Car Today’s definitive list of the 100 cars that can fulfil any business car requirement. A shortlist containing the top five cars in each category is assessed across 12 key factors that make an excellent company car, including emissions, price, running costs, company car tax, practicality, desirability and the driving experience. The e-Niro scooped the Electric Car of the Year award, tallying a total of 13 awards since its launch in 2018. Its impressive 282mile range and high levels of interior space combined with practicality secured the win, alongside its competitive pricing. Fresh for 2020, Kia’s electric line-up will see the addition of the high specification ‘4’ grade e-Niro, replacing the previous ‘First Edition’ model. Additionally, the Sorento was awarded Large SUV of the Year having ranked highly in almost every category, including efficiency,

driving experience and whole-life cost. As the largest model of the Kia UK line-up, the Sorento has executive-class space and versatility to match its executive-class style, quality and refinement. Having achieved a maximum five-star rating in Euro-NCAP safety tests, many safety technologies such as Trailer Stability Assist, Hill-start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and intelligent all-wheel-drive come as standard on all Sorento grades. “Kia has taken a lead in the most important company car sector of 2020, with electric vehicles on the verge of a serious breakthrough thanks to the company car tax changes coming in April,” said Company Car Today Editor Paul Barker. “The range, practicality and all-round excellence of the e-Niro makes it a pioneer of the segment, and bringing EVs into the mainstream.” “Meanwhile, the Sorento gave Kia a double Company Car Today CCT100 Awards success, combining sensible running costs and off-road style to offer a great all-round large off-roader,” Barker continued. “It’s capable, well-priced and good to drive, all key Kia strengths.” Commenting on the win, John Hargreaves, General Manager of Fleet and 16

Remarketing at Kia “It’s fantastic to see two distinctly comp year’s awards. Both are continually expa the double win even The e-Niro has been industry-leading exp fleet option for thos Meanwhile, the Sore a popular choice wi combination of relia without sacrificing it Just missing ou Niro was also a stro for Crossover of the being highly comme

Motors (UK) Ltd, said: e Kia top not one, but petitive categories in this h the SUV and EV market anding, which makes n more impressive. n widely recognised by perts and offers a great se looking to go greener. ento has proven to be ith customers for its ability and practicality, ts stylish design.” ut on the top spot, the ong shortlist contender e Year, with running costs ended in its class.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 65 • FEBRUARY 2020

Kia has taken a lead in the most important company car sector of 2020, with electric vehicles on the verge of a serious breakthrough thanks to the company car tax changes coming in April. Paul Barker Company Car Today Editor

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READ MORE ON KIA'S AWARD SUCCESS AT THE CCT100 AWARDS 17

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